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STARLUX Airlines Economy review: A330neo Taipei to Da Nang Review

by taiwanderjessica
starlux airlines

Traveling from Taiwan to Vietnam for the first time, I opted for STARLUX Airlines’ early-morning flight from Taipei (TPE) to Da Nang (DAD). This round-trip journey on an A330-900 took only about 2.5 hours each way. While I’m not a big Snoopy fan, the adorable designs on the plane completely won me over! Here’s a full review of the experience.

Story about Starlux Airlines

Starlux Airlines, a Taiwanese carrier, was founded by K.W. Chang, the former chairman of Eva Air, in 2016. Chang’s departure from Eva Air followed a family dispute after the passing of his father, the airline’s founder.

Starlux’s establishment marked a significant event in the Taiwanese aviation industry, as it introduced a new level of luxury and service to the market. The airline aimed to differentiate itself from competitors by offering a premium travel experience, focusing on personalized service, innovative amenities, and a modern fleet of aircraft.

Since the founder is from Eva Air, it’s no wonder that many Starlux employees are former Eva Air staff, and they also hire experienced flight attendants from other companies. In fact, two of my classmates work there. One of my friend was trained as pilot.

Taiwanese people have high expectations for Starlux, and there’s even a dedicated Facebook fan group with over 124,000 members. I was surprised to see that number when I checked; it’s larger than my beloved ramen group (910 thousand)

Starlux went public in October 2024, a significant milestone six years after its founding and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One aspect that truly sets Starlux apart is its founder, K.W. Chang, a trained pilot himself. He often takes the helm of newly chartered planes, flying them all the way back to Taiwan.(See this fb post, he drove an airbus home to Taiwan from France) Sometimes, passengers recognize his voice during pilot broadcasts, leading them to request photos that are subsequently shared on social media.

STARLUX Airlines JX701 Check-in at Taoyuan Airport

starlux airlines

Arriving at the airport around 4:30 AM, check-in was smooth with no waiting in line. I also grabbed one of STARLUX’s themed luggage tags, featuring different Snoopy designs on each side—a delightful collectible!

starlux airlines
starlux airlines

I am happy they work with Snoopy for a themed flight. Eva Air has Hello Kitty flight, which is too cute for me but Taiwanese people do love hello kitty. This is a time-limited collaboration, from June to October 2024

Taiwan Taoyuan Terminal 2: Early Morning Stop

starlux airlines
taiwan airport

While waiting, I headed to the group rest area, where a 7-Eleven is conveniently located. The rest area was spacious and well-decorated. I enjoyed a comforting bowl of bamboo shoot soup—perfect for an early morning snack.

taiwan airport
robot coffee

Someone ordered a robot coffee, which cost 140NTD (5 USD), more expensive than man-made coffee.

STARLUX Airlines A330-900

starlux airlines
See Eva Air at the back and the one that took off is Tiger air

Flight: JX701

From Taipei to Danang, TPE-DAD

Flight time: 2h 50min

Aircraft: A330neo

This is actually my second time with Starlux, my first time was in 2022 December to Bangkok, first flight after the pandemic. And by the way, I’ve written 19 flight reviews and 12 lounge reviews (in my Mandarin blog) for the flights I took in 2023 and 2024, including a round the world Business Class ticket from Asia Miles.

starlux airlines

It’s a 2-4-2 setting, a bit packed, with both Taiwanese and Vietnamese.

starlux airlines

I avoid the infamous “no-window” seat in row 35 this time, and instead, I had two windows in row 36! STARLUX’s Snoopy-themed graphics welcomed passengers onboard, setting a cheerful mood.

starlux airlines

This is a really nice touch, setting the mood for a vacation right onboard.

With its cartooned, one-eyed family and cosmic backdrop, this safety video is out of this world!

starlux airlines

The coastline of Taiwan

Starlux Airlines Flight Entertainment & Amenities

starlux airlines
kid’s section showing you animals

The entertainment system featured a large variety of content, including The Beatles: Eight Days a Week. As a Beatles fan, this was a personal highlight. I even went to Liverpool last year just for Beatles and did the magical mystery tour. (link to my article in Mandrain)

starlux airlines

I took a break on both of my flights, so I finished the film in two parts.

The 13.3 inch screen is obviously big and clear. The passengers in front of reclined their seats all the way back so we were too close to the screen. Never experienced that in a flight.

starlux airlines

The headphones came in cute Snoopy-themed bags.

starlux airlines

Starlux Airlines In-Flight Meals

starlux airlines

The cooperation with Hutong, a local yakiniku restaurant, is quire impressive. And I am delighted to see the snoopy cookie ( a Snoopy head inside).

starlux airlines

Meals were flavorful, though the rice was a bit oily. With the bread could be served hot (as other Taiwanese airlines do) The butter is lupark, same as China Airlines. (China Airlines is a Taiwanese Airline, a strange name I know)

starlux airlines

cute napkins!

