Start here

Updated November 4, 2026

Start here

Airline loyalty makes more sense once you see how the pieces fit: alliances, home programs, status and award pricing. Read these in order.

How the airline world fits together

1. Airline alliances explained
2. Award charts vs dynamic pricing

Choose a home program

• Choosing a Oneworld home program as a US flyer
• The British Airways Club
• United MileagePlus
• Delta SkyMiles

Decide about status

• Is airline elite status worth chasing?
• Status matches and challenges

Lounges and seats

• Airport lounge access
• Transatlantic business class seats

Program rules change often. Check the program’s official terms before you book or plan around status.