After traveling with Starlux Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 first class from Los Angeles (LAX) to Taipei (TPE) and enjoying some time in the airline’s quirky first class lounge, I connected to Starlux’s A350-1000 first class from Taipei to Tokyo Narita (NRT). Quick note — unfortunately, I didn’t get one of those A350-1000s in a stunning livery — gahhhhh!
Starlux stands out by offering first class on several routes within Asia, as the A350s typically arrive from their transpacific flights early in the morning, before departing again over the Pacific late at night, allowing them all day to make a “turn” in Asia. While I’ll have a full review shortly, I’d like to share some initial impressions about this experience. Does a short-haul flight truly capture the essence of the Starlux first class experience?
Starlux’s regional first class is pleasant, but not particularly memorable.
Ultimately, Starlux’s first class hard product on the A350-1000 felt familiar, as it mirrors what the airline provides on the A350-900. The only variation is the larger business class cabin behind it.
Just like the previous flight, I was able to fully pre-order my meal in advance, so no menus were available onboard. I was happily surprised that the wine and beverage selection was the same as on the long haul flight, so they don’t skimp on short haul flights.
However, in terms of amenities, those were significantly reduced — there was no real bedding, no amenity kit, no pajamas, and no additional “gifts.” The only genuine amenities were a basic yet stylish pillow and blanket, and slippers. Fair enough, it’s a flight lasting less than three hours, similar to traveling between Miami and New York.
As on the prior flight, service and food were both very good. However, there’s no caviar service within Asia, so I suppose the meal isn’t as extravagant.
In the end, there aren’t many airlines that provide a “true” first class product on short haul flights. Emirates is the only airline that comes to mind that consistently does so on a broad scale. Additionally, Singapore Airlines has two short haul routes with first class, Cathay Pacific has one short haul route with first class, and… that’s about it, I believe?
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the journey was the ground experience. I was seamlessly guided to the gate in Taipei (as in, I was brought directly to the gate, and boarding began the moment I arrived — it was so well coordinated that I never paused).
Even more impressive was the ground experience at Narita. There was an escort for a meet & greet service, who accompanied me all the way from the plane to the Narita Express entrance. He even guided me through a VIP immigration line. I genuinely had no idea that existed in Japan. It seemed like they attempt to keep it discreet, as it’s somewhat concealed behind a partition.
Starlux also boasts the world’s most impressive first class checked bag concept. When you check a bag, it’s placed in this large “crate” of sorts with Starlux first class branding. The concept is that it’s taken off the plane first and positioned near the belt, as if they’re handling precious cargo. It was there even before I reached the baggage claim belt, which is incredibly impressive (considering I breezed through immigration!). Starlux truly excels at creating an outstanding ground experience!
I’m pleased I flew Starlux first class across the Pacific.
As longtime OMAAT readers are aware, I’ve been seeking a good opportunity to fly Starlux first class for quite some time, and only recently decided to book when the airline began selling miles, which is a relatively good value compared to revenue fares.
While Starlux typically charges around $9,000 for one-way long haul first class tickets, the airline charges about $2,500 for one-way short haul first class tickets. I know many people suggested I just fly the airline short haul to “check the box” of having experienced the product, given that the ground experience is similar.
However, I’m truly glad I waited. The long haul flight was genuinely special in a way I hadn’t anticipated, especially due to all the little amenities that were provided, which were of exceptionally high quality. However, those were missing on the short haul flight, which somewhat diminished the experience.
The ground experience was impressive and the alcohol selection was superior compared to business class, but otherwise it’s difficult to regard the short haul experience as particularly worthwhile. So if you choose to indulge in Starlux first class, I’d highly recommend doing so on