I think, maybe, the whole point of what's discussed here is that you only collect and burn miles for free flights etc. on the "unified" star alliance program, whilst loyalty program (gold and silver levels etc) will stay with the individual programs, much like CX's "The Club" or SQ's PPS. It would be very stupid to try to integrate elite level programs, as said above, because I can't imagine all the differentl airlines agreeing on all the terms of the trickiest part of a FFP, the elite level. They really do differ so much between airlines, so it'll be like trying to mix water and oil (without soap, of course) Also, for example, if people were to be given upgrades based upon their status, and if Star had a "unified" FFP which also included a common elite status, then that means the upgrade will be valid on any Star carrier. Just try to imagine SQ agreeing to that one!