On Sept 13th Continental Airlines made a major shift in their allegiance and became the 25th member of the Star Alliance network of airlines.
This marks the first time a major airline has moved from one alliance to another. Continental was a compliant member of Sky Team (the alliance that brings you Delta, Air France and Northwest) for over five years before officially leaving on Oct 24th.
| You may not know it but Continental Airlines has been around since 1931, beginning their service as Varney Speed Lines, named after Walter T. Varney, also the founder of United Airlines. |
So what does this mean to you, the average, non-industry layman? It means that you can now accrue Star Alliance miles on flights with Continental and redeem Alliance miles for Continental flights as well. You will also start seeing Continental codeshares with Star Alliance members flight on United, Lufthansa Air Canada and BMI.
According to Larry Kellner, chairman and CEO of Continental, the new arrangement is worth $100 million per year to the airline.
Other major airlines in the Star Alliance list are United, Lufthansa Air New Zealand, South African, Thai, US Air, ANA and Singapore Airlines.
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