Review: Starlux Airlines A330-900neo Business Class (NRT-TPE)
Route: NRT-TPE
Flight No: JX 803
Depart: 4:15PM
Arrive: 6:55PM
Duration: 3 hour 40 minutes
Plane: Airbus A330-900neo
Seat: 3A
Starlux is a new airline that I’ve been meaning to try. The main roadblock for me was it only being bookable with Alaska Airlines miles, which isn’t an airline program that partners with the major points programs like Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, and Capital One Miles.
Though occasionally, Alaska Airlines run bonus points promotion that can make buying Alaska miles worth it, and at times be the cheaper way to book Starlux than straight up cash, at least on routes within Asia. This made booking Starlux Airlines possible for me.
Starlux A330-900neo Business Class- Booking
I booked this flight with 15,000 Alaska miles, plus ~$42 in taxes and fees.
Selecting seats when booking through Alaska require calling Starlux Airlines. Make sure to adjust your call time to Taiwan’s time zone to be able to connect to a representative. The hours of operation are on Starlux’s site.
Starlux A330-900neo Business Class- Boarding
After checking out of The Prince Gallery, I head to Tokyo Station to take Narita Express (NEX) to make way for Narita Airport.
After receiving my boarding pass and passing security, I headed to JAL Sakura Lounge to pass time before boarding.
I didn’t realize that the gate was a bit far from the lounge, so I ran to it. Thankfully, they were still boarding Business Class passengers when I arrived.
Starlux A330-900neo Business Class- Seat
Starlux’s Airbus A330 has 1-2-1 configuration in Business Class. Since I was solo, I chose Seat 3A. The odd-numbered rows have the seats closer to the window, making it easier to look outside and provide slightly more privacy.
The look of the Starlux seat is sleek, with black and gold theme and three-point seatbelt that reminds me of Turkish Airlines Business Class on the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350.
A standout feature of the business class seat is the qi-wireless charging platform. It saved me from the hassle of taking out of my own charger! What’s surprising was how well my phone stick to the table during takeoff. Though, I think it’s mostly from my phone’s rubber case.
The contrasting color of the storage space’s exterior and interior give quite a luxury feel.
Inside is the headphones and face mirror with Starlux’s sparkle design in the background.
The power outlets cater to modern devices like a USB-C, USB-A port, and three-prong universal power outlet.
Other features by the seat include reading lights, seat controls, and remote for entertainment screen and to call for attendant.
The TV is 17.3″ wide and display at 4K resolution, delivering crisp images.
There’s also a coat hanger to the right of my seat. Hanging your jacket or coat could provide an extra layer of privacy.
The table can be set with the self-explanatory Table button.
Foot-well space was a bit smaller than the bigger planes, but still serviceable on a short flight.
The seat can go full lie-flat, but I didn’t get to use it much for this flight. Though it’s comfortable enough to take naps on, depending on your ability to fall asleep while flying.
Starlux A330-900neo Business Class- Flight Experience
Before takeoff, I was given a glass of lemonade and hot towel.
Starlux’s safety video is pretty cool with its space-themed presentation. Shortly after the video’s finished, we were ready for takeoff.
Meal Service
Shortly after takeoff, meal service began. Unlike EVA, there was no service to pre-order your meal before the flight, so menu was given during the flight instead, which I’ll show later down in the post.
I ordered the Tagliatelle with “Roasted in Chiba Love Pork Shoulder” from the international food menu. I’m not sure if it’s a mistranslation or not, but I was intrigued by the word love. I also wanted to try out non-Asian food from an Asian carrier.
The meal set comes with appetizers consisting of smoked salmon, spinach, and pastries. The silverware received were very cold.
The presentation is nice, and is what to expect from a shorter international flight in Business Class. The food itself is quite good, and the pork was juicy with the right amount of fat. Though, I don’t think I tasted the “love.”
The desserts after the main course were delightful. I was served a plate of fruit, shortcake, a piece of chocolate, and a cup of oolong tea.
I caught a glance of Seat 3D having a glass of electric blue drink that made me go “Oooh!” So, I decided to order one. It’s called the Sci-fi Cosmos 2,0, and it’s one of the special cocktails in Starlux. The color definitely supports that name.
It’s mainly a mixture of gin, blue-colored syrup, and lactic acid drink (think Calpico or Yakult). It’s quite tasty and I like how the stir stick has a cloud shape on one of its ends.
Starlux A330-900neo Business Class- Entertainment
The entertainment options included a variety of recent releases, ranging from Hollywood movies to Asian and animated films and shows.
Onboard Wi-Fi is included and is also free on top! This is great compared to EVA that charges for Wi-Fi connection, even in Business Class.
Starlux A330-900neo Business Class- Lavatory
The lavatory design looks nice with the combination of black marble and light brown wood finish that sticks true with Starlux’s black and brown theme.
Starlux A330-900neo Business Class- Menu
Below is the menu for the NRT-TPE flight on Starlux Airlines Business Class in the Airbus A330-900neo:
Conclusion
My flight from Narita to Taipei was smooth and enjoyable with Starlux Airlines’ Business Class in the Airbus A330. For just 15,000 Alaska miles, I felt that it was an excellent value, and I can certainly recommend it, even if the main goal is just to try out a new airline.
This flight made a very good first impression on Starlux Airlines for me, and I hope that Starlux would one day join Oneworld since Alaska miles aren’t the easiest to get through credit cards. If that happens, I would love to burn some Avios try out the long-haul flight from US to Taipei one day.