Ever since newcomer Starlux Airlines began flying to North America back in 2024, it's been at the top of my list for a trip to Asia. From the get-go, the Taipei-based airline has looked to live up to its name – putting the luxe in Starlux – with its gorgeous cabins, attentive service, and galaxy-themed concept.
When I was (finally) presented with the opportunity to see what Starlux was all about on a recent trip abroad, I couldn't turn it down.
While the dining didn't quite live up to my high expectations, everything else about this flight made up for it. The lie-flat seats were stunning, the service was stellar, and the onboard technology is some of the best I've ever seen in business class.
This review covers my full experience on Starlux Airlines' business class, from the time I arrived at Los Angeles (LAX) to touchdown in Taipei (TPE). Let's dig into it!
How to Book Starlux Business Class
Starlux currently flies between Taipei (TPE) and these U.S. gateways: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Ontario (ONT), and Phoenix (PHX).
There are really only a couple of ways you can book Starlux Airlines flights. The first is with cash, which, if you're planning to fly business class, will not be cheap. Average one-way prices from the U.S. to Taipei (TPE) typically go for $3,500 (or more) – and $5,000-plus roundtrip.
But since Starlux is a partner with Alaska Airlines, you can book this using the carrier's Atmos Rewards points – and only Atmos Rewards points … at least for now. The quickest way to earn a whole bunch of Atmos points is with one of the airline's co-branded credit cards, like the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® or the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature®. You can also transfer Bilt points to Atmos Rewards, or earn points by flying with Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines.
One-way economy rates start at 37,500 points, premium economy will cost you 50,000 points, while business class rates will be 75,000 to 85,000 points. Unfortunately, first class redemptions are currently not bookable with points – hopefully, that changes sometime soon.
I ended up booking my flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Taipei (TPE) for just 75,000 Atmos Rewards points and $19 in taxes and fees. In my haste to book, I failed to capture a screenshot of my fare, but here's a look at the pricing from neighboring airport, Ontario (ONT), for proof.
At Thrifty Traveler, we don't accept freebies. We use our own points, miles, or cash to pay for every single flight or hotel you see reviewed here – including this one.
A quick word of warning: Finding Starlux business class awards available through Alaska at 75,000 points each way is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack – actually, finding a needle in a haystack might be easier. Instead, you're far more likely to see pricing like this …
But every so often, the floodgates open – or rather, a slow trickle from the faucet. If you find Starlux business class availability for 75,000 points, book now and ask questions later.
Check-In & Lounge Access
To get from my home airport of Minneapolis (MSP) to Los Angeles (LAX), I booked a separate positioning flight on Delta. Since I had my Starlux boarding pass generated digitally within 24 hours of departure, I skipped the standard check-in desk and headed straight for the lounge.
If you're flying Starlux business class out of Los Angeles (LAX), you'll have access to the shared Oneworld business class lounge. With about three hours to kill in between my flights, I made myself at home here.
At 42,000 square feet with over 600 seats, it's a pretty massive lounge. And it was definitely crowded at 8 pm, with many flights departing later in the evening.
There were plenty of seating options, from couches to dining tables, as well as a workspace. I found a comfortable seat and had time to relax before my long flight.
The food spread was decent, with plenty of options for people needing to fuel up before their journey. I had eaten a bit before I went into the lounge, but it was nice to get some solid desserts and a soda before my flight.
To be certain I was all set before boarding, I made my way over to my departure gate of 206 about an hour before departure to verify my passport and print a paper boarding pass. The gate agents were very helpful, and the boarding process seemed much more organized than I've experienced with other airlines.
Clear signage and boarding lanes were all set up well before the boarding process ever began.
I was one of the first business class passengers to board and was greeted with a warm welcome by the flight attendants. They even escorted me to my seat and put my carry-on bag in the overhead bin.
Starlux Business Class Cabin
My first thought when I boarded this Starlux flight? One word: “Wow!” The TV monitors are gigantic (24 inches), and the overall interior is gorgeous. Orange and blue neon lights really create a beautiful theme.
Starlux's A350-900 business class cabin features seven rows in a 1-2-1 layout with a total of 26 seats. All seats are arranged in the same layout, with nothing staggered. The first row has four First Class seats. Row 8 in the rear is a little awkward, as there are no window seats; it's just an extension of the lavatories. I'd recommend steering clear of these seats (as I did) if at all possible.
If you're traveling with a companion, sitting in the middle two seats could be a very good option. There's also a middle partition if you end up having to sit next to a stranger. Trust me, I'm just as happy as the passenger in 3D in the photo above.
