Thailand is open to international tourism
International travelers may freely enter Thailand if they can provide proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated visitors must present a negative PCR test up to 72 hours before departure. There is no Covid test on arrival or during the stay in Thailand. Health insurance is not compulsory but recommended.
64 nationalities under the Visa Exemption Program can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Foreigners may also apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate.
Transit through Thai airports is allowed as long as you remain in the transit area in the airport. Ensure that your connecting flight is booked on the same itinerary and ticket.
Arriving in Thailand
- If you are flying to Thailand from abroad, you will most likely land at one of its biggest international airportsits main international airport — Suvarnabhumi
BKK
(the most popular for foreign travelers) and Don MueangDMK
in Bangkok, PhuketHKT
, Chiang MaiCNX
, KrabiKBV
, Hat YaiHDY
, and SamuiUSM
.
These are also the best (and the cheapest) airports to fly into Thailand. As they are used by many airlines serving the same routes, the competition for passengers is fierce – with decreased airfare as a result. - Once in Thailand, take advantage of frequent intercity flights operated by domestic airlines such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air, Thai Smile. Those in-country carriers typically offer lower fares, operate from smaller airports located closer to city centers (you save on ground transportation), and provide flexible schedules – with a wide range of departure times.
- Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations near Thailand can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of Bamboo Airways, Bangkok Airways, Cebu Pacific, Go First, IndiGo, Jetstar, Scoot, SpiceJet,Thai AirAsia, Tigerair Taiwan, and VietJet Air. If you have a layover in Thailand and plan to fly only a short distance to one of its neighboring countries, these budget airlines are an excellent way to save money. However, the “no-frills” carrier may not provide free checked baggage allowance, complimentary food, in-flight entertainment systems, and fast customer support. You may not even get to choose your seats, unless you pay extra.
Airports of Thailand
What is the best time to book flights to Thailand?
The best time to book flights to Thailand is between 2 to 8 months before your travel date. The prime booking window (the most likely time to find the bargains) for Thailand flights is 4–6 months before takeoff. During this period, you should monitor airfares by setting alerts on popular flight search websites. Book when you notice a significant drop in price.
Why do prices fluctuate?
Airfare prices for Thailand flights fluctuate due to demand, seasonal trends, and competition, causing numerous price drops and increases as your departure date approaches. The airlines use sophisticated revenue management systems to adjust pricing for optimal seat sales. Generally, as seats are sold, prices tend to become more expensive.
Don’t book too early
Most airlines start selling their flights 9–12 months in advance. However, booking a ticket too early in that window can be an expensive mistake – airlines typically start by setting prices at a relatively high level to capture early demand from those willing to pay more to secure their seats
Prime Booking Window
For long-haul flights to Thailand, the best time to book your ticket is around 4–6 months before departure. It is the “Prime Booking Window” – after some seats have already been sold, airlines start dropping prices to stimulate demand. They may also offer promotions and sales. This is the ideal time for bargain hunting.
Fly on weekdays
It makes a difference which day of the week you board the plane. Midweek travel (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is less busy and likely cheaper than flying on weekends. Airlines charge higher prices for weekend travel due to the high demand from people going on short getaways or visiting family and friends.
Opt for early morning flights
To save on airfare, select a late night or early morning (1–5 am) flight. Airlines often offer discounts on their first flight of the morning (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand – most people are not willing to go to the airport so early. Moreover, morning flights tend to have fewer delays, and airport queues are usually shorter.
Set alerts
Track flight price fluctuations for your desired routes to Thailand using email alerts on search sites like Google Flights to catch price drops. These drops will be your chance to book the flight at its best price.
Avoid last minute
Avoid booking flights to Thailand less than 30 days before takeoff. Prices spike sharply then, as airlines are taking advantage of any last-minute travelers who have no choice but to pay up (learn more about last-minute pricing).
Peak seasons are expensive
Peak travel seasons are always expensive – due to higher base prices set by airlines for dates they expect to be popular. Try to avoid the high season during summer and major holidays (including holidays in Thailand), and check the best time to fly to Thailand. If you must travel during peak times, book a bit earlier – 6 to 8 months in advance.
