Editors' note: Starlux provided TPG with a free round-trip business-class ticket for the inaugural U.S. route. All opinions expressed here are the author's alone and were not subject to review by Starlux.
You may have never heard of Starlux Airlines before, but after taking a look at the cabins on the carrier's brand-new jet, you may want to give them a try.
Starlux is a Taiwanese luxury airline that wants to become "the Emirates of Taiwan." The carrier started flying intra-Asia routes in January 2020, but it paused its ambitious growth strategy once the pandemic hit a few weeks later.
Fast forward to today, when the carrier embarked on its biggest expansion yet — service to North America, and Los Angeles in particular.
Starlux now flies between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) using the 306-seat Airbus A350-900, with onward connections available to 16 popular destinations within Asia, including Bangkok and Singapore. The airline plans to add San Francisco service later this year, with more routes to the U.S. "coming soon."
What sets Starlux apart is the onboard experience. It's the only Taiwanese carrier to offer a long-haul first-class cabin, and it also offers a top-notch new business-class suite that rivals some of the world's best airlines — trust me, I just flew it on Starlux's inaugural U.S. departure.
What about the onboard experience in the back of the plane, though? Well, I had the opportunity to tour the jet before departing from L.A., and you're sure to like what you see.
Premium economy on Starlux Airlines' Airbus A350
Starlux offers a premium economy cabin on its Airbus A350 fleet, which is primarily deployed on long-haul missions.
The 36-seat cabin is configured in a 2-4-2 arrangement spread across five rows.
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Couples should undoubtedly choose seats along the windows, while those traveling as groups of three or more may prefer sitting in the center section.
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I imagine the middle seats will be the last ones to be reserved, so beware if you're booking close to departure.
That said, the seats appeared quite comfortable, offering 40 inches of pitch and generous recline. (That's 2 more inches of pitch than Delta offers in Premium Select on its Airbus A350 — a very noticeable difference.)
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The six-way adjustable headrest, combined with the retractable legrest and footrest, should make it easier to get comfortable at night. In fact, I appreciated that every single seat in premium economy featured a legrest and footrest — on some airlines, the footrest is reserved for the bulkhead seat only.
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Speaking of the bulkhead, I'd consider avoiding a seat in the first row of the cabin (Row 20). That's because the entertainment monitor is built into the wall in front of you, making it much harder to watch your content at a comfortable viewing angle.
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The advantages to the bulkhead are that no one reclines into your space and that you enjoy a bit more room around your feet.
Aside from the bulkhead, the rest of the premium economy recliners are created equally — there are no missing windows in this cabin.
I was quite impressed with the design of the premium economy cabin. The mood lighting, the earthy tones on each seat and the gold-colored seatbelt — the carrier did a great job making the cabin feel homey and inviting.
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Each seat features a bi-fold faux-wood tray table that's stored in the center armrest. Measuring 16 inches wide and 10 inches long, it's certainly big enough to hold a laptop or iPad, or an entire meal tray.
I was impressed with the 15.6-inch seatback entertainment screens that Starlux installed. Aside from the crisp 4K picture quality, they also feature Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect your AirPods or other wireless headphones without a dongle.
You can control these screens with your finger or with a retractable remote built into each armrest.
In terms of power and connectivity, there's a universal AC outlet, 60-watt USB-C charging port and a standard USB-A port at each seat. These ports are between each seat in the center console, so you shouldn't have any issues with wires going all over your seat.
Starlux's A350s feature Inmarsat GX Aviation-powered satellite Wi-Fi. Premium economy and economy flyers can access a free messaging plan, with usage-based internet packages starting at $4 for 30 megabytes.
With pricing based on usage, expect your Wi-Fi bill to rack up if you're trying to stay connected to data-intensive websites or applications when flying in premium economy or coach.
The one thing that the premium economy cabin lacks is ample storage. Of course, there are overhead bins, but aside from the water bottle holder and the large literature pocket, you won't find much room to keep your belongings at your seat.
In addition to the recliners, premium economy passengers enjoy elevated food and beverage offerings, a small amenity kit and a more luxurious pillow and blanket.
There is one dedicated premium economy lavatory located at the front of the cabin on the starboard side. It's lined with a large mirror and a Starlux design motif, giving it a more spacious and modern feel.
Round-trip fares from L.A. to Taipei start at around $2,400 in premium economy and $1,500 in economy.
