Hi I am new to the world of points and live in Australia and travel back to the UK usually once a year. I am going back to Australia soon and then will be returning to UK on a return trip in July. I have never used the many miles I have flown before and normally use whichever flight is cheapest. I think that its time I started using these miles to earn points but after looking into FF I am thoroughly confused.

I am thinking that I might be best using Star Alliance partners and have signed up for a Miles & More Card which my friend is going to purchase around 5,000 GBP of work purchases on a month to rack up a lot of points but I am confused as to if I do this do I have to only use lufthansa or can I use these points for any airline? Also I am planning to book a single business ticket on Air India soon to stick with the Star Alliance. I am not sure if I completely understand what I am doing!

Here is my copy of the questionnaire and any advice would be really appreciated.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
(e.g., upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access)
UPGRADES AND LOUNGE

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
(e.g., <25000, 25000-50000, >50000 miles and <25, 25-50, >50 flights?)
30,000 AVERAGE

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
(e.g., first, business, premium economy, economy)
ECONOMY

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
CAN CHOOSE, FLIGHTS ARE FOR PLEASURE

5. Which routes do you fly most often
(e.g., U.S. domestic, transatlantic, intra-Asia)
INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA TO UK

6. What is your home airport?
(e.g., SFO, LHR, HKG)
SYDNEY/LONDON

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in a FFP, if any?
(e.g., AA Executive Platinum, UA 1K, LAN Comodoro)
NO

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
ANY REALLY