Do you know about Star Alliance? It is the largest airline alliance in the world.
If, like the majority of the thousands of Milesopedia members, you are enrolled in Air Canada Aeroplan‘s loyalty program, you automatically have access, when available, to seats on flights operated by the 25 airline partners of Star Alliance.
And that’s not counting the other privileges and benefits offered by the consortium.
Star Alliance was the first major airline alliance to be formed in 1997. It was followed by two others, Skyteam and One World, but remains to this day the largest of which Air Canada is a member. Headquartered in Frankfurt airport in Germany, a second office is due to open in Singapore in 2021.
Some facts:
The goal of this grouping is to:
Star Alliance is proud to report that its 50 employees come from 15 different countries.
The three main airline alliances in the world are:
These alliances enable passengers to benefit from a vast global network and loyalty advantages through several partner airlines.
Together, United Airlines and Air Canada form a solid foundation for the Star Alliance North American network, facilitating connections between hundreds of local and international destinations. These carriers offer global connectivity from the U.S. and Canada.
As Canada’s leading carrier, Air Canada is an indispensable pillar for Canadian and international travellers in the Star Alliance. Here’s why:
With one of the most extensive networks in North America, United Airlines plays an essential role in the Star Alliance. Its integration into the alliance enables it to serve hundreds of destinations worldwide, facilitating connections with other Star Alliance member airlines. With major hubs such as Chicago, Denver and Newark, United is a key gateway between North American and international destinations, reinforcing Star Alliance’s global connectivity.
Here is the complete list of the 25 Star Alliance member airlines:
Each member has its own rewards program, and it is not necessary to enrol in more than one to access flights from other airlines, unless availability is limited. For instance, United flights might not appear on Aeroplan but only on their in-house program, United MileagePlus. Therefore, it may be worth having an account if you wish to purchase points to travel more affordably on specific flights or to transfer points via transferable programs like Marriott Bonvoy.
Otherwise, it’s actually better to earn mainly Aeroplan points for travel on Star Alliance flights; points are managed separately from one airline to another and cannot be transferred or combined in a single rewards program.
In addition, miles flown, segments used and dollars invested in the same loyalty program will lead to elite status that will open up benefits.
For Canadians like us, Aeroplan is the priority program. Its currency allows us to earn and redeem points to fly with airlines within the Star Alliance network.
I refer you to the Ultimate Aeroplan Guide to learn how to accumulate this currency, which can then be used to fly on Star Alliance member airlines.
But remember that earning points involves:
To use points to book flights, all you need to do is register with the Aeroplan program and simulate journeys paid for with points or cash, whichever suits you best.
Partner airlines appear as choices when Air Canada does not offer these flights and they have award seats available.
Although Etihad Airways and Emirates are not members of Star Alliance, they do have partnerships with Air Canada’s Aeroplan program. These collaborations offer Aeroplan members opportunities to earn and use points when travelling with these prestigious airlines. Indeed, their products, especially those in premium class, are much appreciated by travellers.
Aeroplan members can use their points to book flights with these two airlines:
Among the advantages of travelling with airlines that are members of an alliance like Star Alliance, one can think of a synergy that enhances the customer experience:
No matter which of the 25 Star Alliance member airlines you subscribe to, they all offer elite status levels based on their own criteria.
They can then join the elite status of the Star Alliance consortium. This is recognition for frequent flyers on partner networks.
The two levels of Star Alliance status are:
They are associated with benefits and privileges.
For example, Aeroplan:
Star Alliance Silver status gives you:
You can achieve Aeroplan 25K elite status only with daily expenses and without flying. This means you can earn Star Alliance Silver status.
Star Alliance Gold status provides these same two benefits in addition to:
Star Alliance offers customers of the airlines it serves two tools to help them plan long-haul trips:
They are available in French, English, Japanese, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese.
In both cases, the number of people who will travel, the classes and the targeted dates are indicated first. Finally, the targeted route.
The latter will be validated or not by the tool. If necessary, it will point out what needs to be corrected. For example, your next stop has to be on the other side of the Pacific.
Using the Star Alliance tools is a breeze. They show the flight schedules, the airlines that operate the routes as well as the applicable fares. Interesting to know the availability of popular airlines and the type of plane planned for the trip.
Then, it’s easy to go back to the Aeroplan website with this information in hand to estimate how much it would cost in points. And if the cash rate is better for you, it’s this way: Book and Fly.
Last but not least, Star Alliance’s airport search tool enables you to see at a glance which lounges are present, their schedule and location. In addition, it shows the airlines that serve this airport.
If you need some inspiration, Star Alliance has several itineraries on its website based on the destinations covered by member airlines. The themes are really appealing.
For example, there are:
There’s even a skeleton itinerary ready to be fine-tuned to build a round-the-world tour to visit all the Wonders of the World!
Star Alliance and its member airlines actively pursue their commitments to environmental, social and corporate sustainability. As the world’s first and largest airline alliance, Star Alliance plays a crucial role in the transition to more sustainable aviation, working with partners both inside and outside the aviation industry.
Member companies have accelerated research and development, implementing significant changes to ensure a sustainable future for the aviation sector. For example, Air Canada recently installed air quality sensors on one of its Airbus A330s, in partnership with IAGOS, to collect essential data for research into climate change and air quality.
In addition, United Airlines now uses a sustainable aviation fuel blend (SAF) for its flights out of San Francisco, joining its operations in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, with London scheduled for later this year.
These initiatives illustrate the ongoing commitment of Star Alliance and its members to promoting greener aviation and contributing to a sustainable future for the industry.
The Star Alliance network is a leader in its field, with member airlines covering 98% of the world’s countries. Its 25 years of service experience has proven that connectivity is the way to go when it comes to delivering a better customer experience.
Rewards for frequent flyers who remain loyal to their network member airlines also enhance the value of their trips. Star Alliance tools make it easy to plan.
We congratulate the initiative which now enables a greater number of travellers to enjoy access to the six Star Alliance airport lounges, on a pay-per-use basis.
Finally, we hope that the network’s commitment to the planet, which is in great need of it, will continue to be reflected in a number of actions that are really bearing fruit. As travellers, we want to continue to fly, but we now know that this is not without consequences. Let’s find the right balance together.
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