Air travel has become simple and more convenient over the past few years, thanks to the emergence to the popularity of airline alliances. For starters, airline alliances are an arrangement between two or more airlines aimed at extending their network to reach a broader market and make traveling more manageable.
Star Alliance is one of the most reliable airline alliances in the US and internationally, especially for international flights. Read on to learn more about the Star Alliance network, its members, and how you can benefit as a frequent flyer with its member airlines.
Statistics
Star Alliance has a combined fleet of 4,631 aircraft and provides airline services in 190 countries with over 1,300 destinations. An average day sees about 18,450 flights across the destinations. This alliance has about 44,600 workers and receives an average of 690 million flyers annually. The network’s annual revenue currently stands at approximately $174 billion.
Member Airlines
The Germany-based Alliance network was founded in 1997 by just 5 airlines – United Airlines, Thai Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. Over the years, it has grown and expanded its member airlines to 28. Below is a list of the other member airlines:
- Polish Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Swiss International Airlines
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Egypt Air
- Air New Zealand
- Air China
- South African Airways
- Adria Airways
- Croatia Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Air India
- Asiana Airlines
- Aegean Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- EVA Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Avianca
- Copa Airlines
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- TAP Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
How it Works
Star Alliance has no involvement in hosting an individual flyer program. With your preferred partner airline of choice, you’ll accrue respective status, which will help you achieve an equivalent Star Alliance status. Loyal customers with Star Alliance member airlines get rewarded.
First, you need to join a particular frequent flyer program from any of their member carriers. You’ll then accrue miles/points when you travel on eligible first class or business class flights under Star Alliance. And you can redeem these miles/points at any Star Alliance network. What if you earn miles from multiple different airlines, will they be combined to achieve the classification for Star Alliance status? Well, unfortunately, no.
Status Levels and Their Benefits
As a frequent flyer with a Star Alliance member airline, you’ll gain miles/points that will help you reach one of the two Star Alliance status levels: Silver and Gold status, each with specific advantages regardless of the Star Alliance airline used.
Advantage of Star Alliance Silver
You’ll be given priority over other non-status flyers on waitlists and when on standby, except when you’re flying on an award ticket.
Advantages of Star Alliance Gold
- You’ll be given priority over other non-status flyers on waitlists and when on standby, except when you’re flying on an award ticket.
- When flying on a Star Alliance member airline flight, you’ll get access to 1,100+ first class and business class airport lounges.
- Access to priority boarding and priority check-in counters – you’ll spend significantly less time in the line.
- Access to priority baggage handling.
- You’ll get extra baggage allowance; one extra piece of luggage or an additional 20kg baggage weight.
- Access to priority immigration and security lanes at select airports, hence less wait time.
Are you looking for very cheap international flights to your favorite destination across Europe? Elyon Travel’s relationship with major carriers in the industry and under the Star Alliance network aims at providing you with the best international flight deals you can get. Visit our website today to learn and take advantage of these deals – cheap first class flights & cheap business class tickets for an amazing air travel experience.
