You might want to consider flying AA and taking the Platinum Challenge (10,000 points in 90 days) so that you can get status on AA. Then you'll get 100% bonus miles and since your travel will be international, you'll also have lounge access. Check out http://fewmiles.tripod.com/AA/index.html for info on the AA program and their partners. You could possibly sign up for the Gold and the Platinum challenge at the same time, so that you'll get 25% bonus miles between the time you hit 5000 points but before you get 10000 points.