ICA, thanks for your help. Just so happens that I have an AC account with a measely 2500 or so miles in it

. Wow, only 35000 for *Gold? A reason I mentioned UA and CO though was that I am flying Emirates PEK-DXB-LHR and then back this September which will earn me 28,000 miles. I know EK is partners with those 2 airlines in the US but I'm not sure about AC. In that case, should I accrue silver on UA and then switch over to AC next year? Thanks again!