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Starlux debuts Seattle flights, its third US destination

March 28, 2024
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4 min read
Starlux Airlines Business Class Airbus A350 LAX TPE
Starlux debuts Seattle flights, its third US destination
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Taiwan's self-proclaimed "luxury" airline will touch down in its third U.S. gateway later this year.

Starlux Airlines will commence flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from its hub at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) on a thrice-weekly basis beginning Aug. 16.

The Taipei-based carrier will deploy an Airbus A350-900, which features four first-class suites, 26 business-class pods, 36 premium economy recliners and 240 economy seats, on the route.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

This new 6,075-mile is now on sale, with round-trip tickets departing the U.S. starting at around $950 for economy, $2,200 for premium economy, $6,000 for business class and a whopping $10,000 for first class.

Furthermore — and perhaps most exciting — Starlux has released saver award availability for this new route. While availability can change at any time, there seems to be one business-class award seat available for 75,000 miles (and $46) bookable via the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program on some flights.

ALASKA AIRLINES

If you can snag one of these award seats, you'll likely be in for a phenomenal flight experience. Starlux's A350s feature Collins Aerospace's new Elements suite (designed in partnership with BMW Designworks), a product that builds on some incredibly popular predecessors to raise the bar for business-class seating.

The carrier's catering, personalized onboard service and amenities further elevate the premium experience.

Starlux was the launch carrier for the Elements suite, and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also introduced this seat on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner deliveries.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Starlux offers a unique four-seat first-class cabin at the pointy end of the A350 as well, but there's no great way to redeem miles for this experience. With round-trip fares starting at $10,000, I can't imagine these seats selling too quickly.

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Though Starlux offers one of the world's best business-class experiences — trust me, I've tried it — the Seattle-to-Taipei market is hotly contested, even among some other world-class carriers. By the time Starlux launches flights, Taiwan's two other major carriers, China Airlines and EVA Airways, will already be operating this route.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Furthermore, Delta Air Lines will begin daily flights from Seattle to Taipei beginning in June.

With such stiff competition, it's possible that we'll see aggressive fare wars (and possibly more award availability) in the coming weeks and months.

Beyond Taipei, Starlux flies to more than 20 popular destinations in Asia, giving Seattle-based travelers plenty of one-stop itinerary options. The airline also has a codeshare partnership with Alaska Airlines, so travelers can book flights beyond Seattle to cities like Denver and Houston.

Starlux began flying to the U.S. last April with flights to Los Angeles. The carrier then expanded to San Francisco in December.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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