World's BEST New Airline? · STARLUX BUSINESS CLASS 🇹🇼 Taipei ✈ Ho Chi Minh City 🇻🇳 A True Step Up!

[@thomasehnert2083]

I am a retired Original EVA Air pilot! I knew KW Chang and he was a hard worker learning the business while his older brothers acted like rich kids! He even got his Pilot Lic with the Company flight program! I just read that he won his law suit against his brothers and now he also own EVA too and now a Billionaire! His father actually left the whole company to him in his will! It Will be interesting to see if he merges SkyLux with EVA since he now owns both?

[@tfft]

I love EVA so I don’t say this because I want to see them get lost in the battle, but I’d love to see him sell off EVA and continue to invest in and expand Starlux. More competition, especially at such a high level is great for the region.

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

What a fascinating background story of the CEO! Absolutely love how you combine the actual review with so much interesting information. Thank you for the review of this fascinating airline 🙏🏼

[@tfft]

Oh well then you've got a lot in store with the upcoming Routes & Hubs Series! Never enjoyed 'reporting' history as much as I have while making those videos 😂

[@tommykay7427]

Yes indeed! Agree 100% Listening to Kevins vids makes you smarter!

[@jamesmartinDXB]

Their attention to detail is quite phenomenal. The cabin and seat-area is amazing. Glad you enjoyed it. Longhaul must be dreamy on Starlux.

[@tfft]

Must be!

[@ebaum1417]

I truly appreciate your take on things, and the “here is what is” approach to reporting It’s good to hear about the whole experience

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@ndirangugichuki6260]

That history about the founder of Starlux was really interesting, good for him 👍.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Avg-Usr]

It’s like real life succession. Dynastic disputes and a scion decided to try to replicate the success of the original and I think he is winning.

[@MatthewSmith-p4p]

Love these videos so much, you put so much effort into every aspect of the video segments and still put fun dialogue to make every video a story. Thanks Kevin

[@tfft]

Appreciate that!

[@omi._.jalalo]

I loveeeeeeeeeeeed my starlux economy flight from lax to Singapore via Taipei, it slayed

[@omi._.jalalo]

Also they had la dodgers (pretty sure) branding when I went

[@tfft]

Yeah they've had Dodgers stuff in the past too.

[@floridaguy1955]

Another excellent video! Taipei is an interesting place. In 1994, as pres of our Rotary club, I was sent there to attend the Rotary International Convention. Asia is so crowded. I would stand in Taipei and the mass of humanity was unbelievable. It would make NYC look like a country town. I am fluent in Spanish but not Manderin. I knew she she ni but I felt more comfortable when i saw all the 7 eleven stores plus, as you know, all the KFC restaurants. There, the one i went to was 3 stories! The Taiwanese were very and are still very gracious people. As an American, I did pretty darn good with the chopsticks and the lazysusans. I have enough of a problem making messes with forks and spoons!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@colinhoare9526]

Thank you for this! ❤7-11, Taipei, and new to me airline in one fab video!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@loveaodai100]

Always appreciate your background info. I made it to Diamond class on EVA many years ago doing two to three trips to NYC from Saigon each year sometimes in business. Over the years I have crossed the pacific with EVA more than 100 times (fifty plus round trips). Eva was always the most direct route and their service was always polite and predictable. I want to try Starlux someday but now retired I have not been to NYC since 2019 and with no plans to go in the near future. Someday though!

[@tfft]

I'm banking on the Seattle route to become reasonable in price next year with four carriers suddenly on it. Fingers crossed.

[@paulready8897]

Nice review, didn’t know that the CEO started as a mechanic. Very interesting story and I’m glad he was able to start his own company. Definitely want to try this airline, hopefully they will have flights from and to EWR or IAD soon. Taiwan is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit.

[@tfft]

I wouldn't hold my breath for EWR, but JFK is likely in the future.

