Ken, we are in the same boat. I think our needs and interests are similar as well from what I gather of your description. You should check out these:

Delta Partners


Delta Czech Airlines
AeroMexico Korean Air
Air France Malaysia Airlines
Air Jamaica Singapore Airlines
Alitalia South African Airways
China Southern United Airlines


Continental Partners

Aces Airlines
Air France
Alitalia
EVA Airways
Hawaiian Airlines
Qantas

There is no comparison whose partners are more exotic and extensive. I wouldn't bet on the chance of getting award on Air France using CO miles. Besides, flying within North-America is pretty much uselss because AC and UA combined fly to pretty much everywhere. Qantas is a pearl in CO program but it's really hard to get award on Qantas using CO miles. I know this b/c I have researched before. DL partners fly to some pretty exotic places. For example, Singapore Airlines can fly between Egypt and UAE or to Maldives from Singapore. Malaysia Airlines can take you from Buenos Aires to Kuala Lumpur via South Africa' Johannesburg. South African Airways opens your door to the exotic African continent. The significance of Air France is small because there are many good if not perfect alternatives to Air France due to its geographic position and flying on AF is not cheap in terms of miles. Transfer to HH is equal between the two airlines and HH: 1 mile for 2 points.

As I said before, my choice is Delta @ 100%.

[This message has been edited by Guava (edited 11-27-2001).]