Best Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Programs (2025)

Q: Which Star Alliance program is best for avoiding fuel surcharges?

United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan are the two best programs for avoiding high fuel surcharges. MileagePlus passes on no surcharges at all. Aeroplan eliminated them but adds a modest C$39 partner booking fee. Avianca LifeMiles is another excellent option that does not add surcharges.

Q: What's the best Star Alliance program for family travel?

Air Canada Aeroplan is the clear winner for families. Its free family pooling feature allows up to eight members to combine their points, making it much easier and faster to accumulate enough points for multiple tickets.

Choosing the best frequent flyer program within Star Alliance can unlock tremendous value, from complimentary stopovers to lie-flat seats at economy-ticket prices. As the world’s largest airline alliance, the options can be overwhelming, but a smart choice can supercharge your travel rewards.

In this 2025 guide, we analyze seven leading programs based on award chart value, mileage earning flexibility, routing perks, and overall user experience. We draw on AwardFares’ real-user data (average savings of 3×–12× per booking) and official program rules to help you decide. While this list is ordered for convenience, the “best” program ultimately depends on your travel habits, home airport, and desired destinations.

Star Alliance Program Explorer

Get a quick snapshot of the top Star Alliance programs. Select a program from the dropdown to see its key details and what you can book with your miles.

Choose a program to explore:

United MileagePlus

Alliance: Star Alliance

Best For: US-based flyers & avoiding fuel surcharges

Key Perk: Excursionist Perk for a 'free' one-way flight

Search for MileagePlus award flights

Main Points

No Single Best Program: The best choice depends on your home base, travel goals, and how you earn points (flying vs. credit cards).
Aeroplan is the All-Rounder: With the most airline partners, no fuel surcharges, and family pooling, Aeroplan is often the most flexible and user-friendly program.
Value in Fixed Charts: Programs with fixed award charts like ANA Mileage Club and Turkish Miles&Smiles offer incredible “sweet spots” and predictable pricing for premium cabin travel.
Surcharges Matter: Programs like United MileagePlus and Aeroplan pass on low or no fuel surcharges, saving you hundreds of dollars on award tickets compared to programs like Lufthansa Miles & More.
Credit Cards are Key: Accessing these programs is easiest through transferable points from Amex, Chase, Capital One, etc. Aeroplan and KrisFlyer are partners with almost all major banks.

How to Choose the Right Star Alliance Program for You

Before diving into our list, take a moment to consider what makes a program “best” for you. Ask yourself these questions:

Where is your home base? A US-based flyer might lean towards United MileagePlus for its vast domestic network. A European traveler might find Lufthansa Miles & More or Turkish Miles&Smiles more convenient.
Where do you want to go? For trips to Japan and Asia, ANA Mileage Club offers unbeatable value. For maximum flexibility and partner access, Aeroplan is a top contender.
How do you earn points? If you earn primarily through credit card spending, programs like Aeroplan and KrisFlyer are your best bet, as they are transfer partners with nearly every major bank. If you are a high-revenue flyer, a program’s earning structure on cash tickets is more important.
What kind of travel do you value? Are you looking for the most luxurious First Class redemptions (ANA, KrisFlyer) or do you need to book multiple economy tickets for your family (Aeroplan)? The ability to add stopovers (ANA, Aeroplan, Turkish) can also add immense value.

Star Alliance Programs at a Glance

The table below is sortable. By default, it is ordered by program name. Click the headers to sort the table based on your priorities.

Program	Tiers	Points Expiry (months)	Direct Destinations (from hub)	Miles Pricing	Out of Network Airline Partners	Stopover Fees	Surcharges	Lifetime Status
MileagePlus	4	None	300	Dynamic	17	No	Low	Yes
KrisFlyer	4	36	75	Fixed	12	No	Moderate	No
Infinity MileageLands	4	36	60	Fixed	6	No	Moderate	No
Mileage Club	3	36	50	Fixed	10	No	Moderate	Yes
Aeroplan	5	None	180	Dynamic	24	Yes	Low	Yes
Miles & More	3	36	200	Fixed (soon changing)	10	No	High	Yes
Miles&Smiles	3	36	120	Fixed	4	No	Moderate	No

Best Star Alliance Frequent Flyer Programs (2025 Picks)

1. MileagePlus (United Airlines)

United Airlines MileagePlus remains a reliable workhorse for many travelers, especially those based in the US or who prioritize avoiding high fees. Its vast network and lack of expiring miles are major draws. However, the program is undergoing significant changes in 2025, with both major devaluations and an exciting new partnership on the horizon.

Why it shines:

No Fuel Surcharges: A standout feature. MileagePlus doesn’t pass on carrier-imposed surcharges on any award bookings, which can save hundreds of dollars per ticket compared to other programs.
Miles Never Expire: A huge benefit for casual flyers, allowing you to accumulate miles over the long term without worrying about them disappearing.
Strong Partner Network: Beyond Star Alliance, you can earn and redeem miles on a unique set of valuable partners like Emirates, Virgin Australia, and, soon, JetBlue.
Premier for Life: A great long-term goal for loyal flyers, granting lifetime elite status after flying one million miles or more.

