...that is the question

Currently I usually fly NW but have been thinking about switching over to a *A carrier with the DL merger and some good options for our route needs (PEK-west coast). Now, my actual question is this: I am currently a member of UA with no status but just under 50,000 miles. With CO joining *A in October I was wondering whether I should use up those miles and then jump over to them. I usually make silver status (nothing, I know, but still worth a little ) each year and will occasionally be doing award travel (still PEK-west coast). I make status each year usually flying 2 or 3 roundtrip longhauls as mentioned (PEK-SEA for example) and price is one of the priorities when choosing an airline for us. What are some of the advantages/disadvantages of each program for someone like me and which airline should I stay/go with if I go to *A in the future?

Thanks a lot for your help!

In your case, I recommend you AEROPLAN, the Air Canada's FFP.
You only have to collect 35000 *A status miles to get *Gold status.
You can earn/spend miles not only on Air Canada but on UA, US, SQ
and CO in the future when flying to Asia or within the US.
Plus the elite benefits!

ICA, thanks for your help. Just so happens that I have an AC account with a measely 2500 or so miles in it . Wow, only 35000 for *Gold? A reason I mentioned UA and CO though was that I am flying Emirates PEK-DXB-LHR and then back this September which will earn me 28,000 miles. I know EK is partners with those 2 airlines in the US but I'm not sure about AC. In that case, should I accrue silver on UA and then switch over to AC next year? Thanks again!

Here is what I would do. I would join the OZ program. 40k miles in TWO years give you *G status with full lounge access, extra bag allowance etc.

Any miles you fly beyond the 40k and any EK miles I would put into UA or CO. Doesn't make a big difference other than UA being *A and CO not being *A yet.

Oh, I see!
Well... in that case I think put the EK miles to CO.
I have checked the UA site, but did not find any infos
about is the EK miles count as EliteQM or not...
CO offers 100-150% status miles for all EK classes...

By the way... If you have a plan to fly 15000 miles on UA,
(I hope still) there is a status trial at UA.
Just register and fly 15000 or more UA metal within a month
and be a PremEx.
For more infos, contact Mileage Plus.
^

Thanks again guys for the tips. From what I hear though OZ isn't very good for redeeming miles and given that I don't travel OZ any benefits wouldn't be of much use in case I don't make it to *G with them.

Good catch on the EQMs with United there, ICA. I read up on the website and it says "Paid, qualifying flight miles earned on most published fares on Star Alliance� member flights ... " I don't really fly frequently, unfortunately, just long distances when I do . Looks like I'll be finding some way to use my UA miles and probably switch over to AC later. Thanks!