I know this is covered in lots of other threads and I've seen blondebomber's summary. All very good advice and I've about made my decision, but would like the opinions a few of you experts.

My base airport is SFO. I make 3-4 RTW trips in biz per year, plus maybe 1-2 trips to NYC or PIT in eco. I'm AA EXP and will stay that way until I get to 2 mm & permanent PLT status. I can do this on 3 RTW trips within the OW alliance, so I have a choice on at least 1 RTW trip per year.

I'm thinking of joining a * program because sometimes I have to take a LH or SK or TG flight on my RTW trips, and it would be nice to have *Gold status, even though most flights will be booked in biz.

If I take my last RTW trip in 2004 and my first in 2005 on *, then I should be able to get over 50K miles. But that could be my last flight on * until 2006, so perhaps no status in 2005?

The check-in priority and lounge access are the most important features for me. Upgrades would be nice, but not expected for a mere 50K miles. It would be nice to have miles that won't expire quickly.

Most of my * flights would be on (in order): SQ, LH, TG, ANA, SK, and, when forced, UA or US. Recommendations, folks?

Welcome to FT norse_aztec interesting heritage with that mix!

Be aware that the period for qualifying/requalifying status varies by FFP. For example LH Miles & More is based on calendar years, whereas SQ KrisFlyer is based on membership years. Could make a big difference if you are wanting to combine miles from late 2004 and early 2005 to attain status.

If you think you will fly SQ in biz (or first) more than 50,000 miles each year then you could try to status in 2 *A FFPs thanks to the PPS system. PPS is equivalent to *G and in this case I'd probably try for LH for the miles (given your class of travel, the fact you also fly LH a bit and so could benefit from promos).