I'm based in the UK and I'm about to start working for a company who's head offices are based in San Antonio, Texas. My preferred airport is MAN Manchester and I'll be flying over to the US probably 6 times a year, but my job requires me to travelling throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa 80% of the year so I'm trying to find out which is the best FF program for me.

I can get good, economy flights from Manchester to San Antonio with United so I'll be flying with them when I'm going to the states, however around Europe its going to be a little more difficult to decide. I'm thinking about Lufthansar as like UA, they are part of StarAlliance so I guess its a toss up between UA's MileagePlus or LH's Miles & More.

(1) What is your home airport? (MAN)
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? (Economy)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? (Note sure as only just started the job)
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (none)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Again not sure)
(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US international, Europe, Middle East, Africa)
(7) Preferred Airlines (United for US international, not sure for the others)
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (work, can chooose airlines but generally economy class)