If I understand correctly that you will be flying only a few times per year you should not divide your earnings between multiple programs. You should choose one alliance, try to always fly on its member airlines, credit all your flights to ONE airline program, try to obtain a Mastercard or VISA which earns miles on the same airline, link all of your credit cards to that airline's iDine program, and allow the points earned with your SPG credit card to accumulate at Starwood until you need them.

If you will be using Star Alliance there are three domestic members: Continental, United and US Airways. Problem is, SPG transfers at an unattractive rate to both Continental and United. This forces you into US Airways as your frequent flyer program, or into a foreign Star Alliance program. How many of your destinations are conveniently served by US Airways and how satisfied are you with Dividend Miles?

You should also look at the Alaska Airlines program. Even if you never set foot on an Alaska aircraft it can be a good choice for less frequent flyers. Alaska does not belong to any alliance but has a broad set of partnerships with members of OneWorld (AA, BA, CX, QF) and SkyTeam (AF/KL, DL/NW,)

http://www.alaskaair.com/as/mileagep...rs_Airline.asp