I don't necessarily think that premium economy is worth a nearly $1,000 buy-up, but you could instead redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for the ticket at a lucrative introduction rate of 40,000 miles each way.
Economy on Starlux Airlines' Airbus A350
The 240 economy-class seats on Starlux's Airbus A350 are arranged in a two-cabin configuration.
The forward cabin spans rows 30 to 41, while the aft cabin goes from rows 50 to 69. The cabins are nearly identical, with all seats arranged in a 3-3-3 layout. There are no missing windows in either cabin.
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That said, I'd avoid sitting in the last few rows of the plane (from rows 65 to 69), as the curvature of the plane means that the seats along the window won't have as much shoulder room. Also, the crew rest is above this section of seats, so the ceiling isn't as tall and there aren't any overhead bins here.
Also, the bulkhead and exit row seats are designated as extra legroom, and the airline charges at least $160 more to reserve them.
Note that Starlux sells rows 32 through 37 as "forward" seats, and it costs $70 or more to reserve these — a buy-up that's likely not worth it.
Most economy seats measure 17 1/2 inches wide and offer between 31 and 32 inches of pitch — pretty standard for most full-service international airlines. The exit row and bulkhead offer tons more legroom, but the proximity to the lavatories and galleys may be bothersome.
The economy seats are pretty much an off-the-shelf version of Recaro's popular economy-class product, though Starlux added a few bells and whistles to make the flight experience more comfortable. (It's worth noting that these aren't slimline seats like you'd find on a no-frills airline.)
This includes a six-way adjustable headrest that should help cradle your neck when it's time to relax or sleep.
Additionally, each seat sports a built-in cupholder and device stand that's the perfect place to keep AirPods or your loose cables during the flight.
Each seat is equipped with a 13-inch 4K high-definition entertainment screen that also features Bluetooth connectivity for pairing wireless headphones.
There are two universal AC outlets and two 60-watt USB-C charging ports for every three economy seats.
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If everyone in your row needs to charge their device, you'll, unfortunately, need to switch off with your seatmates unless you use the personal USB-A charging port under your entertainment screen.
The bi-fold tray table pops out of the seat in front of you, and it measures 15 inches wide and 10 inches long.
There are six lavatories for the 240 coach passengers — four are located between the two economy cabins and two are located in the back galley.
Starlux's A350 is also the first of its kind to feature dimmable windows. This somewhat-controversial feature first debuted on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and some flyers love it, and others hate it.
Personally, I prefer this new Airbus window to Boeing's existing offering. The dimming function happens much quicker, and I found the slider control to be more intuitive.
The economy cabin is designed with similar beige, gold and gray motifs as the premium economy cabin, so it should also feel quite relaxing and welcoming once you step inside.
Bottom line
Starlux is the newest carrier flying to the U.S., and it's one that should be on your radar, especially with its ambition to become one of the world's best airlines.
Premium economy flyers will enjoy at least 8 inches of additional pitch and wider, more comfortable seats than the standard coach offering. That, combined with the elevated onboard service, should make the premium economy experience feel a lot closer to business class than to economy.
Unfortunately, Starlux's introductory premium economy fares are nearly $1,000 more than coach, so unless you're redeeming Alaska miles, it may not make sense to splurge for the upgrade.
If you do end up sitting in economy, at least the experience should be better than what you might expect from other new airline startups. From high-tech seatback screens to a range of power and connectivity options, you'll stay entertained and full of juice throughout your flight.
Related reading:
- A brand-new business-class suite lands in the US
- Alaska adds an exciting new airline partner — Starlux — with fantastic redemption rates
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
FAQs
What is premium economy on Starlux Airlines? ›
Starlux is the newest carrier flying to the U.S., and it's one that should be on your radar, especially with its ambition to become one of the world's best airlines. Premium economy flyers will enjoy at least 8 inches of additional pitch and wider, more comfortable seats than the standard coach offering.
Which seat is best in A350 economy? ›Best Seats
Extra legroom seats can be found at rows 47 and 48 on this aircraft, but beware the bassinet positions at one of the seats (47G) . Two rare seat pairs are found at 47 B/C and 47 H/J, otherwise the remainder of the A350 is in a 3-3-3 configuration which isn't ideal for couples.