The only seats I'd try to avoid are the last row (as mentioned), since you'll be very close to the two lavatories, which could get a little annoying.
Seats next to the windows are a solid option for solo travelers. I ended up sitting in 2k and loved my choice.
In the first row, there's also Starlux's First Class Cabin. These seats have much more space and are more secluded with higher walls and doors. If you're looking to pay cash, these seats will run you about $10,000 per person. I don't really think it's worth that kind of money, to be honest.
Don't get me wrong: These first class seats are beautifully designed and have tons of room, but the fact that they're basically part of the business class cabin makes it tough to justify the higher cost (more than double the price of business class!). But then again, I'm not the type of person who would spend $3,500 for business class. So what do I know?
The lavatories were also above average compared to many other airlines. I easily fit into the bathrooms, which is not always the case at 6 feet, 3 inches tall.
During my multiple visits to the lavatory on this long flight, I never saw an untidy restroom. The attendants did an excellent job keeping them clean throughout the flight.
Starlux added a nice touch with some lotions and (decorative) flowers. I don't recall seeing this on too many other airlines I've flown.
Overall, I was as impressed as one can be with the lavatories. They were spacious and remained very clean throughout the flight. A well-maintained restroom can make a big difference in the overall experience.
Starlux Business Class Seat
After being lucky enough to fly several different lie-flat business class seats, I'd have to say Starlux's seat is near the top of the list. The combination of comfort, design, size, and technology made it pretty incredible. My seat (2K) was just behind the “first-class cabin.”
The combination of tan, gray, orange, and black finishes was gorgeous. The upholstery and leather all looked and felt top-quality, making it clear they definitely put a lot of time and resources into these seats.
The dimmed lamp on the side table just added to the seat's elegance. The extra mood lighting really made these seats pop.
But the massive 24-inch 4K screen is the real star of the show. When you have nearly 14 hours to kill in the sky, entertainment is a necessity, and Starlux really delivered here.
From this angle, you can see just how big the TV looks compared to the rest of the seat. It's a really prominent feature.
Looking at the seats from the rear, it's pretty easy to tell just how much room there is in these suites. I actually found it a little tough to navigate the cabin because the seats were so big that you couldn't easily walk past another passenger or crew member when two people were in the aisle.
The headrest featured beautiful black leather with tan accents. The main section of the seat was a more-durable gray cloth with brown and orange accents.
Here's a look at the seats directly. The black and charcoal side table looks very stylish against the grey trim. Again, the monitor is the center of attention.
I thought the seats were extremely comfortable in the extended lie-flat position. My back had plenty of support, my arms were never cramped, and I was able to get several hours of quality sleep. Here's a look:
Beneath the window was a side table with a black (faux marble) tabletop streaked in white and gray grain. Again, the small accent lamp just above is a beautiful touch.
Pressing the side button released a small latch door that opened up a relatively sizable storage compartment. I stored my passport and a few other small items there during the flight.
Opening the small door above the table revealed other items provided by Starlux: noise-cancelling headphones, a bottle of water, and a OneLuxe facemask.
Some airlines have started to add wireless charging stations to their business class seats, and Starlux is a part of the club. Unfortunately, it didn't work that well for me. I think the aircraft's vibrations during turbulence kept disrupting the connection to the charger. I ended up plugging my phone in to ensure I had a full boost when I landed.
Near the front of the side table was a small touchscreen with additional controls. You could adjust the light settings on the first screen.
The other touchscreen controls adjusted the seat, allowing travelers to recline and convert it into a fully flat bed. Two notable things on this screen were the massage mode, which I felt was pretty unnoticeable even at full strength, but still a feature I've never seen on other airlines.
And the other was the Zero G mode, which I loved. Starlux based this feature on NASA's neutral body posture specifications. I felt like this position was much more comfortable than lie-flat mode. It elevates your feet slightly above your body and also reduces pressure points on your back. I slept great in this mode for a few hours.
On the other side of the seat is an armrest that can be raised or lowered. This is a nice feature to have, especially when you're reclining or in lie-flat mode, as it will line up directly with the rest of the seat.
To the left of the armrest is the handle to close the suite door. While these doors don't reach all the way to the floor, they're still a thoughtful addition – and add a fair amount of privacy.
Just in front of the side table was a small storage compartment. I ended up putting some of my smaller items in there, including a book.
Having enough legroom was never an issue. The footwells have plenty of space and are finished with a nice leather cushion at the far end.
