Delta Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, with an extensive network of flights that connect millions of passengers to destinations around the globe. As a popular choice for travelers, many wonder if Delta Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, a leading global airline network that offers a range of benefits to its members and their customers.
In this article, we will explore whether Delta Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, what benefits the alliance offers to its members, and how this may impact your travel plans. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next trip, read on to discover the answers to these questions and more.
Is Delta Airlines a Member of Star Alliance?
Delta Airlines is one of the major airlines in the United States, connecting passengers to various destinations within and outside the country. The airline has a wide network of airline partners, but the question is, is Delta Airlines a member of Star Alliance?
Contents
- What is Star Alliance?
- Delta’s Partnership with Star Alliance
- Delta’s Membership in SkyTeam Alliance
- Benefits of Delta’s Partnership with Star Alliance Members
- Delta Airlines vs. Star Alliance Airlines
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Star Alliance?
- Which airlines are members of Star Alliance?
- Is Delta Airlines a member of Star Alliance?
- Can I earn and redeem miles on Delta Airlines with Star Alliance airlines?
- Can I use my Star Alliance Gold status to access Delta Sky Club lounges?
- What Are Airline Alliances? How Do They Work?
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
What is Star Alliance?
Star Alliance is one of the largest airline alliances in the world, comprising 26 airlines that operate in over 1,300 airports in 195 countries. The alliance was founded in 1997, with the aim of providing a seamless travel experience to passengers, by allowing them to earn and redeem miles across different airlines, access lounges, and enjoy other benefits.
Delta’s Partnership with Star Alliance
Delta Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance but has a partnership with some of the alliance’s members. In 2018, Delta Airlines and Korean Air formed a joint venture that allows Delta to offer its customers access to more destinations in Asia through Korean Air’s network. Korean Air is a member of SkyTeam, but also has a partnership with some of the Star Alliance members.
Delta Airlines also has codeshare agreements with some Star Alliance members, such as Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, which allows passengers to book their flights on Delta’s website but fly on these airlines.
Delta’s Membership in SkyTeam Alliance
Delta Airlines is a member of SkyTeam Alliance, which is another major airline alliance that comprises 19 airlines. SkyTeam was founded in 2000 and operates in over 1,000 airports in 170 countries. As a member of SkyTeam, Delta Airlines offers its passengers access to a wider network of destinations, benefits like lounge access, priority check-in, and boarding, among others.
Benefits of Delta’s Partnership with Star Alliance Members
Even though Delta Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, its partnership with some of the alliance’s members offers benefits to passengers. For instance, passengers can earn and redeem miles on Delta’s website for flights on Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, which are Star Alliance members. Passengers can also access lounges, priority check-in, and boarding when flying on these airlines.
Delta’s partnership with Korean Air also allows passengers to access more destinations in Asia, which they may not have been able to access through Delta’s network alone. Additionally, passengers can enjoy seamless travel experience when transferring from a Delta flight to a Korean Air flight, or vice versa.
Delta Airlines vs. Star Alliance Airlines
While Delta Airlines offers its customers a wide range of destinations, benefits, and services, it is important to note that Star Alliance airlines also offer similar benefits and services to their passengers. Star Alliance members like United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air Canada, for instance, offer their passengers access to a wider network of destinations, lounges, and other benefits.
However, Delta Airlines’ partnership with some of the Star Alliance members means that its passengers can access some of these benefits, even if they are not members of Star Alliance themselves.
Conclusion
In summary, Delta Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, but has a partnership with some of the alliance’s members, such as Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Korean Air. Delta’s partnership with these airlines offers benefits to passengers, such as access to more destinations and lounge services. While Star Alliance airlines also offer similar benefits and services, Delta’s partnership with some of these airlines means that its passengers can enjoy some of these benefits, even if they are not members of Star Alliance themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Star Alliance?
Star Alliance is a global airline alliance that was founded in 1997. It consists of 26 member airlines from around the world, and serves over 1,300 destinations in more than 190 countries.
Star Alliance was the first global airline alliance, and it was established to provide passengers with seamless travel experiences and frequent flyer benefits across the member airlines.
Which airlines are members of Star Alliance?
There are currently 26 member airlines in the Star Alliance, including Air Canada, Air China, Air India, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and most recently, Juneyao Airlines.
Is Delta Airlines a member of Star Alliance?
No, Delta Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance. However, Delta was a member of SkyTeam, another global airline alliance, until December 31, 2019.
Delta Airlines has its own frequent flyer program called SkyMiles, which allows members to earn and redeem miles on Delta flights and with Delta’s partners.
Can I earn and redeem miles on Delta Airlines with Star Alliance airlines?
No, you cannot earn or redeem miles on Delta Airlines with Star Alliance airlines. Delta is not a member of Star Alliance, and therefore does not participate in the alliance’s frequent flyer program.
However, Delta has partnerships with several airlines outside of SkyTeam, including Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, and WestJet, which allows Delta SkyMiles members to earn and redeem miles on these airlines.
Can I use my Star Alliance Gold status to access Delta Sky Club lounges?
No, you cannot use your Star Alliance Gold status to access Delta Sky Club lounges. Delta Sky Club lounges are only available to Delta SkyMiles members or passengers traveling in certain cabins on Delta flights.
However, if you are a Star Alliance Gold member traveling on a Star Alliance airline, you may be able to access a Delta partner lounge, such as the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse or the Air France-KLM Lounge, depending on your itinerary and the lounge’s policies.
What Are Airline Alliances? How Do They Work?
In conclusion, Delta Airlines is not a member of the Star Alliance. While it was once a part of the alliance, Delta left in 2009 to pursue a partnership with Air France-KLM. Despite this, Delta maintains a strong global presence and partnerships with other airlines, including members of the SkyTeam alliance.
While it may be disappointing for travelers hoping to earn Star Alliance miles on Delta flights, it’s important to remember that Delta offers its own loyalty program, SkyMiles, with its own benefits and rewards. Additionally, Delta’s partnerships with other airlines allow for seamless travel and connections to destinations all around the world.
Overall, whether or not Delta is a member of the Star Alliance should not deter travelers from considering Delta for their next trip. With its extensive network of destinations, excellent service, and loyalty program, Delta remains a top choice for many travelers.