Howdy folks. I could use a few pointers from the more seasoned vets here, and possibly from folks in similar shoes.

I had given up on FF rewards programs and associated credit cards some time ago because it seemed that every time I wanted to do something with my miles I'd have to jump through hoops to do so. I had the AA Advantage Citibank card for awhile, but I remember having so many restrictions on travel dates that I just couldn't deal with it. I've also accumulated miles on various airlines, but again it seems every time I want to use any they've upped the mile requirements or something similar making it a less attractive program.

After reading up on various people's successes with FF/CC programs, I've come to the conclusion I'm not approaching it correctly or simply don't know how to effectively game the system.

Here's a little background on my situation. My wife is Vietnamese and the majority of her family still lives there. Since 2004 I've traveled to Vietnam at least 15 times on various airlines including: Cathay Pacific, Eva Air, Japan Airlines and Singapore Air. I have not done the route through Korea on Korean Air or Asiana, but that's another option for me too and as far as domestic airlines go, I believe United flies to Ho Chi Minh City.

Currently I have the most miles on Eva's FF program and prefer that or Cathay since the layovers in Hong Kong and Taipei seem to be the most efficient.

Being that my ultimate goal is to earn reward tickets and/or class upgrades for flights to Vietnam, can anyone recommend a frequent flyer/credit card rewards program that would fit the bill?