I'm finding myself traveling a lot more these days and until now I hadn't given much thought to FF programs but realise I might as well make them work for me.

I'm finding myself traveling a lot more these days and until now I hadn't given much thought to FF programs but realise I might as well make them work for me. I'm a member of the following programs with number of points and have ANZ Amex Platinum and ANZ Visa Platinum each linked to Qantas FFP.

Velocity Gold - 10,000

Qantas - 30,000

Thai - 40,000

Lufthansa - 6,000

Aegean - just joined up to fast track to gold on Star Alliance

Previously my company used Virgin but with a new job traveling between Port Moresby and Brisbane or Cairns I have to fly Qantas or Niugini due to timetables so Virginm use is become less frequent.

I travel a lot to Asia, (BKK and Singapore especially) and if traveling to Europe (around 2-3 times p.a) always stop off, usually in BKK.

Travel this year that I know so far are are Japan in June, Europe in August, Egypt / Jordan in October and most likley Mexico in December.

The Star Alliance looks like it will work for me better than One World and so would be willing to change credit card arrangements. My aim is to get a higher level of service from the various airlines, possible upgrades from time to time and lounge access although I probably join Priority Pass.

Brisbane - BKK on Thai is the most common sector and therefore gold status with ROP would be desirable but not essential.

I'd appreciate any recommendations about how to best consolidate.

You will not be able to consolidate points, however probably running QANTAS FF account and an Aegean account for quick Gold Status when flying on Thai or Singapore, which will enable access to Star Alliance Lounges.

I would recommend getting a frequent flyer status with an airline alliance, instead of just an airline, because you can earn on one airline and enjoy the benefits on many. A good one to join is oneworld because Qantas is part of this alliance and AusBT voted it Best Airline Alliance two years in a row!

Star Alliance boasts that it has the most members under its wings so that may be a good one. You should ask one of the AusBT writers which airine in an airline alliance you should join to get the most points quicker!

Since your company is with Virgin Australia, joining Velocity Frequent Flyer isn't a bad idea. I would recommend not exceeding 4 frequent flyer programs. Good luck, David Brown!

Thanks for the responses.