[@jimhearsonwriter]

Gotta say, your 'much watchness' indicator for upcoming videos is a brave feature to have - obviously, I'll watch them all, but other people may see something with two flipflops and think 'nah'. That said, it's very on-brand with how candid you are in your videos, so it's not exactly a surprise.

[@tfft]

Yah, I know what you mean, but if you consider the small percentage of people that actually scroll down there, it's just me being honest for a loyal few lol. If every video was maximal entertainment, I'd be the president of KZbin- they are what they are 😅

[@maireparks]

First!!! i really enjoy you're videos they are very comprehensive!🎉🎉 Best aviation youtuber no doubt

[@tfft]

Genuinely not sure if it’s a joke or not lol. Just finished a full Japan series over the past month. Many Japan Airlines videos in every class 😂

[@maireparks]

Lol I actually relized you reviewed them sorry 😭😭

[@peteo7342]

I've just bumped ito your channel and am enjoying your smooth sounding voice commenting and describing what needs to be said without the endless chattering babble that some others torture us with in an attempt to dazzle us, and then have the temerity to ask for a sub and a thumb. Thank you for the video.

[@tfft]

Appreciate that!

[@pch1147]

A truly comprehensive podcast and it was exciting to be introduced to such a high quality flying option with Starlux. I will attempt to fly with them on my next Asian holiday adventures.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@stevene465]

It’s an excellent carrier / I’ve flown TPE LAX and it was very impressive - it’s hard to pick the best of the three carriers they all have their own identity and small variations - great video and I’ve yet to fly on a NEO so Thankyou Kevin

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@icon_ic]

I love today's subscription PSA -- they keep getting better and more creative! Can't wait to hear the next one!

[@tfft]

It'll be more or less the same for the next series, with one word in it changing each video... it'll make sense after a few of them 😂 All new intro next week as well!

[@400collector]

Wow another great trip report. It’s unfortunate that you couldn’t get the Starlux long haul with the Alaska points, but I’m hopeful to see you here in South America again, flying with Latam! Thanks for sharing, Kevin, great work!

[@tfft]

South America will be making 2 appearances in the next year and hopefully an in depth trip in 2026! (Don't tell anyone, but it's probably my favorite continent lol... just horrible for airline diversity).

[@400collector]

@@tfftyour secret is well kept here 😂🙌

[@jimmyjames6492]

Starlux is 🔥🔥🔥 Thanks for the info + video!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@gunadz]

Starlux’s attention to detail re:catering is really intense. On long haul, they even plate the dessert differently depending on which main menu you order. Different plate and different presentation as well. It’s WILD.

[@tfft]

Wild, but perhaps how it should be considering post-Covid long haul J fares....

[@billc6762]

I think Starlux is the only airline in the world that the CEO has a pilot license.

[@tfft]

Could be!

[@jimmywan87]

Lauda air comes to mind

[@TCAS330]

Lufthansa and Carsten Spohr, too, as well as Eurowings and I think Aegean 🤔 there are several airline CEOs with an ATPL

[@chodes6417]

STARLUX CEO can fly the plane also fix plane.

[@keiming2277]

What STARLUX boss had done during his time with EVA Air 1: Joining Star Alliance 2: Pilot School in USA 3: Hello Kitty livery

[@andrewverinchuk1694]

I love you way on making videos very much, definitely subscribe. The only, but important thing you missed is a loo review

[@tfft]

😮 I did! Haha I know I filmed it and have no idea how that didn’t make the video… first time for everything!

[@Thongger]

Taiwan’s airlines have really come out swinging . Very refined service standards ; almost Japanese in mannerisms

[@tfft]

Agreed!

[@MattBlankenshipPhotography]

Always until the end! Excellent review and information, almost selected them for our flight to Vietnam in March 2025, times just weren't ideal for our complex situation. Coach cost was one of the lowest if I recall. Think we'll be OK on JAL though!

[@tfft]

Oh I love complex flight situations haha.

[@danalamborn4464]

Nice video. And Starlux starts SEA-TPE service on 8/16!

