I started brainstorming how I would compare Starlux A350 vs A330, almost as soon as I stepped onboard the latter at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport a few weeks ago. For planes operated by the same airline, the difference were stark—and immediate.
I don’t necessarily mean this in a bad way: The Starlux A330 is a beautiful plane inside and out; it provides one of the most comfortable intra-Asia in-flight experiences. On the other hand, I’m not sure I’d want to fly it over the Pacific.
I’m getting ahead of myself, however—and I’m spoiling this article before it’s even really begun. If you’re curious about the differences between these two aircraft, you’ll want to continue reading.
Why I Was Eager to Fly Starlux’s A330
If I had to choose between Starlux A350 or A330, I would almost certainly pick the former, on account of the fact that it flies all of the airline’s long-haul routes. On the other hand, I do love comparison—for me, it’s often a source of joy, rather than a thief of it—and so I’ve been looking for opportunities to fly it. Initially, I thought that might come this past September, before a trip to Kyushu, but to no avail.
Instead, I was recently flying back to the US from Thailand and found an unbeatable deal on Starlux business class: Around 2,800 USD round-trip from Bangkok to LAX via Taipei. This routing, made possible both by a local sale and a promo code for 25% off the sale price, includes A330 legs between BKK-TPE-BKK.
Ways to Compare Business Class on Starlux A350 with Starlux A330
Seats
Starlux’s business class on its entire widebody fleet has many commonalities—they’re all in a 1-2-1 configuration, and all feature direct aisle access as a result. The main difference is that the A350 has closing doors; all are in an identical reverse-herringbone configuration. On the A330, meanwhile, the seats are staggered; they alternate being closer to the window or the aisle (or, in the center sections, closer to one another or to the aisle).
Cabin ambiance
On this front, I’d say that the differences between the Starlux A350 and A330 are even more stark. The A330 is perfectly nice, and has very luxurious finished for a regional aircraft. The A350, however, in spite of feeling somewhat more claustrophobic as a result of the doors, just feels more plush and luxurious.
Entertainment and WiFi
As a business class passenger, you will enjoy free WiFi on every Starlux flight. Coverage is good and speed is fine, though it’s important to note that Starlux does not have Starlink, even though it would fit the theme. Entertainment-wise, English-language movies and TV series are very sparse compared to US, European and Middle Eastern airlines, even though the screens are 4K HD and big—24″ and 17.3″ on the A350 and A330, respectively.
Food and drink
When comparing the Starlux A330 vs A350 in terms of food and drink, it’s important to remember that the former flies mostly intra-Asia missions; the latter flys to Europe and North America. As a result, the catering on the A350 is more elaborate than that on the A330. With this being said, I actually enjoyed my meal on the A330—Thai-style crab fried rice with larb meatballs and tom kha gai soup—than any I’ve had on the A350.
Destinations served
As I mentioned above, the Starlux A330 exclusively serves destinations within Asia, at least for now. I suppose there’s a possibility that the airline could eventually deployed it to “closer” non-Asian destinations, such as Seattle, or to points in Australia or New Zealand once it starts flying there. But for now, if you’re flying to the US or Europe, count on an A350; if you’re flying within Asia, it could be an A350, an A330 or even an A321.
What About Other Service Classes?
This will probably make me sound like a snob, but I’ve never flown Starlux in economy class. But this is not snobbery! In reality, Starlux simply hasn’t been around very long; when I’m flying economy, I usually book based on the cheapest flight. Starlux, by virtue of the clue that’s in its name, isn’t competing on price. And so I’ve simply never had the opportunity; if I did, I’d of course take it.
Now, when it comes to the topic of Starlux A330 or A350 in premium economy? On one hand, I’ve flown premium economy on the A350, from Tokyo (NRT) to Taipei (TPE). For a flight of that length, it was a perfectly wonderful experience, especially since I had the row all to myself. Frankly, it might as well have been business class! However, I’ve never flown premium economy on the Starlux A330, and with good reason: These aircraft have no premium economy cabin!
Other FAQ About Starlux A330 and A350
What’s the difference between Starlux A350 and A330?
Starlux’s A350 aircraft are optimized for intercontinental missions, even though they often fly within Asia; They have four cabins, including first class and premium economy. The Starlux A330-900neo, by contrast, only operates flights within Asia-Pacific as of the late 2020s.
Does Starlux A330 have business class?
The Starlux A330 has business class, and a competitive one at that: Staggered seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, with plenty of privacy and direct aisle access. Notably, however, it does not have premium economy. This cabin is only available on Starlux’s A350 fleet.
Does Starlux fly A330 or A350 to USA?
As of the late 2020s, Starlux exclusively flies A350 aircraft (A350-900 and A350-1000) to the USA. Although the Starlux A330-900neo technically has the legs to reach destinations in the US from Taipei, Starlux has chose to operate this aircraft exclusively on shorter intra-Asia missions.
The Bottom Line
Comparing the Starlux A350 vs A330 reveals some surprises. On one hand, Starlux’s state-of-the-art A330-900neo aircraft provides one of the most comfortable rides within Asia, no matter which cabin class you fly in. On the other hand, I’m not sure I would want to take it all the way over the Pacific, even if its seats at slightly less claustrophobic than the ones on the A350. The good news? If you fly from Asia to the US via Taipei, chances are high that you’ll get to sample both these aircraft during the course of your one-stop journey. The better news? If you hire me to plan your trip to Taiwan, you’ll enjoy priceless insights about on-the-ground destinations and experiences as well.
