Last Updated on July 29, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Yes—Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member. Its membership expands your route choices and lets you earn or redeem miles on eligible partner flights. The most useful benefits depend on the loyalty program you credit, your fare class, your cabin, and whether you hold qualifying elite status.
Quick Answer
Turkish Airlines has been a Star Alliance member since April 1, 2008. You can connect across the alliance network, earn or redeem Miles&Smiles on eligible partner flights, and receive Star Alliance Silver or Gold benefits when your Turkish Airlines status qualifies. Lounge access is not automatic for every passenger.
Key Takeaways
- Turkish Airlines is one of 26 Star Alliance member airlines as of July 29, 2026.
- Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus map to Star Alliance Gold; Classic Plus maps to Star Alliance Silver.
- Eligible fare classes can earn miles, but not every partner ticket earns at the same rate.
- United MileagePlus, Lufthansa Miles & More, and Turkish Miles&Smiles are separate programs; miles do not move freely between them.
- Award seats, lounge access, baggage benefits, taxes, and fees remain subject to program and operating-airline rules.
Is Turkish Airlines in Star Alliance?
Yes. Turkish Airlines joined Star Alliance on April 1, 2008. Star Alliance was founded in 1997 and describes itself as the first global airline alliance. According to the official Turkish Airlines Star Alliance page, the alliance currently has 26 member airlines and connects travelers with more than 1,150 airports in 190 countries.
Membership matters when a trip combines Turkish Airlines with another Star Alliance carrier. On eligible itineraries, the alliance can provide coordinated schedules, through check-in, baggage handling, reciprocal mileage earning, award-booking options, and status benefits. The exact service depends on the ticket, airports, operating airlines, and local procedures.
Note: The current count is 26 members. Star Alliance has announced that Asiana Airlines is scheduled to leave on December 17, 2026. Unless another membership change occurs, the total would then fall to 25.
Star Alliance membership expands your choices, but the benefits you receive still depend on the program, fare, cabin, status, and operating airline.
What Star Alliance Means for Turkish Airlines Flyers
For Turkish Airlines flyers, Star Alliance mainly adds network access, partner-mile options, and reciprocal status benefits. It does not turn every airline into one company, and it does not guarantee the same fare rules, seats, baggage policy, or service on every flight.
Global Network Access
You can combine Turkish Airlines with other Star Alliance members to reach destinations that Turkish Airlines may not serve nonstop. A single ticket can make connections easier because the airlines may coordinate check-in and baggage handling. However, separate tickets carry more risk: a missed connection may not receive the same protection, and checked bags may need to be collected and rechecked.
Star Alliance also has a Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines. A Connecting Partner is not a full alliance member, so benefits apply only on eligible connecting itineraries and under the published rules.
Star Alliance Perks
Star Alliance recognizes two alliance-wide status levels: Silver and Gold. Turkish Airlines Classic Plus corresponds to Star Alliance Silver, while Elite and Elite Plus correspond to Star Alliance Gold.
- Star Alliance Silver: priority reservations waitlisting and priority airport standby where offered.
- Star Alliance Gold: priority check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage handling, extra baggage, Gold Track at selected airports, and access to eligible lounges when traveling on a same-day Star Alliance flight.
Review the official Star Alliance benefits and lounge rules before travel because guest access, baggage allowances, and participating locations can vary.
Warning: Star Alliance membership alone does not give every Turkish Airlines passenger lounge access. You normally need an eligible premium-cabin ticket, Star Alliance Gold status, or another accepted lounge entitlement.
Which Airlines Are in Star Alliance?
As of July 29, 2026, the 26 full Star Alliance members are:
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- ANA
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- Egyptair
- Ethiopian Airlines
- EVA Air
- ITA Airways
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- SWISS
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
Juneyao Airlines is a Star Alliance Connecting Partner rather than a full member. Membership can change, so check the current Star Alliance member list before relying on a partner benefit.
