Global airline group Star Alliance is celebrating its 29th anniversary this week, marking nearly three decades since becoming the world’s first major airline alliance. While the group originally focused on expanding its global route map, its latest push is aimed at making international travel feel smoother for passengers moving between multiple airlines on a single trip.
Founded in 1997, the alliance now includes 26 member airlines and gives travelers access to more than 1,150 airports in 190 countries. The network covers a huge portion of international air travel, allowing passengers to connect between carriers while using shared benefits like coordinated schedules, lounge access, and frequent flyer perks.
ITA Airways Expansion Adds More European Connections
One of the biggest recent changes for the alliance has been the addition of ITA Airways, which expands options throughout Italy and strengthens links across Europe. For travelers connecting through cities like Rome and Milan, the move creates more streamlined itineraries when combining flights operated by different member airlines.
The alliance says the goal is to reduce friction during long international journeys, especially as travelers increasingly expect easier transfers, connected baggage handling, and more consistent airport experiences.
Focus Shifts Toward Seamless Travel Experiences
Instead of only adding destinations, Star Alliance is putting more emphasis on improving how passengers move through airports and between airlines.
Several projects launched over the past year reflect that strategy, including:
- New Star Alliance Lounge in Guangzhou Terminal 3, expanding premium lounge access in one of Asia’s busiest aviation regions
- Star Connection Centres at major hubs like Los Angeles International Airport to help travelers make tighter international connections
- Closer coordination between member airlines on airport systems and customer service touchpoints
- Improved connection support for passengers traveling on multi-airline itineraries
These upgrades are particularly important as international travel demand continues climbing and more passengers book complicated routes involving multiple carriers.
Awards Continue Piling Up for the Alliance
The airline group has also continued to dominate several major travel industry rankings.
At the recent Skytrax World Airline Awards, Star Alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance for the fourth straight year. Meanwhile, the Star Alliance Lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport kept its title as the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge for a second consecutive year.
The alliance also picked up more recognition at the World Travel Awards, earning the title of World’s Leading Airline Alliance for the sixth year in a row. Its Los Angeles lounge was additionally named North America’s Leading Airport Lounge for the sixth consecutive year.
Which Airlines Are Part of Star Alliance?
The alliance currently includes many of the world’s best-known international airlines, including:
- United Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Singapore Airlines
- Air Canada
- Turkish Airlines
- SWISS
- ANA
- Air India
- TAP Air Portugal
- THAI
- South African Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Air New Zealand
Additional connectivity is also provided through partner carrier Juneyao Airlines.
Why Airline Alliances Matter for Travelers
For passengers, airline alliances can make international travel far more conven