There are a number of threads about choosing the right *A FFP... some of them are even linked on the sticky
Originally Posted by enightingale
... do United or US Air give bonus miles to elite members when they fly air new zealand (as i'll hit elite status on the way to australia)?
Can't answer for US, but UA
does not. You only get UA tier bonuses when flying on UA, US, and LH (USA <-> Europe).