Starlux Business Class JX 771 – Teipei [TPE] to Singapore [SIN] | Airbus A321 Neo

January 2025 | Seat Map: Airbus A321Neo

How I booked

This flight was the last leg of a Los Angeles to Singapore ticket I booked through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan using 85,000 Alaska Airlines Miles and 12 dollars. This route I have typically seen for 150-250k on the Alaska Mileage Plan so I was ecstatic when this availability popped into my inbox thanks to seats.aero.

While Alaska Airlines miles are relatively difficult to earn (no transfer partners outside of the Bilt card) I do keep a card open for the Companion Fare and a stock of miles.

I found this particular availability using Seats.aero.

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In this article:

Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | The Airport
Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | The Lounge
Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | The Cabin
Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | The Seats
Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | The IFE
Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | The Menu
Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | The In Flight Service
Starlux A321 Neo Business Class | Final Thoughts

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The Airport | Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

My flight in from Los Angeles arrived early in the morning, around 5am. So I had a few hours to kill before my next trip. Starlux operates their own proprietary lounges at TPE, with the larger of the two in terminal two only opened recently. So looking forward of course to checking out a new offering.

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The Lounge(s)

In a bit of a daze I attempted to locate the lounge myself. This was a misguided effort of course as the Galactic lounge is not located near the EVA Air or other priority pass lounges, yet near the gates. If I had listened more closely to the helpful check in staff at LAX maybe I would have been better prepared.

With about two hours to kill I figured to just spend them at the Terminal 2 Starlux Flagship Lounge, as I was informed it would have shower suites.

There is also an ‘older’ lounge in terminal 1, but I was informed by the desk staff that it is considerably smaller, and there is a chance it is too full at the time and I wouldnt be able to get in. So for now I have skipped that one.

Starlux Galactic Lounge

The Starlux Galactic Lounge is located in Terminal 2, near gate D6. It has only been open since early 2024, so was looking forward to seeing what was on offer, considering the great experience in the sky. First impressions certainly match the spaceship vibe of the brand – lounge name aside.

Beam me up (and into the lounge), scotty.

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Main lounge area after the entrance. Large luggage lockers to the left, and buffet style food offerings. Certainly has spaceport vibes. Should I expect to run into Jabba the Hutt?

Down the stairs is additional seating.

Spacy hallway with downstairs toilets, and the two shower rooms. To the left and right of the stairs are two separate seating/lounge areas. One with the food and another with a TV with the departure schedule.

Good sized seating area with the departure schedule on the TV. Snoopy can be spotted – there seems to be an odd Starlux/Peanuts partnership based on the cutouts on the walls.

Opposite the first lounge area downstairs is another food area with a good selection of drinks, ice cream, espresso and buffet style food.

Fancy drinks.

Buffet style food had some presentation to it

At the tables is a QR code to scan for a service menu.

Not too hungry after my flight so just went with the spring rolls. Which arrived quickly and were quite nice. All in all pleasantly surprised by the food offerings – presented towards the upscale end of things rather than quantity over quality thats often found at a lounge.

Shower rooms were busy this morning but was able to nab a reservation before my flight. Large, spacious shower room that is well stocked.

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The Cabin | Starlux A321 Neo Business Class JX 771

The first thing that stands out in this cabin is the use of what I would typically consider wide-body business class seats. Only 4 seats in where you’d typically see 8 or, god forbid, 16. Aside from that, it is a very clean and modern looking cabin. I am a big fan of the color palate – the dark gray color with the gold/bronze accents. It still has that new plane smell.

4 lie flat seats where United Airlines could squeeze in 16. Amazing.

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The Seats | Starlux A321 Neo Business Class JX 771

The seat itself is designed well. Not nearly as nice of course as their A350 I was just on but anything beyond a large recliner on a narrow body, to me, is revolutionary. I believe Singapore airlines does this too but I missed out on that last time I was in the area as the plane was upgraded to a 777 for the route.

I had the window seat this flight. Of course with a 2-2 configuration, if you plan to get up or do not know your seatmate – aisle would be the choice.

Seat comes with the pillow, blanket, slippers, headphones, and menu.

With the side divider, there is good privacy in the seat.

Chargers and plugs are placed somewhat awkwardly. Good for the headphones, but a bit of an odd reach for the charging plug.

Plenty of seat adjustments available.

Plenty of space in a narrow body business class seat.

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Entertainment and WiFi | Starlux A321 Neo Business Class JX 771

The entertainment options, as expected, are the same as the A350 I was just on. However these IFE screens lack the bluetooth feature I was just getting used to.

Fun space themed pre-departure video.

Good selection of western movies and tv shows. Both older and newer.

Free wifi during the flight. However it did not work for me. Likely user error.

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The Menu | Starlux A321 Neo Business Class JX 771

For a shorter narrow body business class flight, I was really impressed by the menu and catering options. Especially the wine list. I was not expecting to see such a selection on this plane.

An impressively extensive wine list, including a Champagne, several red and white options, a port, and their fancy tea selection

Several menu options, and other drinks and teas are available.

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In Flight Service | Starlux A321 Neo Business Class JX 771

After taking my seat I was offered a hot towel and a welcome drink of mango-pineapple juice. The FA had to navigate providing service during breaks between boarding passengers.

Boarding music was the same as the lounge. Pleasant, but 4 hours of if is driving me a bit mad.

After everyone has boarded, the FA is around to take orders (or confirm if you have preordered) mains and drinks. Pushback was a little delayed, with a little bit of traffic on the tarmac, actual takeoff was around 930.

Lunch

Lunch service began promptly after cruising altitude was reached.

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The soup really nice. Seems to be a Starulux catering strong point. Pickled side dishes also were lovely. The main itself was flavorful but meat a bit dry. Sauce makes up for it though.

Dessert fruit and really nice tiramisu, which I have apparently neglected to take a picture of.

After service an obligatory hot towel was passed out.

Lavatories | Starlux A321 Neo Business Class JX 771

The lavatories were small, as expected on a narrow body, but clean and well stocked. The FAs were in regularly to be sure to tidy up between users.

Lavatory amenities still include the face mist.

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Final Thoughts | Starlux A321 Neo Business Class JX 771

All in all, hard to really ask for a better business class flight on a narrow body. Certainly worth trying to find a wide body seat for this long of a flight, if not simply for the direct aisle access. 4 hours and 40 minutes in a narrow body 2-2 is still a pretty long time. But if this is the option available I wouldn’t hesitate to book this route/plane again.