Airline Alliance Guide: Star Alliance vs OneWorld vs SkyTeam
Understanding alliances is the key to maximizing your miles.
Why Alliances Matter
When you have United miles, you can book flights on any Star Alliance carrier — that's 26 airlines worldwide. Understanding alliances lets you unlock routes and cabins you didn't know were available.
Star Alliance (26 airlines)
Key members: United, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, Air Canada, EVA Air, Thai Airways
Best for: Asia (ANA, Singapore, EVA), Europe (Lufthansa, Swiss, Turkish)
Book with: Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, ANA Mileage Club, Singapore KrisFlyer
oneworld (13 airlines)
Key members: American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Alaska Airlines (newest member)
Best for: Premium cabins (Qatar QSuites, Cathay Business, JAL First Class)
Book with: British Airways Avios, Cathay Asia Miles, Alaska Mileage Plan, AA AAdvantage
SkyTeam (19 airlines)
Key members: Delta, Air France-KLM, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic (partner)
Best for: Korea/Asia via Korean Air, Europe via Air France
Book with: Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Korean Air SkyPass
The Strategy
Don't collect miles in just one alliance. With Chase and Amex, you can transfer to partners in ALL THREE alliances. That gives you maximum flexibility for any trip.