Airline Alliances 2026
The three global airline alliances plus regional codeshare groups. Member lists, loyalty tiers, and benefits explained.
Star Alliance
“The Way the Earth Connects”
The world's largest airline alliance by member count. Founded in 1997 by Air Canada, Lufthansa, SAS, Thai Airways and United, Star Alliance now unites 26 member airlines flying to virtually every major country on earth. Lounge access, mile earning, and seamless connections across members.
oneworld
“An alliance of the world's best”
Founded in 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Canadian Airlines. Known for premium cabin quality — most members are 4- or 5-star Skytrax airlines. Emirald status unlocks first-class lounge access across the alliance.
SkyTeam
“Caring more about you”
Founded in 2000 by Delta, Air France, Aeroméxico and Korean Air. Now 19 members strong with particular strength across Europe + Asia + Latin America. Elite Plus status unlocks lounges + priority across all members.
Value Alliance
“The World's Largest LCC Alliance”
The world's first low-cost carrier alliance. Founded 2016, largely inactive since 2020 pandemic. Focused on unified booking + baggage transfer across Asian LCCs.
Vanilla Alliance
“Indian Ocean Alliance”
Regional codeshare alliance between Indian Ocean island airlines. Simplified booking + baggage between Réunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles + Comoros.