Hey ST forum! Based in Sydney and looking for advice on which programme to join as an adjunct to Qantas as I'm expected to do some flying on Xiamen, China Southern, etc. Currently thinking about Flying Blue or one of the Chinese programs (Sky Pearl?), but open to suggestions.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
>>> Mostly interested in getting/maintaining status and therefore lounge access. The ability to redeem miles for some fun J travel with family would be great. Flights ex-Australia to Asia are super-cheap on the Chinese carriers and I'd like to see more of the region.

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
>>> Don't know about miles, but ~110 flights (i.e., at least a round trip a week). Nearly all of that is domestic in Australia. 3-4 trips to the US, 3-4 trips to NZ/New Caledonia and 5-7 trips to Asia/Europe.

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
>>> Exclusively Y within Australia, mix of Y and J depending on price internationally (though more J now).

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Must fly Qantas in Australia for work. International is both work and pleasure, with J for work and Y/J for pleasure.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
>>> Aside from Domestic Australia, mostly Australia to US, east Asia.

6. What is your home airport?
>>> Sydney through 2017. Will transfer for work to another country in January 2018, but won't know where for a few months (Hoping for Paris, but could get Lagos, etc.).

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Platinum One on Qantas. Silly number of miles with linked CC for business expenses.

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any?
>>> Meh. Who has good champagne?