Originally Posted by
MarkXS
Here's one major factor in deciding between focusing on a *A vs a ST program.
ST Elite is somewhat better than Star Alliance Silver (as pointed out by alex0683de, *S doesn't give much at all), since at least it officially gets priority seating and boarding alliance-wide (in theory). But it's still the lower level of alliance status.
CZ (China Southern) is a Skyteam member. Last May, I arrive at CAN airport (their main hub) for a domestic flight with discounted coach seat. Couch check-in was LONG. I said "Forgot that!", and walked around the corner to first class check-in, which was all by itself with carpet, lounge chair and some very attractive staff standing around to help or at least look good. Flash Skyteam Elite card, check right in with no wait. Helpful agent typed in my Skyteam FF number.
(On the return flight, I did not bother to use elite check-in because the coach line was short. Of the two flights, guess which one actually got my miles posted? (30% of miles flown for fare class, big whoop, full sarcasm mode. I think CA gives 100% *A miles regardless of coach fare class. sarcasm off).
But I did like the Elite check-in back at CAN