Airlines flying to Thailand | Aeroflot, Air Arabia, Air Astana, Air Austral, Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Bangkok Airways, British Airways, Cambodia Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Edelweiss Air, El Al Israel Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Finnair, FlexFlight, Flyadeal, Garuda Indonesia, Go First, Gulf Air, Hainan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, IndiGO, Japan Airlines, Jetstar, KLM, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Lanmei Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Myanmar Airways, Neos Air, Nok Air, Oman Air, Pacific Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Sky Angkor Airlines, SpiceJet, SriLankan Airlines, SWISS, Thai AirAsia, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, Tigerair Taiwan, TUI Airways, Turkish Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Vistara, Zipair |
---|---|
Thai airlines | Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai VietAir |
Regular price (roundtrip) | ✈ €800 – €1200 (from Europe) ✈ $700 – $1100 (from USA) |
Flight hacks | 40% — 80% off regular fare |
Main airports in Thailand | Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) — Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) — Bangkok Phuket International Airport (HKT) — Phuket Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) — Chiang Mai Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) — Songkhla Krabi International Airport (KBV) — Krabi Samui International Airport (USM) — Ko Samui Udon Thani International Airport (UTH) — Udon Thani |
Airline discounts | Discounted airline tickets to Thailand (student/family/seniors/military) |
Use Thai budget airlines
It can be time-consuming and uncomfortable traveling on overnight buses or trains in Thailand. Opt for domestic air travel instead, as it is usually cheap, easy, and convenient.
Most flight routes around Thailand are reasonably priced and short. For example, to go from the southern island of Koh Samui to Chiang Mai in the north, it takes less than 2 hours on a non-stop flight, at a cost of around 3000 bahts (~85 USD or ~120 AUD).
The cheapest flights can be found on Thai budget airlines – Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietAir, and Thai Smile. Most of these budget airlines fly out from Bangkok using Don Muang (DMK) airport and Thai VietAir flies from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
The cheapest time to fly to Thailand
Thailand is a relatively affordable destination all year round, though travelers may find the best bargains on flights during the low (monsoon) season – which runs from July to September.
There is an increased risk of flooding in some areas during these months, and less-pleasant weather conditions compared to the dry, hot months of November to May. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the off-peak season promises smaller crowds and big savings. Hotel rates, tours, activities, and local food can also be much cheaper compared to the peak season. Moreover, some popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi have a more tropical climate, and they can still offer plenty of sunshine, even during the low season. It is also a great time to visit local festivals and events, such as the famous Loi Krathong festival in November, which is celebrated throughout Thailand.
The weather in Thailand varies dramatically throughout the year, and crowds and prices fluctuate accordingly. Most of the country experiences its peak tourist season from November to March (or even into April and May) – it’s the time when airfares skyrocket, so remember to book your flights well in advance to avoid overpaying.
Know your time zone
Thailand uses only one time zone across the country – Thailand Standard Time (THA) or Indochina Time (ICT) – which is UTC+7 (GMT+7). As a result, clocks in Thailand are 7 hours ahead of London and 11 hours ahead of New York. The country shares the same time zone with Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Western Indonesia. It does not have an associated daylight saving time.
When checking flights and airport transfer times, ensure you know the local time zones. The departure time on your plane ticket is always listed based on the time zone of the departure airport. We suggest resetting your watch during the flight – it will help your brain adjust to the new time zone and to deal with jet lag.
Use the Thai Post Office to send your bag ahead
You can walk into a post office in any Thai town and send a suitcase ahead to your next destination in Thailand. Just contact your next hotel or Airbnb to notify them of the upcoming package delivery. Even a large, heavy suitcase should cost you no more than 300 Bahts (less than $10).
Flight sales and promotions to Thailand
Flight promotions, ticket sales, student discounts, and airline promo codes are your best bet for saving on airfares to Thailand. These special offers can save hundreds of dollars or give you free travel perks like seat upgrades or extra checked baggage.
