Are a member of any airline ffp now?
Upgrades are now harder to get, more so on long - popular routes (such as yours) and if you buy cheaper fares. Status helps, but the ffp are moving to revenue based programs
Freq flyer miles from credit card spend are a good mile earner for many

USA based airline ffp's tend to be more generous (status benefits/earn/burn/upgrades/award cost/award cash surcharges/expiry/affiliated credit cards/promotions) compared to non USA based airline ffp’s (even after the recently announced changes to some USA ffp’s)

The airline you fly most or an airline of the country you live is the best ffp for many people. Generally however you are better earning on your primary airline due to greater recognition, ability to upgrade and opups. The airline you fly and the airline ffp you credit those flights to does not need to be the same.
Freq flyer miles are not equal to earn or burn.

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