A Star Alliance Silver status does not offer significant benefits. However, many airlines provide their frequent flyers with perks that go well beyond this. For instance, the Miles&More Frequent Traveller status grants access to the Lufthansa Group’s business lounges.
United MileagePlus and Miles&More have now expanded Silver status benefits even further. Effective immediately:
- MileagePlus Premier Silver members receive an additional 23 kg of free baggage on flights with Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, and Brussels Airlines.
- Miles&More Frequent Travellers receive an additional 23 kg of free baggage on United Airlines flights.
United has informed its Premier Silver members of this update via email and Miles&More did the same with its Frequent Travellers:
Also in the Light Fare?
Typically, United also allows additional baggage in Basic Economy, i.e. its light fare. So, a Frequent Traveller flying with United can book Basic Economy and still check in a bag for free.
However, it’s unclear if the reverse applies. So far, there are few details about the update. The Premier Silver benefits list simply states:
One standard free checked bag in Economy on Austrian, Lufthansa, SWISS and Brussels Airlines
Thus, it’s unclear whether, as a Premier Silver member on a Lufthansa flight, the rule “0 + 1 = 0” applies. Currently, this applies to Frequent Travellers, while Star Alliance Gold members (i.e., MileagePlus Gold, SEN & above) may check a bag for free, even in the Light fare. It seems unlikely, however, that Premier Silver members will be treated better than FTL.
On United flights, Premier Silver members are allowed to check two bags up to 32 kg each, regardless of the fare. However, United Basic Economy has other restrictions, such as not allowing seat selection, even at check-in.
Conclusion
Reciprocal recognition of status benefits has not been a strong point of the Star Alliance. Many airlines offer their frequent flyers perks like better seats at no extra cost, but even Star Gold members are often excluded from such benefits.
For many years, the Lufthansa Group, United, and Air Canada have closely cooperated in the joint venture A++ and share profits. It only makes sense to align status benefits as well. What is still missing is improved seat selection. Senators can select e.g. exit row seats with more legroom when flying with the Lufthansa Group, while United status customers enjoy Economy Plus on United. But when a Senator flies with United, they currently miss out.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange
Comment (1)
Only Polish Airlines LOT allows one piece free baggage in light fare.