Best OneWorld FFP?
 

Hi
I am flying a few OneWorld trips in C-Class the near future (CX, AY etc) and I need your help to choose the best FFP program for OneWorld. Currently I am based in Asia but this could change anytime to Europe or so. Which is the best value for money? (btw I don't like to fly through LHR so BA is out for me)
Thanks in advance for any advice.

I've been thinking about this question recently too. As far as I can gather so far, Qantas is the easiest FFP to obtain Emerald status requiring fewest flights/miles (but has that 4 QF requirement).

There appears to be a number of mentions that American Airlines is a good option for infrequent flyers.

I am not sure about other factors such as reward levels or other benefits or privileges that may play a significant role in people's decision on the best program. Maybe the more experienced minds here can shed some light.

General view from a few years on this board.
QF - Good for accruing status if flying in Premium cabins, However earn/ burn rates and taxes are bad. And has 4 QF segment requirement. Earns on Jetstar as well.
AA - Good earn/ burn but need more mileage to qualify in Premium. Status Challenge now has upfront fee and is AA only. Simple choice if you have US credit card for lifetime status.
CX - Tends to look after its own FF program very well (eg oneworld is Emerald is well down the order for opups)

Depends what you value the most.

If it's getting to the top quickly and staying at the top for the duration of your use on OW, then definitely QF. However, their burn rate is not that great.

If you are looking into long-term mileage build up, then AA might suit you better as they have lifetime elite membership at 1 million (lifetime AA Gold=lifetime OW Ruby) and 2 million miles (lifetime AA Platinum=lifetime OW Sapphire). Plus AA counts all miles including bonus miles, credit card purchases, rental cars, hotels to that million miler counter so if you do a lot of travel in C or F, you rack up miles really quickly to become elite status for life ^

What do you want from a program? Status? Award flights? Lounge access?

The big issue in OW is that most programs require that you fly at least 4 flights a year on the host airline to maintain status. So if you are a QF member you must fly at least 4 flights with a QF flight number (different to what you are used to from Star Alliance) to maintain status even if you have enough miles or Status Credit to have status. So you must chose a program of an airline you will actually fly.

The big exception is AA which doesn't enforce this rule.