Star Alliance to add LCCs as connecting partners

[exceladdict]

Star Alliance is set to expand its network reach with the launch of its Connecting Partner Model. Under this new concept, routes operated by “low-cost” and “hybrid” airlines will be able to connect to the Alliance network. This will allow customers of Star Alliance member carriers to select from an even wider choice of destinations and flights.

Connecting Partners will be carefully assessed for their fit into the existing Star Alliance network. While these selected airlines need to comply and adhere to the high operating standard required by the Alliance, they will not become a member of the Alliance itself.

Customers travelling on an itinerary which includes a transfer between a Star Alliance member airline and a Connecting Partner will be offered Alliance benefits such as passenger and baggage through check-in.

Moreover, Star Alliance Gold Card holders will enjoy a tailored set of privileges in line with the different product offerings of the individual Connecting Partner.

Connecting Partners will enter into bilateral commercial agreements with selected Star Alliance member airlines, which may include additional Frequent Flyer Programme based privileges.

Link: Press - Star Alliance - Star Alliance

First up: mango airlines!

 

[AviatorPJ]

Sorry, but I don't like the "feel" of this *A web link, exceladdict, after visiting. Seems a little coughulus nimbus to me. Inviting to fly through, but not much substance on the coming "out" side>??

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Would Germanwings also be a candidate LCC to add to the mix?

 

[exceladdict]

Sorry, but I don't like the "feel" of this *A web link, exceladdict, after visiting. Seems a little coughulus nimbus to me. Inviting to fly through, but not much substance on the coming "out" side>??

Sorry I am not sure what you mean. The link is a press release from the *A site.

 

[Danger]

Star Gold members flying on one of these LCC will enjoy ". . . a tailored set of privileges . . ." That is just asking for trouble. Fly with X airline and you get 7.5kg extra of checked baggage and a drink chit at the bar; fly with Y and get express path but no lounge priority boarding. Ridiculous. The complexity of it all is one of my big bugbears with Virgin and with Qantas. Keep it uniformed and you avoid passengers getting confused. You only need to look at the multitude of lounge access query threads on AFF to know why introducing #, &, ~, ^ etc. alongside a benefit causes headaches for passengers.