Flying from Israel
 

My apologies if this question has been asked, but the computer I am using is barely functional, and search can not be used.

A friend of mine (from New York) is married to someone from Melbourne and they now live in Tel Aviv.

The bulk of their flying is from TLV-JFK or TLV-MEL, although they occaionally do JFK-MEL (which is the case tomrrow). I do not know what ticket fare they use, but it is coach.

I know the AA program, but not BA and QF, which are the other two obvious programs. Can anyone give me guidance for my friend as to which of the OneWorld programas they should join?

Many Thanks

AA is the most lucrative program but about half the deep discount QF fares do no earn on AA; so if buying those fares -- and they are hundreds of dollars cheaper, so presumably those are the ones being used -- then QFF is the only choice of program that earns miles. Making the choice easy (QF or nothing).

One benefit to the Qantas program is full credit on many El Al flights. In fact, LY and QF have a very affordable RTW product that looks quite interesting. Note, however, from the QFF website -

RJ is also a oneworld member. Can fly TLV-AMM-BKK-MEL on oneworld airlines, or TLV-AMM-JFK. With Qantas, can earn points but not Status Credits on El Al, which will still be useful for free flights.

Also true (for Elal) with redeemable (but not elite-qualifying) miles on an AA account.