Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan SE AND 1MM, HHonors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum , L'Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,580
Being a Canadian, I would recommend AC/Aeroplan. But for any status, you need minimal miles and money spent on AC metal - although I believe the requriements are less for non-Canadian residents than Canadian residents.
Even if you plan never to go to Canada except for transit on the way to USA - you have 3 flights to choose from - YVR to one of Sydney or Melbourne or Brisbane.
The issue of domestic US flights- any non UA Star Alliance Gold status will get us into a domestic UA Club lounge, even for pure domestic US flights.