American Airlines and STARLUX Launch US-Taipei Codeshare
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American Airlines and STARLUX Launch US-Taipei Codeshare

The new American Airlines STARLUX codeshare connects West Coast cities like LAX and SFO to Taipei, offering AAdvantage members miles and premium service.

American Airlines and STARLUX Launch US-Taipei Codeshare

American Airlines and STARLUX Airlines launched a new codeshare partnership to connect several U.S. West Coast cities to Taipei (TPE) starting Sept. 30.

New West Coast Gateways to Taipei Taoyuan

Under this agreement, travelers book select STARLUX-operated flights through the American Airlines website or mobile app. The partnership links North America to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) via four primary gateways:

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

American also plans to expand service to include Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and TPE, though this remains subject to pending regulatory approval.

Anmol Bhargava, American’s Senior Vice President of Alliances, said the collaboration strengthens the airline’s global network and unlocks new competitive itineraries. He noted that Taipei is a central destination for business, leisure, and visiting family.

Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines, explained that American is an ideal partner because its North American network complements the STARLUX footprint in Asia. He stated that the goal is to provide a more seamless travel experience between these two regions.

Comparing STARLUX Business Class to American Premium Products

While American provides the booking platform and the flight code, STARLUX operates the aircraft and manages the onboard service. This allows American to offer a 5-star Skytrax-rated experience to its passengers.

In the premium cabin, STARLUX Business Class features lie-flat seats and a privacy door. This privacy door is a distinct advantage, as many legacy U.S. carriers do not include a door in their standard long-haul business class configurations. For travelers who prefer Premium Economy, STARLUX provides a leg rest and a retractable footrest. These amenities are comparable to the products American offers on its newer Boeing 787-9 and retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Because STARLUX is a boutique airline, its service model differs from the high-capacity approach of major U.S. carriers. Travelers can expect a more specialized cabin environment, though they will still utilize the American Airlines booking system for seamless itinerary management.

For AAdvantage Members, the Value is in the Miles

AAdvantage members earn both miles and Loyalty Points when they book an American codeshare flight operated by STARLUX. This is a key advantage for travelers who want to reach higher status tiers, such as Platinum or Executive Platinum, by flying on partner metal.

Because American is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, this partnership integrates with existing travel patterns. Travelers who fly on Oneworld partners like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, or Japan Airlines (JAL) will find these new connections to TPE fit naturally into their existing loyalty ecosystem.

When planning your trip, keep these AAdvantage mechanics in mind:

  • Earning Value: AAdvantage miles are typically valued between 1.3 and 1.7 cents per mile. Using these miles for international redemptions can be efficient, especially when you find web special awards.
  • Transfer Partners: You can top up your AAdvantage account by transferring points from Bilt Rewards (1:1), Marriott Bonvoy (3:1), or Citi ThankYou Points (1:1).
  • Competitive Edge: This partnership helps American compete against United Airlines, which relies on its Star Alliance partners for similar Pacific connectivity. It also offers a premium alternative to Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam partners.

How to Book Your Trans-Pacific Flight

To take advantage of this partnership, follow these steps to ensure you are booking the correct codeshare flight:

  1. Use American Platforms: Visit the American Airlines website or open the mobile app. Do not book directly through the STARLUX website if you want to earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points.
  2. Search by Destination: Enter your departure city (such as LAX or SFO) and Taipei (TPE).
  3. Identify the Operator: Look for flights that show an American Airlines flight number but list STARLUX as the operating carrier.
  4. Verify Dates: Ensure your travel dates fall on or after Sept. 30.
  5. Check Business Class Availability: Because STARLUX operates a smaller fleet than American, Business Class seats can sell out quickly. Use the

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