Hey folks, New user so please be gentle.
I felt this thread may be able to assist me.

As you can tell by my username I am an australian expat based in the UK who has been with Qantas for about 12 years. I consider myself a low milage flyer who does around three long hauls a year and a handful of domestics/continental. Not what you would call extensive. I generate most of my miles through Credit Card usage. Qantas are really bad when it comes to geting elite status and they also charge a bucket load of co pay on reward flights to the point where it is a waste of money. (80k econ Mel-BKK with AU$350 co pay. original flight is only 950 inclusive!) And many of their more local flights you get stuck on statusless JetStar. I have recently joined AA as I felt that I could have a go at the Plat Challenge as qualifying would be easy ona round trip flight LHR-NYC-LAS-LAX-LHR booked in L. I really want to know is this the best option for me, as I do around 2 trips to the USA form Uk and a return trip to Aust. I take OW where possible. Would I at least be able to maintain a gold ongoing?
So in a nut shell:
Where are you located: UK
What is your flying pattern: low but long haul
What class do you travel in: typically Econ but not DD as I sometimes have to alter dates
What kind of service you expect: reasonable, I am not demanding like some people, but expect basics like options for better seating and upgrade opportunities and also the ability to maximise by using CC to get miles
What kind of results you want to have: same as anyone- good.
Also what are the best CC's for AA in the UK or Australia?

Welcome to FT, OzinUK.
The problem with Oceania is that it's only got two major airlines, and that no continental European airlines fly there. The BA FFP stinks; if you need to fly BA/QF, get a Finnair Plus card as it'll earn you 50% on most WHY fares.
Alternatively, you can get an AF codeshare on Qantas, or fly via SIN/BKK and credit the miles to bmi or Miles&More.
If you aren't totally pressed for time when travelling, check out the fares from alternative origin points in/around Europe. Flying from CAI, you could probably get First Class on Etihad for the price of BA Y+, and the fares from Greece and Italy aren't much higher.

Cheers graraps. I joined AA in the idea that at least I would get to use the OW lounges one BA/QF flights and still attract mileage from using BA/Iberia in Europe. then fly QF/BA back to Aust using my QF points for upgrades to prem econ. I figure that should keep me in AA gold. Just have to make sure I use AA when transatlantic or no points at all. I like what you said about Etihad and the finnair business. I should check that out. I will be spending sometime flying around the states and in australia as well so i should get reasonable credit with AA hopefully

Even though I agree that the best program is specific to one's location, usual routes, preferences re awards and upgrades, etc., etc., I still find this an interesting question. Anyway, FWIW, I've read good things here and there on FT about BMI's program, but have never looked into it very carefully.

It's not his best bet if he lives in OAK, PVD, or ALB ...

timidly jumping in here.......

In a nutshell: I've been a USAir chairman for the last 3 years and am considering changing to DL due to recent changes at USAir

Home airport is MCO but I fly all over US and some overseas, currently making the weekly run to BHM but this is subject to change soon.

I do not have a mileage card at this time as we've been focusing on the UPromise for the kids but its time to refocus so I need advise in which direction to go with this as well.

Thanks for all advise!

Hello Vagabond1, Welcome to FT.

DL is a great choice. Moreover, the Amex DL CC earns double miles at supermarkets, gas stations, post offices, drug stores and, of course, with Delta. The miles will rack up fast!

Safe travels!