American Airlines expands Starlux partnership with new codeshare agreement

American Airlines expands Starlux partnership with new codeshare agreementSept. 21, 2026•4 min readThe cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.American Airlines is expanding its partnership with Taiwanese carrier Starlux through a new agreement that will allow the airlines to codeshare on flights. This could open the door to an even bigger alliance in the future.American and Starlux's agreementStarlux premium cabin. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUYAmerican Airlines already had an interline agreement with the startup airline, allowing passengers to book travel involving both airlines and check their bags through to their final destination. Now, the airlines will start codesharing on some flights as of Sept. 30.A codeshare agreement allows travelers to book flights operated by both airlines on a single reservation. For example, a passenger could book an American Airlines ticket from Miami to Taipei, flying first on American from Miami to Los Angeles before connecting to a Starlux-operated flight to Taipei.You will soon be able to purchase Starlux tickets with American Airlines flight numbers on Starlux flights to and from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California's Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).Starlux flight numbers will be added to a total of 26 American Airlines domestic flights to both LAX and PHX — but that number could grow. This news was first reported by AeroRoutes.com.What's next for Starlux?CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUYStarlux is a fairly new airline that launched during the coronavirus pandemic, but it offers several U.S. routes on brand-new Airbus A350 jets with both business-class and first-class seats.Related: Starlux adds fourth US city with another route from Southern CaliforniaThe airline recently signed an expanded codeshare with Alaska Airlines, and travelers can earn and burn Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points on Starlux (and vice versa).I've been able to do just that several times in the past few years (using Alaska Atmos Rewards points), and it's exciting to see the expanded partnership with American.Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsBy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.Related: A review of Starlux business class on the Airbus A350-900Starlux is reportedly pursuing full membership to the Oneworld alliance, which includes both American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, though nothing concrete is currently in the works.A bigger partnership in the works?CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUYWhile this is a big partnership, it is not as deep a relationship as the ones American has with other full partner airlines like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and British Airways.At least for now, you won't earn miles or be able to redeem miles on Starlux flights, and you won't get special treatment as an American Airlines elite member. As an Executive Platinum American Airlines flyer, for example, you won't receive priority boarding or access to upgrades on Starlux.We reached out to American Airlines for more information on the new codeshare agreement and will update this story when we get new information.Bottom lineAmerican Airlines and Starlux have announced a strategic partnership that will allow customers to book with each other on one ticket and sell codeshares on select flights.Let's hope this is just the beginning of a newly expanded relationship that will give American Airlines customers even more access to Asia.Related reading:The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfareBest airline credit cardsWhat exactly are airline miles, anyway?6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayedMaximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flightsThe best credit cards to reach elite statusFeatured image by CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUYEditorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.