STAR ALLIANCE MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Bangkok--Mar 15--Star Alliance Star Alliance, the airline network for earth, yesterday marked its first anniversary. Star Alliance comprises Air Canada, Lufthansa German Airlines, SAS-Scandinavian Airlines System, Thai Airways International, United Airlines and VARIG Brazilian Airlines. In just one year, Star Alliance has delivered on its promise to provide significant customer benefits to the traveling public. Star Alliance carriers also continue to seek new ways to provide more benefits to their customers. Members of any Star Alliance frequent flyer program accumulate and redeem mileage points on all scheduled flights operated by all six airlines. In addition, frequent flyer miles collected on paid qualifying Star Alliance flights count toward achieving top-tier status in the frequent flyer plan of the traveler's choice. All top-and middle-tier customers now earn the new designations of "Star Alliance Gold" and "Star Alliance Silver," respectively, which are recognized by all Star Alliance carriers and ensure that these customers receive the highest level of service at airports around the world. The most frequent flyers, who attain Star Alliance Gold and Silver status, will be eligible for new benefits introduced today: Priority check-in: Star Alliance Gold customers will be entitled to priority check-in and baggage handling when they arrive at the airport and board the aircraft and, where available, priority treatment to avoid line-ups at security check-points and customs. Priority wait list: Star Alliance Gold and Silver customers will be placed on a reservations wait list for their desired flight or fare if it is sold out and be given priority as seats become available. Priority standby: Star Alliance Gold and Star Silver customers will be given priority on airport standby lists for most flights offered by Star Alliance carriers. Furthermore, all Star Alliance customers traveling on full fare, no restriction tickets can re-book flights with another Star Alliance carrier without the issuing airline's prior endorsement. This is particularly convenient for customers wishing to make changes in an airport where the issuing airline does not have a sales counter to endorse tickets. End.

• ข่าวLufthansa German Airlines
• ข่าวScandinavian Airlines
• ข่าวUnited Airlines
• ข่าวStar Alliance
• ข่าวAir Canada