Advice on choice of FF program.

Advice on choice of FF program. I am just starting out, not a member of anything yet. Am booked on Malaysian flight next month, so want to join something to start accruing rewards. I generally would only fly One World, although not so much Qantas. Is it better to join Qantas FF program, or another airline's? Or should I consider a specific credit card instead (I do pay majority of my bills day to day on credit card anyway)? Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated - it's just all new and a bit confusing at this stage. Many thanks.

You could join AA, but if you're using credit cards in Australia you're stuck with QFF if you want to earn MH (at miserable rates, mind you).

You almost right – credit cards that can earn QFF most plentiful in Australia. However there are few American Express cards that earned own points that can be transferred to almost any FF points.

True - but they're not very widely accepted.

brett123,

Several things to think about:

• What us your objective of a FF programme? Flight redemption or status (lounge access)?
• How often do you fly internationally?
• Which cabin do you fly in for international flight?
• How often do you fly domestically?
• What cabin do you fly in for domestic flights?
• Are you part of an organisation or professional body that offers discounted Qantas Club membership?

Once you've considered the parameters above, you can build tables comparing each programme based on a hypothetical travel/expenditure plan for the year.

Bottom line is there is no one size fits all with frequrnt flyer programmes. You need to identify your priorities to ensure you derive maximum value from your selected programme.

It is greatly depends where (and therefore with whom) you need/like flight the most. I am long time QFF member, but if I would start afresh, I would join Singapore Airlines

To a point Serg. If the bulk of my flying on SQ will be in Economy, I will never be within grasp of the hallowed PPS Club. 

One may hit Gold Krisflyer status but one would always feel like a second class citizen next to a PPS Club member.

Thank you to all, it's helped me start to think clearly. For further clarification, I always fly business class internationally (usually to Asia). I rarely fly domestically, hence lounge access really isn't a big consideration. Any points would be more about flight redemption. My current generic credit card doesn't really have any rewards program, so my current thinking is perhaps to open a credit card that does permit FF points to be accrued as well. Any thoughts on which credit cards would be best suited?

Which airline do you normally fly to Asia with? The answer to this question might dictate which FF program to join.

With regards to non Virgin/Qantas Credit Cards.  A few AMEX cards have their Membership Rewards Program that can transfer to numerous airlines.  

If limited AMEX acceptance is an issue you could look at the Citi Select Visa as the points earned in it can be transferred to Virgin, Singapore Airlines or Cathay.  

So if you're leaning to Oneworld and travel into Asia regularly then CX's Asia Miles might be the way to go.

Lots of good points here and it really depends on your travel habits. Personally, I'd be joining QF for your day to day stuff.... local credit cards, everyday rewards, qf flights and status etc; If you are occasional international traveller looking for great deals in business and first then also join AA. As for credit cards for QFF its hard to better the offering from Woolworths.