Originally Posted by FlyingKangaroo
1. Is it best for both travellers (married) to apply for FF deals and each claim individually, or can one claim for both fares?
You both must join a freq flyer program. Some programmes allows point transfers to others (family) :- others do not.
Originally Posted by FlyingKangaroo
2. I see there are different partner companies with the various airlines - which is the best to claim flying points from? eg. Qantas Frequent Flyer points or AAadvantage (for the San Fran - Seattle flight)
Options are QF AA & Alaska. The US programme’s are generally better than QF. Many of us here in Oz are jumping to AA due to better earn & burn rates. However with QF you can transfer points from Aust credit cards (Amex, ANZ, Westpac etc for a fee to joining the cc reward scheme). This can boost your points a lot. Or join AA & QF as many of us do here (Flights to AA and cc to QF)
As
KF said I would go for UA on the Air NZ flights is they are eligible for points and QF for the rest
Major hotels chains also have loyalty program. Go direct to the hotel web sites