I flew Starlux Airlines and I was BLOWN AWAY 🤩

Starlux is the best airline I've flown this year; join me on their Airbus A330-900neo as we fly Taipei to Bangkok in their gorgeous business class. This is an airline I'll actively seek out flying again next time I'm in Asia!
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0:00 Intro, flight explainer
0:30 Starlux Galactic Lounge
1:41 TPE Airport highlights
2:25 Starlux explainer and fare paid
4:30 Starlux and...Fly Gangwon??
5:07 Boarding Starlux A330-900neo in business class
6:53 Taxi and takeoff
8:28 Wifi, seat tour, and IFE
12:15 Inflight meal service (wow, btw)
13:59 Toilets time!
14:17 Bed review
14:50 Approach, landing, conclusion and thank you!
My website: www.winginit.me
Date of Travel: 18 APRIL 2023
Airline: Starlux Airlines
Livery: Starlux standard livery
Route: TPE-BKK
Aircraft: Airbus A330-900neo
Flight Number: JX 471
Miles: 1,546
Airborne time: 3h14m
Kind thanks to @hungrysister for making their video available via Creative Commons, whose footage is included in the Starlux overview section: • 飛機開箱｜星宇航空 A330neo 經濟艙｜...
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[@lvthud]

Starlux has already managed to corner a very small niche in the airline world, international couriers. My wifes cousin works for a multi national law firm carrying documents across the globe. As such he never really talks about flights unless something goes badly wrong, however, he raves about Starlux and it seems that his small community of fellow air warriors all feel the same. That is a great thing for Starlux, last minute J fares are not cheap and if your airline can attract them you will be okay.

[@tolikfox007]

I thought all airlines transport courier no?

[@Inspadave]

I love coming across documentaries like that snow clearing in Japan.

[@TheRareVideosXL]

Starlux is absolutely World Class and might challenge Singapore,Qatar and Emirates in five or ten years if it keeps innovating with time.

[@Sydorrah]

That dish looked just like the pictures. The cabin was indeed pristine. Thanks for the review Paul! I cant wait to fly them someday soon.

[@wannabedal-adx458]

Paul, love your honest yet upbeat reviews. Thanks. Worst turbulence was over southern Iraq in a US Navy 737. We got struck by lighting and dropped about 5,000 ft or so. Half of us (who were career flyers) threw up our arms like at an amusement park ride. The other half of the passengers....threw up!! Cheers Mate!

[@tigersharkzh]

I've flown through rough turbulence over Australia that lasted almost two hours. There weren't any big hard drops, just constant shaking violent enough to send any drinks or unsecured items flying. I even saw two of the flight attendants throwing up. For me, it was like free back to back rollercoaster rides. I'm one of the lucky few % who are immune to motion sickness, be it in flight or on a small sailboat rocking and rolling in heavy, confused seas.

[@danalamborn4464]

Starlux now has a partnership with Alaska Airlines. So they will be coming to SFO and SEA in the next year.

[@JBFlytography]

Less than £500 for a business class seat like that doesn’t seem all that bad! You’d expect to pay more with some airlines. That cabin and seat looks pretty decent and better than some bigger airlines attempts. Cheers, Paul.

[@gotminnam]

For the route I booked, Chian airlines and Cathay were cheaper. But I definitely want to try their business class

[@Oduck22]

11:18 my dad worked with Alaska Airlines (Horizon) and flying between PDX and SEA during winter on the Q400 was always a wild ride. They spent tons installing a HUD on the Dash8 to operate in low visibility with the quickly deteriorating weather the Pacific NW is known for. Crabbing in the Q400 is so weird because you watch the gear yaw very fast right at touchdown.

[@petersmith8435]

Worst turbulence, Fiji to LAX, going through the Intertropical Convergence Zone in the last but one row in economy of a 747! So rough we couldn't hold a book (yes back in the days before tablets!) to read all we could do was hang on. It went on for about 35 minutes. I saw the seat back in the row in front actually break due to the forces being experienced. But it gave me great faith in the engineering skills of Boeing that the airframe came through unscathed.

