I am looking for a *A FF program that does not expire points and one that you can transfer CC points from Australia. Is there such an animal

Looking at the Star Silver and Star Gold charts and the mileage expiry thread, the best bet(s) are:

Air Canada - 12 month expiry if no activity up to a max of 7 years (7 more with a free), Credit Card points via SPG
Asiana - 5 year expiry (7 if elite), Credit Card points via SPG, easy to earn Star Gold, lifetime status at 1MM on *A
BMI - no expiry if activity every 2 years, fairly easy to earn Star Gold, no way to get credit card points, will end soon.

American Express and Diners Club both will let you transfer into SPG. SPG has a number of airlines that you can transfer into.

What do you mean, BMI will end soon?

Lufthansa is buying BMI. See the BMI Diamond Club forum. Most people expect Diamond Club to be rolled into Lufthansa Miles and More.

Ok, thanks! That's what I thought you were referring to, thanks.

With Lufthansa Miles and More Blue (basic level) you can keep your miles for three years (please check) With their Frequent Flyer (*A Silver) and Senator (*A Gold) the miles don't expire as you as you retain the statues. If you have a Miles & More credit card, then your miles don't expire as long as you have the credit card.

In addition, once you achieved Frequent Flyer (*A Silver) and Senator (*A Gold) with LH, it lasts for two years.

My personal experiences booking reward flights with M&M and upgrade using miles were good (with the occasional German stiffness ) So far I have had (all intercontinental flights) SQ F Europe to PVG, TG C BKK - EWR non-stop. LH C MNL-LAX (via FRA) and award flight for a friend in C LHR-LAX (LH) and LA-LHR (NZ). Upgrade Y to C with LH FRA-MNL. There were a few others which can't recall at the moment (due to the advanced years! )All the flights were booked with one phone call. No problems encountered at all.

Alas, no points transfer.

This enquiry was for my sister-in-law and on further research I think Virgin Atlantic is going to be best for her since Virgin Blue flights can now be credited

Certain CCs also do 1:1 to Virgin Atlantic