Taiwan is an island nation probably best known for its modern cities, but it also has beautiful tropical beaches, sea-skirting cliffside roads, mountain peaks, hot springs and tranquil lakes. Portuguese sailors who saw it for the first time in the 16th century were so impressed with its natural beauty that they called it Ilha Formosa, which means Beautiful Island.
Taiwan, which lies off the southeastern coast of mainland China, is a highly developed country. Despite its tiny size, it has the 21st biggest economy in the world. It’s also home to the second tallest building in the world, the bamboo-shaped Taipei 101.
Unique in its diversity, visitors will find beautiful landscapes and aboriginal cultures in the island’s mountains, as well as stunning skylines, bustling night markets, mouthwatering foods and a cosmopolitan mix of Western and Asian influences in its cities.
Airlines from all three of the major alliances fly to Taiwan. Most international visitors arrive at Taoyuan International Airport, which is the country’s busiest airport. It serves the northern part of the island, including Taipei.
AAdvantage Miles and the oneworld alliance
The following oneworld members fly to Taipei:
- Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary Dragon Air via Hong Kong
- JAL via Tokyo or Osaka
- Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur
Round-trip tickets from the U.S. cost:
- 70,000 miles in economy
- 110,000 in business
- 135,000 in first
MileagePlus Miles and the Star Alliance
Two Star Alliance airlines fly nonstop from the U.S. to Taipei:
- United from San Francisco
- Eva Air from Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle
Other Star Alliance airlines also fly to Taipei:
- Air China via Beijing or Shanghai
- ANA via Tokyo
- Asiana Airlines via Seoul
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore
- Thai Airways via Bangkok
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
Round-trip tickets cost:
- 70,000 miles in economy
- 140,000 to 160,000 in business
- 160,000 to 240,000 in first
SkyMiles and the SkyTeam
China Airlines is the only SkyTeam member that flies nonstop to Taipei. Flights depart from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu and Guam.
Other SkyTeam members fly to Taiwan:
- China Eastern Airlines via Changzhou, Hefei or Kunming
- China Southern Airlines via Harbin, Nanning or Shanghai
- Delta via Tokyo
- Korean Air via Seoul
- Vietnam Airlines via Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Round-trip tickets cost:
- 70,000 miles in economy
- 140,000 in business
First class tickets cannot be purchased with SkyMiles
Economy class award tickets to Taiwan cost the same through any of the airline alliances. The most convenient option is probably going to be a nonstop flight with a SkyTeam or Star Alliance member. If you prefer to fly in a premium cabin, oneworld offers the best rates. It’s up to you if saving 25,000 for first, or 30,000 in business, is worth dealing with a layover.