Airline alliances explained

An alliance lets one program's points be earned and spent across many airlines. Where a program sits decides which airlines you can fly on its points — so it pays to know the map.

Last updated 14 June 2026

oneworld

9 programs

Qantas's alliance. Earn and burn Qantas Points across American, British Airways, Cathay, Qatar, Japan Airlines, Finnair, Alaska and more.

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Star Alliance

9 programs

The largest alliance — reachable from Australia via Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, plus United, Air Canada, ANA, Lufthansa and Turkish.

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SkyTeam

3 programs

Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Delta, Korean Air and Vietnam Airlines. Often a sweet spot via flexible-points transfers.

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Independent

4 programs

Not in a global alliance — including Emirates, Etihad, Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic. Access is via direct partnerships and transfer partners.

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