So, what are the alliances, and why do they matter?
Knowing who is in what alliance can help you get the best out of your miles.
The Alliances
There are three alliances: Star Alliances, One World, and Sky Team. Within each alliance, different airlines agree to work together. This can mean sharing routes, coordinating schedules, and most importantly, letting you earn and redeem miles across all of them. So for example, if you have United Airlines miles, you can also use them on Air Canada. Let me break down each alliance.
Star Alliance
Founded in 1997, Star Alliance is the original and still the biggest with 26 carriers. If you're a United Airlines MileagePlus member, you're already part of this alliance.
Included airlines: Aegean, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, Ana, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egypt Air, Ethiopian, Eva Air, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Thai, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines
Best for travelers who love Europe and Asia, or anyone who flies United domestically and wants to maximize those miles internationally.
One World
Founded in 1999, One World has 13 airlines who are known for premium service. If you're an AAdvantage member with American, you're already part of this alliance.
Included airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Sri Lankan Airlines
Best for travelers that are looking for business class upgrades, luxury long haul flights, or anyone whose home airport is an American Airlines hub.
SkyTeam
Founded in 2000, SkyTeam consists of 19 airlines. If you're a Delta SkyMiles member, you're already part of this alliance.
Included airlines: Aerolineas Argentinas, AeroMexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, SAS, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Xiamen Air
Best for travelers who love France, frequent flyers through ATL or JFK, and anyone eyeing Asia or Africa.
The Benefits
- Earn miles from every carrier in a given alliance. Your miles will add up fast
- Keep your status with partner airlines
- Access partner lounges (Elite and Business class)
- Redeem points on any partner flight
- Smoother connections (like handling your bags)