Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and would very much appreciate some advice on *A FF programs.

(1) What is your home airport? MRS, AMS
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? Discount economy
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? <25K, 20-30 flights
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? Flying Blue just about silver, M&M basic and BA Exec not off the ground
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Business check-in and boarding, award flights
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? MRS-AMS, MRS -> Europe
(7) Preferred Airlines: KL, LH
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Both, for work have to take cheapest available flights

As you can see, I'm not exactly what you'd call a frequent flyer. However, next month I will exceptionally be flying LHR-AKL-CHC-DUD-WLG-AKL-LHR on Air NZ with the international flights in business, and from what I can tell this should be worth a bunch of miles! So my question is, should I just stick with M&M bearing in mind that I should definitely make silver but that gold is a far off dream, or should I go for another program where gold might just be feasible? And if so, with what program would I stand the best chance?

Secondly, I will be accompanied on this journey by my grandmother, who has absolutely no interest in FF programs or status, but it seems a great shame to let all these miles go to waste. Is there any program where you can donate miles or do something else useful with them?

Any advice would be most welcome