Originally Posted by HopefulTraveller

As I have family now for sure located long term in mid California, (also some In Germany) I have been, and now know I will continue to have to, fly 2 -3 times a year from London to San Francisco. I am wondering which airline to choose. Through circumstances beyond my control I have blue status with BA, points accruing with VA via my Tesco clubcard, and some flights upcoming with UA, again beyond my control.

My family in the USA have status with UA but that seems to be irrelevant when I want to fly. Other members of my immediate family have status with Lufthansa but again that seems irrelevant. As parents and now grandparents of frequent flyers is there a particular airline/programme that I and my spouse should consider?

​​​​​​Questionnaire: Copy and paste into your post
Provide the requested information.

1. What is most important to you in a frequent flyer program (FFP)?
upgrades, priority services, baggage allowance, good award redemption rates, better award access, lounge access, etc.
>>> Reply: I guess priority services, as we age everything becomes harder.

2. How many miles do you usually fly each year? How many flights/sectors?
less than 25000 miles, 50000+ miles and 20-25 flights, etc.
>>> Reply: 3 - 5 times a year short haul within Europe. 2 -4 times a year long haul UK to USA

3. What fare class do you usually buy?
first, business, premium economy, economy
>>> Reply: Economy or premium plus

4. Are you able to choose your airlines and/or class of service? Do you travel for work and/or pleasure?
>>> Reply: It will be my choice, largely, from now on. To be with family.

5. Which routes do you fly most often?
transatlantic, domestic USA, intra-Asia, etc.
>>> Reply: UK to Germany or to the USA

6. What is your home airport?
>>> Reply: London, Heathrow, or Stansted

7. Do you have status in any FFP? What is it? How miles do you have banked in each FFP, if any?
>>> Reply: Only blue with BA

8. What are your preferred airlines, if any? None