Is United Airlines part of Star Alliance?

Proud Member of the Star Alliance Network. United Airlines.



Yes, United Airlines is not only a member of Star Alliance, but it was one of the founding members of the alliance when it was established in 1997. As of 2026, United remains a cornerstone of this global network, which is the largest airline alliance in the world. This membership provides a high-fidelity benefit for travelers, as it allows United passengers to earn and redeem MileagePlus miles on over 25 other partner airlines, including Lufthansa, Air Canada, ANA, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Furthermore, United’s "Premier" members enjoy reciprocal benefits across the alliance, such as priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and access to over 1,000 Star Alliance lounges worldwide. For international travelers flying out of United hubs like Chicago O'Hare or Newark, this partnership ensures seamless connectivity to hundreds of global destinations on a single ticket. The Star Alliance logo is prominently displayed on United’s aircraft and boarding passes, signifying its long-standing role as a leader in global aviation cooperation.

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The airline became the 15th member of the Star Alliance on May 4, 2004.

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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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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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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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British Airways is one of the world's most recognised airlines and a founding member of the oneworld alliance.

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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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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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In other words, you can use United miles to fly with United and partners such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and more.

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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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As a EuroBonus member, you can use your EuroBonus points to pay for an upgrade to a higher service class on all Star Alliance airlines as long as you request an upgrade at least 24 hours before departure. Your original class applies as the basis for earning points.

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Air France-KLM partners with SAS: A new chapter in aviation cooperation. In a significant move that underscores the ever-evolving landscape of the aviation industry, Air France-KLM and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) have joined forces through equity and commercial cooperation.

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Qatar Airways is a proud member of oneworld, an alliance of 14 of the world's leading airlines, committed to providing the highest level of service and convenience.

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Today, Star Alliance comprises 26 member airlines, each with its own distinctive culture and style of service. Alliance members come together at over 50 global hubs to offer smooth connections across a world-leading global network.

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As a member of the Oneworld Alliance (a founding member, in fact), Cathay partners with more than a dozen other airlines. Additionally, Cathay partners with several airlines outside of its own alliance, many of which are members of Star Alliance. These include: Air Canada.

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