Elite status with one Star Alliance airline is recognized across the whole alliance. At the top of that ladder is Star Alliance Gold, and it’s the status we currently hold. We fly Avianca often between the US and Central America, and Gold makes those trips, and every connection on United, Copa and other Star Alliance airlines, a lot smoother. Here’s what Gold includes, the fine print, and how to earn it through Avianca LifeMiles.
Star Alliance Gold benefits
These benefits apply when you fly any Star Alliance member airline, not just the one where you earned your status:
- Lounge access, plus one guest. Gold opens Star Alliance member lounges worldwide on the day you fly a Star Alliance airline, and you can bring one guest flying with you. Show your same-day boarding pass and membership card.
- Extra checked bag. One extra checked piece, or an extra 20 kg where airlines use a weight system. The size and weight limits follow your booked cabin.
- Priority check-in. Use the Gold, business class or Star Alliance Gold counters, whatever your fare or cabin.
- Priority boarding. Board with the premium cabins, although the exact boarding group varies by airline.
- Priority baggage handling. Your bags get a Star Alliance Gold priority tag.
- Gold Track security. Faster security lanes at select airports.
- Priority waitlist and standby. You move up the list for sold-out flights and same-day standby, where available.
Star Alliance Silver, the tier you get with the Avianca LifeMiles credit card, is much more limited at the alliance level. It mainly gives priority on waitlists and airport standby. Silver members also get extra perks on their own airline. With Avianca, those include priority check-in and boarding, an extra checked bag and some lounge passes.
The fine print
- You must be flying Star Alliance that day. Lounge access is tied to a same-day Star Alliance flight, and codeshares sold by a member but operated by another airline may not count.
- United Clubs. United’s own Gold-level members get United Club access only on international itineraries, so check United’s current lounge rules if you’re flying within the US.
- Basic fares. The extra-bag benefit doesn’t apply on some no-frills fares, such as Lufthansa Group “Light” fares, Brussels Airlines “Check&Go” and Air New Zealand “Seat” fares.
- Lounges vary. Some dedicated Gold lounges are great, and others are basic. You’ll usually be in the business class lounge.
How to earn Star Alliance Gold with Avianca LifeMiles
LifeMiles has four elite tiers. According to AwardWallet’s guide to the program (last updated April 2026), the requirements are:
| LifeMiles tier | Star Alliance level | Qualifying miles | Minimum on Avianca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Plus | Silver | 6,000 | 1,000 |
| Silver | Silver | 12,000 | 6,000 |
| Gold | Gold | 24,000 | 12,000 |
| Diamond | Gold | 45,000 | 22,500 |
The avianca lifemiles credit card from Cardless gives you a head start with LifeMiles Silver while you hold it. Flying Avianca between the US and Central America is how we build toward Gold from there.
Our take
For anyone who flies Star Alliance a few times a year, Gold pays off quickly. Lounge access with a guest and an extra checked bag on every trip are worth far more than most people expect, especially on long international connections. LifeMiles is one of the more approachable ways to get there, and pairing status with LifeMiles bought on sale is how we fly between the US and Central America so cheaply. See our post on the current LifeMiles 145% bonus sale, and our review of the avianca lifemiles credit card we use to buy miles.
Benefits are as of October 2026 and can change. Rules vary by airline, so check with the airline you’re flying.
Sources: Asiana Airlines: Star Alliance status benefits; One Mile at a Time: Star Alliance Gold guide; AwardWallet: LifeMiles elite status; Cardless: avianca lifemiles cards.