How Turkish Airlines Miles Work
Turkish Airlines’ loyalty program is called Miles&Smiles. It uses two different mile types:
- Miles: redeemable rewards used for award tickets, upgrades, Cash&Miles, Shop&Miles, and other eligible options.
- Status Miles: qualifying credit used to reach or renew Classic Plus, Elite, or Elite Plus status.
Redeemable Miles are generally valid for three years. Status Miles follow separate qualification and renewal rules. The distinction matters because a transfer from a bank or hotel program may add redeemable Miles without helping you qualify for elite status.
Earning Miles With Flights
You can earn Miles&Smiles on Turkish Airlines and eligible Star Alliance partner flights. The amount depends on the operating airline, route, booking class, and Miles&Smiles earning table. Discounted or special fares may earn fewer miles or none.
- Add your Miles&Smiles number when booking or checking in.
- Confirm the operating airline and booking class.
- Check that class on the relevant partner earning table.
- Keep the ticket receipt and boarding pass until the miles post.
If eligible miles do not post, Turkish Airlines says you can submit a missing-mile request for many Star Alliance flights through your account. Its missing-miles page currently allows claims for Star Alliance partner flights from the previous 12 months, although partner-specific time limits may differ.
Pro Tip: Compare earning tables before the trip. The same flight can earn very different amounts depending on whether you credit it to Miles&Smiles, United MileagePlus, Miles & More, or another partner program.
Redeeming Miles for Rewards
You can redeem Miles for Turkish Airlines Economy or Business Class award tickets and for eligible Star Alliance partner awards. Turkish Airlines publishes regional award tables, but the final cost can include taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed charges. Award inventory is limited and may not match the seats sold for cash.
Other uses can include Turkish Airlines upgrades, Cash&Miles, Shop&Miles, and selected partner rewards. Availability varies by country and account. Flight awards often provide stronger value than merchandise, but the best choice depends on the cash fare, mile price, taxes, and your travel plans.
How to Earn Miles&Smiles Faster
You can build a Miles&Smiles balance by combining eligible flights with current financial and travel partners. For U.S. travelers, official partner pages currently show transfer access through Bilt Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou. Marriott Bonvoy also lists Turkish Airlines as a transfer partner, generally at three Bonvoy points to one mile.
- Credit eligible Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance flights to Miles&Smiles.
- Transfer flexible bank points only after confirming the award seat you want.
- Use eligible hotel, car-rental, shopping, or tourism partners listed by Turkish Airlines.
- Watch the official Miles&Smiles offers page for targeted promotions.
Warning: Flexible-point transfers are usually final. Confirm the passenger name, transfer ratio, processing time, award availability, taxes, and fees before moving points.
How to Redeem Turkish Airlines Miles
You can redeem Miles through the Turkish Airlines website, mobile app, call center, or sales office, depending on the partner and itinerary. Turkish-operated and many Star Alliance awards can be issued online from the Miles Transactions area.
- Sign in to your Miles&Smiles account.
- Search for an award ticket and select the correct passenger count and cabin.
- Compare the mileage price with the cash fare.
- Review taxes, fees, change rules, and cancellation rules.
- Confirm the operating airline and connection details before paying.
The official award-ticket page lists current Turkish Airlines and partner award charts. It also explains that partner awards may be booked online, through the call center, or at sales offices, depending on the airline.
If you already hold an eligible paid ticket, an upgrade may be possible. Turkish-operated upgrades and Star Alliance Upgrade Awards have separate fare-class and timing rules, so check the exact ticket before transferring or spending miles.
