STARLUX A330neo Business vs A321neo Economy: Full Review from Taipei to Fukuoka

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In June 2025, I flew to Fukuoka with STARLUX Airlines—Business Class on the outbound flight, Economy on the return. I’ll share my full review of both cabins in this post, including the highly anticipated STARLUX business class experience. Spoiler: Food isn’t their strong suit.

(This blog contains affiliate links)

Introduction

Back in November last year, I purchased Alaska Airlines miles. When I found business class seats to Fukuoka in June, I quickly booked them—just one seat available per flight. So, my friend and I split: one leg in business, one in economy.

Since our flight departed at 9:35 AM and we wanted to enjoy the lounge beforehand, we booked a KKday airport transfer service. Of all my recent trips (Greece, Singapore, etc.), this was the most professional driver yet—clean car with a refreshing grape scent (not overwhelming), smooth driving, and no unnecessary chatting.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Transfers｜Meet & Greet Pickup

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STARLUX x Snoopy Collaboration

We happened to catch the second Snoopy x STARLUX collaboration! There were Snoopy-themed bag tags available at check-in. I had previously flown STARLUX to Da Nang in September 2024 and got a red Snoopy bag tag then too.

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STARLUX Galactic Lounge (TPE Terminal 2 )

I visited the Galactic Lounge at Terminal 2 and loved it. They featured food collaborations with Taiwanese brands like:

• Fu Hang Soy Milk
• NINAO Gelato
• 1st street Coffee
• Cheng Ji Chocolate Cake

👉 Full Lounge Review: STARLUX Galactic Lounge at TPE Terminal 2

STARLUX A330neo Business Class

• Flight Date: June 2025
• Route: TPE → FUK
• Duration: 2 hr 21 min
• Aircraft: Airbus A330-900neo

There was an early announcement at the gate requesting passengers to arrive 10 minutes earlier. When I got to the gate, Business Class boarding had already begun. I am not sure how many business class passengers out there —I only saw two other passengers!

I chose Seat 3A.

The crew offered welcome juice and a warm towel. A Japanese flight attendant (fluent in Chinese but with a slight accent) introduced the seat features. I quickly realized the side buttons were super sensitive—my seat kept moving unexpectedly!

Later, a Taiwanese purser also greeted me and mentioned possible turbulence during the flight, stating that hot drinks might not be served during turbulence.

The glassware was Duralex from France, and the side table offered wireless charging.

Watched A Start is Born the first time. I know. Just went to Gaga’s concert in Singapore. And by the way I worked for her backstage as the runner (someone who buy whatever the staff need locally) when she came to Taiwan for Born this Way Ball in 2012. It’s a 17.3 inch, 4K screen.

Starlux Airlines Business Class Drink Menu

The name of the inflight magazine kiânn means go, or let’s go in Taiwanese. And there’s even a website of the magazine.

The drink list included STARLUX’s signature original Sci-Fi Galaxy cocktail, featuring Taiwanese gin and a lactic acid drink cocktail, plus a collaboration series with Bar TCRC, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. They are serious about the drinks! Located in Tainan, Taiwan, Bar TCRC is known as one of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

Other premium options:

• Haku Umeshu (Japanese Plum Wine) – I later bought this in Japan and loved it!
• Sparkling Sake – Looked tempting.
• Sun Moon Lake Black Tea
• IYEMON Kyoto Green Tea

There was even wine consultation by William Hsu Jr., featuring a champagne used by the British family. The red wine options rotated monthly—June had a New Zealand pick, and July would bring a new label.

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Viator Round Trip Sun Moon Lake Private Tour from Taipei

A330neo Business Class Meal Review

I had pre-ordered the fish and shrimp entrée online—but honestly? I didn’t even finish it. Even as a bread lover, I found the bread mediocre. The shrimp wasn’t good, and the dessert arrived alongside the main—also disappointing.

For comparison: I had amazing sea bass on EVA Air and flavorful cod on JAL, both much better than this meal.

This is the signature western styled creamy soup.

Highlights:

• Cute salt & pepper shakers
• The soup was good
• No NINAO ice cream (maybe because it was a breakfast flight?)
• Cocktail ordered: “Citrus Mist”
• Later tried the champagne—until I accidentally spilled it 😅

I dashed to the restroom to clean up and told the crew. Luckily, I only spilled it on my jeans.

