BOOKED: Starlux Business Class, Here We Come!
Introduction | Starlux Business Class
Back in 2023, when Starlux announced their international flights from SFO/LAX to TPE, it was the hottest business class redemption for Asia.
Unfortunately at that time, there was not a plethora of options for flying business class non-stop between the US and Taiwan. So, in early 2023, when Alaska Airlines and Taipei-based Starlux Airlines announced their intention to partner with reciprocal mileage earning and award redemptions, frequent flyers were cautiously excited to see what would develop. Initially, Starlux planned to fly an A350 between Taipei (TPE) and Los Angeles (LAX), with TPE-San Francisco soon to follow.
As Frequent Miler pointed out, there’s suddenly Starlux business class saver space that’s been released between San Francisco and Taipei over this Spring and early Summer. I couldn’t help but see if there were any award space in April…and lo and behold!
Quick Thoughts
For those just joining this blog, Little Boy From Taiwan is focused on the ideal intention of reviewing as many airlines and hotels that they may enjoy one day. 100% of all the airlines are funded by myself to remain anonymous and neutral during my review. My goal on this blog is to review hotels and airlines that readers may enjoy redeeming their well-earned points, and ensure they’re confident with their redemption.
A portion of this flight trip is based on my upcoming Japan/Taiwan trip, which will feature a series of hotels from the likes of LXR Roku Kyoto, The Mitsui Kyoto, Conrad Osaka and the Grand Hyatt Taipei.
Booking | Starlux Business Class
As I mentioned in the introduction, we’ve seen hardly any saver availability come online since the initial launch of the Alaska/Starlux partnership last year. Suddenly in the afternoon, the SFO-TPE route has multiple seats available throughout the next few months. Although 75K isn’t as absurdly sweet as the initial 60K promotional rate, 75K + $19 for a non-stop flight between the US and Taiwan on an appealing business class product is a FANTASTIC redemption still when you consider the cash price for a business class ticket on Starlux.
The best months are April and June, with a much more palatable price of 75K Mileage Plan miles each way. Currently, award spaces are being taken left and right, so if you have the points for it, don’t wait and get to booking!
That being said, I utilized 150,000 Alaska Miles for two tickets from SFO to TPE in April, and paid $36.20 out of pocket due to award fees. Cash rate for a one way business class would have been $4,000+ per person!
Why Starlux?
Starlux is the first airline in Taiwan to offer first class. On their aircraft, their A350s feature four first class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration. First class suites feature 60-inch doors and privacy partitions, 32-inch 4K screens with bluetooth audio, zero-gravity seat settings, and personal wardrobes for storing luggage.
Their 26 seat business class are configured in the 1-2-1 style and feature 48-inch doors and privacy partitions, 24 inch 4K screens with bluetooth audio (Massive win here) and zero-gravity seat settings.
Their 36 seat premium economy class are configured in a 2-4-2 layout and feature extensive leg rests and footrest bars, and a 15.6K 4K screen with bluetooth audio.
Lastly, their 240 economy seats are configured in a 3-3-3 layout, and feature 13-inch 4K screen with bluetooth audio.