What’s happening with MileagePlus in 2025:

New JetBlue “Blue Sky” Partnership: United is launching a reciprocal loyalty partnership with JetBlue. Soon, members will be able to earn and redeem miles across both networks, with elite status perks to follow. This significantly strengthens United’s East Coast and leisure travel network.
Higher Elite Status Requirements: Premier status qualification thresholds have increased for 2025.
Flexible PlusPoints Redemption: New options to use PlusPoints for PQPs, TravelBank credits, or bonus miles.

Major Devaluation Alert: Key Perks Ending in 2025

United is making several negative changes to the MileagePlus program in 2025, significantly devaluing key perks.

Excursionist Perk Ends (August 21, 2025): The popular free one-way segment on multi-city awards is being eliminated. Book any itineraries using this perk before this date.
Upgrade Award Chart Goes Dynamic (November 24, 2025): The fixed-price mileage chart for upgrades will be replaced with dynamic pricing, meaning costs will fluctuate based on demand.
Instant Upgrades on Top Fares End (August 21, 2025): The ability to get instant upgrades on high-priced economy fares (Y, B, M) will be discontinued.

These changes reduce predictability and remove valuable routing tricks. It is crucial to book any affected travel before the deadlines.

2. Aeroplan (Air Canada)

Aeroplan is arguably the most user-friendly and flexible program in the world. It combines an extensive partner network (the largest of any program), family-friendly features, and clear, transparent rules, making it a favorite for both beginners and experts.

Why it shines:

Unrivaled Partner Network: With over 50 airline partners, you can book flights on nearly any major carrier, many of which are outside of Star Alliance.
Flexible Stopovers: Add a stopover of up to 45 days to any itinerary (including one-ways) for just 5,000 points.
No Fuel Surcharges: Aeroplan has eliminated high fuel surcharges, though a C$39 partner booking fee applies.
Family Pooling: Combine points with up to eight family members for free, making it easier to book awards together.
Easy to Earn: Aeroplan is a transfer partner of every major transferable currency, including Amex, Chase, Capital One, and Bilt.

What’s happening with Aeroplan in 2025:

Sweet Spots: Despite partially dynamic pricing, the distance-based chart has incredible value zones. For example, US West Coast to Hawaii in Business Class for ~25,000 points or Europe to the Middle East in Business for ~45,000 points.
Extended Status: Status earned in 2024 is valid until early 2026.

Expert Tip

When booking a mixed-cabin award (e.g., one leg in Economy, one in Business), the entire one-way pricing is based on the highest cabin booked. Plan your segments carefully to avoid overpaying.

3. KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines)

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is synonymous with luxury and premium service. It is the exclusive gateway to booking the airline’s world-renowned First Class and Suites cabins, making it a must-have for aspirational travelers.

Why it shines:

Exclusive Premium Access: The only way to book Singapore’s coveted First Class and Suites with miles. Members also get better availability for Business Class.
Global Transfer Partners: Like Aeroplan, KrisFlyer partners with all major bank programs (Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One, etc.), making points easy to accumulate.
Fixed Award Chart: KrisFlyer uses a predictable, region-based award chart, with solid value on many routes, such as Europe to Southeast Asia in Business for 103,500 miles.
Waitlisting Feature: If a premium seat isn’t available, you can join a waitlist and be notified if it opens up.

What’s happening with KrisFlyer in 2025:

Program Stability: KrisFlyer has remained relatively stable, with no major negative changes announced. The focus remains on premium redemptions.

Important: Miles Expiration

KrisFlyer miles expire 36 months after they are earned, and this cannot be extended through account activity (though extensions can be purchased for a fee). This “use it or lose it” policy requires careful planning. Fuel surcharges on partner airlines can also be high.

4. Mileage Club (All Nippon Airways)

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club offers some of the most valuable redemptions in the world, especially for round-trip premium cabin travel. While it has some quirks, the incredible value for complex, multi-stop itineraries is unmatched.

Why it shines:

Unbeatable Round-Trip Value: Features some of the best award rates available, such as US to Japan in Business Class for just 80,000 miles round-trip, or Europe to Japan for 100,000 miles.
Generous Routing Rules: Allows one free stopover and one open-jaw on international round-trip awards, letting you visit three cities for the price of one.
Great Partner Access: In addition to Star Alliance, partners include Etihad, Garuda Indonesia, and Virgin Atlantic.
Amex Transfer Partner: Easily accessible for US-based travelers via American Express Membership Rewards transfers.

What’s new with Mileage Club in 2025:

One-Way Awards Coming: Starting June 24, 2025, ANA will finally allow one-way award bookings, a major improvement that adds much-needed flexibility.

Heads Up: Surcharges & Expiration

ANA passes on significant fuel surcharges for many partners, which can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of an “award” ticket. Also, miles expire 36 months after they are earned, with no option for extension.

