tl;dr – This follows a growing trend of increased award ticket cancellation fees across many carriers.
Taiwanese carrier Starlux recently announced upcoming changes to its COSMILE loyalty program, specifically regarding fees associated with award tickets. I recent received an email from the carrier containing the following:
Beginning July 1, 2026, Starlux will assess a $60 reissue fee per transaction for any ‘route changes’ to an itinerary.
Notably, COSMILE elites – Adventurer, Explorer, and Insighter members – can have these reissue fees waived.
From Starlux: “Route change is accepted only when the ‘redemption standard’ and ‘the region of the itinerary’ remain the same. Any applicable taxes or charges imposed on the ticket shall still be payable by the passenger.”
Starlux will also assess a booking fee of $30 on all award tickets that originate outside of Hong Kong. This also takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Last August, I enjoyed Starlux’s business class service from Taipei to Hokkaido, a fun, albeit quick, four hours in the carrier’s comfortable lay-flat cabin. I look forward to my next opportunity to enjoy the airline’s long-haul service.
