American Airlines and STARLUX Announce New Interline Agreement

(PHOENIX) American Airlines and Starlux on August 16, 2025 announced a new interline agreement that links North America and Asia with single-ticket booking and through-checked bags, timed to Starlux’s launch of ticket sales for its new Taipei–Phoenix route. The deal lets travelers book one itinerary across both airlines while keeping baggage transfer simple, but it stops short of codesharing, loyalty perks, or alliance membership. Starlux plans to start Taipei–Phoenix service on January 15, 2026, positioning Phoenix Sky Harbor as its next U.S. gateway and a key handoff point to American Airlines’ network.

What the interline agreement does

The carriers say the goal is simple: more options without added hassle. Under the interline arrangement, passengers can build trips that combine Starlux’s long-haul flights out of Taipei (TPE) with American’s extensive domestic network.

• Single-ticket booking: Travelers can buy one itinerary that includes flights on both carriers.
• Through-checked baggage: Bags checked at origin will be transferred automatically between Starlux and American for the linked itinerary.
• Smoother connections: Schedules are designed to support transfers in Phoenix to and from more than 40 U.S. cities on American.
• Expanded reach: Starlux customers gain access to American’s network to reach up to 250 North American destinations; American customers get easier access to Taipei and onward Asian cities.

These are the core benefits of an interline agreement: one booking, one set of baggage tags, and a more straightforward transfer experience. For travelers flying for work, school, or family visits, the changes mean less stress at transfer points and fewer separate bookings to manage.

Starlux’s U.S. network and aircraft details

Starlux currently serves the U.S. from Taipei to:

• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Ontario (ONT)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA)

Phoenix will become the airline’s fifth U.S. gateway when flights begin in January 2026.

Route and equipment details:

What the agreement changes for travelers

1. Booking
   • You can purchase a single ticket that includes flights on both American Airlines and Starlux.
   • Tickets are available through both airlines’ normal booking channels and travel agents.
2. Baggage
   • Bags checked at your starting point will be transferred automatically between the two airlines for the linked itinerary.
3. Connections
   • Schedules are set to support easy transfers in Phoenix, bridging Starlux’s Asia service with American’s domestic reach.
4. Destinations
   • Starlux customers can tap into American’s network to reach up to 250 North American destinations.
   • American customers get simpler access to Taipei and onward Asian cities.

Important: These changes simplify itineraries and baggage handling but do not alter visa, entry, or other immigration requirements.

Limits — what’s not included

• No loyalty program reciprocity: You cannot earn or redeem AAdvantage miles on Starlux flights yet, and elite status perks do not carry over.
• No codeshare: Flights will not carry shared flight numbers.
• No alliance membership: Starlux has expressed interest in joining Oneworld, but no timeline, invitation, or formal process has been announced.
• No joint venture: This partnership is focused on ticketing and baggage only.

Starlux already has closer ties with Alaska Airlines — including mileage earning and redemption — but that deeper link does not extend to American under this agreement.

Why Phoenix — timing and strategy

Starlux is a premium Taiwanese carrier that launched in 2020 and has expanded quickly on the U.S. West Coast. Phoenix provides room to build cross-border and cross-country traffic, particularly because of American’s large hub presence there.

• The timing follows competitive moves by other Taiwanese carriers (e.g., EVA Air’s service to Dallas), which industry watchers view as part of a broader U.S. market positioning battle.
• Phoenix’s addition gives another U.S. gateway for Taiwan-bound journeys, helping families, students, and business travelers.

Industry analysts see this as a measured, low-risk step: interline agreements often serve as the foundation for deeper cooperation if demand and operational reliability are demonstrated.

Quotes from the airlines

Glenn Chai, CEO of Starlux Airlines: “very honored to have the partnership with American Airlines — one of the United States top airlines,” adding that access to American’s network will expand choices for customers going to Taipei.

Anmol Bhargava, American Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Alliances: The arrangement offers “more travel options” and “convenient connections from Taipei to more than 250 destinations in North America,” and American looks forward to working with Starlux to open more opportunities between North America and Taipei.

Practical traveler guidance

• How to use the new setup:
  1. Search for fares that include both carriers in one itinerary.
  2. Choose connections through Phoenix that fit your schedule.
  3. Check bags once at the start — they will be through-checked on linked itineraries.
  4. If plans change, rebooking is simpler because the itinerary is under one record.
• Who benefits most:
  • Families visiting relatives, students, and business travelers seeking new connections.
  • Travelers who prefer fewer separate bookings and reduced transfer stress.
• What to watch:
  • Load factors and on-time performance once flights begin.
  • The balance of local Phoenix–Taipei demand versus connecting traffic.
  • Whether the two airlines announce expanded cooperation (e.g., codeshare) after real-world results.

Important traveler resources and reminders

For official guidance on U.S. travel and visa requirements, including visitor, student, and work categories, see the U.S. Department of State’s resource page at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html. Always check the latest rules before buying tickets, as entry procedures and timelines can differ by traveler category and destination.

Note: The interline agreement does not change visa or entry rules. It can, however, shorten layovers and reduce the chance of missed connections when flights run late because itineraries are protected under a single ticket.

Bottom line

• The interline agreement between American Airlines and Starlux is in effect now, with booking available through normal sales channels.
• The Taipei–Phoenix service is slated to start on January 15, 2026, using the A350 with a four-cabin layout.
• Key traveler benefits: through-checked baggage and itineraries issued on a single ticket, creating a cleaner path between North America and Asia.
• Key limitations: no current loyalty reciprocity, codeshare, or alliance membership — though the arrangement could pave the way for deeper ties if the route performs well.