US Airline Alliances and Loyalty Program Comparison

Star Alliance vs. Skyteam vs. oneworld: a U.S. Frequent Flyer’s Guide

The three major global airline alliances – Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and oneworld – collectively cover hundreds of airlines and destinations worldwide. Each alliance includes at least one major U.S. carrier, allowing American travelers to tap into vast partner networks for earning miles, redeeming award flights, and enjoying elite perks. 

This guide provides a consumer-friendly overview of the U.S.-based airlines in each alliance, how loyalty points work across partners, a comparison of key loyalty program features, and recommendations on which alliance may best suit U.S. frequent flyers.

U.S.-Based Member Airlines in Each Alliance

Each alliance features a prominent U.S. airline (or airlines) as part of its membership:

• Star Alliance: United Airlines – United was a founding member of Star Alliance in 1997 and remains the sole U.S.-based carrier in this 26-airline coalition. (Past U.S. members like Continental and US Airways have merged into United or American.) United’s extensive domestic and international network anchors Star Alliance for U.S. travelers. (Star Alliance website)
  
• SkyTeam: Delta Air Lines – Delta co-founded SkyTeam in 2000 alongside Air France, Aeroméxico, and Korean Air. It is the only U.S. member of SkyTeam, which today has 19 member airlines globally. Delta’s domestic hub network and partnerships (e.g. with Air France/KLM and others) form the backbone of SkyTeam in the U.S. market. (SkyTeam website)
  
• oneworld: American Airlines and Alaska Airlines – American was a founding member of oneworld in 1999. Alaska Airlines joined oneworld in 2021, bringing its West Coast–focused network into the alliance. These two U.S. carriers give oneworld a strong domestic presence (American’s nationwide hubs and Alaska’s Pacific Northwest coverage), complementing oneworld’s international partners. (oneworld website)
  

Having a major U.S. airline in each alliance means U.S.-based flyers can choose an alliance largely by choosing their primary domestic airline (United for Star Alliance, Delta for SkyTeam, American/Alaska for oneworld). Next, we’ll explore how the loyalty programs of these airlines work within their alliances.

Earning and Redeeming Miles Across Alliance Partners

One of the biggest advantages of alliances is reciprocal loyalty rewards. When you join a frequent flyer program (FFP) of any member airline, you can earn and redeem points/miles across all airlines in that alliance. In practice, this means:

Earning Miles

No matter which alliance partner you fly, you can credit the flight to your chosen FFP. For example, a United MileagePlus member flying on Lufthansa (a Star Alliance partner) can earn MileagePlus miles for that trip. Likewise, Delta SkyMiles members earn miles when flying Air France, KLM, or any SkyTeam partner. American Airlines AAdvantage members earn miles on all oneworld carriers – every eligible flight adds to your AAdvantage balance and counts toward elite status. In all three alliances, you only need to be a member of one airline’s loyalty program to collect miles on any partner airline. Those miles funnel into one account, simplifying the process.

Redeeming Miles

Similarly, miles from one program can be used to book award travel on any alliance partner. For instance, you can spend AAdvantage miles to book flights on British Airways or Cathay Pacific (oneworld partners). A United MileagePlus user could redeem miles for a ticket on ANA or Lufthansa (Star Alliance partners). This cross-airline redemption greatly expands your options – thousands of destinations become available using miles, far beyond what any single airline serves. (Oneworld alone advertises up to 1,000 destinations reachable with partner awards.) Each alliance has a procedure for partner award booking (usually through your FFP’s website or call center). Availability of award seats will depend on the partner airline releasing award space, but in general, all alliances enable booking partner flights with your miles.