[@tfft]

Crossing my fingers for a fare sale lol

[@huynguyen5706]

This route is one of three for mey connection.

[@randompersonasdfgh]

well this confirms my high expectations for jx! you have to review their a350 flights sometime in the future! also look forward to air india long haul (am ready for drama alr) and australia (and project sunrise) series!

[@tfft]

Gonna be a drama packed month lol

[@ScottMatthews-gk8ef]

Great video as always. I really want to watch you fly Starlux LH in First though ✈️

[@tfft]

Not interested to be honest, unless there's a great redemption deal, I'd never pay for a cash First fare. Long haul business class, is a different story.

[@ying-fanchen6344]

I love Starlux Nice video!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@eycYang]

i love their meals!it’s absolutely tasted fresh enough!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@LoneStarFlightReviews]

You just can't go wrong with JX - especially for me myself as an Alaska Mileage Plan member soon to achieve MVP. Took them SFO-TPE-SIN vv and I have a hard time picking the best flight out of 4 because all 4 were so, so, good. They made me feel guilty of overglorifying Japanese carriers. Nice video as always!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing! I'm hoping they'll have reasonable fares to Seattle come up.

[@TheFelix1031]

Fantastic! Starlux will fly to Jakarta next month using A321Neo . Starlux really Fantastic airlines. Really nice to fly with them. I flew to taipei last year from singapore seat in premium Economy. Their service really impressed me❤

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Unazaki]

Wow I really gotta try Starlux 1 of these days

[@tfft]

Sure do!

[@memeranglaut]

Thank you for the starlux video. One day I want to do a KL - TYO with them. Maybe PEN - TYO.

[@tfft]

Definitely worth a try!

[@AndrewL31413]

Good to see a starlux review. I hope they can join one world

[@13NJJACK]

Very informative and would try them when they come to the east coast.

[@tfft]

Can't wait for their East Coast service!

[@TripReportaviation]

Lovely video. Flight flat bed on a narrowbody is insane! JX did flew their A330-900 Neo to SGN in the past, but now they only use an A321 Neo... It's just a bid sad because I want to try their A330-900 Neo in the future

[@tfft]

Could still get it daily to DAD at least.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your cool airline trip.😊

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@LMays-cu2hp]

You are welcome.

[@eddielin6081]

Ahh you missed out their signature blue cocktail. If you get to fly starlux again, make sure you try it.

[@tfft]

I’m not really a blue or green cocktail kinda guy lol.

[@prakashbodwade9594]

That's Chic airline, the lounge looks well manage, inflight Menu I can see price on wine list so are F&B services chargeable

[@tfft]

Nope, as I said in the video, they’re just sample prices.

[@oeldesouky]

Looks amazing! Also, everytime I see the CC thingy I kind of laugh as there is the Saudi and Egyptian flag yet both speak Arabic! :)

[@tfft]

Yes, but it was a strategic choice. If you notcied those two flags, then you also know if I only put one of those two in there, there would be people asking me why I think the Arabic world revolves around "__________" 😉

[@oeldesouky]

​@@tfft I see the vision! It gives me a laugh regardless, but yeah Saudi -- "home of Islam and Arabic," Egypt -- biggest Arab speakers by population. :)

[@tfft]

Exactly.

[@and1baumann]

Impressive! Hopefully they'll make a splash to Europe soon

[@tfft]

That's a curious one- I literlaly never heard them say the word yet. Seems they're all about the US at the moment.

