Hey everyone.

My name is Jacob and I am from San Francisco but recently moved to Tallinn, Estonia. I got a job while studying in Germany so I also fly back to Berlin about once a month, as well as other destination within Europe for several short trips. This year was the first time I tried to do anything regarding FFP's. I was aiming to do 30 flight segments on Miles and More with LH to get Frequent Traveler status. For me this is important because I often travel heavy and I generally am unwilling to buy a cheaper flight because of a long layover or a 5-6AM departure, so the extra checked bag and business lounge access would help me in the long run.

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of confusing M&M airlines with ALL *alliance partners and didn't realize it until it was too late; that SAS and UA don't count for M&M flight segments, but just miles (which won't be enough). I will fill out the questionnaire below but before I do that, what should I plan for 2017 assuming I don't move? Should I stick with M&M and just be smarter about who I book with exactly? Is there any *A status still within reach? Should I switch to something else completely? Any help would be highly appreciated!

Please pardon the out of order questions.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
>>> Reply: Baggage Allowance, Lounge access, upgrades, in that order

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
>>> Reply: About 30-40k, but 40-50 separate flight segments

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
>>> Reply: Economy like 98% of the time.

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: Mostly work, but it is on my personal budget.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
>>> Reply: Within Europe about once a month, and back to SFO 2x a year. I fly TLL-SFO and TLL-TXL a lot, usually connecting in FRA, CPH or RIX.

6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: TLL. Honorary mention SFO, TXL

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: No status. Total newbie I regret all those years of budget airline flights just to save 20 bucks. It has hurt me in the long run.

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Reply: LH, SAS, Finnair, Adria (soon to be Nordica out of Estonia so we'll see how that plays out), United if I have to fly a US carrier, mostly because they fly from SFO to anywhere.