Starlux Airlines Snoopy Collaboration Highlights

starlux airlines

While I didn’t research ahead of time, I was thrilled to learn about the limited-edition Snoopy playing cards. I do like to collect them! I managed to get a pack on the outbound flight (pro tip: ask the flight attendants early!). Apparently, the return flight has a different package, but I didn’t ask for another set because I thought they are the same.

pocker cards

I do like to share my collection of playing cards. Told you I am a Beatles fan(bought it in 2014).

pocker cards

These are from different airlines.

I am impressed by the service of Starlux airlines. The attendants takes notes and remembered to give us what we need. But on this short haul (less than 4 hours), they don’t serve the inflight cocktail Sci-Fi Cosmos 2.0. I tried it on my Bangkok frip, which was a instagrammable delight.

Starlux Airlines toilets

Yes, I take pictures of toilets and even opened an Instagram account for it called toiletstovisit. I noticed the blue patterned toilet paper and posted about it here. The unusual, bluish light made me think of space theme deco.

 Starlux Airlines
 Starlux Airlines

This is Cham Islands, Vietnam’s UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve open for snorkeling. About 45 km from Da Nang.

See KKday Cham Islands Snorkeling & Sea Walking Day Tour from Hoi An/Da Nang (This is affiliate link)

hoi an

Hoi An, a vibrant UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivated us for two days. Its fusion of history, culture, and coastal charm, exemplified by the newly restored Japanese Bridge, was truly enchanting. For a review, link to my blog for pictures.

I like to take birds eye view pictures and find out what they are. This is Cua Dai Bridge(Cầu Cửa Đại), 1482 meters long across Thu Bồn River.

vietnam danang

picturesque backdrop of mountain and fields.

danang

Arrival in Da Nang

danang

Da Nang International Airport was compact and efficient. Immigration took longer due to limited open counters, but baggage claim and customs were swift.

We booked a transfer through the hotel, so heading to our accommodation for a My Son Sanctuary half-day tour was seamless.

From Danang City to Airport

Using Grab, the cost from Da Nang city to the airport was 85,000 VND (~4 USD). An additional airport fee (10,000 VND) required cash, so keep small denominations handy.

Vietnam airline crew dressing Ao Dai inspired uniform.

Return Flight JX702

starlux airlines

Flight: JX702

From Danang to Tapiei DAD-TPE

Flight time: 2h 36min

Aircraft: A330neo

The return flight was quieter, with only 70% occupancy. The cabin’s starry sky ceiling added a relaxing vibe for the journey back.

STARLUX AIRLINES

I love it that they pick the north gate, not iconic 101 or CKS memorial hall. This gate remains intact located close to Taipei Main Station.

STARLUX AIRLINES
STARLUX AIRLINES
starlux airlines

This is Sơn Trà Mountain where the famous Intercontinental is at.

Starlux Airlines In-Flight Meals

 Starlux Airlines In-Flight Meals

The menu is shown on screen, Hainanese chicken rice with Vietnamese coffee jelly.

Hainanese chicken rice with Vietnamese coffee jelly

The coffee jelly stood out with its layered presentation—bitter Vietnamese coffee on top and sweetened condensed milk below.

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The stars lit the sky

starlux airlines
starlux airlines
starlux airlines

I like the form of clouds.

i mei food

Here’s the IMEI food store at Taiwan taoyuan airport. This is a highly reputable, trustworty brand, they make their own products almost everything was good. Pro tip: they sell ice pops in separate package, which is super convenient. Loads of flavors to choose from.

Conclusion

My second experience flying with STARLUX Airlines reaffirmed why this airline is such a standout. From the new aircraft features to exceptional service, delicious meals, and charming Snoopy collaborations, the journey was as memorable as the destination.

Whether you’re a Snoopy fan or just seeking a premium flight experience, STARLUX Airlines is an excellent choice for short-haul international travel.

And I just recently booked a business class with Starlux next year using the Alaskan miles, which was on sale, so I am looking forward to visit their lounge!

If you’d like to see more pictures from my Vietnam trip and don’t mind reading it via google translate, I have written six articles here.

My mandarin version of this review can be found here.

Cathay Pacific Lounge TPE: Enjoying Beef Noodles & Bubble Tea

Buy TPE Taiwan Taoyuan Airport: Premium Lounge Entry on GetYourGuide

Top Rate Private Scenic Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu & Pingxi from Taipei on GetYourGuide

Book Taipei: Layover City Tour

Please check out one of my first blog post about Nikko, Japan

Hotel review: A Serene Stay at Kojoen: Snow and Stunning Scenery of Nikko

Discover Nikko’s Winter Magic: A Day Trip from Tokyo to a Snowy World Heritage Site

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