OTAs miss out on most sales
Airlines flying to Thailand often use sales and promotions as key marketing tools to attract and retain customers while boosting seat occupancy. However, when you search for airfares on popular OTA websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner, you won’t find these heavily discounted tickets there. Airlines often reserve the most aggressive or enticing promotions for their own direct sales channels — primarily their websites.
How to find Thailand promotions?
To take advantage of promotional flights to Thailand — including special codes, vouchers, student discounts, and even flights discounted by up to 50% — your best strategy is to check airline websites consistently. You can also follow their social media channels and subscribe to newsletters from leading carriers.
The catch
That being said, finding truly valuable promotions can be tricky, as the uncomfortable details are often hidden in the fine print. Many sales are limited to unpopular routes, with inconvenient layovers or blackout dates. Some promotions come with strings attached or conditions that are difficult to match.
Top promotions from 100+ airlines
That’s where our team steps in. We do all the heavy lifting for you, keeping track of all ongoing sales and promotions from more than 100 airlines! We vet each sale, discount, or promotion and ensure that only quality offers with authentic value make it onto our final list.
Thailand flight promotions can often be found among our list of best airline discounts — emailed weekly to 110,000 Air Traveler Club subscribers.
Flights to Thailand from United States and Canada
- There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Thailand. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Thailand, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. There are no direct flights from the US to Thailand. The only nonstop connection between North America and Thailand is from Vancouver
YVR
in Canada to BangkokBKK
with Air Canada. It is an ultra long-haul flight, as it covers a distance of 11,800 km (7,330 miles) and the flight time is nearly 16 hours. The Vancouver - Bangkok route is set to be part of a seasonal service, running from December through to April, four times a week. Air Canada is operating this route using the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. - Thailand is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Thailand with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta
ATL
, DallasDFW
, DenverDEN
, ChicagoORD
, Los AngelesLAX
, Las VegasDFW
, MiamiMIA
, SeattleSEA
, HoustonIAH
, New YorkJFK
, and San FranciscoSFO
in the United States and TorontoYYZ
, VancouverYVR
, CalgaryLAS
, and MontrealYUL
in Canada. Air China tends to be the cheapest on routes from the US to Thailand, and the quickest (only one short layover), while Emirates economy class is the most comfortable (a seat legroom of 33-34 inches and a width of 18 inches, plus a large library of free entertainment). - The best airlines to fly to Thailand from the US and Canada are: Air Canada, ANA, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, aSingapore Airlines. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
Thailand from US & Canada.
Ticket prices in March 2024.
View today’s prices or learn how to cut costs with flexible dates:
Thailand flight deals. How to book the best fares?
Our go-to solution for finding and booking the best deals to Thailand is Google Flights. Whenever we send SuperDeals to 110,000 members of Air Traveler Club, we include links to Google Flights so each deal can be secured immediately.
Google Flights’ powerful engine simplifies deal hunting. It searches and compares flight prices available from airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia, Orbitz, or Trip.com. However, it doesn’t sell flights directly to travelers—instead, it passes users on to the airline or OTA to book directly with them.
How to know if the Thailand deal we sent you is actually saving you money? One of Google Flights’ standout features is a color-coded bar underneath the booking options. This bar provides a visual representation of the price compared to the typical fare (for the same route, class, and airline)—indicating whether it is lower, average, or higher. If the marker falls within the green zone (“price is low”), don’t hesitate to secure this deal as it is significantly — 40% to 80% — cheaper than average and unlikely to drop further.
If you see that your flight has the marker within the orange zone (“price is typical”) or in the red zone (“price is higher”), it means that the deal has already ‘expired’. Airfare deals often ‘expire’ because airlines frequently move cheaper flights further away from the departure date. This is when the Google Flights Price Graph tool comes in handy:
Using this tool, you can experiment with various dates and trip lengths. This perfect deal to Thailand may still be available — but for different date combinations.
