Originally Posted by aroominyork
Flights will be in Economy, and probably used to get free flights. Does that help point me to the best programme, or at least narrow the field?
No, tell a little more about your flying habits. The main question is whether youre in discount economy or full economy, but you also need to tell where youre taking BA (trans-atlantic or other), where youre based out of, and where else you generally travel. There aren't many distinctions other than basic earning and redemption differences when referring to F and J, but economy can lead to some major differences so that your BA flights might earn 100%, 25%, or no percent and your Cathay flights 100% or no percent.
Also, can miles be redeemed for flights on any One World carrier, whichever programme I join? eg, can I join AA but redeem on Cathay or BA flights?
Generally, yes. There are one or two exceptions, most notable not being able to use BA miles on AA US-UK flights or AA on BA US-UK flights.