Spoiler alert: I was impressed! Between the thoughtful design, curated food, and lack of crowds, it really did feel like a true VIP experience.
Introduction
Last November, I redeemed Alaska Airlines miles for a business class ticket on Starlux for this June trip to Fukuoka. The flight happened to be one of their brand-new Snoopy-themed collaborations that launched on May 28!
In June, I flew from Taipei to Fukuoka on Starlux Airlines business class, and made a point to wake up early just to check out the newly opened Starlux VIP Lounge in Terminal 2. After visiting nearly all the national airline lounges at Taoyuan Airport — including China Airlines’ Dynasty Lounge, Cathay Pacific’s lounge, and EVA Air’s Infinity Lounge — I was curious to see how Starlux would compare. (link to my Mandarin travel blog)
After visiting various airline lounges throughout the year, I was excited to try Starlux’s highly anticipated lounge. Comparing to my previous visits to EVA Air’s lounge during breakfast hours, I found Starlux’s food to be more refined, and the overall vibe more peaceful due to fewer flights and lower foot traffic. EVA’s lounge is more predictable and comforting — something your parents would enjoy — but Starlux feels next-gen.
Lounge Access & Invitation Card
The last time I flew Starlux (to Da Nang), I didn’t have lounge access, but this time I received a lounge invitation printed directly onto my boarding pass. The ground staff also gave me a map of the lounge. While I was initially directed to the Terminal 1 lounge, I specifically requested Terminal 2 — which is larger — and they happily provided both maps.
A quick tip: the boarding gate at Terminal 2’s A area is about a 10-minute walk from the lounge, so plan accordingly.
Lounge Design & Atmosphere
You’ll spot a display of Starlux’s signature flight jacket just before the lounge entrance.
To the left is a row of lockers. The lounge is split across two levels — the main floor and a B1 level. I took these photos right before leaving around 9 a.m., and by then only two flights remained: mine to Fukuoka and one to Bangkok. Earlier in the morning, the main floor was actually quite busy.
The overall design feels futuristic — almost like a space capsule.
Even the cleaning staff uniforms are thoughtfully designed — they wear cute full-body jumpsuits! Tables were always kept spotless thanks to their efficiency.
There’s a bathroom at the far end with a beautiful view, and it’s stocked with THANN amenities from Thailand.
You’ll also find custom-branded toilet paper (a charming detail I noticed on my very first Starlux flight). Even the restrooms on B1 feature floor-to-ceiling windows with greenery views — as someone who has a toilet Instagram, I was impressed.
Dining Options
The salad bar was fully stocked, presented with care.
Both the main floor and B1 serve the same hot food — plated in a way that resembles an upscale restaurant more than a bento dish.
Although I wasn’t hungry enough to try everything, the displays were mouthwatering. The dessert section especially reminded me of a hotel patisserie — clean, elegant, and tempting.
A highlight: chocolate cake by “承繼” (Chéng Jì) — a renown pastry brand from Tainan. It came with a chocolate shell and wasn’t overly sweet. Possibly my favorite item of the morning.
There were fresh juices — I tried the one in the upper left corner, and it was thick and flavorful.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t hungry enough to sample all the snacks, but the Starlux exclusive Almond stick reminded me of the kind you’d find in Taitung, though made with olive oil — a healthy touch.
Other offerings included:
Award-winning NINAO Gelato, three flavors to choose from, how nice! This is the must-try gelato brand from Tainan.
Beer dispensers on the main floor (none seen on B1)
Starlux Signature Coffee (made with beans from Tainan-based St.1 Cafe)
Cold beverages like Imperial Oolong, seasonal fruit tea, and milk — all neatly stored in a mini fridge
The main floor had one extra tea option: a special premium oolong.
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B1 Level: Hidden Gem
Head downstairs and you’ll find a quieter, cozy sofa area with outlets built into the furniture.
There are just a few guests on this level, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
Even the Snoopy cutouts are tastefully placed — not too childish, just a subtle brand tie-in.
The ceiling design resembles the moon’s surface, giving the area a dreamy feel. B1 also houses a second food station, identical to the one upstairs.
Breakfast Experience
Before arriving, I had read that Starlux rotates its lounge breakfast menu, with previous offerings like Nabeyaki egg noodles noodles. On the day I visited, the hot food options were Spanish mackerel noodles and braised pork rice — which, to be honest, didn’t really scream “VIP lounge cuisine” to me. So I opted instead for their collaboration with Fu Hang Soy Milk, a legendary Taipei breakfast brand.
Coincidentally, I later found bottled Fu Hang Soy Milk on sale at a newly opened Fukuoka department store — it’s having a moment! Starlux serves the unsweetened version, paired with two Chinese pastries that were okay.
Later, I switched seats and ordered the bamboo mushroom chicken soup — a tiny portion, but decent flavor.
For dessert, I tried all three ice cream flavors: Imperial Oolong, Milk, and Seasonal Fruit. The milk was surprisingly sweet, and the fruit one wasn’t to my taste. According to the nutrition label, even the least sweet flavor (oolong) had 18 grams of sugar.
Originally, I was planning to head upstairs for dessert, but the main level was packed, so I brought everything back down to B1. The pudding was smooth and silky — very enjoyable!
Final Thoughts
I finally got to experience the new Starlux VIP Lounge, and I spent about 1.5 hours there before boarding. It’s not as large as Cathay Pacific’s lounge, but the attention to detail in design, service, and food presentation made it a stand-out experience. I am impressed with the salad bar, the cooperation with local Taiwanese brands and the space like design.
The song It’s About Time by Taiwanese hip hop group MJ116 is filmed with/in Starlux Airlines!
Bonus: there’s a Taiwan Museum shop right next to the lounge, which I think western travelers would find quite charming.
National Palace Museum in Taiwan review: Great Exhibits
Also Read
STARLUX A330neo Business vs A321neo Economy: Full Review from Taipei to Fukuoka
STARLUX Airlines Economy review: A330neo Taipei to Da Nang Review
Cathay Pacific Lounge TPE Review: Food, Access, & Must-Try Noodles
First Time Flying EVA Air Business Class (Boeing 787): Great Japanese Meal & 5 Star Experience
Taiwan’s Newly Opened National Railway Museum: 9-Year Restoration, Train Rides & Visitor Tips
Dadaocheng: History, Culture and Food – A Local’s Guide of Dihua Street