[@ybing]

Waiting for you to try the first class to LAX, it should include the PS transfer which should be great 😂, their a350 suite is much better lol Last year I took the business from LAX back to HKG, at the time of booking they have no partnership, so I booked EVA for the transfer and since I thought I need to pick up my luggage and recheck in, I decided to book a later flight so can went to Taipei visit my friend for half a day; but at LAX I found out the 3 TW airlines just made an agreement to help out each other and transfer the luggage through, almost unheard of before; I have one luggage that need to drop off to my friend at TW, and their staff even do the extra work to check my remaining luggage all the way through to HK and allow me to just pick up the one I need at TW; I will say they probably have the best staff and crew

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Like The Livery.And The Cabin.Great Video And Info

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@shatamgedm8483]

Amazing video as always 😃

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@andyyang5234]

Starlux has some gorgeously designed co-branded credit cards with the local Esun bank, which can be seen briefly at 2:55.

[@tfft]

AND they glow in the dark?! I might need to move to Taiwan! haha. If they joined OneWorld and then offered that card design in metal in the US with a modest sign up bonus, I can't even imagine how high the demand would be!

[@randompersonasdfgh]

hopefully taiwanese airlines will consider flights from tpe to india soon, i am happy that the two countries' relations are on the rise.

[@tfft]

Based on how the air market between India and Vietnam exploded over the past 2 years, I'd say it might be a while for Taipei since most India originating traffic through VN is connecting to Bali or Aus on low cost carriers.

[@pauloolivenca5923]

Taiwan the Formosa (福爾摩沙) dates from 1542, when Portuguese sailors noted it on their maps as Ilha Formosa (Portuguese for "beautiful island")

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@exclusivecode]

Hi Kevin, I’d recommend you to give Starlux’s A350 route a go someday. I used my miles to redeem a business class ticket from Singapore to Taipei few months ago, it was really nice.

[@tfft]

I’m holding out for when they have reasonable cash fares for longer flights… perhaps to Seattle since that route will be so competitive with four carriers. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@exclusivecode]

@@tffthaha nice. Can’t wait for you to review their A350 flights. By the way, great review as always!

[@telamin1809]

Kevin what are your thoughts on Birkenstocks? Another great video!

[@tfft]

I've never owned a pair, but if they make you happy, then they're great 😉

[@yamuiemata]

On a scale 1-10 , how good was the pineapple and guava juice mix?

[@tfft]

In the context of juice on an airline? 10. In the context of juice in general? 5 (I used to make a full line of juices for my restaurants... so, I'm a tough sell lol)

[@yamuiemata]

@@tfft on screen it looked a lot like the Qatar Airways signature drink , my favorite

[@mt_xing]

Correct me if I'm wrong but if Starlux joins OneWorld, TPE would be only the second airport on the planet with all three alliances hubbed there, right? I can only think of LAX in terms of other contenders. Even in big cities like NYC, United is hubbed at a different airport than Delta and AA. And no other country on the planet I know of has all three alliances represented in their airlines.

[@tfft]

Yeah LAX is the only other I can think of, but assumed I was missing something so said, "one of the few" 😅

[@Traderbear]

Happy to see a company step up again on quality service and product

[@tfft]

Always a nice thing to see these days.

[@markusknight]

I love that you have subtitles in so many languages. Really appreciate your attention to detail.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@derekbryce2632]

You gave me the fear by mentioning that CX might leave OW. I have return flights BKK - HKG - MNL booked with them next year specifically so I can get into the Pier 1st class lounge with my BA gold card. If I can't do that, I'll feel more foolish than I do already about not booking non stops on TG or PR! 😂Starlux can join OW any time it likes - wow!

[@tfft]

Even if Air China announced an acquisition tomorrow, I can't imagine a scenario where CX would be out of OW before 2026, so I can all but guarantee you're fine.

[@derekbryce2632]

@@tfftphew!

[@knightmarel]

Beautiful interior

[@tfft]

Sure is!

[@aggy8640]

You mentioned you dumped Alaska before they continued to devalue their program. So which OneWorld airline do you bank your frequent flyer miles too?

[@tfft]

British Airways

[@harshmarwah4508]

I think Cathay Pacific have to improve very fast because Starlux and Japanese airlines are taking up very quickly. I really love this airline because they have premium quality on every plane from a320 to a350.

