When I boarded my first Starlux flight in early 2021, I wasn’t expecting Taiwan’s newest airline to feel so polished. I’ve flown with nearly every premium and budget carrier across Asia and North America, and I can confidently say Starlux Airlines surprised me , not just once, but repeatedly across multiple routes, cabin classes, and service types.
For anyone considering flying Starlux, this review covers every angle you should know , from fleet facts and cabin comfort to pricing transparency and onboard meals. I’ve combined my firsthand experience with factual data to help you decide whether this luxury startup airline is worth your money, and your miles.
What Is Starlux Airlines?
Starlux Airlines is a Taiwan-based premium airline founded by Chang Kuo-wei, the former chairman of EVA Air. It officially launched operations in January 2020. Headquartered in Taipei, its primary hub is at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).
As of mid-2025, the fleet includes:
- A350-900: for long-haul routes like Los Angeles and San Francisco
- A330neo: for medium-haul international routes
- A321neo: primarily for intra-Asia routes
Each aircraft is configured with an emphasis on luxury , not just in Business and First, but in Economy as well.
The airline’s branding blends futuristic visuals with boutique service, aiming to be “the Emirates of Asia”, and frankly, in many ways, it’s succeeding.
How Safe Is Starlux Airlines?
Safety is non-negotiable, especially with new airlines. Fortunately, Starlux holds IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification, the global gold standard in operational safety. The carrier also maintains a clean record with no reported incidents or accidents since inception.
According to AirlineRatings.com, Starlux receives a 7/7 safety score, reflecting adherence to international protocols, modern aircraft usage, and maintenance reliability.
Most aircraft in their fleet are under three years old. The A350-900s average an age of just 1.8 years, based on Planespotters.net data. From a technical and operational standpoint, I consider Starlux to be among the safest premium airlines in the Asia-Pacific region.
What Cabin Classes Does Starlux Offer?
I’ve flown in every cabin class they offer, and each one outperforms what you’d expect from a new airline.
Fleet Cabin Configurations
Aircraft | Economy | Premium Economy | Business Class | First Class |
A321neo | Yes | No | Yes | No |
A330-900neo | Yes | No | Yes | No |
A350-900 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Economy Class
Seat pitch ranges from 31–32 inches, with USB charging, HD IFE screens, and an adjustable headrest. The seats feel more spacious than what you’d get on EVA or China Airlines in the same class.
Premium Economy (A350 only)
Seats offer 38 inches of pitch, more recline, a footrest, and a larger screen. The extra space was especially welcome on a 13-hour TPE–LAX flight.
Business Class
The Business cabin includes lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, large privacy shields, 17.3″ 4K IFE screens, and luxurious meal service. Each seat comes with noise-cancelling headphones and a full bedding kit.
First Class
Available only on the A350, Starlux’s First Class cabins are fully enclosed suites with sliding doors, 81 inches of seat pitch, and a 24-inch OLED screen. The suite includes in-seat lighting controls, temperature adjustments, and fine-dining-level meals.
From Tokyo to San Francisco, the experience is consistent: comfort meets aesthetic excellence.
How Is the Starlux In-Flight Experience?
The onboard experience is where Starlux starts to shine.
Amenities and Features by Class
- Wi-Fi is available on all A350s and A330neos (flat-rate pricing).
- Business and First receive Bang & Olufsen noise-cancelling headphones.
- Economy and Premium Economy passengers also receive blankets, eye masks, and slippers on long-haul routes.
Meals and Dining
Starlux partners with Michelin-affiliated chefs in Taipei to curate seasonal meals.
- In Economy, expect Taiwanese staples like braised pork rice or grilled miso chicken.
- In Business and First, meals include options like lobster with saffron risotto or Wagyu beef in truffle jus.
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
- All cabins offer personal IFE with touchscreen 4K resolution on A350s.
- The content includes over 200 movies in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Korean.
- Kids’ content and short documentaries on Taiwanese culture are a nice touch.
I’ve rarely seen a better IFE interface. It’s responsive, personalized, and the headphones provided in premium cabins rival those in Lufthansa’s First.
How Is the Ground Experience with Starlux?
Even before takeoff, Starlux positions itself as a luxury brand.
Check-In and Boarding
- Business and First passengers use dedicated check-in counters and receive fast-track security access.
- Starlux’s mobile app allows fully digital check-in, seat changes, and real-time flight updates.
