Etihad Guest Now Books Starlux Airlines Awards
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Starlux Airlines has become a favorite among premium cabin fans since it started flying to the U.S., but booking it with points has never been easy. That changed in August 2026: Etihad Guest now sells Starlux awards to its members. The catch is that Etihad charges more than another program that has quietly offered the same flights for a while.
In this article, we list the Etihad Guest mileage rates from the U.S. to Taipei, compare them with the cheaper alternative, and explain when each option makes sense. We also flag Etihad’s cancellation policy, which deserves attention before you book. For card options that feed these programs, see our guide to the best credit cards.
What Changed With Etihad and Starlux
Etihad and Starlux signed a codeshare agreement in 2025, and that partnership has now grown into full award access. Since August 11, 2026, members can spend Etihad Guest miles on Starlux-operated flights. Because Starlux sits outside the three big alliances, every new booking channel matters.
Starlux serves five U.S. airports today, all connecting to its Taipei hub. That network gives West Coast travelers a genuine alternative to the usual carriers across the Pacific.
- Seattle (SEA): nonstop to Taipei.
- San Francisco (SFO): nonstop to Taipei.
- Los Angeles (LAX): nonstop to Taipei.
- Ontario (ONT): nonstop to Taipei.
- Phoenix (PHX): nonstop to Taipei.
Etihad Guest Award Rates to Taipei
Etihad prices partner awards by distance, and every U.S. gateway to Taipei lands in the top band. As a result, the rates are the same whether you leave from Seattle or Phoenix. Taxes and fees run about $34 one way.
| Cabin | Etihad Guest (one way) | Atmos Rewards (one way) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 75,000 miles | 37,500 points | Atmos saves 50% |
| Business | About 140,000 miles | 75,000 points | Atmos saves about 46% |
| Premium economy | Not bookable | Available | Atmos only |
The gap is hard to ignore. Alaska’s Atmos Rewards program charges roughly half of what Etihad asks in both cabins, and it also opens premium economy. However, Atmos covers only four of the five gateways: Phoenix departures are not included.
When Etihad Still Makes Sense
Atmos wins on price, yet it loses on access. Alaska’s program takes transfers from Bilt, which limits how quickly most travelers can build a balance. Etihad Guest, by contrast, partners with several flexible U.S. currencies, so many people already hold enough miles or can top up with a transfer.
- You fly out of Phoenix: Atmos does not cover PHX, so Etihad is the option for that route.
- You already hold Etihad Guest miles: A large existing balance beats chasing a cheaper rate you cannot reach.
- You bank transferable points: Etihad accepts transfers from several flexible U.S. programs, while Atmos relies on Bilt.
- Atmos shows no space: Award inventory can differ by program, so check both before you settle.
How to Book a Starlux Award
The process is straightforward once you know where to search. Follow these steps to compare both programs before you commit miles.
- Check Atmos Rewards first: Search your dates on Alaska’s site, since it charges the lower rate on four of the five routes.
- Then search Etihad Guest: Look for the same flights and compare both the mileage price and the availability.
- Confirm the mileage total before transferring: Transfers to airline programs are one way, so never move points on a guess.
- Reread the cancellation terms: Etihad’s rules are tighter than most U.S. programs.
Bottom Line
More ways to book Starlux is good news, especially for a carrier that stays outside the alliances. Etihad Guest now sells these awards at 75,000 miles in economy and about 140,000 in business one way from the U.S. to Taipei, plus roughly $34 in fees.
Still, Atmos Rewards charges about half as much on four of the five routes, so check Alaska first unless you fly from Phoenix or you already sit on a pile of Etihad miles. And because Etihad award tickets are effectively non-refundable, book only when your plans are locked. For more award news each week, subscribe to our newsletter.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $199 | |||
| $95 |
Starlux Awards — Frequently Asked Questions
Can you book Starlux flights with Etihad Guest miles?
Yes. Etihad Guest opened Starlux award bookings on August 11, 2026, building on a codeshare that started in 2025. Members can now spend Etihad miles on Starlux-operated flights, including the five U.S. routes to Taipei.
How many miles is a Starlux award from the U.S.?
Through Etihad Guest, expect 75,000 miles one way in economy and about 140,000 miles in business, plus roughly $34 in taxes and fees. Every U.S. gateway falls into Etihad’s top distance band, so the rate does not change by city.
What is the cheapest way to book Starlux with points?
Alaska’s Atmos Rewards charges 37,500 points in economy and 75,000 in business, roughly half of Etihad’s price. It covers four of the five U.S. gateways, and it also sells premium economy, which Etihad does not.
Which U.S. cities does Starlux fly to?
Starlux serves Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Ontario, and Phoenix, all nonstop to its Taipei hub. Atmos Rewards covers the first four, so Phoenix departures need Etihad Guest miles instead.
Can you cancel an Etihad Guest award ticket?
In practice, almost never. Etihad applies strict rules to award tickets and refunds are very hard to obtain. Book through Etihad only when your dates are firm, and use a more flexible program when your plans could still change.
How do I get Etihad Guest or Atmos Rewards miles?
Etihad Guest accepts transfers from several flexible U.S. rewards programs, which makes its miles relatively easy to gather. Atmos Rewards relies on Bilt for transfers, so building a balance takes longer. Compare cards that earn flexible points in our best travel credit cards guide.
