Air New Zealand Air Points - AirPoints Program...Join or Don't Join?

I recently booked a trip to go back to Oz in August. Last time that I travelled there I took the more expensive option so I could get US Airways miles (the airline I have the most miles on thus far). These miles still haven't been credited, but I only got back at the end of February. Is this normal or should I contact someone? Also, on the flight that I just booked I went with my cheapest option, but I'm not in the AirPoints program. Would anyone suggest paying the fee to join the program? I'm fairly certain I'll be travelling back and forth as my boyfriend lives there :) I just can't seem to find anything on how many points you get for a flight/how many points to redeem for reward/etc. Thanks :D

Do you live in NZ? If not, a lot of others in the Oneworld and Star Alliance forums have discussed how to figure out which FFPs to consider. Typically, you'll want to sign up with the carrier who's near your home and whom you fly most frequently with. That being said, there are a lot of folks who keep multiple accounts and transfer miles into the one that gets them the award seat/upgrade they want.

The cheapest TT (Trans Tasman) fares on NZ do not earn APD (Airpoints Dollars). I am not sure how that would translate into UA or US. Check out the Air NZ website - it explains things pretty well as to how much you would earn, and what the current costs are for various awards.

Lastly, you should contact US if you haven't had miles posted yet - they probably will want you to send in copies of any boarding passes - hopefully you've kept them! :)

The cheapest trans-tasman fares earn nothing on any program.

If you live in the UK, Airpoints membership is complimentary. I will leave you there.

No, I live in the US. I'll have a look at the Star Alliance board to see if there's any advice for other programs. Last time I flew I got my miles credited to USAirways (like I said earlier) because I seem to fly with them the most when I'm in the US. But yes, I'll have to mail in my info because those weren't posted yet! :)