I'd really appreciate any advice on helping me select a Star Alliance frequent flyers program:

1. What is your home airport? Australia (either Melbourne / Sydney / Gold Coast)

2. What types of fares do you usually buy? Cheapest as long as it's sensible transits

3. How many miles do you usually fly each year? I intend to do a lot more travel. After very little in the past, I did 6 weeks last year to SE Asia .. 6 months this year to USA, Sth America and Canada which is why I want to make it count, and to see the world over the next few years!

This 6 month trip leaves on 28 July and will include:
Melbourne - LA - New York (United Airlines)
LA - Lima (Lan Chile)
Buenos Aires - Santiago - LA (Lan Chile)
LA - Vancouver (US Airways)
Vancouver - Yellowknife (WestJet)
Yellowknife - Calgary (Air Canada)
Calgary - LA (Air Canada)
LA - Melbourne (United)

There are many links and side adventures I haven't booked yet, which I might use points for ...

My travel agent has already told me Lan Chile and US Airways are part of OneWorld so will add them to my Qantas FF.

So I'm looking for something for the Star Alliance part and other airlines.

I'm not sure if I'm better off going with the one the majority of my flying is with (United's in this case as I'll still be in the US) or looking at the best FF program from bigger perspectives. I have tried looking up some of the contents tables from program websites and my head is spinning trying to follow it all ...

4. Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it?
Qantas Frequent Flyers from bits and pieces of Australian flights but have never used it much or looked at it seriously and to be honest, find this process very overwhelming!
Velocity Rewards in Australia but am told it doesn't apply to any of these flights.

5. What is most important to you in a FFP?

Free flights -
* are the points rewarded decent for this,
* are there many choices available you can use points for

No joining fees, no point expiry at all if possible or at least not for a very long time (years)

Decent customer service (just so you don't tear your hair out dealing with them)

Not so fussed about lounges, prestige, etc (that's just a bonus), just to save money if I do a lot of travel to get good value for points and ease to get other flights for free ...

6. Which routes do you fly most often? Varies

7. Preferred Airlines? I will find out, all new to this!

8. Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure mostly!

Thanks heaps!