Elite Status Recognition

Alliances also offer reciprocal elite status benefits. When you earn elite status in a member airline’s program, you are given an alliance status that is recognized across all partners. For example, United’s Premier Gold corresponds to Star Alliance Gold, which grants lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance and other perks on any Star Alliance airline. In oneworld, Sapphire and Emerald status (earned via American’s AAdvantage Platinum/Executive Platinum, Alaska’s MVP Gold, etc.) give you priority check-in, boarding, baggage benefits, and lounge access when flying any oneworld carrier. SkyTeam Elite Plus members enjoy similar privileges across SkyTeam airlines (e.g. lounge access worldwide for Delta Platinum Medallions and above). This means your frequent flyer status isn’t limited to just your home airline – you get VIP treatment even when traveling with partners.

In summary, the alliances create a “network of loyalty”: you earn miles and status on a U.S. airline and can use them to fly or get perks on dozens of partner airlines around the globe. The next section provides a side-by-side comparison of how the alliances stack up in key loyalty program features.

Star Alliance

Star Alliance is the largest of the three airline alliances. It includes 26 full member airlines and offers the broadest international route coverage. U.S.-based travelers primarily interact with Star through United Airlines, but the alliance enables award bookings across all partners.

U.S.-Based Member

United Airlines – Founding Star Alliance member; only U.S. airline in Star Alliance. United’s network spans 200+ U.S. cities and many international hubs. The alliance’s headquarters are in Chicago.

Full List of Star Alliance Member Airlines & Loyalty Programs

It is the largest alliance, with 26 member airlines serving over 1,200 destinations in ~195 countries.

Airline	HQ Country	Loyalty Program
United Airlines	USA	MileagePlus
Air Canada	Canada	Aeroplan
Lufthansa	Germany	Miles & More
Swiss International Air Lines	Switzerland	Miles & More
Austrian Airlines	Austria	Miles & More
Brussels Airlines	Belgium	Miles & More
Turkish Airlines	Türkiye	Miles&Smiles
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)	Sweden/Denmark/Norway	EuroBonus
TAP Air Portugal	Portugal	Miles&Go
LOT Polish Airlines	Poland	Miles & More
Singapore Airlines	Singapore	KrisFlyer
Thai Airways	Thailand	Royal Orchid Plus
ANA (All Nippon Airways)	Japan	ANA Mileage Club
Asiana Airlines	South Korea	Asiana Club
EVA Air	Taiwan	Infinity MileageLands
Air China	China	PhoenixMiles
Shenzhen Airlines	China	PhoenixMiles
Air India	India	Flying Returns
EgyptAir	Egypt	EgyptAir Plus
Ethiopian Airlines	Ethiopia	ShebaMiles
South African Airways	South Africa	Voyager
Aegean Airlines	Greece	Miles+Bonus
Croatia Airlines	Croatia	Miles & More
Avianca	Colombia	LifeMiles
Copa Airlines	Panama	ConnectMiles

Star Alliance Status Tiers

Star Alliance Silver

This tier provides only modest benefits and is typically earned through mid-tier airline status (e.g., United Premier Silver).

Key Benefits:

• Priority reservations waitlisting
  
• Priority airport standby (in some programs)

No lounge access is provided with Silver status — even when flying internationally.

Typical qualifying levels:

• United MileagePlus Premier Silver
  
• Air Canada Aeroplan 25K
  
• Lufthansa Miles & More Frequent Traveller

Star Alliance Gold

Grants elite perks across all Star Alliance airlines when flying any member carrier. This is the most valuable tier and widely recognized worldwide.

Key Benefits:

• Worldwide lounge access (when flying same-day international Star Alliance flight)
  
• Priority check-in (usually at Business Class counters)
  
• Priority boarding
  
• Extra baggage allowance (typically +1 checked bag)
  
• Priority baggage handling
  
• Priority on waitlists and standby
  
• Fast-track security (at select airports)

Lounge access is valid for you + 1 guest, even when flying economy — as long as you’re traveling internationally. Some lounges (like Lufthansa First Class Lounges) may have more restrictions.