5. Miles&Smiles (Turkish Airlines)

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles is famous for its incredible award chart “sweet spots.” For those willing to navigate a sometimes-clunky interface, the program offers outsized value, especially for domestic and transatlantic travel.

Why it shines:

Incredible Award Rates: The fixed award chart is packed with value. Highlights include US to Europe in Business Class for 45,000 miles, and domestic US flights on United (including to Hawaii!) for just 10,000 miles one-way in Economy.
Free Stopover in Istanbul: Enjoy a free stopover in Istanbul on round-trip itineraries, giving you a chance to explore a second destination.
Easy to Earn: Miles can be transferred from major bank programs like Citi ThankYou and Capital One.
Family Pooling: Combine miles with family members to reach award goals faster.

What’s happening with Miles&Smiles in 2025:

Program Stability: While there are always rumors of devaluation, the award chart has remained intact for now, preserving its amazing value.

Expert Tip

Booking complex partner awards online can be challenging, often requiring a call to customer service. Additionally, while some partners like United have low fees, others like Lufthansa come with high fuel surcharges.

6. Infinity MileageLands (EVA Air)

Based in Taiwan, EVA Air’s Infinity MileageLands program is a solid choice for transpacific travel, offering good access to its highly-rated “Royal Laurel” Business Class and reasonable redemption rates.

Why it shines:

Good Transpacific Value: The fixed award chart offers competitive rates, such as North America to Asia in Business Class for 80,000 miles one-way.
Free Stopovers: Allows one free stopover on round-trip awards on EVA Air flights, perfect for a layover in Taipei.
Lower Surcharges: Generally imposes lower cash surcharges than many other Asian carriers.

What’s happening in 2025:

Program Stability: No major changes have been announced, making it a predictable if less-hyped option.

Heads Up: Earning & Booking

The primary drawbacks are limited transfer partners (only Citi ThankYou in the US) and a somewhat clunky online interface, including a partner award chart that must be downloaded as a Word document. Miles also expire after 36 months.

7. Miles & More (Lufthansa)

Lufthansa’s Miles & More is a behemoth program for European-based flyers. Its key advantage is privileged access to Lufthansa First Class, which is only released to partners 14 days before departure, but is available to members much further in advance.

Why it shines:

Early First Class Access: The best way to secure a seat in Lufthansa’s prestigious First Class cabin ahead of the general public.
Strong European Network: Unmatched connectivity throughout Europe via Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines).
Monthly Mileage Bargains: Offers discounted award flights (similar to Flying Blue’s Promo Rewards) on select routes each month.

What’s new with Miles & More in 2025:

Switch to Dynamic Pricing: Starting in June 2025, the program will move to dynamic award pricing for Lufthansa Group airlines, eliminating the fixed award chart and its predictable sweet spots. This is a major devaluation.

Warning: Major Devaluation & Fees

Miles & More is notorious for its extremely high fuel surcharges, which can often make an award ticket nearly as expensive as a cash fare. It also has very limited transfer partners, making miles difficult to earn outside of flying or co-branded credit cards.

Other Star Alliance Programs Worth Knowing

While the programs above are our top picks, a few others are worth mentioning for specific use cases, offering unique sweet spots and advantages.

Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles Logo A popular choice for savvy travelers, Avianca LifeMiles is known for its frequent mileage sales and a strict no-fuel-surcharge policy, which can lead to significant savings on premium cabin awards. While its booking engine can sometimes be buggy, the program offers excellent value on Star Alliance flights when you can find availability.

TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go

TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go Logo TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go is a niche program with some surprisingly valuable sweet spots for long-haul travel. For example, it has historically allowed one-way Business Class tickets between North America and many parts of Asia for a flat rate. It’s a great program to keep in mind for specific, high-value redemptions.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles

With an unparalleled network across the African continent, Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles is a strong choice for anyone focusing on intra-Africa travel. As a Star Alliance member, it also provides a reliable gateway to the rest of the world from its strategic hub in Addis Ababa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your Questions Answered

Which Star Alliance program is best for avoiding fuel surcharges?

United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan are the two best programs for avoiding high fuel surcharges. MileagePlus passes on no surcharges at all. Aeroplan eliminated them but adds a modest C$39 partner booking fee. Avianca LifeMiles is another excellent option that does not add surcharges.

Can I book Lufthansa First Class with partner miles?

Yes, but with a major restriction. Lufthansa typically only releases First Class award space to partner programs like Aeroplan and MileagePlus 14-15 days before departure. To book further in advance, you must use Lufthansa’s own Miles & More program.

What's the best Star Alliance program for family travel?

Air Canada Aeroplan is the clear winner for families. Its free family pooling feature allows up to eight members to combine their points, making it much easier and faster to accumulate enough points for multiple tickets.

Should I just focus on one program?

It’s wise to have a primary program, but the best strategy is to earn flexible, transferable points with banks like American Express, Chase, or Capital One. This allows you to transfer your points to whichever Star Alliance program (Aeroplan, KrisFlyer, LifeMiles, etc.) offers the best redemption for your specific trip at that moment.

Find the best award flights, no matter which program.

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