Avoid peak travel months in Phuket
The high tourist season in Phuket is from November to March with the crowds peaking in December and January. During this season, prices of flights and accommodation go up significantly. Try to be flexible and fly to Phuket in May through October when rains and humidity scare away most of Phuket’s crowds – these are the cheapest months that guarantee the greatest savings.
Plan ahead if you intend to take your chances with Phuket’s peak season.
Use Grab to get around town
Uber is no longer available in Thailand – it ceased business in April 2018 and has been replaced by its Asia alternative – Grab. It’s a good way for a cross-city journey: the cars are safe, secure and usually air-conditioned. Similarly to Uber, it has fixed distance-based fees, so drivers can’t overcharge you for journeys.
Some busier cities such as Bangkok also have GrabBike, where you can hail a ride on the back of a scooter to get to your destination cheaper and faster in congested traffic.
If you don’t have Grab Taxi yet, download it for your Thailand vacation and set up your account, payment options, etc before arriving.
Long waiting times when calling the helpline?
Social media is usually a faster way to reach the airline when a problem arises. Use Twitter or Facebook Messenger to contact the airline customer service and get a response and solution within minutes (see detailed guides for Thai AirAsia, Thai LionAir, Singapore Airlines, and others).
When it comes to Twitter there’s one more trick to get in touch with the airline faster: mention the airline in a tweet about your issue (add “@airline_handle”, for example: “@ThaiAirways”). The social media team will often notice it immediately, ask you for a direct message, and respond privately.
Avoid Thai public holidays
Prices skyrocket during holidays in Thailand – adjust your travel dates to avoid expensive tickets. Cheap flights to Thailand are non-existent during popular “red days” such as Songkran (12-15 April), Coronation Day (5 May), Vesak (26 May), Chulalongkorn Day (23 October), and New Year’s Eve (31 December).
Flights to Thailand from UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and other countries in Europe
- There are no direct flights from Europe to Thailand — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. Direct flights from Europe to Thailand are about 10-12 hours long. Only some of the largest European hubs have a nonstop connection to Thailand - among them are Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, and Zurich. Those flights arrive at either Bangkok or Phuket, and are operated by Thai Airways, Air France, EVA Air, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, Neos Air, SWISS, TUI Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
- Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Thailand include Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Finnair, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Thai AirAsia, and Turkish Airlines.
- Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Thailand from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Leverage frequent promotions from European budget carriers like RyanAir, EasyJet, and Eurowings to reach a major hub; from there, take a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination, potentially saving hundreds of euros.
- These major European airports are excellent departure points for trips to Thailand: London
LHR
and ManchesterMAN
in the United Kingdom, FrankfurtFRA
and MunichMUC
in Germany, ParisCDG
and NiceNCE
in France, AmsterdamAMS
in the Netherlands, MadridMAD
and BarcelonaBCN
in Spain, RomeFCO
and MilanoMXP
in Italy, BrusselsBRU
in Belgium, CopenhagenOSL
in Denmark, OsloOSL
in Norway, StockholmARN
in Sweden, ZurichZRH
in Switzerland, LisbonLIS
in Portugal, ViennaVIE
in Austria, WarsawWAW
in Poland, PraguePRG
in the Czech Republic, and DublinDUB
in Ireland.
Thailand from Europe.Flight schedule and ticket prices.
Check prices, see how to save big if your travel dates are flexible:
Best aircraft for long-haul flights to Thailand
For long-haul flights, the aircraft type can make a huge difference to your overall comfort on board — especially if you’re flying economy. The best aircraft have comfier seats with more legroom, USB charging ports, WiFi connectivity, superior entertainment systems, and a better passenger experience in every cabin.
When booking a flight to Thailand, it’s worth spending a few minutes researching the type of aircraft you’ll be flying on. Look for airlines that use wide-body planes designed for long-haul flights, such as:
- Airbus A350. Best choice. Known for its advanced air filtration and higher cabin pressure, which enhance overall passenger well-being. Operated by Air France, Finnair, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
- Airbus A380. Offers unparalleled spaciousness and amenities like onboard lounges and shower spas in premium classes. Used by airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and Etihad Airways.