Examples of Equivalent Airline Statuses:

Airline	Tier that earns Star Gold
United Airlines	Premier Gold, Platinum, 1K
Air Canada	Aeroplan 50K, 75K, Super Elite
Lufthansa	Senator, HON Circle
Singapore Airlines	KrisFlyer Elite Gold
Turkish Airlines	Miles&Smiles Elite & Elite Plus
ANA	Platinum, Diamond
Thai Airways	Royal Orchid Plus Gold
Aegean Airlines	Miles+Bonus Gold

Even if you don’t fly United often, holding Premier Gold or higher gets you free access to Star Alliance lounges worldwide — great if you’re booking economy tickets on Lufthansa, ANA, or Thai.
Some travelers strategically earn Star Gold through foreign programs (like Aegean Gold or Turkish Elite) because of lower qualification thresholds.

SkyTeam

SkyTeam is known for strong transatlantic and Asia-Pacific partnerships. While it includes fewer airlines than Star, its 19 members include key players like Delta Air Lines and Air France–KLM. Award travel is supported across all partners. The alliance’s headquarters are in  Atlanta, GA.

Full List of SkyTeam Member Airlines & Loyalty Programs

19 member airlines (as of 2024), covering nearly 1,100 destinations in over 184 countries. Strong coverage in Europe and Asia; slightly fewer destinations than Star, but still around 13,000 daily flights.

Airline	HQ Country	Loyalty Program
Delta Air Lines	USA	SkyMiles
Aeroméxico	Mexico	Club Premier
Air France	France	Flying Blue
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	Netherlands	Flying Blue
Virgin Atlantic*	United Kingdom	Flying Club
Korean Air	South Korea	SKYPASS
China Airlines	Taiwan	Dynasty Flyer
China Eastern Airlines	China	Eastern Miles
XiamenAir	China	Egret Club
Garuda Indonesia	Indonesia	GarudaMiles
Vietnam Airlines	Vietnam	Lotusmiles
Saudia	Saudi Arabia	Alfursan
Middle East Airlines	Lebanon	Cedar Miles
Czech Airlines	Czech Republic	OK Plus
TAROM	Romania	Flying Blue
ITA Airways	Italy	Volare
Kenya Airways	Kenya	Flying Blue
Air Europa	Spain	Suma
Aerolineas Argentinas	Argentina	Aerolineas Plus

*Virgin Atlantic is a joint venture partner with Delta, Air France, and KLM, and officially joined SkyTeam in 2023.

SkyTeam Status Tiers

SkyTeam offers two alliance-wide elite tiers:

SkyTeam Elite

This is the entry-level status in the alliance and is earned when you reach the first tier of elite status in any SkyTeam member airline’s loyalty program.

Typical Qualifying Airline Statuses:

Airline	Status that grants SkyTeam Elite
Delta Air Lines	Silver Medallion
Air France/KLM	Flying Blue Silver
Korean Air	SKYPASS Morning Calm
Aeroméxico	Club Premier Gold
Vietnam Airlines	Lotusmiles Titanium

Key Benefits (across all SkyTeam airlines):

• Priority check-in (at designated counters)
• Preferred seat selection (when available)
• Priority baggage handling
•  Extra baggage allowance (varies by carrier)
• Priority boarding (usually Group 2 or similar)
• Priority on waitlists and airport standby

No lounge access with Elite status — that’s reserved for the higher Elite Plus tier.

SkyTeam Elite Plus

This is the top alliance-wide tier. Once earned, you receive reciprocal elite perks across all SkyTeam member airlines — even when flying international economy.

Typical Qualifying Airline Statuses:

Airline	Status that grants SkyTeam Elite Plus
Delta Air Lines	Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion
Air France/KLM	Flying Blue Gold, Platinum
Korean Air	SKYPASS Morning Calm Premium, Million Miler
Aeroméxico	Club Premier Platinum, Titanium
Vietnam Airlines	Lotusmiles Gold, Platinum

Key Benefits:

• SkyTeam lounge access (with 1 guest, when flying internationally)
• Priority check-in at Business Class counters
• Priority baggage handling
• Extra baggage allowance (varies by airline, often +1 bag)
• Priority boarding (early group or zone)
• Fast-track security (at select airports)
• Priority on waitlists and standby

Lounge access is available when traveling internationally on any SkyTeam airline (regardless of class of service). Access includes over 750+ lounges worldwide.

