I have 40K miles on Delta and 25K on United. I want to go to Australia later this year and was looking to see if I can combine these to get one award. It looks like I need 60K miles on United to get a ticket to Australia. I called United but they told me I cannot combine these even though the airlines are partners. I am new to this whole FF business and I guess I should have been thinking ahead, but it's too late now. Any help/hints would be appreciated. Thanks.