Greetings!

This is my first thread here on FT (after a weekend of frustrated attempts to register).

Here's the backstory (query itself is below): I am currently Aeroplan Elite, and anticipate getting the miles to requalify. However, research here and elsewhere confirms that Asiana is a good deal for getting and maintaining *Gold status (at the expense of easy awards). So, I am looking to accumulate miles on those flights above and beyond what I need for AP Elite toward getting Asiana Diamond. (I am thinking long-term, since after I marry we may not be able to afford as much personal travel; I generally do not travel enough either for work or for fun to make Elite, but the two combined have easily gotten me there each year.) Sorry about the long backstory, but I know it can be useful in case the veteran posters want to know why I'm doing this crazy scheme!

Here's the query: When I take these trips to gain Asiana miles, how easy is it to avail myself of my AP Elite status? For example, I plan to travel a couple of times solely on UA. How can I ensure the miles are toward Asiana, but also be able to have access to Economy Plus and --much more importantly-- avoid the baggage fees???

Thanks for your help --I'm sure somebody here has been in just such a position.