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American Airlines is expanding its partnership with Taiwanese carrier Starlux through a new agreement that will allow the airlines to codeshare on flights. This could open the door to an even bigger alliance in the future.
American and Starlux's agreement
Starlux premium cabin. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY 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 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 Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to 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 .
What's next for Starlux?
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY Starlux is a fairly new airline that launched during the coronavirus pandemic, but it 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 earn and burn Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points on Starlux (and vice versa).
I've been able to do just that several times in the past few years (using Alaska Atmos Rewards points), and 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 in the works?
CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY 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 earn miles or be able to redeem miles on Starlux flights, and 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.
We reached out to American Airlines for more information on the new codeshare agreement and will update this story when we get new information.
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.
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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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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