Avianca, Taca and Copa join Star Alliance

United Airlines recently welcomed Avianca, Taca and Copa Airlines to Star Alliance, one of the most global airline networks in the world. In the framework of alliances, United placed its code on flights operated by Avianca to cities in Colombia, and Avianca placed its code on select flights operated by United in the United States.

These measures complement the relationship that United has already had with Taca since 2006 and the long-standing relationship that United has with Copa, which includes a codeshare agreement on Copa flights originating from its headquarters in Panama and United flights in the United States.

"Avianca, Taca and Copa clients now have access to an unprecedented network with more than 21,500 daily flights operated by the Star Alliance member airlines around the world," said Hershel Kamen, senior vice president of Alliances, Norms and Policies at United Airlines.

Now through Star Alliance, members of United's loyalty program, MileagePlus, and Avianca and Taca's frequent flyer program, LifeMiles, can earn and redeem miles with full reciprocity at any point in the network of the companies' routes.

Furthermore, members of the United Club and Premier of MileagePlus with Star Alliance Gold status who travel on a flight of any Star Alliance airline the same day can use the Copa, Avianca and Taca VIP rooms in the flight's city of origin.