This service from Singapore to London Heathrow was operated with the long-haul configuration of its A350-900, which includes 42 seats in business, 24 seats in premium economy and 187 in economy class.
How wide are premium economy seats on A350? ›They offer this class on some Airbus A350 aircraft, all Airbus A380s, and some Boeing 777-300 aircraft. All seats have a 38-inch pitch and 19 or 19.5 inches width - very much in line with the average.
What are the best seats in premium economy? ›Opt for the exit row
But the bulkhead or exit row seats offer the best legroom and now most airlines charge extra for these seats so get in early and book them.
Starlux Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier that just celebrated its inaugural flight from Taipei to Los Angeles on April 26, bills itself as a “luxury airline.” That may sound like a contradiction at a time when airlines are anything but luxurious—and the only new brands to make their debut in recent years, Breeze and ...
What are the best seats on the A350? ›Row 21 would be a natural choice since it's at the front of the cabin and enjoys a little bit of extra legroom, but if sleep is the priority on your A350 flight, seats 27A, 27C, 27H or 27K are extremely desirable because you'll be able to recline immediately, since no one will be eating behind you.
Where is the best place to sit on the A350? ›These rows are either the bulkhead, or have an odd seating arrangement, which means that certain seats don't have anyone in front of them. The best World Traveller economy seats on the BA A350 are: 30A, 30B, 30J, 30K, 31C, 31H, 40D, 40E, 40F or 41A, 41B, 41C, 41H, 41J and 41K.
What is so good about the A350? ›Aerodynamics. Talking of the wings, they play a massive part in the aerodynamic gains in the A350 design. What makes them so special is the way they've been designed to morph in flight, changing shape for maximum aerodynamic efficiency throughout the different phases of the journey.
Is Airbus A350 the best? ›The Airbus A350 offers more fuel efficiency than the Boeing 787, which translates into cost savings. This is due to its advanced engines and overall design. So if you're looking for an aircraft with the best fuel economy, the A350 should be at the top of your list.
Is premium economy on Lufthansa worth it? ›
Given the significant price difference between economy and premium economy, we'd recommend booking Lufthansa premium economy only if you place a high value on extra space, elevated dining options on your flight and being toward the front of the aircraft.
What is the difference between premium economy and economy on BA A350? ›British Airways premium economy represents a significant step up from economy. You'll get a bigger seat with extra legroom and recline. Plus, passengers get better food and drink options along with extra perks like priority boarding and extra baggage allowance.
Is A350 considered heavy? ›Boeing aircraft like 747, 777 and 787, and Airbus birds like A300; A330; and A350 are classified into the heavy aircraft category with a maximum take-off weight exceeding 300,000 pounds.
Is premium economy worth it? ›Is Premium Economy Worth It? For travelers with extra cash or miles to spare, premium economy is obviously a much nicer experience that can be worth the money. On overnight flights or longer journeys, the extra space and recline could be the difference between getting some rest or arriving sore, cramped and tired.
Does Airbus A350 have lie flat seats? ›As a general rule, most airlines install business class lie-flat seats on larger, twin-aisle aircraft — such as Airbus A330, A350 and A380, and Boeing 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
How do you sleep on premium economy? ›- Bring your own pillow and/or blanket.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Use a sleep mask.
- Follow your usual bedtime routine as close as possible when you're on the plane.
- Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
In premium economy, the last row of the cabin is the only one that doesn't recline into someone else, and since people use this cabin to eat and often to work, this is huge on overnight flights.
Does premium economy get lounge access? ›Lounge service is applicable when traveling in Premium Economy cabin.
Is Starlux a budget airline? ›While the last few years have seen a plethora of budget airlines come onto the scene, STARLUX is bucking the trend — a luxury airline expanding in a world of no-frills carriers.
What is the difference between China Airlines and Starlux? ›The difference is that Starlux business-class passengers get a fully flat bed, while China Airlines flies a 737 with standard reclining seats in business class. Meanwhile, one-way economy tickets start at just over 7,000 TWD (~$235 USD), again in line with China Airlines.
Is Starlux a safe airline rating? ›
Taipei, SEP 14, 2021—STARLUX Airlines is proud to have been awarded the Safe Travel Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council after receiving ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications earlier this year.
