Facts:

Resides between Germany, Gibraltar and the US, with 2 US trips a year or so.

Currently not participating in any FF program.

His next trip involves flying from Gibraltar or Malaga to NYC, then a day or two later NYC to Ft. Lauderdale, and then back to Malaga, either from Ft. Lauderdale if possible or flying through NYC (JFK or EWR).

I've recently used a platinum challenge at AA and it seems that a routing of:

AGP-LHR
LHR-JFK
JFK-FLL
FLL-LHR
LHR-AGP

is around 11,000 miles, enough for a platinum challenge. What I don't know is :

1. Can a non-us Resident join the AA program and do a challenge?
2. Is there a better routing for this trip?; and
3. Is there a better airline for him to join up for a FF program with?

Thanks in advance for what I know will be helpful replies.

HC