Alaska Airlines is starting a wide-ranging partnership with new Taiwan-based premium carrier Starlux Airlines, which this week launched its inaugural transpacific service between Taipei and Los Angeles.
Alaska is Starlux’s first airline partner.
Alaska Mileage Plan frequent flyer members can now earn miles on all Starlux flights, and soon they will be able to redeem miles on Starlux.
When redemptions become available this summer on Starlux flights between Los Angeles and Taipei, they will start at 20,000 miles for economy, 40,000 for premium economy and 60,000 for business class for a limited time.
The award pricing beyond that period, or for connecting itineraries beyond Starlux’s Taipei hub, has not been confirmed at this time.
First class redemptions on Starlux via Mileage Plan will not be available.
From Southern California, Starlux opens a new international gateway through its main hub in Taipei for connections to 16 destinations across Asia, including Bangkok, Hanoi, Penang, Manila, Singapore; Macau and Sapporo.
Los Angeles (LAX) is one of Alaska’s hubs along the West Coast allowing for convenient connectivity to Starlux flights.
Starlux is rumoured to be close to announcing flights to San Francisco as well.
The airline operates its Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured in a four-class layout – first, business, premium economy and economy – across the Pacific.
“STARLUX is a premier global airline offering world-class service and amenities. We’re proud to be their first airline partner,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “Our guests will love flying on STARLUX, connecting the West Coast, Taipei and many more incredible places in Asia. We’re thrilled to offer our loyal Mileage Plan members another exciting way to see the world.”
