For anyone who hasn't yet seen the discussion on some of the other boards, US and UA yesterday announced an (apparently systemwide) codeshare and marketing agreement. US Airways website includes an FAQ on the deal, which states that:

A later phase of the agreement also includes provisions for US Airways to seek to join United in the Star Alliance. This will further enhance the value of US Airways' domestic and international route network allowing customers access to the global marketplace.

When will US Airways become a full member of the Star Alliance?

US Airways' first priority is to implement a successful code share with United, in both U.S. and international markets. Once this program is well underway, a process will begin to allow US Airways to become a member of the Star Alliance, with a number of carriers including, among others, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Mexicana. This process should begin in the second year of US Airways' relationship with United.


(Taken from http://www.usairways.com/about/press/us_ua_faq.htm )


So it looks like US will be joining Star within 2-3 years! That said, I find it very odd that nothing has been said about this by Star itself, or even by UA (who mention nothing about Star membership in their press release).

I'm wondering if Star membership is really the foregone conclusion US seems to think it will be (I would like them to join though ).