Star Alliance
Star Alliance is the leading global airline network, providing more daily flights to more destinations through more member airlines than any other airline alliance. Through membership of any of the the alliance’s member airlines, customers can build up points and use them with other member airlines, providing members with greater choice in their travel providers and fantastic opportunities to save money and receive preferential treatment.
Star Alliance Airlines
Star Alliance has 26 member airlines, providing a huge range of different companies to fly with. Those airlines are Adria, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, BMI, Brussels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SOuth African Airways, Spanair, Swiss, Tapportugal, Thai, Turkish Airlines, Unite, and US Airways. Between them these airlines operate 3,993 aircraft, employ 458,817 people and fly 603.5 million passengers around the globe every year. So, wherever you are looking to fly, you can earn points with Star Alliance, and then redeem them with the most appropriate airline or frequent flyer partner.
Flights
Star Alliance airlines between them fly to almost any destination customers could possibly want to reach. In total, Star Alliance airlines see 19,700 departures to 1,077 airports in 175 countries. With such a massive range of options open to them, customers would be wise to take advantage of membership with Star Alliance.
Star Alliance Entitlements
If you are a member of one of the frequent flyer programs with one of the airlines affiliated to Star Alliance, the miles you earn with that frequent flyer program can be redeemed with any of the other member airlines. Additionally, all of the points you build up using various airlines count towards your Star Alliance points.
Different status levels with each individual frequent flyer program equates to a status within the Star Alliance. So, when you reach a new status level within your frequent flyer program, you will qualify for Gold or Silver Star Alliance status.
Star Alliance membership entitles customers to various perks that make traveling easier and more pleasant. Depending on what your status is within your chosen airline frequent flyer program, you will be entitled to extra baggage allowance which can save money on additional baggage charges, priority boarding for those who hate to wait, and standby status and reservations, making it easier for members to book and catch last-minute flights.
Lounge access is a major benefit with Star Alliance membership. Star Alliance lounges are luxurious and sophisticated, and help to make travel far more enjoyable. Access to Star Alliance lounges differs depending on status levels. International First Class customers - that is, customers who have a first class ticket on a Star Alliance flight - get access to any Star Alliance member’s lounge or International lounge on the day of their flight, and may be accompanied by one guest. International Business Class customers can access any Star Alliance member’s business lounges. Domestic First Class passengers have access to some lounges, depending on which airline they are traveling with, and can bring one guest into the lounge, whilst Domestic Business Class customers may access some Star Alliance members’ lounges. Star Alliance Gold members are entitled to access any Star Alliance members’ lounges which display the Star Alliance Gold logo at the entrance, and may bring in one guest.
Earn Star Alliance Points
Points can be earned with any of the member airlines of Star Alliance, and can then be redeemed with flights, upgrades or other products with any other Star Alliance airline. The rate of points per dollar spent will differ with each airline, so it is best to check the website of the airline you fly with to work out what rate of points you will get for flying. What you can buy with those points will also depend of which airline you choose to spend them with, so again, the individual airline’s frequent flyer program webpage is the best place to find information before booking any flights.
Eligibility
Eligibility for membership of Star Alliance will depend on the eligibility requirements of the frequent flyer program of the airline you use, so it may vary. The majority of frequent flyer programs for airlines within the Star Alliance allow customers to sign up to frequent flyer programs from the age of 16, or with the consent of a parent or legal guardian from the age of two. Other restrictions may apply depending on which airline you register with, so it is always best to research the benefits of each frequent flyer program before signing up or paying any fees.