If you want to travel more while spending less, understanding airline alliances is essential. The Star Alliance is one of the three major global airline alliances, alongside SkyTeam and Oneworld.

Star Alliance is the largest airline alliance in the world, connecting travelers to over 1,200 destinations across nearly 200 countries. 

This network allows you to earn and redeem miles across 26 different airlines, making it one of the most flexible and valuable programs for frequent flyers.

Many travelers are familiar with individual frequent flyer programs, but Star Alliance takes rewards to another level by offering seamless benefits across multiple airlines. 

Whether you are collecting miles with United Airlines MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, you can use those miles to book flights on partner airlines. 

This means more ways to reach your dream destination while maximizing the value of your points.

In this guide, you will learn how Star Alliance works and why it is a powerful tool for travelers looking to make the most of their miles. 

You will also discover the best ways to earn and redeem rewards, insider tips for getting the most value from redemptions, and how a travel rewards credit card can help you fly for free. 

By the end, you will have a clear strategy to maximize Star Alliance benefits and travel smarter on your next trip.

Star Alliance Member Airlines

One of the greatest advantages of the Star Alliance program is its expansive network of member airlines. 

With 25+ airlines in total, the alliance offers an unparalleled range of destinations across the globe. 

Whether you are traveling to Asia, Europe, North America, or beyond, Star Alliance gives you access to a wide array of flights, all with the added benefit of earning and redeeming miles through your preferred frequent flyer program.

Here are the current Star Alliance partners:

• Aegean Airlines (Greece)
• Air Canada (Canada)
• Air China (China)
• Air India (India)
• Air New Zealand (New Zealand)
• All Nippon Airways – ANA (Japan)
• Asiana Airlines (South Korea)
• Austrian Airlines (Austria)
• Avianca (Colombia)
• Brussels Airlines (Belgium)
• Copa Airlines (Panama)
• Croatia Airlines (Croatia)
• EgyptAir (Egypt)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia)
• EVA Air (Taiwan)
• ITA Airways (Italy) – joining in 2026
• LOT Polish Airlines (Poland)
• Lufthansa (Germany)
• Shenzhen Airlines (China)
• Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
• South African Airways (South Africa)
• SWISS International Air Lines (Switzerland)
• TAP Air Portugal (Portugal)
• Thai Airways (Thailand)
• Turkish Airlines (Turkey)
• United Airlines (United States)

Earning Miles On Star Alliance Member Airlines

What makes Star Alliance unique is the ability to earn miles across all its member airlines. 

This means if you’re a United MileagePlus member, you can earn points when flying with any of the other 25+ Star Alliance carriers. 

You can also use those points to book flights across the entire network. 

This opens up countless possibilities for international travel, all while keeping your miles in one central account for easier tracking and redemptions.

Star Alliance Partner Networks

Beyond its 25+ member airlines, Star Alliance also has two key partners that enhance connectivity: Juneyao Airlines and Deutsche Bahn. 

These partnerships extend the reach of the alliance, offering additional options for travelers looking for seamless connections.

Juneyao Airlines operates as a Star Alliance connecting partner, which means certain benefits are available when booking flights that include this airline. 

Travelers can enjoy conveniences such as through-checked baggage and the ability to book flights on a single ticket, making connections smoother. 

However, these benefits are only available when the itinerary includes an eligible connection with one of the following Star Alliance airlines: Air Canada, Air China, ANA, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, or United Airlines.

Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway system, is a Star Alliance intermodal partner, allowing travelers to integrate train travel into their itineraries. 

With this partnership, you can start or end your journey with a Deutsche Bahn train ride, making it easier to connect between flights and rail routes within Germany. 

This can be particularly useful for travelers arriving in major hubs like Frankfurt or Munich who need to reach other cities without taking an additional flight.

Star Alliance Status Tiers

Frequent flyers who travel often with Star Alliance member airlines can enjoy exclusive perks through Star Alliance status. 

The alliance offers two elite tiers – Star Alliance Silver and Star Alliance Gold – both of which provide valuable benefits that enhance the overall travel experience. 

Unlike airline-specific elite status, Star Alliance status is recognized across all 25+ member airlines, ensuring that travelers can enjoy their perks no matter which airline they fly.

Star Alliance Silver

Star Alliance Silver is the entry-level elite tier, but its benefits are limited. While it does not provide perks like lounge access or priority boarding, it does offer two key advantages:

• Priority Reservations Waitlist: If your preferred flight or class of service is full, you will receive a higher priority on the waitlist if a seat becomes available. (Not available on award tickets and subject to each airline’s policy.)
• Priority Airport Standby: If your travel plans change and you need to switch to a different flight that is full, you will receive priority on the standby list. (Not available on award tickets and some fare types.)

Although these benefits can be helpful in certain situations, Star Alliance Silver status alone does not provide substantial advantages.

