I currently have AA platinum status (One World Sapphire, mid tier status). Which Star Alliance program is best for a status match. I need to travel from YYZ to HKG and One World fares are too high. The best fare I can find are on UA on K class.

I would like to visit Africa in need future (next year????) and as there is no One World network in Africa I was thinking of doing a status match, for the trip to HKG and then for Africa in 2014. My current AA status expires in Feb, 2014 - I will fly in December 2013 to earn the miles I need to extend my AA status which will then expire in Feb 2015.

What are the pros and cons of doing a status match? I need to bite the bullet for the HKG ticket in a day or two as dates simply aren't flexible. If I don't take UA to HKG I doubt a status match makes sense.

Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.