Airline Alliances and Loyalty Points
Maximize your frequent flyer miles across airline alliances. Learn how Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld can help you earn and redeem miles more effectively.
Understanding Airline Alliances
Airline alliances are partnerships between airlines that allow passengers to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles across multiple carriers. The three major alliances - Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld - each offer unique benefits and coverage areas.
These partnerships mean you can earn miles on one airline and redeem them on another, access lounges worldwide, and enjoy elite status benefits across the entire alliance network.
The Three Major Alliances
Star Alliance
26 airlines • Founded 1997
Major Airlines:
Key Benefits:
SkyTeam
19 airlines • Founded 2000
Major Airlines:
Key Benefits:
Oneworld
13 airlines • Founded 1999
Major Airlines:
Key Benefits:
How Alliances Affect Your Loyalty Points
Earning Miles
- • Credit miles to any alliance partner airline
- • Earn miles on partner flights
- • Different earning rates per airline
- • Elite status bonuses apply
- • Promotional bonuses available
Redeeming Miles
- • Use miles on any alliance partner
- • Access to partner award inventory
- • Different redemption rates per airline
- • Elite status benefits apply
- • More award availability options
Alliance Comparison
| Feature | Star Alliance | SkyTeam | Oneworld |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Airlines | 26 | 19 | 13 |
| Global Coverage | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Lounge Access | Star Alliance Lounges | SkyTeam Lounges | Oneworld Lounges |
| Elite Status Recognition | Full recognition | Full recognition | Full recognition |
| Miles Transfer | Limited | Limited | Limited |
Pro Tips for Maximizing Alliance Benefits
Earning Miles
Book directly with alliance partners to earn maximum miles
Use your primary airline's frequent flyer number when booking with partners
Check earning rates before booking - not all partner flights earn equally
Consider alliance status when choosing which airline to credit miles to
Take advantage of alliance-wide promotions and bonus offers
Redeeming Miles
Search for award availability across all alliance partners
Use alliance websites to find the best redemption options
Consider booking through partners for better availability
Look for sweet spots in alliance award charts
Combine different alliance partners for complex itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn miles on any alliance partner airline?
Yes, you can earn miles on any airline within your primary frequent flyer program's alliance. However, earning rates vary by airline and fare class, so check before booking.
Do elite status benefits work across all alliance partners?
Most elite status benefits like priority check-in, lounge access, and extra baggage allowance are recognized across alliance partners, though specific benefits may vary.
Can I transfer miles between different frequent flyer programs?
Generally, no. Miles earned in one program stay in that program. However, you can redeem those miles for flights on any alliance partner airline.
Which alliance should I choose for my primary frequent flyer program?
Choose based on your most frequent travel routes and which airlines serve those destinations best. Consider the alliance's global coverage and the specific benefits of each frequent flyer program.