Turkish Airlines Elite Status Benefits
Miles&Smiles has four membership levels, not three: Classic, Classic Plus, Elite, and Elite Plus. The published qualification thresholds apply to Status Miles earned within the required period, and upgraded status is generally valid for two years.
| Miles&Smiles tier | Published qualification | Alliance level | Selected benefits |
| Classic | Entry level | None | Earn and redeem Miles; eligible upgrades and partner earning |
| Classic Plus | 25,000 Status Miles or 40 qualifying flights | Star Alliance Silver | Domestic lounge and check-in benefits on eligible Turkish Airlines travel; extra baggage under program rules |
| Elite | 40,000 Status Miles | Star Alliance Gold | Alliance Gold benefits, eligible lounge access, priority services, seat selection, and extra baggage |
| Elite Plus | 80,000 Status Miles | Star Alliance Gold | Elite benefits plus published upgrade, gifted-status, guaranteed-seat, and higher baggage privileges |
Turkish Airlines’ membership-status page gives the current qualification and renewal rules. Benefits can depend on the flight, route, baggage concept, cabin, and operating carrier.
Touristanbul is not an Elite Plus-only benefit. It is a complimentary city-tour program for eligible international-to-international Turkish Airlines passengers with a compatible layover of 6 to 24 hours at Istanbul Airport. Separate eligibility rules apply.
Why Turkish Airlines Stands Out
Turkish Airlines stands out for its broad international route network, Istanbul hub, Star Alliance connectivity, and a loyalty program that can book both Turkish-operated and partner awards. The onboard product may include Turkish and international dining, entertainment, internet, and lie-flat Business Class seating on many long-haul aircraft, but the seat and service vary by aircraft and route.
Miles&Smiles can be useful when its award chart and available seats match your trip. It is less useful when taxes are high, award space is unavailable, or a different Star Alliance program offers better earning or booking terms. Compare the full trip cost rather than judging an award only by the mileage number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Turkish Airlines in an alliance with?
Turkish Airlines is a full member of Star Alliance. The alliance currently has 26 full members, including United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Turkish Airlines.
Is Turkish Airlines a good airline to fly?
It can be a strong choice for route coverage, Istanbul connections, dining, and eligible Business Class products. However, aircraft, seats, Wi-Fi, connection times, and service can vary, so review the exact flight before booking.
Can I use United miles on Turkish Airlines?
Yes. You can use United MileagePlus miles to book an available Turkish Airlines award through United. You cannot transfer MileagePlus miles into Miles&Smiles; the booking stays under United’s award rules, pricing, taxes, fees, and change policy.
Is Turkish Airlines part of Miles & More?
Turkish Airlines is a Miles & More airline partner and a Star Alliance member, but Miles & More and Turkish Miles&Smiles are separate loyalty programs. Credit a flight to one eligible program, not both, and follow that program’s earning and redemption rules.
Does every Turkish Airlines passenger get Star Alliance lounge access?
No. Lounge access usually requires an eligible First or Business Class ticket, Star Alliance Gold status, or another accepted entitlement. Economy travel by itself does not provide automatic alliance lounge access.
Can I earn Miles&Smiles on every Star Alliance flight?
Not always. The operating airline, booking class, route, and ticket type determine eligibility and the earning rate. Check the Miles&Smiles partner table before booking and keep your boarding pass until the credit appears.
Can I transfer miles between Star Alliance airline programs?
Generally, no. Star Alliance lets member programs cooperate, but it does not merge their mileage balances. You normally redeem through the program that holds your miles, although some programs allow paid transfers between members within the same program.
Conclusion
Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member, giving travelers a wider partner network, reciprocal mileage options, and alliance-wide benefits for qualifying status holders. The strongest value comes from checking the details: fare-class earning, award availability, taxes, lounge eligibility, baggage rules, and the difference between Miles, Status Miles, and other airlines’ loyalty currencies.
Sources
- Turkish Airlines — Star Alliance — current member list, network figures, and alliance overview.
- Star Alliance — Benefits and Privileges — Silver and Gold reciprocal benefits.
- Turkish Airlines — Miles&Smiles Membership Statuses — tier thresholds, alliance status mapping, and benefits.
- Turkish Airlines — Award Tickets — Turkish Airlines and partner award rules and charts.
- Turkish Airlines — Program Partners — airline, finance, hotel, rental-car, and other earning partners.
- Turkish Airlines — Claim Missing Miles — retroactive mileage-credit process and time limits.
