American Airways simply gained new ties to a premium Taiwanese airline with a fast-growing U.S. presence.
Taipei-based Starlux Airways on Friday introduced it reached an interline settlement with American. The association will see the carriers cooperate on sure bookings — a transfer that might (maybe) set the stage for a deeper partnership between the airways, down the highway.
American and Starlux’s settlement
As a part of the settlement, vacationers will have the ability to ebook itineraries that includes connections between American and Starlux. And, prospects flying on these journeys will see their baggage switch over from one service to the opposite, identical to it might on a flight between two alliance companions.
When to go: These are the very best occasions to purchase a world flight
Now, to be clear: This tie-up is a far cry from a full-fledged partnership just like the one American enjoys with its Oneworld alliance companions — from British Airways to Qantas, Qatar Airways and others.
Within the airline world, an interline settlement basically permits two carriers to cooperate on a restricted foundation. As such, do not count on to have the ability to earn or redeem your AAdvantage miles on Starlux flights any time quickly — or to get pleasure from standing perks should you’re an AAdvantage elite member flying with the service.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Every day publication
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
Starlux will get nearer to American (and Oneworld)
Nonetheless, Friday’s announcement signaled the start of ties between American and Starlux, identified for its high-end service throughout the Pacific; TPG’s Clint Henderson described the service’s business-class product as “out of this world” on a flight final 12 months from Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) to Taiwan Taoyuan Worldwide Airport (TPE).
Starlux at the moment flies to only one American hub at LAX, however plans to launch nonstop service to American’s Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport (PHX) hub early subsequent 12 months — opening new connectivity alternatives with American.
That service is now scheduled to launch Jan. 15, 2026, Starlux stated Friday.
As a part of this new association, you would quickly have the ability to begin a visit someplace like Austin or New Orleans, fly to Phoenix, and hook up with a Starlux flight to Taipei.
Eyeing Oneworld?
It is value noting that Starlux already has a deeper loyalty partnership with Alaska Airways, American’s home Oneworld accomplice — and serves Alaska’s Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) residence base.
The service additionally operates U.S. service to San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO) and Ontario Worldwide Airport (ONT) in California.
There’s been speak of Starlux hoping to change into the most recent Oneworld member; a Taiwanese media outlet beforehand reported (through One Mile at a Time) that Starlux executives hoped to hitch Oneworld within the close to future (TPG reached out to the service to listen to its newest pondering on the matter, however a Starlux spokesperson didn’t instantly reply).
EVA Air, Starlux’s Taipei-based competitor, is a member of the Star Alliance (which incorporates United Airways). Taiwan-based China Airways just lately introduced a brand new tie-up with Southwest Airways.
Associated studying:
