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 street.
American and Starlux’s settlement
As a part of the settlement, vacationers will be capable to e-book itineraries that includes connections between American and Starlux. And, prospects flying on these journeys will see their baggage switch over from one provider to the opposite, identical to it will on a flight between two alliance companions.
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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 primarily permits two carriers to cooperate on a restricted foundation. As such, do not anticipate to have the ability to earn or redeem your AAdvantage miles on Starlux flights any time quickly — or to take pleasure in standing perks should you’re an AAdvantage elite member flying with the provider.
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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 provider’s business-class product as “out of this world” on a flight final yr 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 yr — 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 possibly can quickly be capable to begin a visit someplace like Austin or New Orleans, fly to Phoenix, and connect with a Starlux flight to Taipei.
Eyeing Oneworld?
It is price 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) house base.
The provider additionally operates U.S. service to San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO) and Ontario Worldwide Airport (ONT) in California.
There’s been discuss of Starlux hoping to turn out to be the most recent Oneworld member; a Taiwanese media outlet beforehand reported (through One Mile at a Time) that Starlux executives hoped to affix Oneworld within the close to future (TPG reached out to the provider to listen to its newest considering 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 not too long ago introduced a brand new tie-up with Southwest Airways.
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