STARLUX Business Class: Is Taiwan’s “Luxury” Airline Worth the Hype?

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I’ve been obsessed with airlines since I was a kid, and when Starlux launched in 2020, I knew I had to fly them. After experiencing their business class multiple times now, I can say this Taiwanese carrier has nailed what premium travel should feel like. The seats go fully flat in a 1-2-1 setup, the food tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, and the crew pays attention to things other airlines miss.

What excites me about 2026 is where Starlux is heading. They’re launching routes to Phoenix and Europe, adding A350-1000s with way more business class seats, and possibly joining oneworld. I spend half my year searching for flight deals and testing premium cabins, so I put together this guide to show you exactly what Starlux business class is like and how to book it smartly.

• Read next: My Absolute Favorite Airlines in the World

My #1 tip to find cheap STARLUX Business Class tickets

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Overview of STARLUX

Starlux launched in January 2020 and has built a reputation fast. The airline operates 28 aircraft flying to 29 destinations, including four US cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California. Phoenix launched in January 2026, with Helsinki and Prague coming later in the year.

The fleet is absurdly young with an average age just over two years. You’re flying on some of the newest planes in the sky, which shows in the tech and cabin condition. Starlux is the only Taiwanese airline offering first class on long-haul routes, though the premium over business is hard to justify.

Starlux applied to join oneworld at the end of 2025. If approved, they’d be Taiwan’s first oneworld member, which matters for lounge access and mileage earning globally. Right now they compete against EVA Air (Star Alliance) and China Airlines (SkyTeam) with newer planes and better soft product, though EVA has the alliance advantage until oneworld happens.

The American Airlines partnership that launched with the Phoenix route is limited to codesharing. You can’t credit Starlux flights to AAdvantage or use AA miles to book Starlux. Alaska Mileage Plan remains the only practical option for award bookings.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Asia

What’s new with STARLUX business class in 2026?

I’ve been tracking Starlux closely since they launched, and 2026 is shaping up to be their most exciting year yet. If you’re considering flying them in business class, there’s a lot happening that directly impacts where you can fly, how you can book, and what kind of experience you can expect. Let me break down what’s worth paying attention to.

Phoenix route now flying

As of January 15, 2026, Starlux launched nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix Sky Harbor. This is their first route beyond the West Coast. If you’re in Arizona or the Southwest, this is fantastic news – mo more connecting through LAX or SFO! The route operates three times weekly (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday) on the A350-900, increasing to four weekly flights in March 2026.

First European routes coming

This is the one I’m most excited about. Starlux is launching its first European destinations in the second half of 2026. Helsinki and Prague are the top contenders, with Taiwan recently locking in an Air Services Agreement with Finland for 14 weekly flights. Milan’s also on the shortlist.

For business class passengers, this is huge. Right now, if you want to get from Taiwan to Northern Europe, you’re looking at 20+ hours with one or two stops. A direct Taipei-Helsinki route changes that completely, and Starlux would be the first Taiwanese carrier to offer it. These European routes will initially run on the A350-900 with 26 business class seats, though I suspect the new A350-1000s arriving in 2026 might eventually take over with their larger 40-seat business class cabin.

A350-1000 fleet expansion

Starlux took delivery of its first A350-1000 in late 2025, with five more arriving in 2026 and two more in 2027. This matters because the A350-1000 has a much larger business class cabin than the A350-900. The A350-900 has 26 business class seats. The A350-1000 has 40, which means 14 more lie-flat suites.

You still get the same 1-2-1 configuration, privacy doors, and direct aisle access, just with better availability for both award bookings and paid fares. More importantly, the extended range means Starlux can finally reach East Coast cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington DC, along with deeper European destinations.

Oneworld alliance application status

Starlux submitted its application to join oneworld by the end of 2025. Approval isn’t guaranteed since Cathay Pacific holds veto power as a founding member, and they might not love the competition. Still, if this happens, it would be transformative for business class travelers.

You’d gain access to oneworld lounges worldwide including American Airlines Flagship Lounges, British Airways lounges, Qantas First lounges, and Cathay’s The Pier and The Wing. You could earn and redeem miles across all oneworld carriers. Plus, elite status would be recognized network-wide.

The Alaska Airlines partnership already gives you some options since you can book Starlux business class with Alaska miles. But oneworld membership would blow that open. Taiwan already has China Airlines in SkyTeam and EVA Air in Star Alliance. Starlux joining oneworld would complete the trifecta.