Which seats is best in Airbus A350 1000? ›If you're not keen to pay for the Delight upgrade, then rows 45 and 52 are your go-to choices. Row 45, in particular, has endless legroom to stretch out, thanks to the bulkhead in front. 52 has nothing behind it, so if you're keen to avail of your 5” recline early on in the flight, this would be a good choice.
What is the most desirable seat on an airplane? ›Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and anywhere close to the front are typically considered the best seats on a plane. On a short business trip, you might want an aisle seat near the front of the plane so you can debark as quickly as possible on arrival.
Which is better Airbus A350 or Boeing 777? ›The maximum takeoff weight of the B 777-9 is around 351.5 tons whereas the a350 has 316 tons. The maximum payload of the B 777-9 is 73.5 tons and the A350 has 68 tons. The fuel capacity of the B 777-9 is 158.9 tons whereas the a350 has 124.65 tons. This means 777x can hold 34 tons more fuel than A350.
Does the A350 have a shower? ›However, the new lounge does have showers and toilets.
What is the pitch of economy seats on Airbus A350? ›Seat pitch by the way is typically 38 to 41 inches in premium economy – not enough to lie flat in but enough to stretch out a bit.
Can you feel turbulence on A350? ›The plane offers advanced turbulence-dampening features, but you're still going to feel the chop if you hit it.
What is the concern with Airbus A350? ›- Airbus has changed the copper foil used on its A350 aircraft, which protects from lightning strikes.
- In 2021, Qatar Airways sued Airbus over chipped paint that exposes the copper mesh, citing a safety risk.
- The two companies have been in a legal battle for months over the issue, which Airbus says is "cosmetic."
Interactivity is further improved with the introduction oftouchscreens. The technology enhances flexibility and improves interaction between pilots. This configuration of six identical large displays covering EFB and avionics is unique to the A350.
Is the A350 noisy? ›The quietest twin-aisle cabin : ○ Five decibels quieter than competing aircraft, and up to nine decibels quieter towards the front of the cabin.
Which is quieter 787 or A350? ›
While both aircraft have much quieter cabins than their competitors, the A350 definitely feels a lot quieter than the 787, no matter which part of the plane you're sitting in. The A350 is in fact the quietest twin-engined aircraft in the skies.
Who is the largest customer of A350? ›There were 436 A350 aircraft in service with 33 operators as of June 30, 2021. The largest operators are Singapore Airlines (62), Qatar Airways (53), Cathay Pacific (42), Delta Air Lines (28), and Lufthansa (21).
What is the rival of the A350? ›The A350 is flexible enough to fly efficiently all sectors from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes, with a maximum range of up to 9,700nm for the A350-900XWB allowing more than 20 hours of flying time. The A350 was developed to compete directly with Boeing's long-range aircraft, specifically the 777 and the 787.
Does premium economy have better food? ›Think of the ideal premium economy as a kind of “business class lite” option, with better meals, fancier cocktails, roomier seats, and upgraded amenities such as dedicated check-in and access to more storage space.
Does Lufthansa premium economy have leg rest? ›Lufthansa Premium Economy seats
This type of footrest is not a standard for other Premium Economy seats. You will find it only at emergency rows seats (again positive for booking these seats :-)). Other seats in Lufthansa Premium Economy also have footrests but it's a part of the seat at the front.
A typical premium economy fare includes around 5-7 inches of extra legroom, wider seats, and more space to recline. A separate food menu and enhanced entertainment may also be included with premium economy.
What is the difference between economy premium and premium economy? ›What is the main difference between Economy and Premium Economy? The main difference between Economy and Premium Economy is greater space with wider seats and increased legroom. You may also get seats with extra reclining angles (though not lie-flat seats) with leg and footrests, depending on the airline.
What is the difference between premium economy and business class seats? ›Premium economy is a hybrid between economy and business class, offering a step-up in comfort and amenities without breaking the bank. You'll have a more comfortable experience that includes additional legroom, improved in-flight entertainment, meal options, etc.
Why is premium economy better? ›Even though you won't be reclining in a flat bed in any premium-economy cabin, a combination of larger seat dimensions, wider armrests, adjustable leg rests and extra features, like upgraded bedding and noise-canceling headphones, almost guarantee you'll feel more rested upon arrival.
Which is better Dreamliner or A350? ›The Dreamliner is slightly longer while the A350 is slightly wider, although both jets have identical maximum passenger capacities. In terms of performance, the A350 is ultimately a heavier aircraft with more fuel capacity and more powerful engines.
