Information on STARLUX Airlines Flights

Starlux might not have the name recognition of other Asian carriers, but in the coming years, the airline has lofty ambitions to become a powerhouse for flights across the Pacific. And if my experiences with Starlux are any indication, they’re well on their way. Here’s everything that you can expect from this newer entrant into the airline world.

A brief history

The airline’s origin story is a fascinating one. Its founder, Chang Kuo-wei, is the former chairman of EVA Air, another major airline based in Taiwan. After being ousted from the company that his father started, Kuo-wei launched Starlux in 2018. The carrier bills itself as a luxury airline and one that focuses on quality service, comfortable seats, and high-end cuisine across all cabins.

Routes

Taipei-based Starlux offers both short-haul service within Asia and long-haul service to the US. It’s still a relatively small player but is quickly expanding its network of routes. I was able to fly from Los Angeles to Bangkok via Taipei on Starlux, and it proved to be a great one-stop option. Travelers heading to Southeast Asia should consider connecting through Taipei which is a relatively easy airport to navigate.

In the US, Starlux continues to expand with new routes up and down the West Coast to Taipei. It’s expected that Starlux will eventually make its way to the East Coast, with service from New York to Taipei.

Cabin classes, seats and legroom

Starlux flies several different aircraft types: the Airbus A321, Airbus A330neo and its flagship Airbus A350. Both the A321 and A330neo are used for intra-Asia flying only, and offer business and economy seats. Meanwhile, the A350 is used for transpacific flights between the US and Taipei and has four classes of service including first, business, premium economy, and economy. Here’s a brief rundown of each class.

First class

On the airline’s flagship Airbus A350, Starlux offers an exclusive four-seat first-class cabin. In fact, it’s the only Taiwan-based carrier to have first class. However, there is a caveat, too. While Starlux sells this as first class, it’s more like a “business class plus” experience. I sat in both the business and first seats and while the latter offers slightly more space, there isn’t a curtain separating the two cabins for a truly distinct experience.

Business class

Here’s where Starlux shines. The airline offers lie-flat business class no matter which plane you fly on, but the best seats are on the Airbus A350. The 26 all-aisle access seats each come with a suite door, tons of privacy, and advanced tech features like USB-C and wireless charging. I loved these seats in particular because they are ideal for fully stretching out, including when sleeping on my side.

There’s also an in-seat massager and a unique “Zero-G” seat function that cradles your body. I also appreciated the free Wi-Fi that’s available for both business and first-class passengers. The provided pajamas, mattress pad, and slippers are ultra plush (only offered on the longer flights between the US and Taipei).

The business class cabins on Starlux’s two other aircraft, the A330neo and A321neo are no slouches, either. Starlux’s precise attention to detail sets the carrier apart from others, down to the airline-branded toilet paper. Meanwhile, the cabin ambiance is futuristic and avant-garde without sacrificing a sense of warmth and coziness.

Premium economy

Premium economy is only available on long-haul flights on the A350. The 36-seat cabin is configured in a 2-4-2 arrangement spread across five rows. Expect additional comfort over standard economy, like a retractable legrest and footrest. There is also a generous 40 inches of pitch, the measurement between your seat and the seat directly in front. This is pretty much as good as it gets for a premium economy product.

Economy

Each economy seat on Starlux has a six-way adjustable leather headrest for neck support and decent legroom. Long-haul economy on the Airbus A350 even features 4K inflight entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity (meaning no need to finagle with wired headsets) and power outlets. Passengers receive a small pillow and blanket by default.

Since Starlux is a relatively new airline, the seats are going to feel pretty fresh. Most economy seats offer between 31 and 32 inches of pitch, which is pretty standard for most full-service international airlines. However, keep in mind that there may be a fee for advance seat selection depending on your fare type and the distance flown.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you should know about the Starlux Airlines ground and pre-flight experience.

Baggage policy and fees

Starlux is pretty generous when it comes to its baggage policy, regardless of which class you’re sitting in. For economy passengers, you’ll get at least one piece of checked baggage, one carry-on and personal item, and seat selection for a fee. All premium economy and business passengers get two free checked bags, one carry-on, and a personal item.

Check-in

There are several check-in options, including online, mobile, and airport kiosks, as well as the most unique option at Starlux’s hub in Taipei: an in-town check-in for flights originating from the city. This service allows passengers to drop off their bags at Taoyuan Metro A1 Taipei Main Station and explore the city before their flight later in the day.

Lounges

The airline operates a business class lounge, called the “Galactic Lounge,” at its hub in Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport. Having visited previously, it’s on the smaller side but there’s a great food and drink selection. Business class passengers have access to contract lounges at other airports in Starlux’s network. For instance, at LAX, business passengers have access to the Oneworld lounge at Tom Bradley International Terminal.

There is one fantastic perk for those who originate from LAX and fly in first class: passengers get access to PS, a private luxury airport terminal serving commercial flights at LAX. This terminal not only has its own dedicated lounge but also has seamless airport security and direct chauffeur service to the aircraft.

Onboard experience

Here's more of what you can expect when onboard a Starlux flight.

Wi-Fi & entertainment

Every passenger has inflight entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity (meaning no need to finagle with wired headsets) and power outlets. Business and first-class travelers on the A350 also get a 4K high-definition screen and wireless charging. While Wi-Fi is available (and complimentary for first and business-class passengers), it wasn’t operational on my flights in mid-2023.

Amenities

On long-haul Starlux flights, all passengers (even those in economy), receive a pillow and blanket by default and can request additional amenities such as dental kits, eye shades, ear plugs, and slippers from the crew. In business and first class, expect provided pajamas, mattress pad, and slippers that are plush and sumptuous.

Food and drink

Starlux serves high-quality meals, working with local restaurant Hutong to offer specialties like barbeque beef belly and roasted honey chicken. The airline also offers a wide drink selection, including craft cocktails. The airline is unique in that it allows economy passengers to select their meals in advance, even if they have no dietary restrictions.

In business and first, each course is individually plated and is on par with a restaurant on land. For my flight between LAX and Taipei, my chilled shrimp and mango salad appetizer was fresh as could be, and the beef tenderloin main was cooked to a perfect medium rare, an impressive feat when served at 35,000 feet.

The service

Expect high quality service from the very international cabin crew; they exerted a level of precision that can only come from rigorous training. Many of the crew were actually poached from world-class carriers like EVA, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, etc. There’s attention to detail with Starlux that many other carriers lack.

Airline partners and loyalty

As a newer carrier, Starlux isn’t part of any major global airline alliance. However, a partnership with Alaska Airlines was launched in 2023 and it continues to be the best way to earn and redeem points for Starlux flights. The partnership also means you can connect between a Starlux flight and an Alaska flight on a single ticket, allowing travelers to check bags through.

Booking using miles

Travelers can use Alaska Airlines miles to book flights on Starlux. For loyalty program aficionados, long-haul routes between the US West Coast and Taipei start at 60,000 Alaska miles for a one-way business-class seat. As with any award booking, it pays to be as flexible as possible with your dates.