Hi FTers. Posting this here as it covers many airlines. Looking forward to all your expert advice!

Here's the deal - hoping to relocate from Australia to USA to study in mid-2004. Currently got Premier status with UA and >100,000 miles, but status will expire soon (Feb?). Got 'standard' status with BA, Qantas, and AA, though once had BA Silver. Got up to 20,000 with each right now.

2004 should see me flying Australia to USA, and maybe back again, plus some US to Europe return, and maybe internal US.

So should I:

(a) Ask UA to maintain my status under the circumstances? (seems unlikely)

(b) Ask AA to match UA status before it expires?

(c) Some other wonderful idea I haven't thought of yet!

In both cases, should I call or fax? Should I find a local office or call/fax to the US direct? Anything I should say/write to make them want me to come to their 'team'?!

Any and all advice MUCH appreciated!