Kaohsiung Base Opening

Starlux is opening a new base at Kaohsiung International Airport in Q2 2026. This will be their third major hub after Taipei and Taichung. If you’re based in southern Taiwan, this is great news. You’ll get direct access to Northeast Asia routes, starting with Japan and South Korea, without having to connect through Taipei. Starlux will deploy business class equipped aircraft on these regional routes, though they haven’t announced specific configurations yet.

Which STARLUX aircraft should you fly in business class?

I get asked this all the time: which Starlux plane should I book? I’ve flown both the A350-900 and A330neo in business class. While they’re both solid, there are differences worth knowing about before you book.

A350-900 (my top pick for long-haul)

This is what you want for transpacific flights. The business class cabin has 26 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with massive 24-inch 4K screens. Starlux is the launch customer for the Collins Aerospace Elements seat, which is a newer version of the reverse herringbone. The footwell is noticeably roomier than older designs, so you don’t feel cramped when sleeping.

Every seat has direct aisle access and a 48.5-inch privacy door, which makes a huge difference if you want to work or sleep undisturbed. I’d avoid rows 7 and 8 since they’re near the lavatories, but otherwise every seat works well. If you’re traveling solo, I prefer the window seats (A and K). If you’re with someone, the middle pairs (seats 2 and 3 in each row) give you a bit more privacy from the aisle.

This aircraft flies all the US routes. These are Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario, and the new Phoenix service. You’ll also see it on the upcoming European routes to Helsinki, Prague, or Milan when those launch later in 2026.

A350-1000 (arriving 2026)

The first A350-1000 arrived in late 2025, with five more coming in 2026 and two in 2027. I haven’t flown this variant yet since it’s brand new to the fleet, but the specs are impressive. The business class cabin jumps to 40 seats from 26, which means way better award availability and more flexibility on booking.

Same Collins Elements seats, same 1-2-1 layout, same privacy doors. The big difference is range. This aircraft can handle nonstop flights to New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and deeper into Europe. Once Starlux starts deploying these on East Coast routes, this will be the one to book.

A330neo (good for regional routes)

The A330-900 operates regional Asian flights to places like Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul. Business class has 28 seats in a 1-2-1 layout using Safran Skylounge Core seats. They’re comfortable and go fully flat, but the screens are 17.3 inches instead of the A350’s 24 inches.

For a 3 to 6 hour flight, this setup is perfect. You get lie-flat capability without the full long-haul experience. The cabin feels a bit more intimate than the A350, and I actually prefer it for shorter daytime flights when I want to work rather than sleep.

A321neo (short-haul)

The A321neo handles shorter regional routes to Japan, Thailand, and nearby Asian destinations. Business class has just 8 seats in a 2-2 configuration using Collins Diamond seats. They’re 20.19 inches wide, recline to 82 inches flat, and come with 15.6-inch touchscreens.

This is a step down from the widebodies. You lose the 1-2-1 configuration and direct aisle access for everyone. If you’re in a window seat, you’ll need to climb over your neighbor to get out. The screens are smaller, and the overall experience feels more regional than premium.

That said, for a 2 to 4 hour flight, it’s still one of the better regional business class products in Asia. I’d take it over flying economy any day. But if you have the option to book an A330neo or A350 on the same route, go with those instead.

STARLUX Business Class Baggage Allowance

Packing is pretty straightforward with Starlux business class. You get two checked bags up to 32kg (70 pounds) each, which is generous compared to most airlines. Plus, you get a full-size carry-on and personal item without any extra fees. I never worry about running out of space when flying with them – it’s one less thing to stress about when traveling.

What to expect on the ground: lounges, check-in, and boarding

Starlux handles the ground experience well, though it’s not going to blow you away like the onboard product does. Business class passengers get priority treatment at every touchpoint, from check-in through boarding. The lounge situation varies wildly depending on which terminal you’re in at Taipei, so I’ll break that down separately.

Check-in and boarding

Business class passengers get dedicated priority check-in counters at every airport.he process takes just a few minutes with little to no wait. Starlux check-in desks don’t open until three hours before departure, so arriving earlier means you’ll be standing around.

Starlux now participates in TSA PreCheck at US airports. This cuts security down to a couple of minutes instead of the usual 30-minute wait through standard lines. Your checked bags get priority tags, so they’re typically among the first on the carousel when you land.

Boarding starts about 45 minutes before departure with a separate door for business class. You board in Group 1 along with top-tier COSMILE members. Even if you show up at the gate a bit late, Starlux staff will pull you to the front of the line.

Lounges at Taipei Taoyuan

Terminal 2 (long-haul US flights)

This is the lounge you want if you’re flying to or from the US. It opened in February 2024 and spans two levels near gate D7. Starlux went all-in on the space theme with sliding doors, steel gray interiors, and staff in futuristic uniforms.

