Your guide to Star Alliance airlines, lounges and elite status
Editor's Note
Star Alliance has 26 member airlines that serve over 1,200 destinations in 186 countries. With more than 16,000 daily departures, there's a good chance you've flown on one or more of the Star Alliance airlines.
You might even have Star Alliance Silver or Gold status if you're a frequent flyer. There are also over 1,000 Star Alliance lounges you can access when traveling on eligible premium cabin fares or as a benefit of your airline elite status. So, let's take a closer look at what you should know about Star Alliance.
Star Alliance airlines
Star Alliance was formed on May 14, 1997, with Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways and United Airlines serving as its founding members. Now, the alliance consists of 26 Star Alliance airlines, including:
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- All Nippon Airways
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- Egyptair
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Airways
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- Swiss
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
Knowing the Star Alliance members is important because you can usually book award travel with other Star Alliance members through the loyalty programs associated with each of these airlines. For example, you can book flights operated by United Airlines through the Singapore KrisFlyer loyalty program.
Star Alliance partners
In addition to the 26 Star Alliance member airlines listed above, the alliance has two partners: Juneyao Airlines and Deutsche Bahn.
Juneyao Airlines is a Star Alliance connecting partner, which means you can through-check baggage, book connecting flights on one ticket and enjoy select other conveniences. However, you can only enjoy these connecting partner perks if your ticket includes an eligible connection between Juneyao Airlines and Air Canada, Air China, ANA, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Airways, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines or United.
Deutsche Bahn is a Star Alliance intermodal partner. This partnership means you could start or end your Star Alliance ticket on a Deutsche Bahn train.
Is Miles & More part of Star Alliance?
Many travelers wonder whether Miles & More is part of Star Alliance. Miles & More is the loyalty program for Lufthansa and, hence, is a way to book Star Alliance award tickets.
Related: The best websites to search for Star Alliance award availability
Star Alliance status tiers
If you have elite status with a Star Alliance airline, you likely also have Star Alliance status. Star Alliance offers two elite status tiers — Silver and Gold — that provide perks across its member airlines. You can check what Star Alliance status your airline status converts to on the Star Alliance benefits page.
Star Alliance Silver
The benefits offered by Star Alliance Silver status are minimal. Star Alliance Silver members only get two perks:
- Priority reservations waitlist: Get higher priority on the waitlist to reserve a higher class of service if space becomes available (not available on award tickets and subject to the carrier's policy).
- Priority airport standby: Get higher priority on the standby list if your travel plans change and flights are full (not available on award tickets and some fares).
Some of the airline statuses that offer Star Alliance Silver status include:
- Air Canada Aeroplan 25K and 35K
- Asiana Club Gold
- Egyptair Plus Silver
- United MileagePlus Premier Silver
Related: United Premier status: What it is and how to earn it
Star Alliance Gold
In addition to the two perks available to Star Alliance Silver members, Star Alliance Gold members get the following benefits:
- Priority airport check-in: Use Priority counters, where available, as indicated by Star Alliance Gold signage.
- Priority baggage handling: Your checked luggage will be marked "Priority" and should be among the first to arrive on the baggage belt at your destination.
- Airport lounge access: Enjoy lounge access (with up to one guest on the same flight) before your flight at more than 1,000 lounges worldwide when flying on Star Alliance airlines. (Star Alliance Gold members with United MileagePlus status can only access United Clubs within the U.S. before international flights on Star Alliance airlines.)
- Priority boarding: Board the aircraft along with first- and business-class passengers (this perk isn't always offered).
- Extra baggage allowance: Check an extra 20 kilograms (44 pounds) when luggage is allowed on a per-weight basis or an extra piece when a per-piece metric applies. (Some fares and non-connecting itineraries may not be eligible.)
- Gold Track: At airports with Gold Track priority lanes, you can use these lanes to get through airport security and immigration.
- Heathrow Express upgrades: Enjoy a free upgrade to Business First Class when you purchase a standard class single or return ticket for the Heathrow Express and show your Star Alliance Gold card to the onboard attendant.
Some of the airline statuses that offer Star Alliance Gold status include:
- Air Canada Aeroplan 50K and above
- Asiana Club Diamond and above
- Egyptair Plus Gold and above
- United MileagePlus Premier Gold and above
Related: This is how Star Alliance can learn from Oneworld Emerald status
Caveats to Star Alliance elite benefits
As you may have noticed, there are exclusions to some of the above benefits. For example, some airlines only honor the extra baggage allowance on connecting Star Alliance flights. Some airlines don't offer the extra baggage allowance if you book a basic economy fare.
Meanwhile, the priority reservations waitlist and priority airport standby perks aren't offered on award tickets and may depend on the fare you booked. In short, it's worth looking at the Star Alliance benefits before booking to ensure that you understand what benefits will apply.
Related: Which mileage program is best for getting Star Alliance status quickly?
Star Alliance lounges
Star Alliance travelers can access over 1,000 alliance-branded lounges and lounges owned by Star Alliance member airlines when traveling on eligible itineraries.
As noted above, Star Alliance Gold members (and up to one guest on the same flight) have access to airline lounges that display the Star Alliance Gold indicator before departure of a same-day flight or a flight that departs the next day before 5 a.m. (Keep in mind, though, that United Premier Gold members and above won't get United Club access unless they're traveling internationally.)
You may also have Star Alliance lounge access based on your cabin of service. For example, international first-class passengers (and a guest on the same flight) can visit international first-class or Star Alliance member lounges that display the Star Alliance logo at the entrance. Meanwhile, international business-class passengers can use any Star Alliance member's business-class lounge with the Star Alliance logo at the entrance.
However, the details and exceptions for Star Alliance lounge access are extensive. So, we recommend checking the Star Alliance lounge finder for the most accurate and nuanced information.
Related: Star Alliance debuts second lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
Bottom line
Star Alliance is a collection of 26 airlines and two partners collaborating to connect passengers on travel worldwide to 186 countries. Each member airline has its own elite status, with elite tiers that usually bestow either Star Alliance Silver or Gold status.
These Star Alliance statuses provide some standard benefits across the alliance, but you shouldn't expect too much from Star Alliance Silver status. Meanwhile, outside of checked baggage benefits and priority boarding, the best benefit of Star Alliance Gold status is access to member lounges worldwide when traveling on eligible itineraries.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.