Questions

i've never been a regular traveler, maybe one long haul trip per year, but i've just gotten a new job that requires a bit of travel. lucky me. i get to keep my points, but must look for good prices in airfare, and fly economy. i'm quite new to this whole points/miles thing. i've never been able to accrue much. i have a small handful of miles with southwest and air new zealand, but nothing worth holding me to these airlines.

i'd like to maximize the benefit from these work trips to use for pleasure travel next year. i'm lost in all of the details and options here.

i know it takes a bit of time to read and respond, but i'd be eternally grateful for anyone who can point me in the right direction.

(1) What is most important to you in a FFP?
good award redemption rates

(2) How many miles do you usually fly each year & in what class? How many flights/sectors?
i plan to do 5 long haul trips this year:
christchurch to port of spain (new zealand to trinidad)
port of spain to iceland (reykjavik)
port of spain to amsterdam
port of spain to ulaanbatar
port of spain to shanghi

plus a handful of short trips from port of spain to the states/mexico/south america.

(3) What types of fares do you usually buy ?
economy

(4) Can you choose your airlines and/or class of service? Airline most flown? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?

yes, i can choose any airline, but must fly economy and choose competitive pricing. most of the travel is for work, but i want to accrue points for personal travel.

(5) Which routes and airlines do you fly most often
see question 1

(6) What is your home airport?
typically christchurch or fort myers (or often sarasota or tampa), but this year will be port of spain

Reply:
(7) Do you have FFP status of any kind in an airline? What is it? Do you have any miles banked in a FFP?
i have a few airpoints with air new zealand and southwest... but essentially, no.

Reply:
(8) Preferred Airlines
best bang for the buck really, no allegiance to any airlines