Introduction
After a splendid Starlux Business Class flight from Los Angeles to Taipei, I was eager to explore The Starlux Galactic Lounge. My partner and I had about 2 hours to enjoy it before our next flight to Macau (MFM) with Starlux Airlines. In this post, I’ll share a review of the Starlux Airlines Galactic Lounge, so you’ll know what to expect if you’re traveling through Taipei with Starlux Airlines.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Access Requirements
Before we dive in, let’s talk about who can access the Starlux Galactic Lounge. It’s open to passengers flying in Starlux Business Class and those with Starlux’s Cosmile Explorer or Insighter status. If you’re one of these elite members or flying First Class (currently only available for flights to LAX), you’d also get access to the Huan Yu VIP Terminal.
A quick heads-up: the Galactic Lounge is meant for passengers flying to destinations in Asia, not the US. This means if you’re going to LAX, you might not get in. I’ll explain more about this in the next section.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Location and Operating Hours
Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) has 2 terminals, and Starlux Airlines operates flights out of both. As of writing this post, Starlux operates flights to destinations in Asia out of Terminal 1 and flights to the USA out of Terminal 2 (currently just LAX but SFO will be launching in December 2023). You will find the Starlux Galactic Lounge located in Terminal 1 on the 4th floor of the departure hall (after immigration).
The Starlux Galactic Lounge is supposed to cover all departures (flights to Asia) from Terminal 1, so the operating hours can vary, but as of this post date are from about 5 AM – 5:30 PM. Due to these operating hours, you likely cannot access the Galactic Lounge on flights to the USA. This is because Starlux’s flight to Los Angels (LAX) currently departs at 11:40 PM, outside the Starlux Galactic Lounge operating hours. When it launches, I presume the SFO flight will also have a similar late departure time.
With that said, Starlux still provides lounge access to those traveling to the USA out of Terminal 2 through the Oriental Club Lounge. If you have a long layover while transiting to the US via TPE, you could stop at the Galactic Lounge before its Terminal 1 operations wrap up for the day.
To summarize, the best way to ensure access to Galactic Lounge is flying in business class from TPE to one of Starlux’s destinations in Asia.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Design
We strolled into the lounge around 5:45 AM after our Los Angeles flight. The Starlux Galactic Lounge’s entrance caught my eye right away with its snazzy Polaris logo and wood paneling – a modern touch that felt quite sleek. Stepping inside was like stepping into a futuristic space hub. Starlux has definitely put some thought into making things look stylish, both on the ground and in the air. Unlike the usual plain lounges, this one had some real character. Passersby couldn’t resist snapping shots of it, and I can totally see why.
With warm smiles, the staff greeted us at the lounge’s entrance. They swiftly ushered us in as we showed our digital boarding passes for the upcoming Starlux flight to Macau (MFM).
Before making our way from the lounge lobby, I couldn’t resist stealing a glance at the departure board. There’s something thrilling about gazing at those digital destinations and imagining all the places you could go.
My partner and I were personally guided into the lounge, and the staff kindly inquired about our seating preferences.
While the lounge’s design wowed us, I was taken aback by its intimate size. I had glimpsed at online images before arriving, but being there, I realized just how small it was. I do not fault Starlux Airlines directly for this, airport real estate can be difficult to come by and there likely wasn’t room for more.
Given the small space, it’s no surprise that Starlux directs flights heading to the US, which typically carry more passengers, to other lounges in the airport. It does make me curious about Starlux’s future plans. With its ever-expanding route network, I wonder if a future larger lounge is the in works.
When we first arrived, the lounge only had a few people in it but as more passengers arrived for their morning departures the lounge felt like it was at capacity as you’ll see in some of the pictures. Despite the small setting, my lounge experience was still great.
The lounge features three main seating zones. At its core, you’ll find comfy couch-style seating, perfect for companions journeying together. Naturally, my partner and I chose this inviting spot to settle in.
