There are new details on American Airlines’ expanding partnership with Taiwanese carrier Starlux.
On Tuesday, we reported that the airlines had signed a new agreement that would allow them to codeshare on flights, potentially opening the door to an even bigger alliance in the future. On Wednesday, the news got even better, with word that a frequent flyer partnership is also happening. You can now earn American Airlines miles and Loyalty Points on select Starlux flights.
American Airlines confirmed the news to TPG: “AAdvantage® members purchasing a codeshare flight under the partnership can earn miles and Loyalty Points.”
The airlines are also working to allow mileage redemption on each other’s flights.
We’ve also learned that those codeshares include one of Starlux’s newest routes — from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) — pending regulatory approval.
Flights are available to book now for travel starting Sept. 30.
“Taipei remains a top destination for global business, visiting friends and family and leisure travel and together with Starlux Airlines, we’re partnering to provide new travel options,” said American’s senior vice president of alliances, Anmol Bhargava. “We look forward to working with Starlux on opportunities to make the journey even more rewarding for customers.”
American and Starlux’s interline and codeshare agreement
American Airlines already had an interline agreement with the startup airline, allowing passengers to book travel involving both airlines and check their bags through to their final destination. Now, the airlines will also start codesharing on some flights as of Sept. 30.
A codeshare agreement allows travelers to book flights operated by both airlines on a single reservation. For example, a passenger could book an American Airlines ticket from Miami to Taipei, flying first on American from Miami to Los Angeles before connecting to a Starlux-operated flight to Taipei.
You will soon be able to purchase Starlux tickets with American Airlines flight numbers on Starlux flights to and from TPE to PHX, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Starlux flight numbers will be added to a total of 26 American Airlines domestic flights to both LAX and PHX, but that number could grow. This news was first reported by AeroRoutes.com.
As mentioned, you will also be able to earn miles on codeshare flights with Starlux. You may soon also be able to redeem your AAdvantage miles on Starlux flights.
What’s next for Starlux?
Starlux is a fairly new airline that launched during the coronavirus pandemic, but it already offers several U.S. routes on brand-new Airbus A350 jets with both business-class and first-class seats.
Related: Starlux adds fourth US city with another route from Southern California
The airline recently signed an expanded codeshare with Alaska Airlines, and travelers can already earn and burn Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points on Starlux (and vice versa).
I’ve been able to do this several times over the past few years (using Alaska Atmos Rewards points), so it’s exciting to see the expanded partnership with American.
Related: A review of Starlux business class on the Airbus A350-900
Starlux is reportedly pursuing full membership to the Oneworld alliance, which includes both American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, though nothing concrete is currently in the works.
A bigger partnership to come?
While this is a big partnership, it is not as deep a relationship as the ones American has with other full partner airlines like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and British Airways.
At least for now, you won’t get special treatment as an American Airlines elite member. As an Executive Platinum American Airlines flyer, for example, you won’t receive priority boarding or access to upgrades on Starlux.
“This codeshare marks an important milestone for Starlux,” said Starlux Airlines CEO Glenn Chai. “American Airlines is an ideal partner, with a network across North America that complements what we’ve built across Asia. Together, we can provide our passengers with a more seamless and convenient travel experience between two of the world’s most dynamic regions.”
Bottom line
American Airlines and Starlux have announced a strategic partnership that will allow customers to book with each other on one ticket and sell codeshares on select flights. American Airlines also confirmed that AAdvantage members can now earn miles on Starlux codeshare flights.
Let’s hope this is just the beginning of a newly expanded relationship that will give American Airlines customers even more access to Asia.
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