[@tsrgoinc]

Worst turbulence, September 1992 LHR to LAX, there were a number of times that the plane felt like it was dropping out of the sky. The drops were akin to, if you’ve been on it, Tower of Terror at Disney World in Orlando. I actually felt weightless a few times, once for about 5 seconds, and I weigh a bit too. Never been so glad to land in my life, before or since. A number people got of were actually crying!

[@LowBudgetKiwi]

They started up not long before Covid hit and I am really glad they survived. They look like they offer an amazing product and I really look forward to flying on them one day...

[@christinek6111]

Another great video! The meal looked amazing. I also really appreciated seeing the turbulence you encountered, and reading everyone's stories about turbulence in the comments. I am a very nervous flyer, especially when turbulence happens, so seeing all of these stories and realizing how common and normal it is really helps!

[@MH-gh]

From that stunning Livery to the classy interior shades and colours and friendly crew, you could tell this airline wants to set itself apart from the others. With an amazing new fleet of Airbuses including the A350😍 it can’t really go wrong. True they started at the wrong time during the Pandemic, but who was to know that would happen. I just hope that they eventually add Europe and the UK to their destinations.

[@BnFGProductions]

Going to give the LA flight a try anytime? Great video as always

[@Paul_Lucas]

It’s very expensive - maybe one day!

[@gotminnam]

Love your honest and chill reviews

[@cryptomonkey6142]

Great review, thanks. Love the cabin decor, understated elegance that exudes class and quality. The food looked good. It's always nice to find something different to tempt the palette. 😊

[@tonytowers5889]

Always exceptional videos, and this is no exception. Thank you, Paul.

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Paul that was a lovely video 👍

[@superlogistics1]

Finally! Starlux review by you !!❤

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Agreed! 😁

[@BigPaul62]

My worst turbulence experience was on a Singapore 747-400 about an hour out of SIN flying back to London. I don't know how far it dropped but anyone not belted in was injured. I sat soaked in orange juice for the whole flight as it kept dripping down from the ceiling! The cabin looked like a bomb had gone off. It was quite frightening but it absolutely cured my fear of flying.

[@cameronmurray9026]

I had a similar experience just last year flying from Johannesburg to Doha on a Qatar a350. The plane felt like it just dropped a couple hundred feet in a couple seconds and everything just went flying up to the ceiling including one of the flight attendants as well as a glass of red wine which eventually came back down onto my new white shirt. Screams could be heard from most areas of the cabin and it was genuinely scary. The poor crew looked shaken, but after, we heard nothing of it and continued our journey to Doha as if it had never happened. Luckily, most people were buckled in but unfortunately, it was lunch time and most lost all their food. Like you, my fear of flying has been cured as a result

[@benh508]

Worst turbulence was early 2000s in a nw airlines Saab 200 variant from St. Paul to Rochester mn a 40min flight. 39mph winds at -9 degrees. Upon landing pilot hit a jetway light.

[@benh508]

Also forgot to mention due to storm we lost main cabin lights mid flight

[@gregorybaker330]

I travelled through there many times on CI AND EVA and treated well with great ground services especially on tight connections and once shocked bag went through from Naha to Hkg via Taipei after boarding closed.I love the airport and its relaxed and efficient boarding processes. Safe travels everyone.

[@zero7lima]

Fabulous video, delivered with enthusiasm and a smile 👍. Starlux has really upped the ante. I also enjoy how generous you are with lounge food.

[@eoinyoneill]

Flew through a Cat 4 Typhoon from Vietnam to Cambodia. Only a short flight but in the clouds all the time, I couldn't tell if we were pointing upward or downward. Bit on the nervous side

[@1981Lau]

Great video, I had never heard of starlux before. Sure have to check them out now

[@rowanmorgan457]

Great review as always Paul!

[@scottyerkes1867]

Excellant review. Impressive business class accommodation and food. Thanks Paul💚👌

[@ThePaulaon1]

Another terrific video. And those cloud images were stunning.

