I'll offer some general suggestions.

First: Decide where you are most likely to fly. Check out airline website to see what kinds of flights and connections they offer to the places you want to fly. (It looks like you've already done that.)

Second: Based on that research, pick one or two airlines that best serve the places you want to go.

Third: Now, look in detail at the frequent flyer programs of those two airlines. What will it take to get an award ticket to a place you wish to fly on each airline? Remember, an airline that heavily advertises "Paris" does you no good if you don't want to go to Paris.

Fouth: Look at credit card offers associated with those two airlines. Look at costs and benefits.

At each step, return to FT for detailed answers for each point. You are on the right track, but as a FT participant, it's easier and more accurate to respond to a specific question rather than "Which one, in general, is best?".

As an example, I have stuck with American Airlines because, back then, it had good connections to the city where my parents lived. My parents have, since, passed on, but AA still pretty much flies where I want to fly. They have a decent frequent flyer mile program, and I have received good service from them over the years. I continue to investigate ways to maximize the associated credit cards and various bonuses. Just last week, for example, I set things up so I will pay no annual membership fee for the foreseeable future.

You are right. Welcome to Flyer Talk. There's a whole lot if information here and a whole lot of people willing and able to give you good advice.

Plus a few stinkers.