The main floor has food stations, drinks, seating with power outlets and USB-C ports, and lockers for bags. Downstairs is quieter with additional seating, a second buffet, and two VIP rooms for private calls or meetings. Unlike Terminal 1, this lounge has bathrooms with shower suites. The showers have excellent water pressure and come stocked with amenities.

Food is a mix of buffet and made-to-order dishes. I’ve had braised pork rice, Spanish mackerel noodles, and their collaboration with Fu Hang Soy Milk, a well-known Taipei breakfast spot. Drinks include self-pour beer, Kavalan whisky, Bombay Sapphire gin, and Jim Beam bourbon. Surprisingly, there’s no champagne for a carrier that positions itself as premium.

Hours are 5am to 11:30pm daily. Business class passengers get access but no guest privileges unless you have COSMILE Insighter or Explorer status. I’ve seen them stay open past official hours for delayed late-night departures.

Terminal 1 (regional Asia flights)

The Terminal 1 lounge is smaller, older, and frankly not worth going out of your way for. It gets crowded during peak hours, has no bathrooms, and the seating feels cramped. There’s a small buffet and some made-to-order options, but the overall experience falls short of what Starlux delivers elsewhere.

US departure lounges

Starlux doesn’t operate its own lounges in the US, so you’ll use partner facilities. At LAX, that’s the oneworld business class lounge in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. From SFO, SEA, and PHX, you’ll have access to oneworld or partner lounges depending on availability and your ticket type. At SFO, some business class tickets include access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.

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In-flight amenities and entertainment

The in-flight experience varies depending on which aircraft you’re on. The A350-900 and A350-1000 have 24-inch 4K screens, which are massive for business class. The A330neo has 17.3-inch 4K screens, and the A321neo has 15.6-inch screens.

All are responsive with Bluetooth connectivity for your own headphones. The entertainment library is solid but not as extensive as Singapore Airlines or Emirates. Starlux provides noise-canceling headphones that are surprisingly good quality across all aircraft.

In-flight WiFi is for free for business class passengers on all routes. It uses Viasat and works well when it’s functioning properly, though I’ve had flights where it was spotty or slow. Don’t count on it for video calls, but browsing and emails generally work fine.

On the A350 and A330, you get a BRIC’s amenity kit with Huygens lip balm, hand cream, facial mist, dental kit, eye mask, socks, earplugs, and a brush. Pajamas and slippers are provided on long-haul flights. The A321neo doesn’t include pajamas given the shorter flight times. On longer flights, the crew will set up your bed with a thick mattress pad that makes a real difference for sleep.

The A350 seats have a “Zero Gravity” position that reclines the seat and elevates your legs to reduce pressure and improve circulation. All seats have personal lamps with multiple dimming options and monitors to control settings. Each seat has a universal AC outlet, 60-watt USB-C fast charging, USB-A port, and wireless Qi charging pad located in the storage closet.

• Read next: Best Airlines for Business Class

Food and drinks in STARLUX business class

Starlux partners with Michelin-starred restaurants for their menus, and you can tell. The food is several steps up from typical airline fare. You can pre-select meals online up to 24 hours before departure from Taipei, or 48 hours from Taichung. I always do this since popular dishes sell out.

The presentation is thoughtful and portions are generous. Expect both Western and Asian options, though flights departing the US tend to lean Western unless you pre-order the Taiwanese menu. Quality is good but not consistent across every flight. Some meals are impressive, others are just okay.

The drink program is where Starlux punches above its weight. They serve BOLLINGER champagne and stock premium spirits. The cocktail menu has some creative options beyond the standard gin and tonic. Wine selection covers major regions. If you like boba tea, they have it onboard and it’s delicious!

Service makes the biggest difference. The crew takes meal orders before departure and asks if you want to be woken for service on overnight flights. They pay attention to timing and anticipate what you need. I’ve had crew members set up my bed while I was in the bathroom without asking. It feels personal rather than scripted.

Compared to other Asian carriers, Starlux sits somewhere between EVA Air and Cathay Pacific. Not quite at the Singapore Airlines or ANA level for food, but better than most US carriers by a wide margin. The service quality consistently exceeds the food quality, which is the right way around.

