Membership count is not route usefulness
A larger alliance can offer broader theoretical reach, but the strongest choice for a traveller depends on the airlines, schedules, and hubs serving the journeys they actually make.
Star Alliance vs Oneworld vs SkyTeam
Compare Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam by founding date, headquarters, member count, founding airlines, and partner status.
Quick answer
Star Alliance is the oldest and has the largest approved member count at 26. SkyTeam has 18 and Oneworld has 16 in the current records. Size is only one part of choosing an alliance: the airlines serving your home airport, your routes, fare rules, and the benefits attached to your status usually matter more.
Approved record data
Side-by-side comparison
Updated
| Measure | Star Alliance | Oneworld | SkyTeam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 14 May 1997 | 1 February 1999 | 22 June 2000 |
| Headquarters | Frankfurt am Main, Germany | Fort Worth, Texas, United States | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Member airlines | 26 | 16 | 18 |
| Founding members | Air Canada; Lufthansa; Scandinavian Airlines; Thai Airways International; United Airlines | American Airlines; British Airways; Cathay Pacific; Canadian Airlines; Qantas | Aeroméxico; Air France; Delta Air Lines; Korean Air |
| Additional partner status | Juneyao Air | Philippine Airlines | Aeroflot |
| Status | Active | Active | Active |
Values are taken from each subject's latest approved aviation.wiki revision. “Not listed” means the comparable field is not present; it does not imply a value of zero.
Context before conclusions
What the numbers mean
Benefits come through airline programmes
Alliance recognition is normally attached to status in a member airline’s frequent-flyer programme. Lounge, baggage, priority, and earning rules can vary by airline, fare, airport, and itinerary.
Membership changes over time
The table is generated from the latest approved aviation.wiki records. Future, connecting, intermodal, and suspended relationships are separated from full member counts when those fields are available.
Common questions
Which airline alliance is the oldest?
Star Alliance was founded in May 1997, before Oneworld in February 1999 and SkyTeam in June 2000.
Which has the most member airlines?
The current approved records list Star Alliance with 26, SkyTeam with 18, and Oneworld with 16 member airlines.
Which alliance should I choose?
Start with the airlines and nonstop routes available at your home airport, then compare the frequent-flyer benefits you can realistically earn and use.
Explore every comparison
Continue with more aircraft and alliance guides, or use the open fleet tool to build your own aircraft shortlist.