October 2026 Round-Trip Economy Fares

Fares checked May 25 via Expedia, KAYAK, Google Flights, Skyscanner, EVA Air direct, and United Airlines.

US Hubs — RT Economy to TPE (October 2026)

LAX: ~$989–$1,100 (EVA direct from $989; unchanged)
SFO: ~$1,069–$1,200 (EVA direct from $1,069; unchanged)
SEA: ~$795–$1,000 — floor confirmed $795 RT (Alaska/EVA, Oct 28 dep; ↓ from prior $620 floor on cheapest days; now pinpointed to specific date)
JFK: ~$950–$1,334 (EVA direct Oct RT from $1,334; unchanged)
IAD: ~$1,184+ (EVA nonstop, Jun 26 launch; now fully bookable for October; unchanged)
IAH: ~$880–$1,256 (United fares surfaced at ~$750 RT w/ connection on select Oct dates; floor $880 broadly unchanged)
EU Hubs — RT Economy to TPE (October 2026)

LHR: ~$496–$900+ (Skyscanner floor £390/~$495; unchanged)
AMS: ~$587–$900 (unchanged)
FRA: ~$600–$950 (Skyscanner floor $607; unchanged)

New Routes

China Airlines Phoenix (PHX) nonstop — confirmed for 2026, joining STARLUX's existing PHX service (4×/wk since Jan 15, 2026). China Airlines adds direct TPE–PHX competition for the first time. No specific start date or frequency confirmed in available sources as of May 25.

EVA Air IAD nonstop — fully bookable for October 2026 ahead of June 26 launch. 4×/wk (Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun outbound from IAD), Boeing 787-9, 278 seats. Economy RT from $1,184. Schedule: IAD 01:50 → TPE 05:45+1; TPE 19:30 → IAD 22:30.

STARLUX JFK nonstop — still unconfirmed. No DOT filing, no press release as of May 25. STARLUX booking engine continues to show JFK fare inventory (from ~TWD 205,996 business class). No formal announcement from STARLUX or aviation news sources.

Visa-Free Expiry Risk — October Travel

Thailand, Brunei, Philippines 14-day visa-free program expires July 31, 2026 — 67 days from this filing. No renewal has been announced. Previous extensions were announced roughly 6–8 weeks before expiry, placing any announcement in June 2026. If not renewed, Thai, Bruneian, and Filipino nationals planning October 2026 travel will require a standard visa. The related Guanhong Project (group e-visa) and Simplified Visa Regulations for Southeast Asian high-end group tourists are extended through December 31, 2026.

Entry Requirements — No Changes

  • TWAC (Taiwan Arrival Card): mandatory online submission within 72 hours pre-arrival via twac.immigration.gov.tw. Free.
  • US/EU/UK/AU/CA: 90-day visa-free. Passport valid for duration of stay (US citizens exempt from 6-month rule).
  • US State Dept advisory: Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions (no change).
  • NT$600 TPE transit voucher: active through October 31, 2026 (vouchers valid through Dec 31). Non-Taiwan passport holders transiting ≤24h; Tourist Service Centers T1/T2, 07:30–22:30.

Weather and Key Events — October 2026

Weather: October optimal window — high 27°C, low 22°C, fewest rainy days. September: 28–32°C, typhoon season active. November: 20–25°C; NE monsoon increases north/east coast rain.

Key October demand spikes:

  • Oct 9–11: National Day long weekend (Double Tenth Oct 10 = Sat; in-lieu Oct 9 Fri).
  • Oct 24–26: Retrocession Day weekend + Taipei Hakka Yimin Festival (CKS Memorial Hall).
  • Oct 29–Nov 1: Taiwan Pride (4 days; 25th edition; 80,000–200,000 attendees; parade Oct 31). Major demand spike.

Lowest-demand window: Oct 12–23 (excluding Oct 24–26).

Other October events: Taipei Jazz Festival (Sep 1–Oct 31, Taipei Music Center, Nangang); Taichung Jazz Music Festival (mid-late Oct, ~10 days, exact dates TBC); Taipingshan beech foliage, Yilan County (mid-Oct–mid-Nov); Saisiyat paSta'ay biennial indigenous festival (Oct–Nov, Miaoli/Hsinchu — 2026 active year).

TPE Airport Transit

MRT Airport Express: 35 min, NTD 150. T3 North Concourse operational since Dec 25, 2025. NT$600 transit voucher program active through October 31, 2026 (see entry requirements above).