Starlux Airlines has quickly become one of the most exciting airlines in the world. The Taipei-based carrier just earned a top-5 ranking in the 2026 World’s Best Airlines awards — and it’s only been flying since 2020.
The best part? You can book Starlux business class using Alaska Atmos points for just 75,000-85,000 points one-way. Here’s everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Award cost: 75,000-85,000 Atmos points one-way for business class
- Routes: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario, and Phoenix to Taipei
- Best transfer partner: Bilt Rewards transfers 1:1 to Atmos
- Cash price comparison: $3,500-5,000+ one-way
- Availability: Very limited — book immediately when you find it
Why Starlux Is Worth Your Points
Starlux has earned impressive accolades in just six years:
- #5 World’s Best Airlines 2026 (AirlineRatings.com)
- SKYTRAX Five-Star Airline certification
- APEX Five-Star recognition
- #11 World’s Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2026
The airline flies brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft with stunning business class cabins featuring lie-flat seats, 24-inch entertainment screens, and galaxy-themed interiors.
Starlux Routes From the US
Starlux currently operates nonstop flights between Taipei (TPE) and these US cities:
| Origin | Airport Code | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | LAX | ~14 hours |
| San Francisco | SFO | ~13 hours |
| Seattle | SEA | ~12 hours |
| Ontario | ONT | ~14 hours |
| Phoenix | PHX | ~15 hours |
From Taipei, you can easily connect throughout Asia on Starlux’s growing network — including destinations in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and more.
How to Book Starlux With Points
Starlux is a partner of Alaska Airlines, which means you can book using Alaska Atmos points. Here’s the award chart:
| Cabin | Points (One-Way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 37,500 |
| Premium Economy | 50,000 |
| Business Class | 75,000-85,000 |
| First Class | Not bookable with points (yet) |
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Search for availability on AlaskaAir.com using the award search
- Select Starlux flights (look for JX flight numbers)
- Book with Atmos points — you’ll see 75,000-85,000 for business class
- Pay minimal taxes — typically just $19-50 in fees
Pro tip: Starlux business class availability at 75,000 points is rare. When you see it, book immediately and ask questions later. The 85,000-point pricing is more common.
Best Ways to Earn Atmos Points
Alaska Credit Cards
The fastest way to earn Atmos points is through Alaska’s co-branded credit cards:
- Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite — Premium card with generous earning rates
- Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature — Solid everyday option
- Bank of America Alaska Business — 85,000-point sign-up bonus available
Transfer From Bilt Rewards
If you pay rent, Bilt Rewards is your secret weapon. Bilt points transfer 1:1 to Alaska Atmos, making this one of the best ways to earn Starlux flights.
On Rent Day (the 1st of each month), Bilt often offers transfer bonuses to partners — sometimes up to 125%. Watch for these promos to maximize your points.
Fly Alaska or Hawaiian
Since the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, flying either airline earns Atmos points. Status members earn bonus points on every flight.
Starlux Business Class: What to Expect
The Seat
Starlux business class features reverse herringbone seats in a 1-2-1 configuration — every seat has direct aisle access. The seats:
- Convert to fully lie-flat beds
- Feature 24-inch entertainment screens (some of the largest in the industry)
- Include ample storage compartments
- Have privacy dividers for center seats
The Service
Taiwanese hospitality is legendary, and Starlux delivers. Flight attendants are attentive without being intrusive, and the service is consistently praised in reviews.
The Food
Dining features Taiwanese cuisine alongside international options. The meal service includes:
- Multi-course meals with wine pairings
- Mid-flight snacks available anytime
- Pre-arrival breakfast service
Amenities
Business class passengers receive:
- Pajamas on overnight flights
- Premium amenity kits
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Slippers and eye masks
Tips for Finding Availability
Starlux releases very limited award space to partners. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
- Be flexible with dates — availability is sporadic
- Search one-way flights — easier to find than roundtrips
- Check often — space can appear and disappear quickly
- Set alerts — Use tools like ExpertFlyer to monitor availability
- Consider positioning — If you can fly from multiple airports, check them all
Best Times to Find Awards
- Weekday departures tend to have better availability
- Off-peak seasons (April-May, September-October) are easier to find
- Last-minute releases sometimes appear 2-3 weeks before departure
Cash vs. Points: The Value
Let’s do the math on a one-way Starlux business class ticket:
- Cash price: $3,500-5,000+
- Points price: 75,000-85,000 Atmos
- Value per point: 4.1-6.7 cents each
This is an excellent redemption value — well above the typical 1.5-2 cent per point threshold for a good deal.
Connecting Through Taipei
One of the best things about flying Starlux is access to Taiwan. Consider:
- Stopover in Taipei — Explore night markets, temples, and incredible food
- Continue to Japan — Starlux flies to Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese cities
- Southeast Asia — Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and more are accessible
Starlux is building an extensive Asia network, making Taipei an ideal connection point.
Starlux vs. Other Asia Options
How does Starlux compare to other ways to fly business class to Asia?
| Airline | Points Required | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Starlux | 75,000-85,000 | Alaska Atmos |
| ANA (The Room) | 75,000-90,000 | Virgin Atlantic |
| Japan Airlines | 60,000 (with Rove bonus) | JAL Mileage Bank |
| Cathay Pacific | 70,000 | Asia Miles |
| EVA Air | 80,000 | EVA Infinity |
Starlux offers competitive pricing with a newer, more luxurious product than most competitors.
The Bottom Line
Starlux Airlines has quickly become one of the best ways to fly to Asia. With stunning business class cabins, exceptional service, and award availability through Alaska Atmos, it’s worth prioritizing for your next trip.
The key to booking Starlux is patience and persistence. Award space is limited, but when you find it at 75,000 points, you’re getting one of the best deals in the points and miles world.
Start earning Atmos points now — whether through Alaska credit cards, Bilt transfers, or flying Alaska/Hawaiian — so you’re ready when availability opens up.
Have you flown Starlux? Share your experience in the comments below!
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