Tips for booking STARLUX business class flights

If I’m trying to fly STARLUX up front without paying full freight, I plan the trip around two things: which US gateway works for me, and which miles I can actually use. Right now, Taipei is the key connection point. STARLUX’s US network includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario

• Keep one cash option in your back pocket. I’d recommend setting a Going Elite alert for business class deals. When a sale hits your dates, paying cash can beat burning a six figure mileage balance.
• Start with Alaska miles (it’s still the most practical route). Alaska’s partnership is the main realistic way to book STARLUX with points, since STARLUX isn’t in a global alliance.
• Know the pricing reality before you fall in love with the idea. You’ll sometimes see business class at 75,000 Alaska miles one way, but Alaska has also priced STARLUX business awards as high as 165,000 miles one way, so it pays to check multiple dates.
• Build Alaska miles the “non obvious” way. If you earn Bilt points, you can transfer them to Alaska at 1:1. This is one of the easiest ways to top up for a redemption.
• Use the Alaska card when you need a faster balance. If I’m starting from zero, I’m looking at the Alaska Airlines credit card for the welcome bonus and ongoing earning. It’s a direct pipeline into the miles you’ll spend on STARLUX.
• Don’t assume American miles will help. STARLUX and American have an interline agreement, but that doesn’t mean you can earn or redeem AAdvantage miles on STARLUX.

Read next: Best Ways to Find Cheap Business Class Flights

Should you fly STARLUX first class over business?

Short answer: no. Starlux offers first class on the A350-900 and A350-1000, but it’s essentially business class with minor upgrades marketed as a separate cabin. The airline charges roughly triple the price of business class for a product that doesn’t justify the premium.

First class is just row 1 with four seats in the same 1-2-1 configuration as business. The seats are slightly larger with bigger footwells, taller privacy partitions, and 32-inch screens instead of 24-inch. You also get a minibar in your suite. That’s about it for hard product differences.

The soft product is where Starlux tries to differentiate. First class passengers get chauffeur service to and from Taipei Taoyuan Airport, access to the Huan Yu VIP Terminal, upgraded amenities, and enhanced meal service. If you’re departing LAX, you get access to PS, the private terminal.

The problem is business class already delivers excellent food, great amenities, and attentive service. Round trip first runs around $18,000 versus $5,500 for business. At check-in, upgrades from business to first cost $3,000 to $5,000, and almost nobody takes them. Most flights depart with first class empty.

First class availability is extremely limited through Alaska Miles. You can’t book it as an award, only through Starlux’s own COSMILE program, and even then the redemption rates are astronomical. If you’re debating between the two, save your money and fly business. The experience is 90% as good for a third of the price.

How Starlux business class compares to the competition

I’ve flown all three of these airlines in business class, and people always ask which one to book. The answer depends on what you value most: hard product, network coverage, or award availability. Here’s how they stack up against each other.

EVA Air Royal Laurel Class

If you’re connecting via Taipei, EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class is the most dependable alternative to STARLUX. I find EVA slightly less “wow” onboard, but easier to book around real life because there are often more flight times and fewer surprises by route. On points, EVA is usually the more practical play if you’ve got Star Alliance friendly miles, since there are more ways to access seats. If you want the safest Taipei connection, EVA wins. If you want the freshest overall feel, STARLUX does.

Cathay Pacific business class

Cathay’s business class makes sense when Hong Kong is the cleanest hub for your trip. Versus STARLUX, the experience feels more classic and understated, and the real benefit is the onward network and transfer flow through HKG. On points, Cathay can be great with oneworld style miles, but you’ll often need to plan earlier or stay flexible to land the flights you want. If HKG works best, Cathay beats forcing a Taipei route.

Singapore Airlines business class

Singapore is the choice I make when I want the smoothest end to end journey. Compared with STARLUX, it can feel less boutique, but the network and connections through Changi are hard to beat, especially across Southeast Asia and Australasia. Points wise, it’s often strongest when you’re using Singapore’s own miles, Partner redemptions can be tighter on popular routes. If you value routing and reliability, pick Singapore business class. If you want a newer vibe via Taipei, pick STARLUX.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about STARLUX business class

Here are some popular questions (and answers) I get that will help decide whether STARLUX business class is the right option for you.

Is STARLUX a budget airline?

Not at all. STARLUX positions itself as a luxury airline, focusing on premium experiences. From plush seating to exceptional service, they aim for the high end of air travel.

Which alliance is STARLUX part of?

Currently, STARLUX isn’t a member of any major airline alliance. They operate independently, focusing on providing a unique and high-quality service to their passengers.

Does STARLUX serve alcohol?

Yes, they do. STARLUX offers a selection of alcoholic beverages to its passengers, so you can enjoy a fine wine or a cocktail while you fly.

Does STARLUX have free WIFI?

Yes, all business class passengers enjoy complimentary in-flight internet when flying with Starlux.

• Looking to find Starlux business class deals for under $1,700 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.