[@christianwolff497]

This is a weird one, but the in-flight entertainment I always enjoyed was on Air Canada’s old enRoute system, where you could view the terminal arrival videos for all of their Canadian destinations - why was it so fascinating to know where to pick my luggage up from in Vancouver airport when I was never going there in the first place? I don’t know, but it was interesting all the same!😂

[@alexdouglas7499]

Paul, love that you knew and mentioned that it’s a safran seat, I love the design of the chairs from a product sense, please keep it up

[@knoblauchhorst9405]

Nice review! Loved the starlux Eco and flying Biz next month for the first time looking very forward to it

[@britton1988]

Wow that interior is beautiful! I’m at 6:12 into your video and I felt the need to comment. Wow.

[@sunnyliu9820]

Wow, what an excellent start up! Starlux is definitely one to look out for!!!

[@rezaalan3991]

Great flight. Finally you try this airline.

[@barber215]

For the price, service, food, and amenities, that looks like a terrific product. Definitely a great value for your money. Understandably a little pricey for a 3 hour flight, but a wide-body aircraft for a trip like that is always a novelty to me. Worst turbulence I've ever encountered was just back in April of this year when flying to Chicago. We had to begin our descent a little early, and it was about 30 minutes of nonstop moderate shaking and rattling. No major elevation drops or anything, but the turbulence just did not stop. Healthy early spring storm by O'Hare Airport was the reason. But cheers on the new vid, and fly safely, good sir.

[@geerd1]

Wow, what a beautifully designd airplane and livery 😍

[@willem-henridenhartog1722]

super video, which gives good insight in this new airline

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Fantastic review as always Paul!😸

[@David-mr3gw]

great review, really well made 👏🏻

[@sonnyboy2273]

Excellent Video As Always....I So Much Enjoy Them...Please Keep Them Coming....Thank You.....

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Liked your comments about the airport. Pretty pricey ticket. The plane looks lovely! Your choice of entertainment reminded my of my grandson’s fascination with everything to do with trains! Your food looked delightful!! Big bed! So glad I watched this.

[@YoungDooby]

Paul love the addition of the map showing the route, not sure if its totally new but a nice touch

[@roberthamilton1301]

Beautiful storm clouds And a Beautiful airline Thanks for the video Mate Very entertaining

[@TripReportaviation]

Such an excellent business class product! The cabin was gorgeous. I’d love to try Starlux in the future

[@Travelsbydreamer]

Great stuff Paul, loved that lounge decor! Virgin Clubhouse vibes for sure.

[@jimhesch1404]

Great editing. The clouds were stunning.

[@britton1988]

Starlux is living up to its name! Wow! Wow! Wow! You should really try the route to LA. I’m sure that would be amazing! 14:07

[@RexyH267]

What a great review of what looks like a great airline.

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Love The Livery To Starlux Airlines,I Like The Business Class Cabin.Great Trip Report

[@p0igi0vc]

What an amazing trip and charming lounge as well

[@TheMaartian]

The worst turbulence, but not the most severe, I've flown in was an Asiana 747 business class flight from LA to Seoul. It was very bumpy for the entire flight that took 14 hours instead of the scheduled 12 hours (due to the exceptionally strong headwinds). The pilots couldn't find a single altitude where it was smooth. Too much turbulence to sleep. It was awful.

[@markh767]

My favourite IFE content was the atc on United’s channel 9. The worst turbulence I’ve been in was on a JAL 744 flying NRT to Vancouver, first hour of the flight was moderate to severe!

[@johnburke5384]

Wow Starlux for me ! Excellent video Paul but then, they all are....Years ago, returning from Madeira the storm got so bad on a 727 they had to stop serving meals and everyone crew included, had to sit down belt up and hang on ....everyone went VERY quiet ....what fun !

[@sjb1058]

very enjoyable, Paul--well inspired! perhaps later you might explore the LA route! Cheers!

