Originally Posted by
apollo2203
Hello, I recently purchased a Qatar airways ticket to India from Chicago and was planning to sign up for one of the OneWorld programs. I wasn't sure if I should sign up for American Airlines (I live in the US), British Airways (trying to get a free ticket to Europe), Qatar (booked through them so not sure if I would get the most points through them), Asia Airways (I was emailed that they are offering a promotion for double points for Qatar flights).
As a USA resident AA for sure. You can use AA miles for award flights with AA, BA & QR. With AA you get miles from other sources
Do you know what QR fare class you bought (a letter from A to Z)? Low cost fares can have nil or low miles earning.
For upgrades the general rule is you can only upgrade a flight marketed (flight number) and operated (metal) by the airline of your freq flyer programme (no codeshares). All subject to the t&c's of your FFP and your paid ticket. Low cost tickets are often not eligible for upgrades. However as is the way with FFP's there are some (expensive) upgrade exceptions with AA/BA/IB with higher priced economy fares. For airline's not based in the USA, upgrades work differently. Business & First is usually paid or with some occasional upgrade opportunity. Business and First class is not "upgrade" class for everyone who is a FFP.