Interesting I have a "similar" question. I am based in the UK and a member of a *A program (BMI).

However I managed to get a very very good (negotiated!) fare from ORK (Cork, Ireland) to LAX on Aer Lingus and BA.

As this is a deep discount ticket it won't acrue many miles on AA or BA but I am loathe to lose out on any miles even if they sit dormant for a while.

As I (and the family) mainly fly economy () which program would be best for us to join in One World?

TIA and apologies for a partial hijacking of the thread!