Airline Alliances Loyalty Points
Use airline partnerships to compare potential travel benefits.
Understanding Airline Alliances
Airline alliances are partnerships between airlines that can allow passengers to earn or redeem miles across participating carriers. The three large global alliances - Star Alliance, SkyTeam and Oneworld - each have different member airlines, routes and benefit rules.
Alliance partnerships can make partner awards, through-itineraries and some elite benefits easier to compare, but benefits depend on the operating airline, marketing airline, fare, status tier and program rules.
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 eligible miles to a participating partner program
- • Earn miles on eligible partner flights
- • Different earning rates per airline
- • Status bonuses depend on program and fare rules
- • Promotional bonuses may be available
Redeeming Miles
- • Use miles on eligible alliance partners
- • Access partner award inventory when released
- • Different redemption rates per airline
- • Elite status benefits depend on tier and operating airline
- • More award search options
Alliance Comparison
| Feature | Star Alliance | SkyTeam | Oneworld |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Airlines | 26 | 19 | 13 |
| Global Coverage | Broad network | Broad network | Broad network |
| Lounge Access | Star Alliance Lounges | SkyTeam Lounges | Oneworld Lounges |
| Elite Status Recognition | Tier-dependent | Tier-dependent | Tier-dependent |
| Miles Transfer | Limited | Limited | Limited |
Practical Tips for Maximizing Alliance Benefits
Earning Miles
Check earning rules before booking with alliance partners
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 relevant alliance partners
Use alliance websites to compare redemption options
Compare availability between your main program and partners
Compare partner pricing, fees and routing rules
Combine different alliance partners for complex itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn miles on any alliance partner airline?
You may earn miles on eligible alliance partner flights, but earning rates and exclusions vary by program, airline, booking channel and fare class. Check before booking.
Do elite status benefits work across all alliance partners?
Some alliance-level benefits may be recognized across partners, but priority services, lounge access and baggage benefits depend on status tier, itinerary, operating airline and fare rules.
Can I transfer miles between different frequent flyer programs?
Generally, miles earned in one airline program stay in that program. You may be able to redeem them for eligible partner flights when award space and program rules allow.
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.