Here’s my impressions of my STARLUX flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Taipei-Taiwan Taoyuan:
Check-in and Security: I arrived early (9pm) and Business Class check-in was quick (no line that early). Security was also very quick, as PHX Terminal 4 is not busy at that hour.
Boarding: Started at 11:15pm and was completed early enough to pull the jet-bridge 15 minutes before departure.
Hard Product: The Collins Aerospace Elements seat might be my new favorite (outside of Qsuites). Very comfortable, nice features (the zero-G setting was great on my lower back), and the IFE had a solid selection of moves (though to be honest not much I wanted to watch). I didn’t take any photos of the seat, but it’s the same as what Ben reviewed for the A350-900, and he probably did a better job with the photos! In bed mode, the footwell felt more spacious than any other reverse herringbone seat I’ve flown in (the exception being the J+ seats on AA and AF). The FAs provide a mattress pad to make it more comfortable. The sliding door was also easy to use, and helped give a feeling of privacy when asleep. I was able to close my eyes and rest for almost 8 hours, though in typical fashion for me, I was constantly in and out of sleep and my Apple Watch said I only got 3.5 hours of actual sleep.
Soft Product: All-around it was excellent! All of the FAs were friendly and helpful when needed. Didn’t drink much alcohol with the late-night flight (just the PDB peach sparkling and a glass of Chardonnay), but both were good. I preordered the “Lobster Gratin” and it was delicious (and light enough for a meal at that hour), and the smoked salmon salad appetizer and gelato and fruit dessert was also tasty. Was very much impressed that the meal service was completed ~90 minutes after leaving the gate. Bathrooms were kept clean as well. The light meal service started a little over 2 hours before landing, and I had pre-ordered the congee and side dishes (also excellent).
Amenities: The Three amenity kit had most of the standard items, and the Paul Smith pajamas were comfortable and not too thick. Slippers were also provided.
Arrival: We landed and reached the gate 30 minutes early. Immigration was painless (waited maybe 15 minutes) and my bag was already out when I got to baggage claim.
Overall: One of the better long-haul business class flights I have taken. I’m really happy PHX now has 2 non-stops to Asia, and STARLUX is definitely a winner for me, and I’ll absolutely fly them again.
Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DV3H5J6ULeoCgyoD6
Please feel free to ask me questions, I’m sure I missed out on something writing this up.
Incredible review and photos! (Snoopy as the 'WWI Flying Ace' is a nice touch; I remember taking an EVA flight with a Gudetama theme). The lobster looked amazing, and getting to actually keep the pajamas is better compared to some E. Asian airlines that treat them as "loaners" (looking at JL/NH). The seat looks wonderful and spacious, though I presume ANA's "The Room" may still beat it (at least that was Ben's ranking in August). Regardless, logging 3.5 to 8 hours of sleep on any flight is a good way to start a trip. Thank you, Samar, for taking the time to answer my questions about the PHX lounge and flight route. Looking forward to the rest of your updates on your journey—safe travels!
@1990_ thanks for the kind words. Hoping to keep these interesting without having to write a novel. After all, I’m here on vacation!
Thanks so much @samar, this is awesome! Sounds like a great experience all-around. And indeed, PHX has seen quite the growth, going from zero transpacific flights to two airlines competing in the same market. This looks significantly better than my China Airlines flight from PHX to TPE earlier in the year. Appreciate you sharing!
@lucky I’m hoping to try out the China Airlines flight at some point in the future. But if the only availability when I look is on STARLUX, I’m not going to complain.
Very nice presentation on the lobster. Anything with Snoopy is a plus for me. Nice review and enjoy the trip!
Nice review Samar! Helps visualize my STARLUX flight on business for June of next year SEA-TPE-SGN. Thinking of getting that lobster if still on the menu. My dilemma with these flights is when to eat as it departs SEA at 1:15 AM and I don't like to be eating so late. I'm not clear if STARLUX has dine-on-demand so we shall see. I'm also planning to go to HAN after spending some days in SGN, which is the opposite route you took; may try Vietnam Airlines on that segment.
@rickyc66 I don’t believe JX does dine on demand, though I didn’t ask because I wanted to stay up for a bit anyway to try to switch time zones.
The VN flight was pleasant as well, and they fly widebodies on the SGN-HAN route with 1-2-1 J cabins. I’ll have more info on that soon (I know I’m behind on updates).