- Boeing 767. Often features a 2-3-2 seating configuration in economy, reducing the number of middle seats. The largest operators are based in the US (Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Eastern Airlines), while in Europe it is used by Austrian Airlines, Condor, and TUI Airways.
- Boeing 777. Renowned for its wide cabin, it offers a sense of spaciousness and often includes advanced in-flight entertainment options. Used by British Airways, KLM, SWISS, and Turkish Airlines.
- 787 Dreamliner. Celebrated for its larger windows and dynamic lighting, designed to help regulate passengers’ circadian rhythms and reduce jet lag. Operated by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, LOT, and Norwegian Air.
Check different departure airports
Consider neighboring cities when choosing the departure airport – especially look for larger cities with airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines.
For example, if you live in West Europe, check prices for flights departing from Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, or Vienna. In 9 out of 10 cases, the cheapest flight to Thailand will depart from one of these hubs, and it may be €500 less or more than your first choice. Yes, you may have to fly a few hundred kilometers to this hub, but low-cost airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, or WizzAir will happily take you there for €50 – €100.
Use a similar tactic if you depart from the US or another region. It’s one of the best ways to save hundreds on trips.
Last-minute flights to Thailand. The real cost of convenience.
Last-minute flights are often touted as a great way to save money, but the reality is far from it. Booking last-minute flights to Thailand almost always never works out.
Based on years of research, the airlines know what people are willing to pay for specific flights and dates. To make the most money, they will sell their cheapest fares first and then increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of these travelers who are willing to pay the premium price for late booking.
Occasionally, airlines can offer last-minute deals to fill the remaining seats, but these are for unusual times and unpopular places. Popular destinations and dates tend to sell out quickly.
Planning ahead is key to securing a good deal on your flight. Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by, so as soon as you have a tentative travel timeline, book your flight. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to save money. If you are looking for a good deal, the best time to book your flight to Thailand is 2-8 months before the takeoff.
Airlines of Thailand
Airlines in Thailand range from high-end boutique carriers to no-frills budget airlines:
Thai Airways is a full-service airline and the only airline in Thailand that offers in-flight entertainment, free meals, and a generous luggage allowance of 30 kg. Seats in economy class have plenty of legroom, and there’s also a business and first class for more demanding travelers. Its Royal Orchid Plus loyalty program offers flight and hotel packages to popular destinations such as Krabi and Phuket.
Thai Smile is a low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways, with a free allowance of 20 kg and free snacks and drinks instead of full meals onboard. It has a good reputation for taking off on time.
Bangkok Airways, also known as Asia’s Boutique Airline, focuses on offering an unforgettable experience. This certified 4-Star airline may be more expensive than other carriers, but the seats are comfortable with generous legroom, provided in-flight meal is of top quality, and there’s free baggage allowance of 20 kg. The airline covers many domestic destinations, and popular regional routes including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Laos, Maldives, Singapore and Vietnam.
Thai AirAsia is probably the cheapest option when flying around Thailand, especially if you are traveling light. Airfares are low, but there is no free luggage allowance, in-flight meals and add-ons may add up if you want to upgrade your experience. Thai Lion Air and Nok Air (famous for its bird theme) price their services similarly to AirAsia but offer up to 15 kg of luggage for free. Thai VietAir, the newest addition to commercial aviation in Thailand, is also aiming at budget travelers, however, there’s a fee for every kg of checked baggage. Those three airlines only serve snack boxes onboard, instead of full meals.
Flights to Thailand from Australia and New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand offer robust flight networks to key APAC locations, Thailand included. While domestic carriers like Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand provide solid options, several major international airlines also serve these routes. These include ANA, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways — expanding your choices for travel between Australasia and Asia.