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A330neo Business Class Lavatory

• Fresh flowers
• Custom STARLUX fragrance diffuser
• During meal service: mouthwash, floss, and toiletries (removed before landing)

After the champagne incident, a male flight attendant kindly offered to move me to Seat 4C for more comfort. I accepted and later noticed:

• 4C was further from the window (3A is better for window photos)
• No Snoopy playing cards, but I asked for regular STARLUX cards instead

I even opened the blanket—it was super soft. The purser also checked in to see if I needed further assistance.

Looking out the window, I discovered Fukuoka’s stunning coastline. I later learned it was near Komo Park, a 30-minute drive from the city center. Also visible: Atago Bridge, connecting the Nishi and Sawara wards.

Right before landing, I noticed a clever design: the door had a built-in mirror—very handy.

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🚶 Fukuoka Airport Arrival

There was an Expo 2025 billboard at arrival. From deplaning to immigration took only about 15 minutes—incredibly fast.

Your Guide to Finding Expo 2025 Mascot Myaku-Myaku Outside the Expo

Not sure where to stay in Fukuoka? Explore this Hotel Map to easily find and compare the best hotels in the heart of the city

I waited at baggage claim, but after a bathroom break, I returned to find my suitcase had been moved aside for me. Nice surprise.

If you plan to get a Fukuoka subway day pass, I recommend buying it online and picking it up at the HIS counter.

👉 Buy Fukuoka City Subway One-Day Ticket on KKday

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🚌 Free Shuttle Bus at Fukuoka Airport

Fukuoka Airport provides a free shuttle between the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal/Subway Station. Once outside, follow the crowd to the right—you’ll see the exit and shuttle stop.

I wasn’t in a hurry, so I gave it a try. The ride took around 13 minutes and dropped us off right in front of the metro entrance. But the taxi from Fukuoka airport to the city center is only like 13USD so I was a bit surprised my partner was interested in taking the shuttle bus.

👉 KDDI Japan eSIM (via KKday)

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STARLUX A321neo Economy Class

• Flight Date: June 2025
• Route: FUK → TPE
• Duration: 2 hr 18 min
• Aircraft: Airbus A321neo

I flew Economy on the return flight—and unfortunately, I was surrounded by kids. A stark contrast to the quiet Business Class cabin. Even my partner, seated in Business, said the children’s voices carried forward.

New detail: the headphone pouches had been redesigned—the previous ones were gold-colored.

I had a window seat, and the family next to me had a toddler. The parents took turns holding the baby and walking him up and down the aisle. They were incredibly responsible and patient—kudos to them!

A321neo Economy Class Meal Review

I’ve previously had the STARLUX economy beef rice bowl. This time, I was served chicken thigh, which was… hard to describe. Dessert seemed like a mousse—forgettable. Only the fruit from Taiwan stood out. We have very sweet fruits.

A321neo Economy Class Lavatory

Surprisingly nice! It even had:

• Soft lighting
• STARLUX-branded hand soap

With all the noise from nearby children, I gave up on rest and used the IFE screen to pass time.

The legendary Superstar Teresa Teng who was famous in all Mandaring speaking region and in Japan.

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Final Thoughts

Just two months ago, I flew EVA Air Business Class to Japan, so I had a solid comparison point. Overall:

• EVA’s service felt more proactive and polished
• Meals were significantly better on EVA
• STARLUX has beautiful design and branding, but the service lacked warmth

It’s no surprise EVA still ranks higher in the 2025 Skytrax Best Airlines list. That said, I’m still glad I got to experience STARLUX Business Class and their Galactic Lounge!

The song It’s About Time by Taiwanese hip hop group MJ116 is filmed with/in Starlux Airlines!

Buy Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket

Also read:

Starlux Lounge Experience at TPE Terminal 2: Luxury, Beautiful Design

First Time Flying EVA Air Business Class (Boeing 787): Great Japanese Meal & 5 Star Experience

Taipei to Da Nang on STARLUX A330neo: Economy Class Review

Complete Guide to EVA Air Lounges at TPE: The Star vs The Infinity (2025)

Cathay Pacific Lounge Review(Taipei): Spacious & Best Beef Noodle