Suggest asking gate agent if they want Starbucks... think of it as an investment...

You have to have a cabin seat for Int'l if you are not a UA pilot. No option, no discretion on the part of the Captain...sorry

So can UA pilots sit up front internationally? Even overseas?

Yes.

But the there are also exceptions on a per-country basis due to local regulations.

I believe this only applies when flying in or out of the USA. I was offered the actual JS on a UA 747 between SGN and HKG by the Captain. I already had a seat in BZ so I declined. He indicated it was no problem if I needed it.