[@keiming2277]

CX have paid the loan they asked from the HK government, they are kind of off their debt and start making good money from now on

[@tfft]

I think CX is in a unique spot. Personally, I don't think they can ever reach the levels they used to be at for a number of reasons- but, I do think in this climate they could focus on being the best (by far) Chinese carrier, which for them would be extremely profitable... as long as they stop hedging fuel lol

[@a5714]

nice vedio 👍👍👍

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@fghjkas5098]

I heard the long haul product is pretty great as well

[@tfft]

Same here!

[@shakesnbake]

On my list to try :) Hope you get to try their A350 biz/first product.

[@tfft]

Same here!

[@superlogistics1]

Just curious why you keep saying E-V-A Air in your videos? We always call them EVA Air on the radio

[@tfft]

Bc that’s the name of the airline 😂. The airline is E V A Air, the call sign is Eva.

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Tuukkohakee]

Definitely hoping they’ll join OW, preferably sooner than later!

[@keiming2277]

They are working on it, according to a shareholders meeting in June 2024 , said by the STARLUX boss (and former EVA Air boss) himself

[@tfft]

They're gonna need to pray on CX leaving though. No way CX would allow it if they're staying.

[@Thirak_lim]

You should fly to cambodia by any airline such as cambodia airway or sky angkor air. This two airline are the best. If you want to try business class fly cambodia airway A320 business class.

[@tfft]

It’s on my list 🌏

[@Thirak_lim]

@@tfft hope you'll enjoy the flight

[@nikserof2183]

Another good video. 7:43 Cut-off jeans and a tank top in J class? How uncouth can one be? 😵 Maybe the addition of the sparkly sandals balances it...heck no.

[@tfft]

You’re talking to The Flip Flop Traveller, so I hope you didn’t think I was gonna agree 😅

[@SimplyRocco]

To hell with waiting for my lunch break. I'm watching now!

[@tfft]

Just pretend your'e in Taipei, dinner time is already over, time for watching KZbin lol

[@NADIFPUTRA_787_9]

Starlux will operate their first flight to Jakarta by next month, having to be the rival of CI and BR

[@tfft]

Interesting to know!

[@illkidxp]

I flew starlux J from TPE-NRT and thought the food was absolutely amazing, way better than a lot of F catering IMO. I agree that the lounge is the weakest part of their offering

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@vontaylor472]

Hey Kevin👋👋

[@tfft]

🙋🏼‍♂️

[@A2dy]

That food could be on a US carrier long haul international flight!

[@tfft]

I don't know any US carrier putting out food like this lol

[@dabflies]

Ok I have never heard it pronounced E-V-A. I always thought it was just Ee-vuh Air? Like their callsign?

[@tfft]

It’s an acronym. E-V-A is the only way the airline itself pronounces it. Their call sign is just simply “Eva” though.

[@dabflies]

@@tfft T-I-L!

[@richardlouisgrand7281]

CX leaving OneWorld ? Share your sources please… I would be interested to know

[@tfft]

Based on CA’s possible full acquisition. Like I said, a rumor- but a pretty big one.

[@auwkeung]

I didn't know Cathay is rumored to leave Oneworld...

[@tfft]

The rumor is Air China is looking to buy the rest of them (they already own a chunk, and CX of CA as well).

[@ommmerali2756]

6:46 Why is the plane towed by truck to the gate?

[@tfft]

Was already on the ground I’d assume.

[@sofaonasock]

Did the cabin crew wear disposable latex gloves?

[@tfft]

I have no idea, not something I look out for.

[@danielx6960]

JX is truly next level. Hope you get to try them long haul on their A350. Their level of attention to detail is unmatched.

[@tfft]

Looking forward to it!

[@srreeej701]

I feel like Starlux should join Star Alliance 😂

[@tfft]

There would be riots lol

[@TheStagswag]

Starlux putting out a better spread than qantas 😅

[@tfft]

Well that certainly doesn't take much lol

[@bassebajs]

Is this recent? Or is there a reason so many people are wearing a mask indoors?

