Is United a Star Alliance member?

United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, which unites 26 member airlines made up of both global and regional worldwide brands. Choosing an airline rewards programs that's part of an alliance like this can make it easier to book and connect flights to anywhere in the world using your rewards.



Yes, United Airlines is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s first and largest global airline network. United helped establish the alliance on May 14, 1997, alongside Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, and Thai Airways. In 2026, this membership provides United passengers with high-value connectivity to over 1,200 airports in 190 countries via 25 partner airlines. For MileagePlus members, this means you can earn and redeem miles on partners like ANA, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines. Additionally, if you hold United Premier Gold status or higher, you automatically receive Star Alliance Gold status, granting you access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowances on any Star Alliance flight. This integration is a cornerstone of United's international strategy, allowing it to offer a seamless "one-ticket" experience for complex global itineraries.

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You can redeem your miles for an award ticket of any member airline — subject to availability — irrespective of the frequent flyer programme with which you earned them.

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Yes it does, since United Gold status is also Star Alliance Gold status. This means you and one travel companion can enjoy lounge access on international itineraries, even when flying in economy class.

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United Airlines is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance in the world, that includes the following global airlines:
  • Aegean.
  • Air Canada.
  • Air China.
  • Air India.
  • Air New Zealand.
  • All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • Asiana Airlines.
  • Austrian Airlines.


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would like to check your current Star Alliance status? Use our online tool to select your member airline's. programme and it will confirm instantly: https://www. staralliance.com/en/recognition#statusSearch.

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You can join multiple member airline frequent flyer programmes if you wish, but they are each managed separately, so you cannot transfer miles or points between them or combine them into one. By using a single frequent flyer programme whenever you fly, you will reach Star Alliance Silver or Gold status faster.

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The airline is part of the SkyTeam alliance with 18 other airlines and has direct relationships with nine other airlines. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic is a transfer partner of most credit card points programs, so cardholders can transfer points to Flying Club to book flights.

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And because Lufthansa is also part of the Star Alliance (which includes major airlines like United Airlines), you can earn and redeem miles through other Star Alliance members for Lufthansa flights or on those partner airlines too.

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Emirates has collaborated with other airlines, but is not a member of any of the three global airline alliances – Oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance. In 2000, the airline briefly considered joining Star Alliance, but opted to remain independent.

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MileagePlus® members traveling on United between Newark (EWR) and Dubai (DXB) can earn miles for connecting flights on Emirates. This is only available on select routes between Dubai (DXB) and Africa, the Middle East, and the South Asian Subcontinent.

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As a founding member of Star Alliance, Lufthansa offers innumerable advantages in the world's biggest global network. Its regional strategy under the Lufthansa Regional brand connects Europe's regions with one another and with the world beyond.

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You can get into Star Alliance lounges by flying in a premium cabin or holding Star Alliance Gold status. Some lounges also offer access via Priority Pass or day passes. However you access a Star Alliance lounge, it's a great place to enjoy some peace and quiet before a flight.

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When booking a flight with a Star Alliance airline, you can credit your flight to any other member. You can achieve higher elite status faster by crediting your flights to one airline. Depending on how much you fly, this strategy could earn you airline elite status and Star Alliance Gold benefits.

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United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, which unites 26 member airlines made up of both global and regional worldwide brands.

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The airline has been under restructuring since it filed for bankruptcy under the U.S. Chapter 11 process. After several months, they reached a significant milestone: it will be acquired by a new consortium that includes Air France-KLM, leaving behind Star Alliance and joining SkyTeam.

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