American Airlines Announces Codeshare Partnership With Boutique Asian Carrier Starlux

Updated: September 21, 2026, 9:05am CDT

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American’s New Codeshare With Starlux
What Could Be Next for Starlux in the U.S.?
Final Thoughts

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American Airlines is strengthening its relationship with the boutique airline Starlux.

The Taiwanese carrier and American Airlines will add codeshares on some of their flights from the end of September.

Let’s take a look at what this means for you.

American’s New Codeshare With Starlux

Starlux Airlines has been slowly building out its U.S. route network, which American Airlines wants to share.

What started as a base-level interline agreement will now be upgraded to a codeshare on some routes from September 30, 2026. The interline agreement already means passengers on eligible routes can book a single ticket for journeys operated by both airlines, and checked bags are transferred to their final destination when traveling from the U.S. to Taiwan.

The upgrade to a codeshare gives the airlines the right to market and sell tickets for the other airline. This gives Starlux access to key East Coast cities, such as New York, where Taiwanese competitors China Airlines and EVA Airways already operate nonstop flights.

American Airlines’ flight numbers will be placed on the following Starlux Airlines routes:

Taipei (TPE)-Los Angeles (LAX)
Taipei (TPE)-Ontario (ONT)
Taipei (TPE)-San Francisco (SFO)
Taipei (TPE)-Seattle (SEA)

And Starlux flight numbers will be added to a total of 26 domestic American Airlines routes: 10 from LAX and 16 from Phoenix.

Hot Tip:

Taiwan’s Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) boasts excellent international connectivity, giving travelers plenty of options when planning a trip to Taiwan with points and miles.

What Could Be Next for Starlux in the U.S.?

This deepened partnership points to more than just a codeshare.

A logical next step would be reciprocal loyalty benefits. For example, an American Airlines Executive Platinum might eventually be able to enjoy their status benefits when flying Starlux Airlines as part of a connecting itinerary with American.

Starlux A359 Business Class cabin from middle of middle — The business class cabin on Starlux’ Airbus A350-900. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

We know that Starlux also wants to join the Oneworld alliance — the same airline alliance American belongs to. As Taiwan’s China Airlines is part of SkyTeam, and EVA is part of Star Alliance, it would make logical and strategic sense for Starlux to become a Oneworld member.

While Cathay Pacific is currently making it difficult for Starlux to join, given the close distance of their headquarters, its new strengthened relationship with American, coupled with its partnership with Alaska, could strengthen its case for Starlux becoming a member.

Final Thoughts

This is a strong strategic move — one that could be the start of something even bigger for both the airlines and their passengers. We’ll have our eyes on this developing relationship and bring you more as soon as we have it.