Lounge Access Notes for U.S. Flyers (Delta-specific):

• Delta Medallion Elite Plus members get SkyTeam lounge access only when flying international itineraries.
  
• No SkyTeam lounge access on domestic Delta flights, even for top-tier elites (unless you have a credit card or pay).
  
• You can access partner lounges (like Air France, KLM, Korean Air) during international trips — especially useful in places like JFK, LAX, CDG, AMS, and ICN.

For travelers who frequently fly to Europe or Asia, achieving Elite Plus status via Delta or another SkyTeam member can greatly enhance the international economy experience — thanks to lounge access, baggage perks, and faster check-in/boarding.

Oneworld

Oneworld is the smallest alliance by membership but offers premium partner quality, especially for international award flights. It includes 13 full members and recently added Alaska Airlines, giving U.S. flyers excellent West Coast coverage alongside American Airlines.

U.S.-Based Members:

• American Airlines (Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX)
  
• Alaska Airlines (Seattle, WA)
  

Full List of oneworld Member Airlines & Loyalty Programs

13 full member airlines (plus interline partners) serving over 900 destinations in 170 regions.

The alliance includes major airlines such as British Airways, Qantas, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Although it is the smallest of the three in terms of size, it is an alliance of premium airlines with a growing network (e.g., new members such as Royal Air Maroc and Oman Air).

Airline	HQ Country	Loyalty Program
American Airlines	USA	AAdvantage
Alaska Airlines	USA	Mileage Plan
British Airways	United Kingdom	Executive Club (Avios)
Iberia	Spain	Iberia Plus (Avios)
Finnair	Finland	Finnair Plus
Japan Airlines (JAL)	Japan	JAL Mileage Bank
Qatar Airways	Qatar	Privilege Club (Avios)
Qantas	Australia	Qantas Frequent Flyer
Cathay Pacific	Hong Kong	Asia Miles (to become Cathay program)
Royal Jordanian	Jordan	Royal Club
Royal Air Maroc	Morocco	Safar Flyer
SriLankan Airlines	Sri Lanka	FlySmiLes
Fiji Airways (Connect Partner)	Fiji	Tabua Club Plus
Oman Air (joining soon)	Oman	Sindbad

Oneworld Alliance Status Tiers

• oneworld Ruby Privileges
  
• oneworld Sapphire Privileges (business lounge access)
  
• oneworld Emerald Privileges (first-class lounge access, priority check-in/security)

oneworld Ruby Privileges

Entry-level tier, earned by reaching the lowest elite tier in any oneworld airline’s loyalty program.

Typical Qualifying Statuses:

Airline	Status that grants oneworld Ruby
American Airlines	AAdvantage Gold
Alaska Airlines	MVP
British Airways	Executive Club Bronze
Qatar Airways	Privilege Club Silver
Japan Airlines	JAL Mileage Bank Crystal

Key Benefits:

• Priority check-in (at Business Class or designated counters)
• Priority waitlisting and standby
• Preferred/advance seat selection (varies by airline)

No lounge access is included with Ruby status.

oneworld Sapphire

Mid-tier alliance status, and the sweet spot for frequent travelers. It includes most business-class level perks across all partners.

Typical Qualifying Statuses:

Airline	Status that grants oneworld Sapphire
American Airlines	AAdvantage Platinum
Alaska Airlines	MVP Gold
British Airways	Executive Club Silver
Japan Airlines	JAL Mileage Bank Sapphire
Qantas	Frequent Flyer Gold

Key Benefits:

• Lounge access to business-class lounges worldwide (for you + 1 guest, when flying oneworld same-day)
• Business Class check-in
• Priority boarding
• Extra baggage allowance
• Priority baggage handling
• Preferred seating

Lounge access applies even if flying economy, as long as it’s an oneworld-operated international flight.

oneworld Emerald

Top-tier alliance status, equivalent to first-class recognition across all member airlines. Ideal for premium and business travelers.

