On UA, a direct flight doesn't even mean you don't change planes. UA 809 from Chicago to San Francisco to Osaka requires a change of equipment at SFO... but still is "direct."
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When once you have experienced being a 1K, you will forever fly the friendly skies with your eyes set on 100% mileage bonus and SWUs, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return, every year!