Hi all - I'd like some advice on which star program to join.

I'm currently Alaska MVP Gold (can be comped to Mid Level on UA, others I'm not sure of).

I have just purchased a star lite economy RTW ex Australia flying SYD-LAX (NZ) LAX-SFO-LHR (UA) LHR-VIE-KTM (AUSTRIAN) KTM-BKK (TG) BKK-SIN-MEL (SIN)

I may fly another similar trip during the year giving me about 50K flight miles on Star airlines.

1. I would like a program that will comp my AS Status.
2. I want to get status bonus miles on all my Star flights (not just on UA flights with the Mileage Plus Program)
3. I need for the 50K to maintain *G status.
4. I'd like to use rewards for US-Australia travel (where UA offers a generously low 60K award compared to AC 75K Award).
5. Some change of international upgrades would be nice.

Any advice - I have seen somewhere (but can't confirm on their site) that Air Canada gives you status bonus and threshold miles on all Star flights. Will they comp my Alaska MVP and are they a good choice?
What about Lufthansa or Air NZ (I already have a few AirNZ points hanging around).

(I was previously AN Plat....alas....)


Thanks

[This message has been edited by aussieinsf (edited 12-04-2001).]