[@greg6172]

My worst turbulance was on a Sunliner flying from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Airport. It was 50 degrees celsius in the shade and we had a 90 minute roller coaster ride. The only people on board without full sick bags were the captain and me. Even the first officer was vomiting. My ex had to be taken off in a wheel chair.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Starlux’s Lounge is so cool!

[@JW-lr1mc]

Lovely video and well done !

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Being inspired by the Apron at Airports and the Departure? That’s cool.

[@MrJimmy440]

Another great video. Yes, in my opinion, sitting flush against a window is a must for me !!! Also would it be possible to record some of the sites you visit during your travels outside the airports and gap flights ? I’d love to see some of these great cities you travel to.

[@flyingdentist]

fantastic flight review mate.Stunning plane and a stunning airline.About the turbulance thing.Pan Am Boeing 747-200 London to NY with one go around and the other one SAS DC8 from Manila to Tokyo through a thunderstorm.Unforgettable flights both

[@garyashcroft7645]

Hi Paul, great Video. I have had the pleasure of being in Taiwan so many tmes, and to date its still my favourite place ever. An interesting place is Kaohsiung in the southern part, quite a short runway, but very interesting which ever direction you land in. I have Starlux at the top of my list next time i fly to Taiwan. Oh the memories of that stuniing island. Thank you Paul. Gary in the UK

[@rajeevpushkar]

Lovely vlog 👍👍

[@jimhankinson4428]

Flew them from Taipei to Osaka a couple of months ago, and thought they were very good, better than EVA.

[@karens4503]

Worst turbulence I've flown in was during Storm Brendan in January 2020 on a flight from Stansted to Cork. I never get scared on planes but that was one hairy flight and landing in Ireland.Our plane was the last one to land at cork before they closed the airport for more flights and diverted everything else to Kerry Airport instead.

[@pcmacintyre]

I look forward to Starlux expansion to SFO in December. I wonder when they will allow purchase of a single ticket to connect through Taipei. Right now you can't do LAX to BKK on a single ticket. My worst turbulence was flying into Tulsa in the early 1990s. Horrendous shaking, the place dropped a couple times, and my seat was broken and wouldn't stay upright.

[@louiseleonard1992]

Brilliant work love it

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thank you very much!

[@MrGreatplum]

That looks like an amazing airline - maybe one day. Would love to visit Taiwan! Thanks for showing us your trip :)

[@joermnyc]

Worst turbulence: approaching Sydney from LAX the Captain came on and yelled “everyone in their seats now!” Followed by about a minute of violent shaking. No explanation given and we had no idea what that was.

[@jessphuqette1716]

Wake turbulence from another heavy in front of your plane

[@taewonhwang5416]

Fly Gangwon almost broke now. They will soon be reoperating after acquisition(not sure about whom and when). Their base, Yangyang airport, is closed to Pyeongchang, which hosted Olympics in 2018z

[@duncanbrown1864]

Was flying into Charlotte, NC from Philly, PA and the potentially somewhat reckless pilot brought us in through a thunderstorm. It was an exciting ride to say the least!! Very bouncy!

[@johnburke1317]

Nice video 😊

[@gregessex1851]

Taipei Airport has two distinct areas. The older low ceiling space that you were in and the newer high ceiling area with wonderful themed gates.

[@jimludwick]

Worst turbulence. October 1965 Denver to Colorado Springs on Continental's last DC3. That's where I learned the term, "clear air turbulence" We experienced a 90 degree pitch where I saw the horizon become the ground underneath us. Luggage fell out of overhead rack (no doors back then) and my seat collapsed. Only three passengers and I kissed the ground upon exiting (like the Pope) and vowed to never fly this route again. That lasted about six months but by then they had a 727 as I recall.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Thank you for the video!

[@bertilolsson5203]

Worst turbulence: red eye flight from Hong Kong to Singapore. Before takeoff the pilot said that they were expecting severe turbulence for the entire flight, and he was not wrong. Constant, and sometimes quite heavy, turbulence for 4+ hours. I enjoyed it, but don't think my fellow passengers did.

