Based in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Starlux Airlines is a new premium airline already flying to 27 destinations across Asia and the United States.
Starlux flies from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Taipei, with service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) commencing Aug. 16. TPG’s Clint Henderson was recently impressed with Starlux’s A350 business-class service from Los Angeles and booked this flight using points and miles.
Here’s how to book Starlux Airlines flights using points and miles.
Related: A review of Starlux business class on the Airbus A350-900 from Los Angeles to Taipei
Book Starlux flights using Alaska Airlines miles
While Starlux has a loyalty program called Cosmile, there are no easy ways to earn and redeem miles in the program unless you fly Starlux regularly.
An easier option is to redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles on Starlux. Redemption rates between the United States and Taipei start at the following levels (plus a very reasonable $19 in fees, taxes and surcharges):
- 37,500 miles each way in economy class
- 50,000 miles each way in premium economy class
- 75,000 miles each way in business class
However, it is not possible to redeem Alaska miles for Starlux first class.
TPG found a couple of dates toward the end of the schedule with availability for 75,000 miles in business class.
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However, on almost all dates, while the 37,500-mile amount in the economy and the 50,000-mile amount in premium economy are readily available, business class is priced at 175,000 miles each way, whether searching at the last minute or well in advance.
While Starlux has an excellent business-class product, TPG currently values 175,000 Alaska miles at $2,678; that’s a lot of miles for a single flight.
Related: First look: Starlux’s unique new first-class cabin, now flying to the US
Fortunately, if you want to travel within Asia on Starlux, redemption rates are 7,500 Alaska miles in economy and 15,000 miles in business class for short-haul flights, with excellent availability on virtually all flights.
Use Capital One miles to cover Starlux flights
You can use your Capital One miles to redeem for recent eligible travel purchases, including flights made in the last 90 days on your Venture or Spark cards, at a fixed rate of 1 cent each. There’s no minimum redemption amount.
You can also book new flights on Starlux Airlines through Capital One and redeem your miles at the same value of 1 cent each.
However, note that you will likely obtain more than 1 cent per mile in value when redeeming your Capital One miles by transferring them to airline and hotel partners rather than booking travel through Capital One.
Related: How to transfer Capital One miles to airline and hotel partners
Best credit cards to earn Alaska Airlines miles
Though earning Alaska miles is not associated with major credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, the carrier announced a partnership with Bilt Rewards in March, meaning you can transfer Bilt points to Mileage Plan.
If you need to top up your Mileage Plan balance, an easy way is with a cobranded credit card. Currently, there is a choice between the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card.
| Alaska Airlines Visa credit card | Alaska Airlines Visa Business card | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $95 ($70 per company and $25 per card, so $95 for the first card) |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account | 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska’s Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account |
| Earning |
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| Alaska benefits |
|
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| Other benefits |
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You can also earn Mileage Plan miles by flying Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines (including American Airlines and British Airways), through the Mileage Plan shopping portal and through the dining rewards program.
Related: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Shopping portal: Earn miles on your online purchases
Bottom line
Starlux Airlines is an exciting addition to Taiwan’s already impressive aviation market, alongside EVA Airways and China Airlines.
Long-haul redemptions in economy and premium economy are readily available at sensible rates by redeeming Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles, which can’t be earned through transfers from Bilt Rewards or an Alaska Airlines cobranded credit card.
Unfortunately, on most dates, business-class pricing is 175,000 miles each way, which is high, even for an airline of this caliber. If you can find elusive dates at the lowest 75,000-mile amount, this is an excellent way to travel to Asia in style and comfort, as well as maximize your travel.
