Hey FTers,

I had a quick NRI Question. I am based in LAX and fly to CCU 2X a year ( Usually via some Star Alliance carrier) and fly around 2 - 3 transcons a year here in the US. I have ~ 300,000 Million Milers on Delta (when I was young I flew the JFK - BOM via FRA route a bit too much) but aside from that nothing else, no statuses.

My goal would be to find the cheapest fares to CCU in general while accruing miles on an Indian Airline to status so that after moving back to CCU I could have status, discounts etc, while flying domestically in India and outbound to SE Asia, Europe, and the U.S. CCU would be my home base in India.

- What airline frequent flyer program would you kind folks recommend?

- Is there a credit card or other means to boost status + mileage. An added bonus would be if it could be used in the United States.

I thank you all in advance!

*I do apologize in advance if I posted this in the wrong section but given the nature of Airlines of India programs, that all of the airline's programs are all consolidated into one sub forum, I feel this would be the only place to get maximal input from this community.