All - done quite a bit of research and am still confused, so hoping the experts here may be able to help. I'll shortly be relocating to Amsterdam and will be looking to join either SkyMiles or FlyingBlue. I currently have status with Alaska and United, but no status/miles on either FlyingBlue or SkyMiles.

Being based in AMS, I will fly to the US 4-5 times per year in a mix of economy and business class. I will also fly short haul within Europe (economy) approximately 7-8 times per year. For me, the most benefit of the miles is to book long haul business class award tickets so I'm looking for the program that will make that easiest. I previously lived in AMS and was a platinum member with FlyingBlue, but have since lost it. I would likely qualify as silver or gold but won't fly enough for anything more. In my recent experience, FlyingBlue miles were tougher to earn but easier to spend, whereas SkyMiles were easy to earn but very difficult to redeem at a reasonable rate. Doesn't seem like much has changed since then, except for the confusion associated with the new program.

One potential advantage of the DL program is that they will match my current AS status, so I could at least start with Silver rather than nothing... Also, being non-US based, at least the minimum spends will not apply (although I'd easily meet them anyway).

Any thoughts/suggestions for someone based in Amsterdam? Many thanks in advance.