Just get the black card and you'll have automatic platinum status on US Airways and always get free upgrades to first for yourself and a companion.
Seriously, though, yes - all air travel sucks unless it's private or first class. I can't even fucking believe some of the airlines won't even sell you a damn sandwich in coach on long flights.
At the point where I'm hungry on a flight from Detroit to LA I don't want a stupid box filled with shit, I'd pay any amount of money for a real meal.
Brad