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If STARLUX Airlines’ business class isn’t on your bucket list yet… it should be.

And the best part? If you’re a little flexible, it’s actually possible to find multiple award seats, even for families. We’ve seen up to six seats open at once.

The catch? You’ll need to be flexible, and often book last-minute, or an easier strategy is to lock in a refundable backup flight (like an award booking with American Airlines or Atmos™ Rewards), then cancel and rebook when those seats open up.

In this post, Joana shares her experience flying STARLUX business class and exactly how she was able to find award seats at the last minute.

How We Booked our Business Class Seats

After spending a short but unforgettable week in Taiwan, I was ready to head home to celebrate Christmas. I was also excited to fly STARLUX Airlines A350-900 Business Class with my husband for the first time.

Our flight to Taipei was delayed, so I had time to check the Atmos™ Rewards portal. It’s currently the only place to book STARLUX award seats. And just like that, I spotted one Business Class award seat from Taipei to Los Angeles for 75,000 Atmos™ Rewards.

Considering it usually costs around 175,000 Atmos™ Rewards, I knew I had to grab it immediately. The cash value was around $3,000.

Because we needed proof of return to the United States, I went ahead and booked my husband an economy seat. I knew I had time to upgrade his setas since it was nine days until departure.

STARLUX Airlines is known to release last minute Business Class award seats, so I continued to check. Sure enough, I found availability in business class three days before departure. There were six total award seats available for booking, which is especially helpful for families booking together.

I paid for both award tickets with my Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card, which waived the $12.50 partner award booking fee. In total, I paid about $34 in taxes per person, instead of $3,000!

Related: New loyalty program announced with Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Pre-Flight: Check-in and Lounge on STARLUX

Before arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, my husband and I had already checked in online through the STARLUX website (you can also use the app). Since we were traveling with carry-on only, we didn’t need to stop at the counter, but we headed to the Premium Check-in line anyway for the Peanuts-themed boarding pass.

I noticed the Peanuts x STARLUX collab starting from check-in, and continued into the Galactic Lounge in Terminal 2, and on board. From the moment I walked into the lounge, I felt like I had entered a spaceship. The design felt modern and futuristic.

Both floors offered a solid selection of Taiwanese and Western dishes, available at the buffet or ordered via QR code. My husband and I really enjoyed the sesame and Assam-flavored ice cream.

The Galactic Lounge had a few minor drawbacks. There was no elevator between floors, which could be inconvenient for some travelers. The lounge also felt a bit small and might get crowded during peak hours. The covered windows might be a downside for some, but I felt they enhanced the immersive, space-themed atmosphere.

First Impressions of the STARLUX Business Class Suite

I was immediately impressed with the overall aesthetic look of the aircraft – warm neutrals, gold accents, and soft lighting that created a calm, upscale atmosphere. STARLUX First Class was in the first row, followed by 26 Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout from Rows 2 through 8. We chose the last two window seats in the cabin, 6A and 7A.

Each Business Class suite resembled a sleek space capsule, which really fit STARLUX’s space theme. The suite felt spacious. My feet didn’t quite reach the ottoman, though some travelers might find the footwell slightly narrow.

The suite offered plenty of storage, including a compartment with a mirror, outlets, USB-C port, wireless charging, and space for headphones, a facial mask, and a water bottle. There was also additional space inside the side table and a magazine rack beneath the screen.

In-Flight Experience with STARLUX

What truly elevated the experience was the in-flight service. The crew addressed us by our name, noticed when we were ready for another drink, and even knew when to prepare our beds.

The seat itself converted into a fully flat bed, and the mattress pad added an extra layer of comfort. While the blanket appeared thin at first, it felt surprisingly cozy and kept me warm. When I slid the suite door closed, the suite truly felt like my own private room in the sky.

There were three lavatories on board – one at the front of the cabin and two at the back. Since our seats were closer to the rear, we mostly used those, though I occasionally walked to the front to stretch my legs.

It remained impressively quiet throughout our 11-hour flight. I wasn’t sure whether that was due to the many empty suites or simply because it was an overnight departure. Either way, the peaceful atmosphere made the journey even more relaxing.

