Excellent question! Holding Star Alliance Gold status (earned through programs like ANA Mileage Club Diamond or Platinum, United Premier Gold or higher, etc.) unlocks a significant set of benefits when flying with ANA (All Nippon Airways), both on ANA-operated flights and on connecting flights with other Star Alliance carriers.
Here are the key benefits, broken down by category:
1. Priority Airport Services (The Most Tangible Benefits)
- Priority Check-in: Access to dedicated Star Alliance Gold or premium check-in counters, saving time in long economy lines.
- Priority Boarding: Board with Group 2 (right after First Class and premium cabin passengers), allowing you to settle in and secure overhead bin space.
- Priority Baggage: Your checked luggage is tagged with “Priority” labels. It’s among the first to arrive on the baggage carousel upon arrival (highly reliable with ANA).
- Priority Security Lanes: At many major airports worldwide, you can use expedited security lanes (where available).
2. Lounge Access (A Major Perk)
- ANA Lounges: Access to ANA’s lounges (like the ANA Suite LOUNGE at Tokyo Haneda/Narita) when departing on any same-day Star Alliance flight, regardless of the class of service you’re flying. This is a huge benefit when flying in economy.
- Star Alliance Lounges Worldwide: Access to over 1,000 Star Alliance member lounges globally when departing on an international Star Alliance flight (including domestic connections). You can also bring one guest.
3. Increased Baggage Allowance