Hello

I travel for work fairly often in flexible B-class to Asia (HK, China, India) and Europe (Germany, Italy). I also have family in the US (New York) and am keen to spend miles there (normally happy to fly economy unless makes more sense to redeem miles for b-class seats).

I would like to know which frequent flyer program is the best to earn status and accrue miles to fly from London to New York and holidays in Asia/elsewhere. I imagine a Star Alliance one is probably best as would allow me the broadest lounge access. I am based in London.

I'm currently BA Silver (with 45k miles currently) but really don't like BA and don't imagine I will continue flying them unless I must. I'm also Virgin Silver (with 50k miles currently) but that doesn't quite get me lounge access as add'l 25 tier points are needed. I also have 23k Qatar miles and the equivalent status pts from flying return b-class to Hong Kong (from London).

I've heard Aeroplan is the fastest way to get Star Alliance Gold (only 35,000 miles??) but you don't get very much bonus for flying business class. And I almost never fly to Canada but since the Star Alliance programs allow unfettered mile earning and redemption I don't know if that matters.

Any help would be much appreciated!!
Paul.