The noise-canceling headphones delivered rich, immersive sound, while the entertainment system offered a wide selection of movies and shows, with more foreign films than Western titles. Complimentary Wi-Fi was also available throughout the flight for Business and First Class passengers..

The Amenity Kit

In addition to pajamas and slippers, each Business Class passenger received an amenity kit featuring products from THREE, a Japanese skincare company – the pouch, lip balm, overnight oil serum, and moisturizer. The kit also included a dental kit, earplugs, a comb, a STARLUX-branded eye mask, and socks printed with stars.

The Food on STARLUX Airlines

Before departure, a flight attendant welcomed us with a hot towel and a refreshing guava-pineapple drink.

For my late-night meal, I chose the Star Gourmet menu, curated by Michelin-starred Chef Lam Ming Kin, while my husband selected the Exclusive International menu. I had pre-ordered the braised short rib, which was tender and flavorful. I paired it with the Star Mojito, a mix of whiskey, green tea, mint, and orange. Both menus ended with seasonal fresh fruits and “NINAO” Italian gelato.

Since it was an overnight flight, I switched to Boba Tea Latte instead. It was so good I ended up having three cups. The tapioca pearls were surprisingly fresh. I was so full from dinner that I skipped the snacks. For breakfast, I chose the Authentic Asian menu, which included Taiwanese congee, side dishes, and seasonal fresh fruits.

Strategies for Booking Multiple Seats for Families on the STARLUX A350-900

The best strategy for booking these business class seats is to book last-minute, but I know that doesn’t always work for everyone.

Here’s the smarter approach: book a backup flight you’re totally fine flying if business class never opens up. Best case? You can grab STARLUX Airlines economy award seats as they are much easier to book, and flying economy would even be a great experience!

As you can see below, they can release 6 seats! Search and book on alaskaair.com. I prefer to keep the mobile app on my phone, so that I can check award flights often.

From Los Angeles to Taiwan will cost you 75,000 points one way in business and 85,000 from Phoenix to Taiwan. Economy class starts at 37,500 plus just $47! You cannot beat the low taxes on this route! An additional 12.50 partner fee will be waived if you hold the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card.

Screenshots from alasakaair.com

If you can’t find STARLUX Airlines economy award seats, consider booking an award flight on Japan Airlines using your Atmos™ Rewards. Another great refundable option is booking with miles through American Airlines.

From there, set alerts or check back often for business class award space to open up; this is where flexibility pays off.

STARLUX flies direct from Phoenix to Taipei, making this an especially great option for families based in Arizona.

Other routes include…

• Los Angeles (LAX)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
• Ontario, California (ONT)

How to Earn Atmos™ Rewards

The fastest way to earn Atmos™ Rewards is through their credit cards. There are currently three options:

• Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card
• Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Card
• Atmos™ Rewards Visa Business Card

Read More: Compare Pros and Cons of Each Card

The Summit card can be especially valuable when the bonus is around 100,000 points. I applied when it also came with a 25,000-mile companion certificate, and if you’re booking more than one ticket, that’s basically like getting an additional 25,000-mile bonus.

These cards usually offer elevated offers a couple of times a year, and you should definitely grab them when they do!

If you’re ready to apply for one of these cards, head to my best airline credit cards page or reach out on Instagram.

Would I Fly It Again?

Flying the STARLUX A350-900 in Business Class from Taipei to Los Angeles felt like the highlight of our trip. I’d book it again in a heartbeat, especially for another visit to the Galactic Lounge.

Redeeming 75,000 Atmos™ Rewards for a Business Class seat between Asia and North America is an excellent value. While award space often opens closer to departure, multiple seats are usually available, making it great for families. Setting alerts on seats.aero or roame.travel, or subscribing to Thrifty Traveler Premium can help you find availability.

Thrifty Traveler Premium: Use this affiliate link for $20 off your first year!

If you’re looking to try a long-haul Business Class flight, the STARLUX A350-900 is worth adding to your bucket list.

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