Star Alliance Gold

Star Alliance Gold offers a much more valuable set of benefits, making it the preferred status tier for frequent travelers. In addition to the two perks available to Silver members, Gold members enjoy the following advantages:

• Priority Airport Check-In: Skip long lines by using priority check-in counters, as indicated by Star Alliance Gold signage.
• Priority Baggage Handling: Your checked luggage will be tagged as “Priority” and should be among the first to arrive at baggage claim.
• Airport Lounge Access: Gain access to over 1,000 Star Alliance lounges worldwide, regardless of your cabin class. You can also bring one guest traveling on the same flight. (United MileagePlus elites can only access United Clubs within the U.S. when flying internationally on a Star Alliance airline.)
• Priority Boarding: Board along with first- and business-class passengers when this perk is available. Some airlines may not offer priority boarding to Gold members on all flights.
• Extra Baggage Allowance: Check an extra 20 kilograms (44 pounds) when luggage is measured by weight, or one additional piece when a piece-based system applies. Some fare types and non-connecting itineraries may not be eligible.
• Gold Track Security And Immigration: Use fast-track lanes at select airports to speed through security and immigration checkpoints.
• Heathrow Express Upgrades: Receive a complimentary upgrade to Business First Class when you purchase a standard-class single or return ticket for the Heathrow Express. Simply show your Star Alliance Gold card to the onboard attendant to claim the upgrade.

How to Earn Star Alliance Status

Unlike traditional frequent flyer programs, you cannot earn Star Alliance status directly. 

Instead, you achieve it by earning elite status with an individual Star Alliance airline. 

For example, reaching United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Air Canada Aeroplan 50K, or Lufthansa Miles & More Senator automatically grants you Star Alliance Gold status. 

Similarly, lower-tier elite status with these airlines typically results in Star Alliance Silver.

Each airline has its own requirements for achieving elite status, so choosing the right program is key. 

Some airlines, such as Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles and Air Canada Aeroplan, offer relatively lower thresholds for earning Star Alliance Gold, making them popular options for travelers who want elite perks with fewer flights.

Star Alliance Airport Lounges

One of the most valuable perks of Star Alliance Gold status is access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. 

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, these lounges provide a quiet and comfortable space to unwind before your flight. 

With complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other premium amenities, Star Alliance lounges enhance the airport experience and make travel more enjoyable.

Who Can Access Star Alliance Lounges

Lounge access is not available to all Star Alliance members – it is an exclusive benefit for Star Alliance Gold travelers and passengers flying in First or Business Class on a Star Alliance airline.

• Star Alliance Gold Members: If you have Star Alliance Gold status, you can access any eligible Star Alliance lounge when flying on a Star Alliance airline, regardless of cabin class. You can also bring one guest, as long as they are traveling on a Star Alliance flight departing the same day.
• First And Business Class Passengers: If you are flying in first or business class on a Star Alliance airline, you will have access to Star Alliance member lounges, even if you do not hold Star Alliance status. First-class passengers may also access exclusive first-class lounges, which offer an even higher level of luxury.

Types Of Star Alliance Lounges

Not all Star Alliance lounges are the same. Depending on the airport, you may have access to different types of lounges:

• Member Airline Lounges: Many Star Alliance airlines operate their own lounges, such as United Clubs, Lufthansa Senator Lounges, and Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounges. These lounges are typically available to both Star Alliance Gold members and premium cabin passengers.
• Star Alliance-Branded Lounges: In select cities, Star Alliance operates its own lounges, which offer a premium experience with seating areas, workspaces, dining options, and showers. These can be found in airports such as Los Angeles (LAX), Paris (CDG), Buenos Aires (EZE), and Amsterdam (AMS).
• Contract Lounges: In airports where a Star Alliance lounge is not available, travelers may be directed to a partner or contract lounge, which offers similar amenities.

Star Alliance Lounge Locations And Features

While lounge offerings vary by airport, most Star Alliance lounges provide:

• Complimentary food and beverages, including hot meals, snacks, and drinks
• High-speed Wi-Fi and quiet workspaces for business travelers
• Comfortable seating and relaxation areas
• Showers and rest areas in select locations
• Premium bar service, depending on the lounge
• Tarmac views at select flagship lounges

The Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the most highly rated, featuring an outdoor terrace with fire pits, premium dining, and a stylish bar. 

Other standout lounges include the Singapore Airlines Private Room in Singapore (SIN) and the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt (FRA), both of which offer a luxurious pre-flight experience.

Credit Cards Which Transfer To Star Alliance Member Airlines

One of the easiest ways to accumulate miles with Star Alliance airlines is by using a credit card that earns transferable points. 

Instead of being locked into a single frequent flyer program, these flexible rewards let you transfer points to multiple Star Alliance airline partners, giving you more options for booking flights.

Since Air Canada Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and several other Star Alliance programs are transfer partners of major credit card rewards programs, you can earn flexible points and convert them into miles whenever you need them. 

This allows you to take advantage of the best redemption opportunities across different airlines.

Here are some of the best credit card options:

Personal

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
• Citi Strata Premier® Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Bilt Mastercard®
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• American Express® Gold Card

Business

• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Business
• Capital One Spark Cash
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Final Thoughts

Star Alliance is a global network of 25+ member airlines and two partners, connecting travelers to 186 countries and over 1,200 destinations. 

Each airline has its own frequent flyer program, but earning elite status with one can grant you Star Alliance Silver or Gold status, unlocking benefits across the entire alliance.

While Star Alliance Silver offers only limited perks, Star Alliance Gold provides valuable advantages, including lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance when traveling on eligible itineraries. 

Lounge access, in particular, is one of the best benefits, giving travelers a comfortable space to relax before their flights.

To get the most from Star Alliance, choosing the right frequent flyer program and using a travel credit card with transferable points is key. 

Cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, or Citi ThankYou Rewards allow you to transfer points to multiple Star Alliance airlines, giving you greater flexibility when booking award flights.

With the right strategy, Star Alliance can help you travel further for less. 

Kevin Zanes