Typical Qualifying Statuses:

Airline	Status that grants oneworld Emerald
American Airlines	AAdvantage Executive Platinum, ConciergeKey
Alaska Airlines	MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100K
British Airways	Executive Club Gold
Japan Airlines	JAL Mileage Bank Premier
Qantas	Frequent Flyer Platinum, Platinum One
Qatar Airways	Privilege Club Platinum

Key Benefits:

• Access to first-class lounges (where available, e.g., Qantas First Lounge, Cathay Pacific The Pier First, etc.)
• Priority check-in at first-class counters
• Fast-track security and immigration (select airports)
• Guaranteed seat availability in economy (up to 72 hours before departure)
• Extra baggage allowance (often +20kg or 1 extra bag)
• Priority boarding and baggage

Emerald status gives the highest-level perks in any alliance, including first-class lounge access even when flying economy. Star and SkyTeam do not offer this.

Summary of oneworld Tiers

Tier	Main Benefits	Lounge Access	U.S. Status Match
Ruby	Priority check-in, seats	No	AAdvantage Gold
Sapphire	Priority boarding, business lounge	Business lounges	AAdvantage Platinum, Alaska MVP Gold
Emerald	First-class lounges, fast-track	First-class lounges	AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Alaska MVP Gold 75K+

Which Alliance is Best for U.S. Frequent Flyers?

Choosing the “best” alliance for passengers from the US depends on your travel habits and what is most important to you:

Global coverage and destinations -> Star Alliance

Star Alliance has the most extensive international coverage and the largest network of airlines and destinations.

Airline quality and elite privileges -> Oneworld

If you fly premium class frequently or are looking for first-class service on board and in the lounge, oneworld may be the right choice for you. Oneworld includes several of the world’s highest-rated airlines, such as Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. The Oneworld elite program also offers unique benefits, such as access to first-class lounges for Emerald members. For passengers from the US who want to combine reliable domestic connections (AA + Alaska) and attractive international bonuses (such as Qatar Qsuites or Cathay Pacific business class flights for miles), oneworld offers excellent loyalty bonuses.

A balanced network with a strong hub in the US -> SkyTeam

A smart choice if you are a loyal Delta passenger and live near a Delta hub. Delta Air Lines has a reputation for excellent operational efficiency and high customer satisfaction, which for some travelers outweighs the weaknesses of the SkyTeam mileage program. The SkyTeam network is extensive in Europe (Air France/KLM, Virgin Atlantic, etc.) and Asia (Korean Air, China Airlines) and covers most key international destinations, although not as many as Star Alliance. For domestic flights within the US, Delta’s route network is comparable to United and American in terms of size, so you won’t be at a disadvantage when it comes to coverage in North America. The main drawback is the value of the loyalty rewards: Delta SkyMiles are known for being less valuable (often around 1–1.2 cents per mile) and requiring more miles for similar flights. If that doesn’t bother you, for example if you earn a lot of SkyMiles through business travel or credit cards and simply use them as cash to pay for tickets, SkyTeam may still be a good option. As a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, you’ll receive VIP service on all partner airlines.

Conclusion

For many frequent flyers from the US, Star Alliance is the best choice due to its unmatched size and capabilities (as well as United’s reliable MileagePlus program with many partners). Oneworld is a close competitor, especially if you value premium travel and the strong domestic airline duo of AA and Alaska — AAdvantage miles consistently receive high marks for their usefulness. SkyTeam (Delta) is ideal for those who prefer Delta’s strengths (service and US network) and are willing to sacrifice a little mileage-to-ticket value in exchange for reliability. Ultimately, the best alliance for you will depend on where you fly most often and what benefits are important to you.