STARLUX Airlines and American Airlines Form Official Partnership

This partnership is enabling seamless single-ticket bookings and through-checked baggage between North America and Taipei. This marks a strategic step toward more integrated connectivity between the two carriers.

What’s the Deal?

STARLUX Airlines and American Airlines have entered into an interline agreement, enabling passengers to book combined itineraries and check bags through on both carriers—a practical move that simplifies travel between North America and Asia.

This agreement means travelers flying from anywhere in the American Airlines network can now reach Taipei (and beyond) more smoothly, while STARLUX passengers gain seamless access to over 250 destinations across North America.

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Why It Matters: Travel Perks & Convenience

• Single-ticket itineraries: Book one ticket—even if your trip involves both carriers—making travel planning easier.

• Through-checked baggage: No need to re-check bags between flights—ideal for smoother transfers.

• Strategic routing via Phoenix: The upcoming Taipei–Phoenix nonstop (starting January 2026) is timed to facilitate hassle-free connections to American’s U.S. hubs like New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, and more.

For STARLUX, this expands their U.S. connectivity. For American, it adds direct access to a premium Taipei-based carrier. As Dr. Henry Chen, aviation consultant, notes, both airlines benefit: “STARLUX gains the credibility of working with a global giant, while American Airlines gains fresh access to an underserved but promising hub.

-American Airlines unveils Flagship and Admirals Club lounges at Philadelphia International Airport

What’s Not Included

It's important to know this agreement is limited in scope — there’s no codeshare, no frequent-flyer mile reciprocity, no alliance membership, and no joint venture component yet.

Currently, STARLUX’s only deeper partnership is with Alaska Airlines, which allows mileage earning and redemption—something not offered under this new deal.

StarLux Business Class Cabin

Verdict

This interline agreement is a game-changer for travelers seeking smoother, more streamlined journeys between the U.S. and Taiwan. Booking convenience and baggage ease are big wins. However, loyalty program passengers won’t benefit yet, and the partnership remains at a foundational level.

That said, with STARLUX expressing interest in joining the Oneworld alliance, and the trend toward deeper collaborations in aviation, this could be the opening move toward more robust cooperation in the future.

Final Thoughts

If you're planning flights between North America and Taiwan—and value ease, convenience, and a touch of premium service—this new STARLUX–American interline deal is definitely worth considering. It may not offer miles for your journey just yet, but it does offer peace of mind in booking and baggage handling. A promising start—and one to watch.