The frequent flyer program Alaska Mileage Plan was long considered one of the best worldwide. Unfortunately, the redemption table for award flights has been significantly devalued in recent months. As a result, the prices for JAL flights within Asia increased by up to 100%, while a lot of other redemptions were also raised in price.
Now, there is good news again: Since this week, award flights with the Taiwanese Starlux Airlines can be booked online. One sweet spot stands out in particular: Business class flights from Taiwan to Japan are available for only 15,000 miles. On top, there are taxes of approximately €25 to €40. A superb price for up to 4 hours in a lie-flat seat!
Flights from Japan to Taipei cost (significantly) more on some dates, but all three classes are still available in general.
You can also fly between the USA and Taipei. While business class costs a fortune, economy class only costs 20,000 miles and US$46 (~€43). Premium economy flights across the Pacific are available from 40,000 miles.
Inner-Asian Business Class for 15,000 Miles + $29
Flights from Taipei to Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines are available for 15,000 miles per direction in business class. You can also book premium economy and economy tickets. Here’s an example for Taipei – Tokyo:
- 7,500 miles + US$29 (~€27) in economy class
- 10,000 miles + US$29 (~€27) in premium economy (only on A350/A330neo)
- 15,000 miles + US$29 (~€27) in business class
Starlux serves several destinations in Asia. But particularly interesting might be Tokyo-Narita, Sendai and Ho Chi Minh City, as the flight time varies from 3 to 4 hours depending on the direction and season.
Unfortunately, flights to Southeast Asia (e.g. Singapore) and Sapporo in northern Japan cost a substantial 50,000 miles in business class.
USA – Taiwan from 20,000 Miles + $19
There is also a route to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the price for the business class tickets has already been adjusted from 60,000 miles to 165,000 miles. However, economy class and premium economy are still worth considering. The prices for Los Angeles → Taipei:
- 20,000 miles + US$19 (~€18) in economy
- 40,000 miles + US$19 (~€18) in premium economy
- 165,000 miles + US$19 (~€18) in business class
Note that some dates will show higher prices, based on demand. But you can still find discounted economy and premium economy rates for travel in 2024:
The Starlux Business Class
Starlux operates three different aircraft types: Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330neo, and Airbus A350neo. The flagship, Airbus A350, is mainly deployed to Tokyo. There, you’ll find a 1-2-1 configuration with reverse herringbone seats and doors.
The seat in the A330neo is the same as in the new Condor Business Class, so it is equally impressive. In the A321neo, there are also lie-flat seats (2-2 configuration).
Source: One Mile at a Time
Cover Picture: © Starlux Airlines