Star Alliance is the oldest and largest of the three major airline alliances, with 26 member carriers including United, Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Turkish, EVA, and Thai. Earning miles in one program and burning them across any other is the alliance's core promise — and understanding which member programs are worth accumulating miles in makes a meaningful difference in redemption value.
How alliance redemptions work
If you have United MileagePlus miles, you can book any Star Alliance flight through United's award search, charged at United's published "Partner Award" rate. The same miles could alternately be redeemed via a different alliance member's program (using different miles balance) — but only if you had miles in that program too.
Different alliance programs charge different mile costs for the same physical flight. A Lufthansa business class seat from New York to Frankfurt might cost 70,000 miles via Aeroplan, 88,000 via United, or 115,000 via Singapore KrisFlyer. Smart alliance users earn miles in the cheapest program for their typical redemptions rather than treating all alliance miles as equal.
The mile-value rankings for US flyers
| Program | Strength | US card transfer access |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Published chart, transparent pricing, stopovers allowed | Chase, Amex, Cap One, Bilt |
| United MileagePlus | Flexible, broad access, Excursionist Perk | Chase UR |
| ANA Mileage Club | RTW award chart, low partner surcharges | Amex MR (with transfer bonuses) |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | Suites redemptions, broad Asia | Chase, Amex, Cap One, Citi |
| Turkish Miles&Smiles | Cheap alliance redemptions, Turkish hubs | Capital One Miles (primary) |
| Lufthansa Miles & More | Lufthansa First access, fuel surcharges | Marriott Bonvoy transfers (weak) |
Alliance member roster (26 carriers)
| Region | Major carriers |
|---|---|
| North America | United, Air Canada, Avianca, Copa |
| Europe | Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels, TAP Portugal, LOT Polish, Aegean, Turkish |
| Asia-Pacific | ANA, Singapore, Asiana, EVA Air, Thai, Air China, Air India, Shenzhen |
| Middle East / Africa | Egyptair, Ethiopian, South African |
| Latin America | Avianca, Copa |
The best sweet-spot carriers
Lufthansa First Class
The most-coveted Star Alliance redemption. Lufthansa's First Class product (private suites with in-flight shower at some routes) is bookable via Aeroplan (~110,000 miles one-way from US East Coast) or United (~110,000-140,000 miles). Availability releases primarily at schedule open (11 months out) and last-minute (7-14 days before departure).
Singapore Suites and Business
Singapore Airlines' premium cabin products are widely considered the best in commercial aviation. Bookable via KrisFlyer directly (best availability) or via Star partner miles (limited Saver award access). For Suites redemptions specifically, KrisFlyer is typically the only realistic path.
ANA business and first class
ANA's premium cabins are excellent. Bookable via ANA Mileage Club at the RTW chart's favorable rates or via partner programs at slightly higher costs.
Turkish Airlines Business Class
Turkey to the rest of the world via Istanbul. Turkish Miles&Smiles (via Capital One transfer) offers some of the cheapest long-haul business class redemptions in Star Alliance — Istanbul to Bangkok at approximately 45,000 miles in business class.
Booking programs you should know
Aeroplan (Air Canada)
Generally the best Star Alliance currency for US flyers. Published distance-based chart, explicit surcharge policies, stopover benefit (one stopover for 5,000 miles). Transfers from all four major US transferable-points currencies (Chase UR, Amex MR, Capital One, Bilt).
United MileagePlus
Most flexible Star Alliance program. Broad partner access, dynamic pricing on United metal but published pricing on partners. Chase UR transfers 1:1. The Excursionist Perk (free in-region segment on round-trips) is a unique routing benefit.
Singapore KrisFlyer
Best direct access to Singapore Suites. Transfers from all major US transferable-points currencies. Slightly higher base pricing but unique Singapore product access.
ANA Mileage Club
Round-the-world chart (115k business, 135k first class for 22-25k miles flown) is unmatched. Amex MR transfer partner with periodic 30-40% transfer bonuses.
FAQ
Should I concentrate miles in one alliance program?
Yes, typically. Spreading miles across multiple Star programs prevents reaching useful redemption thresholds in any one. Pick a primary (Aeroplan for most US flyers) and build that balance.
How do I find Star Alliance award space?
United's award search is the best free tool for Star Alliance availability across all alliance members. Aeroplan's search is also strong. Book through whichever program has the best award pricing for your target redemption.
Are Star Alliance partner awards bookable close-in?
Yes, often. Lufthansa First Class and Swiss First Class in particular release last-minute availability 7-14 days before departure. Travelers flexible on dates can often catch these late-release seats.
Does status with one Star Alliance carrier grant benefits on others?
Yes, via Star Alliance Gold (United Premier Gold+, Aeroplan Elite 50K+, ANA Platinum+, etc.) and Star Alliance Silver tiers. Lounge access, priority check-in, and baggage allowance flow between carriers based on alliance tier status.
Which US credit cards are best for earning Star Alliance miles?
Chase UR cards (Sapphire Preferred/Reserve) for Aeroplan, United. Amex MR cards (Platinum, Gold) for ANA (with transfer bonuses). Capital One cards for Turkish and broader flexibility. A two-card strategy typically covers most scenarios.
Last verified April 2026.