Behind the area of couches, the lounge had a single TV that was playing a baseball game and a selection of magazines.
For those seeking a more formal dining atmosphere, six tables are positioned towards the back left of the lounge as you step in.
Lastly, tucked behind the couches at the lounge’s rear are individual seating pods, ideally suited for solo travelers or those seeking a more secluded workspace.
I really liked the presence of the lamp shades at each seat and the color scheme between the seats and the wood paneling across the walls.
Above the seating pods were clocks showing times at major locations: London, Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Food
After taking our seats, we were presented with menus. While limited to three options, it’s nice when airlines offer an a la carte selection so you can enjoy something freshly prepared rather than being limited to a buffet. We tried the fuhang soy milk set and the ramen. Both items were delicious, and I saw many passengers ordering all three options from the menu.
In addition to the a la carte dining, there’s a self-serve buffet area to the right as you step into the lounge. This buffet space was well stocked with a selection of high-quality items.
In one corner, was a fridge containing some enticing dessert options, followed by a selection of pastries/bread (plus an oven for warming them), and then a selection of self-serve alcohol.
Adjacent to the alcohol corner, were individual containers of Ninao gelato that I was excited to try.
Moving along, a range of hot dishes were available, including Piggy Buns, Butter Chicken Franks, Soup, Tea Leaf Eggs, and Bacon.
Towards the far end of the counter, I noticed a self-service coffee machine, giving you the freedom to brew your own cup. However, if you preferred a more personalized touch, the lounge staff were more than willing to whip up a drink and deliver it to your seat. Additionally, there was a fridge nearby, filled with a variety of options such as water, fruit juices, tea, sports drinks, soda, and milk.
Taking center stage at the buffet is a selection of fresh salad, fruit, and a range of muffins.
We managed to sample and relish several items during our stay in the Galactic lounge, though we made sure to leave some space for our upcoming flight to Macau. Overall, I was impressed by the variety and quality of items on offer and appreciate there is both a self-service selection and al a carte dining available.
Bathrooms and Showers
Unfortunately, the Starlux Galactic Lounge does not have any bathrooms or showers available. It’s likely due to the limited space Starlux had to work with during the design. The bathrooms are located just down to the hall to the left as you exit the lounge, and the lounge staff is happy to point you in that direction.
I really did want to take a shower given I just arrived from a long-haul flight but luckily if you are a Priority Pass member, there are Plaza Premium lounges I could take advantage of that offered showers.
Wi-Fi
The lounge offers complimentary Wi-Fi, and although I didn’t run an official speed test, I found it sufficiently speedy for browsing the web and enjoying videos. After a leisurely few hours unwinding in the lounge, it was time to make our way to the gate for our upcoming Starlux A321neo flight to Macau (MFM).
Starlux Galactic Lounge Review – Pilot Debrief
During my recent trip with Starlux Airlines, I had the opportunity to review the Galactic Lounge in Taipei. The space is designed primarily for passengers traveling to destinations in Asia through Terminal 1. The lounge is beautifully decorated and designed, aligning well with Starlux’s overall branding. I would not hesitate to show up early for your flight to relax and enjoy a good selection of a la carte and self-serve food options. Throughout our stay, we encountered attentive service, assisting us in finding seating, presenting the dining options, topping up beverages, and promptly clearing our plates.
However, it’s worth noting that the lounge, although charming, is on the smaller side, and lacks bathroom and shower facilities. During peak times, it can get rather bustling. If you happen to be a Priority Pass holder, a strategy worth considering is enjoying a meal at the Galactic Lounge and then seeking out a Priority Pass lounge for a quieter ambiance and dedicated restroom facilities.
Overall, I’m genuinely impressed by the strides Starlux Airlines has taken with its debut lounge offering in Taipei. As the airline continues to expand, I eagerly anticipate what its future holds in terms of additional lounge spaces to accommodate its growing passenger base.
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