[@yamuiemata]

It's very common in Asia for people to use masks even inside airplane

[@tfft]

In East and (parts of) Southeast Asia wearing masks in public has been a thing since long long before Covid was a thing. I've been wearing them on occasion for near a decade.

[@jkt7774]

I am pretty sure Starlux has beaten SQ, Qatar and others in term of service.

[@tfft]

No, becuase providing great service on a small scale is no where near the same challange as providing great service on a global scale. When Starlux is as large as SQ, then it's a fair comparisson.

[@vietkhoa5916]

Wow how can the taxi took that long? You departed 33 min late and landed 1h21min late. It's really weird to me

[@tfft]

The "departure time" in the aviation world is measured by the time the aircraft leaves the gate.

[@2THGap]

With 30 minutes delay in boarding plus 72 minutes delay for take off, that would make it 102 minutes delay altogether. That's absurd! 🤣

[@tfft]

According to Flighty, I've had 29 hours of delays so far this year on 82 flights, so overall- I'll take that as a win lol.

[@2THGap]

🤣

[@walnutinvestment]

I have a hunch that you’re married to a Vietnamese. There’s no reason for you to be in Vietnam once every few months (haha please be there as much as you can, it’s a lovely country) 😊

[@tfft]

Sorry to tell you you need to get your hunch machine inspected, as it's not correct 😅

[@gilboman]

i wonder how it will do in the longer term. Taiwan doesn't have a big population to support so many airlines and the people are relatively poor and economically taiwan isn't doing well, not sure how well a higher end luxury airline based out of taiwan will do

[@tfft]

Ummmm… Taiwan is a poor country? It has the 12th highest GDP PPP per capita on earth… higher than nearly all of the EU, the UK and Aus… And, as I mentioned Starlux has already turned a profit. So, you’re not battin’ 1000 today.

[@davidcole333]

I don't click thumbs up on videos that ask for it. You gotta earn it, not ask for it.

[@tfft]

Nope, I gotta do both. KZbin for many creators is a business that creates free content for people to consume- the math doesn’t math if there isn’t tangible viewer support. But no worries, in the algorithm world, a comment actually counts as way more engagement than a thumbs up… so you just kinda clicked that thumbs up four times 😉

[@markkaroo]

WHERE WAS YOUR FLIP FLOPS!! this is not kevin!

[@tfft]

I get lots of odd comments, so... If you're joking: "😂" If you're serious: "I don't wear flip flops in airports anymore, sneakers provide for smoother walking shots." 😉

[@yo2trader539]

New airlines turn a profit when they have limited planes, routes, and staff. Everything goes bananas afters they over-extend. Whenever there is a financial downturn, natural disaster, war, pandemic, or terrorist scare that destroy demand...airlines are stuck with too much debt and planes. It's easy when you only have new planes. Maintenance costs and issues rise exponentially as planes get older.

[@tfft]

Like a refreshing spring breeze, you are.

[@benw.6194]

Sorry. The meal for business class isn't quite high end. I would not fly business class. Instead I will use the $ on 5 or 6 star hotels. That's more worth it.

[@tfft]

I compare apples to apples. Find me another 3 hours flight on earth that has a meal of this caliber in business class (it doesn’t exist…).

[@the0000alex0000]

man, imagine a 3 hour business class flight with any of the US airlines? you eat shit food, get food poisoning, or you eat metal lol

[@tfft]

Eating metal is a new one lol

[@pukoh1523]

Eva not e v a

[@tfft]

Not correct. EVA only refers to themselves as E V A Air. Watch literally any video on their KZbin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKjFgnl3l5aag80feature=shared

[@vitojohnamato]

Vietnam Airlines inflight is way better

[@tfft]

Lmao you have to be joking.

[@chriswlee7181]

Best??? You must be joking

[@tfft]

Please tell me what other NEW airline is better? I’ll wait 😅