[@raymondleongdiva]

I first them in their a330 neo from Singapore to Taipei and I was also blown away ...that was a year ago and this year I flew them again a couple of mths ago on their a350 and was again blown away...❤

[@bullet-catcherhohoho250]

Wonder if its the smallest escalator in the world.

[@Ningy909]

i was on a short-haul flight a few months ago and the in-flight entertainment was live tv and a remote that looked like it hadn't been updated since the 90s and i'm still thinking about it

[@rushi1178]

Beautiful video brother

[@kenwayedward9665]

Actually we called TPE : Taoyuan International airport 桃園國際機場 its located at Taoyuan City instead of Taipei. But Taipei has a smaller one known as TSA.

[@kevincaulfield9736]

Worse turbulence I ever had was coming out of Las Vegas on a red-eye. We were bouncing around so badly that the poor woman who sat across from me completely had a meltdown

[@herenow6953]

Wow - that looks an awesome airline and that cabin and seat look wonderful! Sounds like a success story in the making - the name is a bit 1970s but we can forgive that!

[@chrisburton4694]

Starlux lounge outside look like q suite doors

[@raynee01]

The worst turbulence was from Raleigh to Boston, on Southwest so had to stop In Baltimore. I was pregnant, first trimester already had 24/7 nausea as it was. When we got off the plane, this wonderful gate agent got me some coke & crackers. That man was a lifesaver.

[@leed206]

My worst flight was Brisbane to Rockhampton (mail run) seat belts on all the time. The hostess was taking a timed run on the down the aisle on the drop to get to the front passengers . I enjoyed but jy friend didnt as she was just pregnant. In the old days coming into Canberra Australia was always a wild ride.

[@richardstreet7518]

Wow... just wow!!

[@SkiDaBird]

It's always a little turbulent flying into my home airport of BZN, but I was on a Dash-8 during a thunderstorm once. Needless to say, several zero G moments ensued.

[@bazzag6999]

Worst turbulence experience was when everything on the table hit the roof and that got my attention.

[@gregorybaker330]

Note the CEo is the chief pilot and ex Eva who were always safety conscious. Good to know. They will do well. Gb

[@lynnferry291]

Loved your video, Paul! Did Starlux not give an amenity kit?

[@kulia5493]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@LynneFarr]

My worst turbulence was Rome to St. Louis on TWA business class a hundred years ago. 😊

[@OneJuanWon]

Starlux looks amazing. Early 2024 they will start serving SFO, can't wait to give it a try for a long haul flight to SE Asia.

[@neilrmartin1984]

Looks like pretty good value - certainly compared to similar length flights in European business class

[@philcleaver2703]

Ripper review as a result will go for them over Eva which I love from BKK back to Taiwan Although in cattle class Thank you for the motivation From Perth WA

[@MichaelGGarry]

Staring at the departures board at Singapore Changi I have often wanted to "roll the dice" to try somewhere new!

[@cherylsemrau7100]

I wish I could travel like you.

[@Tpavra]

Worst turbulence for me was flying from Orlando to London on British Airways, we hit turbulence shortly after take off and the cabin crew could not begin meal service/drinks service till some 5 1/2 hours after take off at which point was not too far out from landing, then 3/4 way through service we hit yet more turbulence and the service was halted at the captains request. There was a mad dash to clear everything up prior to landing and we landed with about 1/4 plane who actually got no service at all. Surprised we pressed on during it tbh, was a very unpleasant experience and a lot of sick bags used by many many passengers!

[@ServiusTheBear]

I still feel like I would be wigged out on a lay flat bad in a plane. Also am sure the passengers would kill me I snore like a tank. Think of a two floor house all the doors closed and you can hear me from the outside on the other side of the house XD

[@hamanimations1838]

The worst turbulence I have had was on a qantas 737 from Melbourne to Sydney. There was a storm that we flew through and the wing got damaged so we had to make an emergency landing in Canberra. 😢It was also my first and only flight in buissiness class.