Delta SkyMiles vs. Air France Flying Blue

[know-saya]

I don't fly that frequently.  I travel two to three times a year for work from Israel to the US in Business class.  I fly to Europe or the US once or twice a year on my own dime (or miles) in Economy.

I was a loyal El Al customer and am now done with them after several bad customer service experiences.  I just booked an upcoming work ticket in Business class on Air France.  Since I'm starting from scratch, should I join Delta's SkyMiles or Air France/KLM's Flying Blue?

I know that Delta SkyMiles have the advantage of never expiring.  What else should I be taking into consideration?

In case it is helpful, here is more information about me:
- My destinations in the US are DC or NYC
- Easy reward travel for Europe and the US is appreciated
- I can always use an extra free bag
- I enjoy business lounges, but I'm not sure if anyone outside of El Al offers kosher food, which I need
- Priority boarding is nice to have

Thanks very much for your advice!

[know-saya]

Anyone can give any advice or perspective?

[ludmila]

I don't fly that frequently.  I travel two to three times a year for work from Israel to the US in Business class.  I fly to Europe or the US once or twice a year on my own dime (or miles) in Economy.

I was a loyal El Al customer and am now done with them after several bad customer service experiences.  I just booked an upcoming work ticket in Business class on Air France.  Since I'm starting from scratch, should I join Delta's SkyMiles or Air France/KLM's Flying Blue?

I know that Delta SkyMiles have the advantage of never expiring.  What else should I be taking into consideration?

In case it is helpful, here is more information about me:
- My destinations in the US are DC or NYC
- Easy reward travel for Europe and the US is appreciated
- I can always use an extra free bag
- I enjoy business lounges, but I'm not sure if anyone outside of El Al offers kosher food, which I need
- Priority boarding is nice to have

Thanks very much for your advice!

If you are based in Israel ill go with Flying Blue, a much better flying experience in business and especially AF first class.

[know-saya]

Thanks, @ludmila!

Happy to hear any other opinions from other forum members, too.

[ExGingi]

If you are based in Israel ill go with Flying Blue, a much better flying experience in business and especially AF first class.

Not sure what the flying experience has to do with program selection.

One can earn and redeem Delta on AF and FB on Delta (if there's saver availability), and your status will help you across the Skyteam alliance.

Program specifics and redemption rates are different. In general I agree that FB gives better opportunities, but specific circumstances could differ.

[myi]

Can i book a delta award while using my flying blue account?

[ExGingi]

Can i book a delta award while using my flying blue account?

In theory

[yandmk]

I see DL availability JFK to BRU for 30k and cannot find it on FB site. Is 30k not the lowest award level on DL, or does DL always need to be booked on the phone?
(I couldn't find any MT for FB, so I think this thread fits my question best...)