I knew I would eventually fly from Thailand to the US with Starlux, but not exactly when. The increasingly poor availability of award flights (via Alaska Airlines) and the generally high prices meant that I almost always chose EVA Air when transiting through Taiwan.

Luckily, on my last trip home from Bangkok, I came across an unprecedented sale and a discount code for over 20 percent, which made the issue of award flight availability irrelevant and allowed me to save a large portion of the airfare I would otherwise have had to pay.

Now – spoiler alert – I was never quite as enthusiastic about Starlux as some (most? all?) other travel bloggers. But since there are no direct flights from Thailand to the US, it's definitely a top-notch option. And here's why.

Why I ultimately chose Starlux from Bangkok

As I mentioned in the introduction, I ultimately decided on a Starlux flight from the US to Thailand because I found an irresistible offer. Normally, I use my frequent flyer miles to book business class on transpacific flights, at least on the longer flights between Asia and the US. In this case, however, there were two problems: I didn't have enough frequent flyer miles, nor was there sufficient availability; and I not only had to get home from Asia, but also return about six weeks later.

Originally, I planned to solve the problem by booking a round-trip premium economy flight from Bangkok to Los Angeles (probably also with Starlux, which normally costs around 50,000 THB/1,400 USD). However, Starlux not only offered discounted business class fares for my travel dates (around 120,000 THB/3,500 USD for a round trip, compared to a normal price of over 150,000 THB), but also a 20% discount code for bookings made directly through their website. I was immediately sold!

5 things you should know about Starlux flights between Thailand and the USA

Starlux does not have its own lounge in Bangkok.

Are you flying business class (or, heaven forbid, first class) in Bangkok? While you can use the priority lane at Suvarnabhumi Airport and thus benefit from expedited security and passport control, you'll need to use an external lounge. More specifically, one of the numerous Miracle Lounges at the airport, depending on your departure point.

(And usually departs from the satellite terminal)

If you're flying with Starlux from the US to Southeast Asia, you'll most likely depart from Bangkok via the satellite terminal. Even years after its opening, it still feels strangely empty, not to mention the stress of the train journey there if you're in a hurry. On the plus side, the enormous Miracle Lounge offers a fantastic view of the main terminal.

Connections in Taipei are seamless – at least from the USA.

Flights from the US to Southeast Asia via Taipei do not require transit control. You leave Taoyuan Airport as if it were a connecting flight within the US and go directly to the terminal. However, a security check is required on the return flight from Thailand to the US. While the check itself is quick and straightforward, the walk to and from the checkpoint and departure gate can take some time.

Starlux is just as good as other Asian airlines and significantly better than US airlines.

Besides the reasons already mentioned, a key reason why I wasn't keen on flying Starlux from Southeast Asia to the US was that I'm not as enthusiastic about the airline as many of my colleagues. Is it significantly better than any US airline? Absolutely. But it's also absolutely on par with excellent Asian airlines like JAL, Cathay Pacific, and Taiwan's EVA Air, even if it is slightly better than Thai Airways.

Taipei is a much more practical stopover than Tokyo or Seoul.

A flight between Bangkok and Taipei takes only about three hours each way, which is particularly convenient when flying back to Asia from the US. In contrast, a flight to Tokyo takes around seven hours and to Seoul at least six, practically doubling the ordeal after an already half-day flight.

How to book Starlux flights between the USA and Thailand

Since the late 2020s, the cheapest way to book business class with Starlux has been by redeeming frequent flyer miles from Alaska Airlines and Etihad. Redemptions via American Airlines' AAdvantage program are currently being planned (but are not yet available). It is unlikely that you are a member of Starlux's own Cosmile program or have a significant number of miles unless you live in Taiwan.

The problem, of course, is that these programs rarely offer "saver" award flights. This means you either have to spend hundreds of thousands of miles or points for a one-way Starlux flight from Bangkok to the US, or pay cash – which, in my experience, isn't always exorbitantly expensive. A third option – which is obviously far less attractive, especially if you're over 40 like me – is to fly economy or premium economy.

Other frequently asked questions about the Starlux flight between the USA and Thailand

Which airline is the best for traveling to Thailand?

For flights within Asia, virtually all full-service airlines (i.e., airlines like ANA or Malaysia Airlines, as opposed to low-cost carriers like AirAsia or Thai VietJet) offer excellent flight options to Thailand. Coming from North America, connecting flights with local airlines from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and especially Taiwan are usually the best choice.

Which airline is the best for flights from the USA to Thailand?

If possible, I recommend booking your entire trip from the US to Thailand with an East Asian airline, rather than flying any part of it with United, Delta, American, or Alaska. Asian airlines, such as those from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Hong Kong, offer better meals and service, more comfortable seats, and more reliable operations compared to their US counterparts.

Does Starlux offer direct flights to Thailand?

Conclusion

As long as direct flights from Bangkok to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) are unavailable, flying with Starlux from Thailand to the USA is one of the best options. Like EVA Air and China Airlines, Starlux offers seamless transit in Taipei, as well as first-class seats, service, and catering on your onward flight to your destination in the USA. Another advantage: Starlux's significantly more modern fleet maintains a consistently high standard on flights from Thailand to Taiwan. One drawback: US departure airports were still very limited at the end of the 2020s. Do you need assistance planning your next trip to Asia, including personalized flight advice? Request your tailor-made Thailand itinerary today!