It offers numerous essential advantages to its member airlines, while also providing a range of valuable benefits for passengers who travel with these carriers.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this airline alliance. In no particular order, here are 10 facts about the Star Alliance, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
History of the Star Alliance
1. Formation
The Star Alliance was established in 1997. It was the first global airline alliance, designed to provide customers with a seamless international travel experience.
2. Founding members of the Star Alliance
The original members included Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and Thai Airways.
SAS has since left the Star Alliance to join SkyTeam.
Current members of the Star Alliance
3. Global reach
Star Alliance has over 25 member airlines, providing access to more than 1,300 airports in over 190 countries.
As of September 2024, the current members of Star Alliance are Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.
4. Annual passengers
In 2019, it was revealed that the Star Alliance carried over 750 million passengers.
That figure increased from the previous year, during which the alliance transported 727.62 million passengers.
Customer benefits
4. Frequent flyer benefits
One of the most significant benefits of the Star Alliance is the ability to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles across all member airlines.
It means that individuals can accumulate miles and points with their preferred airline, while also having access to a vast network of partners and routes.
Passengers can achieve status within the Star Alliance based on their tier level in a member airline’s frequent flyer program. For instance, the premium tiers of Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program, Miles & More, correspond to Star Alliance Silver and Star Alliance Gold statuses, each offering unique benefits and privileges.
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5. Coordinated schedules
The alliance enables better connections between flights, allowing for smoother transfers and minimized layover times.
For instance, according to Skyscanner, a passenger can take the Thai Airways flight TG900 from Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi and connect to the Thai Airways codeshare flight TG9026, which is operated by Turkish Airlines, to travel to Manchester in the United Kingdom, enjoying a connection time of just 1 hour and 55 minutes.
6. Shared lounges
Passengers can enjoy access to partner airline lounges, providing enhanced comfort while waiting for flights.
With the Star Alliance’s extensive network, travelers can enjoy an exceptional lounge experience at numerous global destinations.
Member benefits
7. Codeshare agreements
As highlighted in the example of Thai Airways, Star Alliance members have joined forces to create codeshare agreements, enabling one airline to market tickets for flights operated by another carrier under its own branding.
Another instance of this is Lufthansa promoting the direct Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Vancouver under its own branding, using the flight number LH7155.
8. Extended network
By joining the Star Alliance, carriers can gain access to an extended network of routes, allowing them to offer their passengers a more comprehensive and convenient travel experience.
Avianca, a member of the Star Alliance, can expand its route network by connecting its own flights to those of other alliance members, allowing passengers to travel beyond the Colombian national flag carrier’s own routes and enjoy a seamless journey through multiple carriers.
Fun Facts
9. Members of the Star Alliance have the logo on their livery
While travelling, you may have seen several aircraft sporting a Star Alliance livery. This is because many member airlines customize some of their planes with the alliance’s branding.
Members use the branding in various ways, such as displaying “Star Alliance” on the side of the aircraft or featuring the Star Alliance logo on the tail.
10. The alliance’s slogan
“The Airline Network for Earth” was the Star Alliance’s original slogan, as the alliance aimed to connect to every major city in the world through its members.
Today, “Together. Better. Connected.” is the Star Alliance’s slogan.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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