When airline travelers think about elite status, most focus on the loyalty programs offered by their favorite airline. While these airline perks can be valuable, alliance benefits enhance your flight experience when flying with partner airlines.

Here's everything you need to know about Star Alliance Gold benefits.

Star Alliance Gold benefits

Travelers who've earned Star Alliance Gold elite status enjoy numerous benefits when flying partner airlines. These benefits are in addition to the perks you get based on your elite status with the airline. Here are the best perks available when you fly Star Alliance Gold on United and other member airlines.

Priority airport check-in. Look for the Star Alliance Gold sign to skip the lines and check in quicker, where available.

Priority baggage handling. Your bags receive priority handling, so they're among the first on and off the plane. This minimizes your wait at the airport when you land.

Airport lounge access. Escape the crowds with complimentary entry for you and one guest in more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide when flying a member airline. Lounge benefits vary by location, but most offer food and refreshments, free Wi-Fi, places to work and relax, and more.

Priority boarding. Get on the plane faster by boarding with first-class and business-class passengers, regardless of your ticket class.

Extra baggage allowance. The Star Alliance Gold baggage allowance provides an additional 44 lbs. (20 kg.) when weight limits apply or an extra piece of luggage when they don't. This benefit does not apply to all partner airlines or may only be available on connecting Star Alliance flights.

Gold Track priority screening. At more than 150 locations, you'll move through airport security and customs more quickly by using exclusive priority lanes.

Priority reservations waitlist. When your desired service class is unavailable when making a reservation, you'll receive priority access if seats open up. This benefit is not available when booking an award ticket.

Priority airport standby. When you want to make changes, but the desired flight is full, you'll receive priority access to the standby list. However, benefits do not apply to award tickets.

Heathrow Express upgrades. Get a free upgrade to Business First Class on the Heathrow Express when you purchase a standard class single or return ticket.

How to get Star Alliance Gold

With 26 member airlines, there are countless ways to earn Star Alliance Gold elite status. If you have elite status with a member airline, the Star Alliance website has a handy qualification tool that lets you know if you're eligible for Star Alliance Gold by selecting your airline and elite status level.

Let's look at the elite status necessary for qualification with two Star Alliance airlines based in the U.S. and Canada.

United Airlines

MileagePlus members who've achieved Premier Gold and above in United's elite status program receive Star Alliance Gold elite status. To earn United Premier Gold, you must earn 7,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs), or you can take 16 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) while earning 6,000 PQPs.