Originally Posted by
trav
but inevitably the next question is, which frequent flyer program would you recommend? considering it'll be an economy trip class fare and i'll be trying to use points towards reward flights. i'm not currently a member of any program, based in sweden so most of my flying is done throughout europe but i also try to return home to australia once a year. any input would be greatly appreciated.
I'd say AA or QF for your itinerary. If you plan to travel to Australia once a year and think about using QF or BA, then probably QF makes more sense (although QF redemption is terrible).
For your itinerary, the situation would be as follows:
Crediting to AA:
100% for AA, AY
70% for JL
50% for QF
30% for IB
nothing for CX
Crediting to QF:
100% for QF, AY, IB
70% for JL
50% for AA, CX
Of course AA would allow you to make a Platinum or Gold Challenge and your PTY-MIA-JFK-SYD booked under AA number would get you to Platinum. This would mean double miles for your JFK-SYD sector and same for the remaining AY legs + lounge access. On the other hand, your yearly hop to Australia would only earn 50% on QF and 25% on BA (if traveling economy of course).