Starlux Award Tickets Bookable With Alaska Mileage Plan (But Prices Surge)

Summary

Alaska Mileage Plan customers had a brief opportunity to book discounted award tickets on all routes with Starlux Airlines, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 miles. However, business class tickets quickly sold out and prices skyrocketed, leaving only economy and premium economy options available.
Demand for Starlux Airlines' flights from the US to Taipei is extremely high and fares follow that trend.
While the discounted award ticket promotion may have ended, there is a small possibility that these offers could return when Starlux Airlines launches flights to San Francisco in December. Until then, book by 31st August to take advantage of the discount economy and premium tickets.

It was an exciting week for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan customers who were looking to fly East, with Starlux Airlines opening up award tickets on all routes. To celebrate, Starlux Airlines offered one-way US-Taipei prices for 20,000 in economy, 40,000 in premium economy, and 60,000 in business class. Considering how rare 60k awards from the US to Asia are in business, Mileage Plan customers (and those transferring points from its many partners), jumped on the chance, and prices quickly skyrocketed. Here's what you need to know.

Business gone, but economy and premium still available

Before we dive into the details of Alaska Airlines and Starlux's partnership, let's take a look at the introductory prices. First noted by One Mile At A Time, Mileage Plan customers were offered discounted rates on travel to and from the US on Starlux's flights starting. Priced at 20,000, 40,000, and 60,000 in economy, premium, and business class, this was an exceptional deal, especially given Starlux's luxurious cabins and elevated service.

However, the dream didn't last long. Originally, the pricing was set to last from July 26th, the first date of bookings, to August 31st. However, by 28th July, less than two days after tickets become available, business class was long gone and was now priced at a massive 165,000 miles each way, per The Points Guy. The 175% increase left many miffed, particularly those who were waiting for transfers to hit to book flights since the offer was set to last until 31st August.

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Looking today shows that there are no business class awards for under 165,000, with even the few 105,000-mile tickets sold out. However, it's not all bad news. There are plenty of dates with 20,000 economy and 40,000 premium economy fares available, so book fast. Notably, Alaska offers variable pricing on Starlux tickets as well, so prices can fluctuate, with premium economy selling for over 95,000 on busy dates.

Demand is sky high

Taipei to Los Angeles has always been a high-yield route, previously dominated by EVA Air and China Airlines. The entry of Starlux has added more options, but its full-service nature means fares remain high, well over $5,000 in business. Hence, booking with miles was a long-awaited feature for those in the US.

The 60,000-business class fare was too good to be true, and Alaska said it simply sold out of discount fares, stating to The Points Guy,

"Our promotion hasn't ended. In fact, guests should still see plenty of options to redeem in economy and premium economy. Redemption bookings were so popular in business class that they filled up the available inventory. Given that Alaska is Starlux's first loyalty partner, Starlux is continuing to evaluate flight demand and will open inventory when possible."

Wait it out

As Alaska Airlines noted, it is Starlux's first loyalty partner, and availability will fluctuate. While these introductory offers could return when San Francisco flights are launched in December, expect to see more 100,000 miles tickets in the future for business. Until then, there is still space in economy and premium, a great deal on a 14-hour transpacific route. For now, Starlux maintains its air of high fares and exclusivity, bar for the lucky few who got discounted tickets.

Source: OMAAT, The Points Guy