Hi tsfca, welcome to the UK and to Flyertalk. Others will reply to your specific query in no time, I'm sure - I just wanted to add, are you *sure* you don't want to stay with your current programs (or programmes, as you'll be spelling them from now on)? There's a double whammy with intra-European travel in that no airline is particularly generous with upgrades, and even if it happens, you get the same seat as in coach (although a much nicer meal than you'd get in F in the US). So if I were in your shoes I'd seriously consider if you don't value your transatlantic upgrades as offered by UA and AA to their top-tier members, whether from C to F for your business travel or Y to C for your leisure travel, enough to stay right where you are and continue to requalify with UA and AA.