Lounges
At Taipei T1, the Galactic Lounge is the flagship. It includes:
- Showers with Dyson hair dryers
- Seasonal menu buffet + à la carte dining
- Local artisan tea bar
- Glass-encased rest areas and napping zones
The lounge ambiance rivals Qatar’s Al Mourjan in Doha, albeit on a smaller scale.
What Routes Does Starlux Operate?
Starlux currently serves 19 destinations across Asia and North America.
Active Routes (as of June 2025)
Region | Destinations |
North America | Los Angeles, San Francisco |
East Asia | Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo |
Southeast Asia | Manila, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City |
Others | Macau, Penang, Singapore |
Expansion Plans
The airline has filed permits to operate Taipei–Frankfurt and Taipei–Paris starting Q1 2026.
Codeshare Partners
- Alaska Airlines (USA domestic connectivity)
- Japan Airlines (intra-Japan network)
While not part of any alliance yet, the partnerships make it easier to connect from Taiwan to U.S. East Coast or European cities.
What Is the Pricing Like on Starlux Airlines?
Starlux targets premium travelers but remains competitively priced on certain routes.
Sample Price Comparison (TPE Departures)
Route | Starlux Economy | EVA Air | China Airlines |
TPE – LAX | $685 | $720 | $660 |
TPE – Tokyo | $380 | $405 | $365 |
TPE – Bangkok | $320 | $340 | $310 |
While not the cheapest, the fare premium is often $20–$50 more, and the service upgrade justifies it, especially in Economy and Premium Economy.
Frequent fare sales also run seasonally (e.g. Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival).
How Is Starlux Airlines Rated by Passengers?
Passenger reviews are overwhelmingly positive, especially for service and cabin design.
Public Ratings
- Google Reviews: 4.6/5 average across verified locations
- Skytrax: 5-star for Business Class, 4-star overall
- TripAdvisor: Ranked #1 among Taiwan-based airlines in 2024
Common Praises
- Professionalism and friendliness of cabin crew
- Quality of onboard meals
- New aircraft with luxurious interiors
Common Complaints
- Limited flight network
- Premium pricing on long-haul routes
- Lounge access limitations in partner airports
Who Should Fly Starlux Airlines?
Starlux best serves travelers who prioritize comfort, service, and aesthetics over ultra-budget fares.
- Business Travelers: Business and First cabins are among the best in East Asia.
- Leisure Travelers: High-value Economy with boutique-level service.
- Luxury Seekers: First Class rivals Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Budget travelers might find EVA Air more suitable for fare flexibility and more route options.
How Does Starlux Compare to Other Airlines?
Taiwanese Carriers Comparison
Feature | Starlux | EVA Air | China Airlines |
Fleet Age | 2.5 years avg | 8 years | 9 years |
IFE System | 4K OLED Screens | HD Screens | Standard IFE |
Service Culture | Boutique Luxury | Corporate Luxury | Functional |
Starlux surpasses others in aircraft modernity and design. EVA Air still offers more destinations, but Starlux is gradually expanding.
Is Starlux Airlines Worth the Price?
Yes, if you value next-generation aircraft, elite service, and top-tier design. While slightly more expensive than regional carriers, the difference in quality is noticeable.
For long-haul Business or First Class, Starlux is a top-3 contender in Asia, outperforming even some Skytrax five-star airlines in execution.
Should You Fly with Starlux Airlines?
Starlux Airlines isn’t just a newcomer , it’s a disruptor. The airline combines design-forward interiors with true hospitality and attention to detail. Whether you’re flying Economy or First, you’ll notice the care put into every touchpoint.
I’ve flown Starlux over 20 times now. And unless you need ultra-low-cost travel or alliance mileage accrual, it remains my top pick for any East Asia or North America route out of Taipei.
FAQs About Starlux Airlines
Is Starlux part of an airline alliance?
No, but it has codeshare partnerships with Alaska Airlines and Japan Airlines.
Does Starlux offer a frequent flyer program?
Yes, it’s called COSMILE, with Silver, Gold, and Insighter elite tiers.
Can I use Alaska miles to book Starlux flights?
Yes, Alaska Mileage Plan members can redeem miles for Starlux-operated flights.
What languages are spoken onboard?
Mandarin, English, and Japanese are spoken on most routes. Korean is available on Seoul routes.
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes, small pets are allowed in the cabin or as checked baggage under strict IATA rules.