Global Network Dossier

Star Alliance

The Way the Earth Connects. Founded in 1997 with headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, Star Alliance connects 1,200+ destinations across 195+ countries.

26 Member Airlines
19,000+ Daily Departures
1,200+ Airports Served

Star Alliance Member Airlines

Star Alliance Elite Status Tiers

Member Base

Earn miles across any partner airline; redeem miles for award flights.

Star Alliance Silver Mid-Tier Entry

Priority reservations waitlist; priority airport standby.

Star Alliance Gold Premium Tier (Top)

Worldwide lounge access (+1 guest) across 1,000+ lounges; +1 extra checked bag (20kg or 1 piece); Gold Track priority security; Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery.

Reciprocal Baggage & Lounge Access Policies

Reciprocal Baggage Allowances

Silver / Entry: Standard ticket allowance applies.

Gold / Top Tier: 1 additional piece (23kg / 50lbs) on piece-concept routes, or +20kg (44lbs) on weight-concept routes across all member airlines.

Lounge Access Guidelines

Star Alliance Gold members get access to 1,000+ Star Alliance lounges worldwide on any same-day member departure in any cabin (+1 guest on same flight).

Policy Note: United Airlines Premier Gold/Platinum/1K members flying purely domestic US routes do not receive United Club access unless connecting to/from an international flight or holding paid membership.

Round-the-World (RTW) Fare

Star Alliance Book & Fly — Up to 15 stopovers, 29,000–39,000 mileage tiers, eastbound or westbound routing.

Key International Fortress Hubs

FRA Hub Dossier →MUC Hub Dossier →ZRH Hub Dossier →ORD Hub Dossier →DEN Hub Dossier →IAH Hub Dossier →EWR Hub Dossier →SFO Hub Dossier →NRT Hub Dossier →HND Hub Dossier →SIN Hub Dossier →IST Hub Dossier →ICN Hub Dossier →BKK Hub Dossier →YYZ Hub Dossier →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Star Alliance Gold status?

Star Alliance Gold is earned by reaching the corresponding frequent flyer tier with any member airline (for example, United Premier Gold, Lufthansa Senator, or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold). Once earned, your Gold perks apply across all 26 partner carriers.

Can I use United Club lounges on US domestic flights with Star Alliance Gold?

If your Star Alliance Gold status is through United MileagePlus, no — United restricts domestic lounge access for its own members unless flying on a same-day international itinerary or holding a United Club membership. However, non-United Star Alliance Gold members (e.g. Lufthansa Senator, Air Canada Aeroplan 50K) can access United Clubs even on pure US domestic flights.

Do Star Alliance Gold members get free baggage on basic economy tickets?

On most member airlines (like United and Lufthansa), Star Alliance Gold baggage waivers apply even on basic economy fares, granting one complimentary checked bag. Always confirm on your operating airline before checking in.