[Kiwi Flyer]

Each alliance has pros and cons, but really fairly similar. Which one works best depends on your circumstances and in particular where you travel - eg star alliance is strong in europe and asia but not in australia or south america, one world is strong in europe and americas (except Canada).

High status benefits do differ slightly between the alliances - eg *A has better baggage allowance, OW has better lounges.

Within any alliance most airlines have their own frequent flyer program, and again each program has pros and cons. Which program best suits depends on several factors

- do you earn a lot of miles through credit card and partner (hotel, rental cars etc) spend? If so then a "home country" program is usually best since not as many partner earning opportunities with eg european programs if living in NZ/Oz (no linked credit card for one).

- are you flying frequently enough that status benefits (*Gold and OW Sapphire are the minimum with meaningful significant benefits) are worthwhile? The qualification requirements vary enormously and the easiest program may depend on what class you fly (cheapo economy, expensive economy, business, first) and longhaul vs shorthaul.

- or are you mainly looking to get upgrades or free flights? In this case the rate of earning and burning of each program must be considered. Some programs that are better at this may be harder to get status and vice versa. Some programs offer special types of awards - eg discounted companion awards, ability to upgrade an award - these may be valuable or not worth anything depending on whether you can use them.

I haven't answered program xx is best because it really does depend on your patterns and what you want to get out of it. Answer some or all of the above and it is easier to see what program is best.

Note that unless you fly an enormous amount it is best to concentrate earning on one program - although many clued in people have a program in each alliance so they can at least get some credit for situations where they couldn't use their preferred alliance. High tier on one program is better than mid tier on 2 programs.