What category is Airbus A350? ›
Recognised as the airline industry's large widebody aircraft of reference, the A350-1000 comfortably accommodates from 350 to 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, with 40% more area for premium-category seating.
Is the A350 bigger then the 777? ›Both aircraft offer immense seating and cargo capacity, but the 777X is the larger of the two.
Does premium economy get priority check in? ›Premium Economy Class Means Priority
Move to the front of the line with priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. Plus, you'll be afforded a higher baggage allowance: 2 free checked bags.
That means you'll earn the same number of AAdvantage miles whether you pay $800 for an economy ticket or $800 for a premium economy ticket. The only way you earn more miles through a premium economy ticket is by spending more.
Which airline has the widest seats for international flights? ›Emirates. Emirates serves 12 cities in the U.S. with nonstop flights to Dubai (and some unique routes, such as New York to Milan). On Emirates, economy seats on the double-decker Airbus A380 measure in at 18-inches wide, one of the widest economy seats around.
What is the difference between economy and premium economy airline seats? ›Premium economy's big selling point is more space. The seats are an inch or two wider on average than the typical coach seat, and the rows are farther apart, offering several more inches of legroom. Most premium economy seats recline, and many have footrests. How much space you actually get depends on the airline.
What is the difference between economy and premium economy tickets? ›The main difference between Economy and Premium Economy is greater space with wider seats and increased legroom. You may also get seats with extra reclining angles (though not lie-flat seats) with leg and footrests, depending on the airline.
Which Star Alliance airlines have premium economy? ›The new fare can now be booked for travel in the Premium Economy cabins on the following airlines: Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, EVA Air, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, SAS, Singapore Airlines, THAI and Turkish Airlines.
Is there priority check-in for premium economy? ›Premium economy passengers will receive the same expedited check-in and priority baggage services, advanced boarding, and larger, more comfortable seats.
Does premium economy get priority check-in? ›Premium Economy Class Means Priority
Move to the front of the line with priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. Plus, you'll be afforded a higher baggage allowance: 2 free checked bags.
Do you get lounge access with premium economy? ›
Travel in Premium Economy does not give you access to lounges. Lounge access is available to Airpoints™ Elite, Gold or Elite or Elite Partner or Koru members, or a Star Alliance Gold member. Take a look at our lounges section for more information about lounge access.
Can you sleep in premium economy? ›Question: Can you sleep in premium economy? Answer: While passengers cannot lie flat in premium economy seats, the adjustable headrest, as well as extra legroom and reclined seats, make for a comfortable journey. Additionally, many airlines offer comfortable blankets and pillows for a relaxing time.
Do premium economy seats recline? ›Watch out for the recline in front of you
Premium economy seats recline farther than regular economy seats, making them more comfortable for sleeping. They're not lie-flat seats, or anything close to it, but they cradle the body more than regular economy seats.
Given the significant price difference between economy and premium economy, we'd recommend booking Lufthansa premium economy only if you place a high value on extra space, elevated dining options on your flight and being toward the front of the aircraft.
Is business class better than premium economy? ›Premium economy customers get access to a wider variety of in-flight entertainment options, gourmet meals, and expedited boarding. The business-class cabin provides the highest level of comfort and service. In the premium economy section, you may expect a higher standard of comfort.
Does premium economy mean first class? ›An elevated travel experience
A Premium Economy ticket includes special amenities with seats behind Flagship®, Business or First. You can buy a ticket on these aircraft with more coming soon: 777-300s. 787-8s flying internationally and to Alaska.
Premium Plus is United's premium economy fare and comes with the perks mentioned above, including Premier Access, upgraded food, free alcoholic drinks, discounted United Club lounge access, extra baggage allowance, roomier seats in a separate cabin and enhanced entertainment options.
Where does premium economy sit? ›Premium economy fits between coach and business class, both price-wise and in terms of placement on the aircraft. A seat in premium economy — directly between the main and business class cabins — is measurably more expensive than an economy ticket — often double the price.
What is the most premium airline? ›1. Qatar Airways. Many travellers would agree with the fact that Qatar Airways was voted the top airline in the 2021 World Airline Awards and 2022 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Qatar Airways was formed in 1997 and is one of the fastest-growing airlines with an excellent reputation for quality service and comfort.