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American Airlines and STARLUX Airlines have launched a new codeshare partnership, making it easier to book connecting itineraries between North America and Taipei on a single ticket. The immediate benefits include checking baggage through to your destination and earning AAdvantage miles on eligible codeshare flights. The more interesting development for Miles & Points readers is still yet to come: the airlines are also working toward mileage redemptions and additional loyalty benefits.
New Partnership – American and STARLUX
The official launch of the codeshare partnership is coming soon, with travel available beginning September 30, 2026.
American can place its code on STARLUX-operated flights between Taipei and the following U.S. cities:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Ontario, California (ONT)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
Notably, Phoenix (PHX) is missing from the list, but is expected to join the agreement once regulatory approval is final.
In the opposite direction, STARLUX customers can book a single ticket and seamlessly connect to American-operated flights serving 20 North American cities. In Starlux’s Instagram announcement, it specifically highlights New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Orlando, Dallas–Fort Worth, Denver, and Las Vegas among the initial options.
The most immediate practical benefit is a more seamless itinerary: you can book the journey on one ticket and have checked baggage sent through to the final destination (subject to the usual U.S. customs requirements). American is also selling STARLUX Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class itineraries through aa.com and its mobile app.
Major: Earn AA Loyalty Points with STARLUX
AAdvantage members can now earn miles and Loyalty Points when they book a STARLUX-operated flight under an American Airlines flight number. The important distinction here is booking with AA, as booking direct with STARLUX and attaching your AA frequent flyer number does not earn Loyalty Points.
However, this is still a big deal and shows the depth of the relationship because American doesn’t typically allow earning Loyalty Points with non-Oneworld partners. For example, you can even redeem AAdvantage miles on Etihad, but you can’t earn Loyalty Points by flying Etihad.
Coming Soon: Redeem AAdvantage Miles on STARLUX
American and STARLUX have both announced they’re working toward a deeper partnership that includes mileage redemption and additional travel benefits. While the opportunity is exciting, neither airline has announced a start date, award pricing, or which cabins will be available. I expect STARLUX Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class to be available for redemption, since STARLUX First Class isn’t bookable with partner miles.
At the moment, Atmos Rewards points are the most practical way to book STARLUX. When we discussed Atmos Rewards sweet spots, I mentioned STARLUX Business Class as one of my favourite redemptions (and my favourite Taiwanese airline): flights between the West Coast and Taipei cost 75,000 Atmos points one-way, and an itinerary connecting through Seattle to Toronto costs 85,000 points. Booking STARLUX within Asia is also a deal at 15,000 Atmos points one-way in business class for an itinerary like Taipei–Tokyo.
One of my favourite uses of Atmos Rewards points is the ability to book Starlux
The problem is that Atmos Rewards points have been difficult to earn in Canada since the old MBNA Alaska Airlines cards have been discontinued. The best way for Canadians to earn Atmos Rewards points outside of transferring Marriott Bonvoy is to fly with Alaska (or its partners) or buy Atmos Rewards points, ideally during a strong promotion.
AAdvantage would be a more accessible alternative because Canadians can transfer RBC Avion points to American Airlines at a 1:0.7 ratio. I have previously made the case that AAdvantage is the best place to transfer RBC Avion points, and the eventual addition of STARLUX would make that argument even stronger.
Of course, at this point, do not transfer Avion points speculatively because we don’t know the launch date, the prices, or any other details.
Takeaway
The American Airlines and STARLUX partnership is a meaningful addition: easier connections between North America and Taipei easier by sending checked bags through and adding new earning opportunities for AAdvantage members. The part I’m most looking forward to is the loyalty benefits and mileage redemption opportunities still to come.
