Star Alliance: Guide to Airlines and Status

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The Star Alliance, founded on May 14, 1997, was the first global airline alliance, bringing together major airlines to offer passengers more seamless travel experiences.

With 26 member airlines flying to over 1,300 destinations in 193 countries, it has grown to be a significant presence in the aviation industry.

Through Star Alliance, travelers can access a wide range of benefits and services, such as streamlined connections, loyalty program perks, lounge access, and more. As a result, the alliance has become a popular choice for frequent flyers and those looking for a more connected travel experience.

This guide will provide an overview of the Star Alliance’s member airlines, benefits, and key features, ensuring that passengers have the information they need to make the most of their journeys with Star Alliance airlines.

Star Alliance Member Airlines

The Star Alliance is the world’s largest airline alliance. It currently boasts 26 member airlines, offering extensive connectivity and convenience for international travelers.

These airlines operate over 5,000 aircraft, flying to over 1,300 destinations in 98% of the world’s countries.

The current members of the Star Alliance are:

Star Alliance Star Alliance Airlines
Aegan Airlines Aegean Air Canada Air Canada
Air China Air China Air India Air India
Air New Zealand Air New Zealand ANA ANA
Asiana Airlines Asiana Airlines Austrian Airlines Austrian Airlines
Avianca Avianca Brussels Brussels Airlines
Copa Copa Airlines Croatia Airlines Croatia Airlines
EgyptAir EgyptAir Ethiopian Ethiopian
EVA Air EVA Air LOT Polish LOT Polish
Lufthansa Lufthansa SAS SAS
Shenzhen Shenzhen Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines
South African Airways South African SWISS Airlines SWISS
TAP Portugal TAP Portugal Thai Airways logo Thai Airways
Turkish Airlines logo Turkish Airlines United Airlines logo United Airlines

Star Alliance Status

To reward its loyal customers, Star Alliance offers two elite status tiers: Silver and Gold.

Each tier provides various benefits and privileges to frequent flyers.

Star Alliance Silver

Star Alliance Silver status is the entry-level tier of the loyalty program. Travelers who achieve this status can enjoy a range of benefits, including:

  • Priority reservations waitlist
  • Priority airport standby

Earning Star Alliance Silver

To earn Star Alliance Silver, you need elite status with a Star Alliance airline. Every airline’s lowest elite tier status translates to Star Alliance Silver.

Here are the status equivalents for Star Alliance Silver for the most popular programs:

  • United Airlines Premier Silver.
  • Air Canada Aeroplan 25K and 35K.
  • Miles & More Frequent Traveller.
  • Singapore KrisFlyer Elite Silver.

For others, check out the Star Alliance status conversion.

Star Alliance Gold

Star Alliance Gold status is the higher tier, which is available to the most frequent travelers. This status comes with additional privileges and benefits, including:

  • Priority reservations waitlist.
  • Priority airport standby.
  • Gold Track Security.
  • Access to Star Alliance Gold lounges.
  • Priority airport check-in.
  • Extra baggage allowance.
  • Priority boarding.
  • Priority baggage handling.
  • Upgrades to Business First class on the Heathrow Express.

Achieving Star Alliance Gold status signifies that the traveler is a very frequent flyer on the Star Alliance network and is entitled to these exclusive privileges. This recognition helps to enhance the travel experience for their most loyal passengers, making their flights more enjoyable and seamless.

Earning Star Alliance Gold

To earn Star Alliance Gold status, you will need mid to upper-tier elite status with a Star Alliance Airline. 

Here are the status equivalents for Star Alliance Silver for the most popular programs:

  • United Airlines Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services.
  • Air Canada Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and 100K. 
  • Miles & More Senator and HON Circle.
  • Singapore Krisflyer Gold, PPS Club, Solitaire PPS Club, and Solitare PPS Club Life. 

For others, check out the Star Alliance status conversion.

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