The tray table also followed the overall color themes and patterns, easily swiveling out and unfolding for meal time.
Overall, I loved these Starlux business class seats. The combination of comfort, design, and attention to detail made these one of my favorite business class seats I've ever flown.
Starlux Business Class Amenities
Every business class passenger flying Starlux received a small amenity kit, pajamas, slippers, and a set of noise-canceling headphones. Here's a look at the pajamas, a collaboration with British designer Paul Smith.
I ended up wearing the pants and slippers for most of the flight and found both quite comfortable.
The amenity kit was designed by a Japanese brand called “Three” and included mostly basic items such as an eye mask, socks, a toothbrush, and lotions.
I thought the amenities were pretty underwhelming, nothing too flashy. But getting pajamas is definitely a nice touch, as many airlines no longer include these on international business class flights.
Dining & Service in Starlux Business Class
All business class passengers were offered a pre-departure drink as we settled into our seats during boarding. I went with a delicious glass of berry juice.
The meal service started about an hour after takeoff. I pre-ordered all my meals online, a feature available for all cabin classes that can be done starting 21 days before travel.
The first course to arrive was a grilled shrimp salad with mango salsa and dressing. I thought this was pretty tasty. The shrimp had a ton of flavor, and I really liked the sauce.
Just as I finished this course, the main course arrived. To drink, I got the Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chateau Clark red wine with my steak. I thought it was delicious, but I only have one or two glasses of wine a year, so I may not be the best critic.
For my entrée, I pre-selected the grilled prime tenderloin beef steak with grilled vegetables and béarnaise sauce. Other main-course options were baked salmon, braised abalone, and chicken with oyster sauce.
Overall, I had mixed thoughts about my dinner. The bread selections were very good – served warm, soft, and full of flavor. But the soup was a pretty bland chicken and broth with not much flavor. The vegetables were decent, with the potatoes being my favorite. They had a ton of flavor and were delicious. Sadly, the beef was pretty forgettable as it was very dry and unseasoned. The sauce helped a bit, but the slice of meat was pretty poor overall.
For dessert, they served a small plate of fruit and ice cream. Oh, and some more red wine. Nothing too fancy, but the ice cream was sweet, and I enjoyed it.
A few hours later, flight attendants walked around with a large basket of goodies. I was debating which ones to choose, and then the flight attendant just told me to take them all. OK, if you're going to twist my arm …
About two hours before landing, the breakfast service began. The first course consisted of a surplus of bread (time to carbo load!), Greek yogurt, and a salad. Once again, I enjoyed the warm bread and thought the yogurt was delicious. The salad didn't do much for me, mostly because the dressing was so tart.
With my coffee, I got the omelet with chicken sausage, potatoes, and zucchini. This meal was decent. I thought the potatoes were seasoned well, and the other vegetables were tasty. The omelet was a little different with chicken sausage instead of pork, but it was all pretty good, and I finished most of it.
Although I didn't care for the food as much as I'd hoped, the service was top-notch on this flight. Every flight attendant was quick to clear plates and offer drink refills. They were all very friendly and happy to assist whenever I needed anything.
Starlux In-Flight Entertainment & Wi-Fi
I was pretty impressed with Starlux's in-flight entertainment. They had tons of recent movies and shows (including HBO) that could have easily kept me busy beyond the duration of the flight. With the beautiful 24-inch 4k screens, this setup was one of the best I've seen in the sky.
Navigating through the screen was very easy. You can use the touchscreen or the corded control panel located on the side table. I chose to just use the touchscreen, which worked well.
I love that Starlux has integrated Bluetooth technology into their seats. It was super easy to connect my Bose headphones via Bluetooth, which was great for watching shows!
I often spend the majority of my time on the flight tracker screen; this flight was no different.
However, after dinner, it was time to settle in for one of the best movies of all time (if you know, you know).
Wi-Fi is free for first class, business class, and premium economy passengers. While it wasn't that fast, with a download speed of about 5 Mbps and an upload speed of about 2 Mbps, it was still nice to have the option to connect if needed – especially for business travelers needing to get work done.
Bottom Line
Overall, I really enjoyed my flight from Los Angeles to Taipei in Starlux business class. I was extremely impressed with how stylish (and comfortable) the seat was.
Even though the food wasn't the best, the service, entertainment, and overall experience certainly made up for it. I'd argue that Starlux business class is one of the best ways to get to Asia (or anywhere they fly), and I'd jump at the opportunity to do it all over again!
