Originally Posted by
chitownflyer
If a long term goal is lifetime elite status, the United Million Miler Program will grant you lifetime Star Gold for flying one million miles only on United tickets and United flights(codeshares on other Star Alliance members do not count). Keep this in mind when selecting your frequent flyer program. Make certain to buy tickets directly from United and only buy United operated flights.
Noted, although any lifetime status on *A is extremely unlikely for me and so a very small consideration. It would be the tie-braker before which program's color scheme I like most.