Seattle to Taipei service is about to become one of the most competitive routes between the United States Pacific Northwest and Taiwan as four airlines will compete for both nonstop and connecting traffic between the United States and Asia. China Airlines is the latest airline to announce new Taipei to Seattle-Tacoma international service, just weeks after both Delta Air Lines and newcomer Starlux announced they would serve the two cities starting later in 2024.
Seattle’s only direct route to Taipei is on Eva Air. Eva Air has served the route consistently since 1993 and at times offered more than 7 weekly flights between Seattle and the Island nation of Taiwan. China Airline previously operated Seattle to Taipei from 2004 to 2008. Now China Airline is readying themself to restart service on July 14, 2024.
Four airlines, One route
Since China Airlines ended service in 2008, EVA Air rules the Taipei-Seattle route with no competition from any airline except cargo traffic only by China Airlines. Yet come this summer, four airlines will operate and compete on the route. Seattle to Taipei will be the most competitive international route from Seattle with the most airlines serving a single international destination. London comes in a close second with flights on British Airways, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic.
Delta Airline Seattle to Taipei
Self acclaimed Seattle’s Global Airline, Delta Air Lines, will begin daily non-stop flights June 6, 2024. This is the first time Delta Air Lines has offered service to Taiwan since 2017 and the first time Delta has flown directly to Taiwan from the United States. Delta previously offered service between Tokyo and Taipei with connections available to several US cities through the Tokyo-Narita hub acquired from Northwest Airlines.
Delta service is timed for onward connections in both directions. Customers can easily connect in Seattle to destinations throughout the west coast, Midwest and beyond.
From Taipei, Delta Airlines mid afternoon arrival will allow Delta to utilize codeshare service and onward service on SkyTeam partners to destinations throughout Japan, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and more.
Timetable for Delta Air lines Taipei-Seattle Route
| Flight No. | Route | Departure/ Arrival Time |
Flight Days | Weekly Flights | Aircraft |
| DL 68 | Taipei-Seattle | 17:25/13:50 | Daily | 7 | A339 |
| DL 69 | Seattle-Taipei | 11:35/15:20+1 | Daily | 7 |
This new daily, year-round service to Taipei will operate on an Airbus A330-900neo offering Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin experiences.
China Airlines Taipei To Seattle
Just days after competitor Starlux announced new thrice weekly service to Seattle, China Airline decided to not be left out in the Seattle market. China Airlines will beat Starlux to Seattle by nearly a month, resuming Seattle-Taipei nonstop flights on July 14, 2024.
Timetable for China Airlines Taipei-Seattle Route
| Flight No. | Route | Departure/ Arrival Time |
Flight Days | Weekly Flights | Aircraft |
| CI022 | Taipei-Seattle | 23:30/19:50 | Mon-Tue-Thu-Sat-Sun | 5 | A350 |
| CI021 | Seattle-Taipei | 01:40/05:05+1 | Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri-Sun | 5 |
China Airlines A350 offers Premium Business class, Premium economy, and economy.
The new Seattle service features morning arrivals and evening departures for the convenience of travelers flying to and from North America or major cities in Asia. China Airlines can also provide interline ticketing to 50 popular inland destination cities from Seattle, including Portland, Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Atlanta. Expansion of the US inland market strengthens the overall air network.
From Taipei, China Airlines will easily be able to connect flyers to their entire network across Japan, China, South East Asia and beyond. Connections to Bali, Australia and more are easily available on this new route.
Starlux Airlines Taipei To Seattle
Taipei’s newest premium airline will grow its network to the United States with their third route. Nonstop Taipei to Seattle service begins Aug 16, 2024 after successfully launching routes to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Starlux is not part of any airline allowance, but has been eyeing membership into OneWorld. Starlux does partner with Oneworld Alaska Airlines which has their largest hub in Seattle and smaller hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco to offer Starlux feeder traffic in the United States.
By the time Starlux enters the Seattle market, there will be 3 other airlines operating on this route and and 22 other frequencies. Starlux will raise this to 25 weekly departures between Taipei and Seattle, which has never seen more than 14 weekly flights previously.
Timetable for Starlux Taipei-Seattle Route
| Flight No. | Route | Departure/ Arrival Time |
Flight Days | Weekly Flights | Aircraft |
| JX 22 | Taipei-Seattle | 20:10/16:40 | Sun, Wed, Fri | 3 | A359 |
| JX 21 | Seattle-Taipei | 02:10/5:10+1 | Mon, Thur, Sat | 3 |
Starlux A350-900 offers a premium experience with First Class, Business class, premium economy and economy seats. Starlux is the only airline to offer First class service between Taiwan and the world. I recently flew Starlux Business class between Los Angeles and Taipei and I can say Starlux airline is now one of my favorite ways to fly. Especially in business with their zero gravity seats and free wi fi. I look forward to Starlux service to Seattle which is timed perfectly for onward connections throughout the Starlux Asian network.
Eva Air Seattle Service
Come Summer of 2024 Eva Air will have stiff competition on their nonstop route to Seattle. Eva Air is scheduled to have 10 weekly flights in the summer of 2024, during the busy travel season to and from the Pacific Northwest. Eva Air is the only carrier to have almost zero onward connecting partners in Seattle and relies heavily on terminating traffic in Seattle. Star Alliance Eva Air partner China Airlines & Delta can rely on each other for onward traffic on both sides of the Pacific. Starlux Airlines can offer connections on Alaska Airlines through North America.
Eva Air has a long history in Seattle and loyal fliers, but will it be enough to fill 10 weekly departures between Taipei and Seattle?
Timetable for Eva Air Taipei-Seattle Route
| Flight No. | Route | Departure/ Arrival Time |
Flight Days | Weekly Flights | Aircraft |
| BR24 | Taipei-Seattle | 22:00/19:10 | Tues, Thurs, Sat | 3 | B773 |
| BR23 | Seattle-Taipei | 01:10/04:10+1 | Sun, Wed Fri | 3 | |
| BR26 | Taipei-Seattle | 22:40/19:50 | Daily | 7 | B781 |
| BR25 | Seattle-Taipei | 02:10/05:10+1 | daily | 7 |
Eva Air offers Business class, Premium economy, and economy on this route. Eva air second daily flight operates June 26, 2024 – Sept 8, 2024.
Bottom Line
With China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Starlux starting Taipei to Seattle flights, the competition is truly heating up. Which airline will end up on top and survive, that will be determined in the coming months. Post covid, demand to Asia is soaring as many countries in Asia were among the last to reopen. Travelers are itching to get back to experience the delightful cultures, amazing beaches, fantastic food, and more importantly to see family and friends.
China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Starlux, and Eva Air will also serve the Seattle to Taipei market during the summer of 2024. With increased demand to asia, but a huge influx of seats into the single market, travelers should keep an eye out for good deals and the four airlines battle for Seattle flyers.
