Swiss International Air Lines is now the
10th Star Alliance member airline to offer Star Alliance Upgrade Awardsa unique
redemption option which enables customers to redeem miles or points from their
Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP) accounts for one-class upgrades on scheduled flights
operated by the participating Star Alliance member carriers.

Star Alliance, the airline network for Earth(tm), is the first global airline
alliance to offer such a product, which is now available to the (FFP) members of ANA
(ANA Mileage Club), Asiana Airlines (Asiana Club), Austrian (Miles & More), LOT
Polish Airlines (Miles & More), Lufthansa (Miles & More), Singapore Airlines
(KrisFlyer), SWISS (Miles & More), TAP Portugal (Victoria), THAI (Royal Orchid Plus)
and United (Mileage Plus). More Star Alliance member carriers will begin to offer
this product in the future.

 

“With SWISS now participating in Star Alliance Upgrade Awards, we have again
improved our customer proposition in one of our newest home markets - Switzerland”,
said Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance.

 

“With Star Alliance Upgrade Awards, SWISS is pleased to once more offer our
customers an additional benefit within the world’s leading airline alliance “,
commented SWISS Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Christoph Beckmann.

 

Star Alliance Upgrade Awards requires a confirmed booking prior to travel which can
then be upgraded through the existing FFP redemption channels, in general, either
through calling reservations or visiting a website (depending on carrier’s offer).
The upgrade is processed electronically, eliminating the need to issue paper
certificates to the customers. Both conventional paper tickets as well as electronic
tickets can be upgraded under this new scheme. Upgrades are permitted for one class
of travel, either from Economy Class to Business Class or from Business Class to
First Class*. Additionally, on United flights offering First and Economy Class only,
upgrades from Economy to First are possible. As with most FFP redemption products,
capacity restrictions apply and upgrades from certain types of fares are not
permitted.

 

Since its inception in 1997, emphasis has been placed by the Star Alliance network
on adding value to each member carrier’s FFP by offering alliance-wide benefits to
the customers. For instance, Star Alliance was the first airline alliance to offer
harmonised benefits for both Gold and Silver Card holders across the network, which
include:

 

Priority Check-In
Star Alliance Gold members can make use of separate check-in desks.

 

Priority Waitlist

Star Alliance Gold and Star Alliance Silver members receive priority waitlisting if
the desired flight is already fully booked.

 

Priority Airport Standby

Star Alliance Gold and Star Alliance Silver members receive priority standby listing
if they arrive at the airport without any reservation for a specific flight (subject
to local regulations).

 

Lounge Access

Star Alliance Gold members have access to more than 660 lounges at airports around
the world.

 

Priority Baggage Tags

Star Alliance Gold members are entitled to priority baggage service across the network.

 

Increased Baggage Allowance

Star Alliance Gold customers are entitled to one additional piece of checked baggage
(piece concept) or an additional 20 kilos (weight concept).

 

 

Moreover, Star Alliance is currently the only alliance that provides customers with
one point of contact to book and ticket award travel on all other Star Alliance
carriers.

Swiss International Air Lines won World’s Leading Economy Class at this year’s World Travel Awards.
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