As for speculation, allow me to speculate: Announcement will be Q2 or Q3, status earned on either airline this year will be applicable in 2015, under the new FFP rubric.

Maybe there will be an interim way to earn on both, but it may be tricky until there is an FFP merger of some kind, because of the different ways of tallying status, miles, points, spend, etc. etc. so doubtful (but I might be surprised).

New combined FFP begins 1 Jan 2015, three levels of status as per oneworld and most partners, measurement for said status to be in EQ Points. A "superlevel" similar to Concierge Key to reward shakers, movers and coordinators of travel for larger companies. "Assimilation" / merger of both accounts happens easily for those who have made sure their account data matches (as it was when AA assimilated TW).

AA IT is happy because they only have to make some superficial changes - rename status levels, etc. and they continue to use existing numbers - EQ Points, EQ Miles for Million Miler status, RDM for using on award travel, etc. And, given the IT platform, it's probably best - changes to this very old horse are tricky and have untoward results (e.g. SWu counter, Million Miles, "Ventana" upgrade, etc.) If we're fortunate, no major IT issues like UACO. :cross fingers:

Some of us will be happy, some of us will be unhappy, but in the end, we'll just have to see what Mr. Parker brings us. Hope for enlightenment, simplicity and an affinity program that is proportional and values frequent customers.