There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Thailand. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia. - Airlines have different pricing strategies for different routes. A flight to Thailand could be significantly cheaper from Sydney than from Melbourne, depending on airline partnerships, demand, and even time of year. Compare fares from different international airports in Australia: Sydney
SYD
, BrisbaneBNE
, MelbourneMEL
, PerthPER
, AdelaideADL
, CairnsCNS
, Gold CoastOOL
, CanberraCBR
, DarwinDRW
, HobartHBA
, Alice SpringsASP
, and in New Zealand: AucklandAKL
, WellingtonWLG
, ChristchurchCHC
, QueenstownZQN
, DunedinDUD
, and HamiltonHLZ
. - If you’re looking to save, consider flying from Australia or New Zealand to a primary Asian hub, then catch a connecting flight to Thailand with a regional budget airline such as Bamboo Airways, Bangkok Airways, Cebu Pacific, Go First, IndiGo, Jetstar, Scoot, SpiceJet,Thai AirAsia, Tigerair Taiwan, and VietJet Air.
For the initial leg of your trip, full-service airlines such as Qantas or Virgin Atlantic offer premium comfort and exceptional service, albeit at a premium price. However, many Asian airlines, including budget carriers, operate out of Australia and frequently feature sales and promotions. For instance, AirAsia runs deals to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore; Cebu Pacific to Manila; Scoot to Singapore; VietJet Air to Ho Chi Minh City; Jetstar to Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo; Bamboo Airways to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Beijing; Batik Air to Jakarta and Singapore.
Australia & New Zealand to Thailand.Flight ticket prices today.
Check prices and find out how date flexibility equals big savings:
Booking group flights to Thailand
Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights to Thailand can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.
To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the airline, group size, and travel dates, and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.
Airlines and flight search websites typically limit automatic group bookings to 10 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline or a travel agent directly.
Most airlines have a group booking form or phone number (see examples at Emirates and Qantas). Fill out the form, and the airline will come back to you with the proposed group rate. If your group is large and a scheduled flight cannot accommodate everyone, the airline may offer you a charter flight.
Additionally, there are various perks that your group may be eligible for:
- free seats (complimentary tickets for every 10 or 20 passengers that book together)
- free checked baggage allowance
- dedicated group check-in counter at the airport
- cabin crew who speak your group’s language
- flexible booking terms (that allow changes without fees)
Booking group flights to Thailand is similar to booking individual flights. The main difference is that you’ll need to provide personal information for all passengers, and the airline may request additional details, such as meal preferences or accommodations for disabled travelers. A deposit – typically 10-50% of the total cost – may be required to secure the booking. However, some airlines offer deferred payment options where you can secure a reservation with a booking fee and pay the balance later.
If you’re open to different airlines or want more personalized service, a travel agent may be a better choice. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates to Thailand and can help with logistics and scheduling.
“Hot seats” on long-haul flights
Those days seat selection is considered an optional, extra paid service – seats with extra legroom (front and exit rows) are usually priced higher. However, if you’re about to take a long-haul flight to Thailand, those “hot seats” are worth considering – expect to pay $50-$100, which is much less than upgrading to Premium Economy.
If you want to choose your seats, do this early (ideally during the booking) for a more extensive selection of available options.
Flights to Thailand from Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and other major hubs in Asia
- Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Thailand look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
- Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Thailand will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
- Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting Thailand and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.
- Most major Asian airports have convenient and frequent flights to Thailand — including Changi (Singapore), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong (China), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), Indira Gandhi (New Delhi, India), KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia), Soekarno–Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ninoy Aquino (Manila, Philippines), Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand), Taoyuan (Taipei, Taiwan), and others.
Thailand from major Asian airports.Flight prices in March 2024.
View today’s prices and learn how flexibility can save you hundreds on airfare:
Lost luggage prevention: Essential tips
Every year, airlines handle millions of bags and a small percentage never make it to their final destinations. Avoid lost luggage nightmares on your trip to Thailand by removing old tags from previous flights on your suitcases – they can confuse baggage handlers and conveyor belt scanners. It’s also a good idea to label your luggage with your name, address, and phone number (both inside and outside the case) and attach a GPS-tracker device like Apple AirTag or Samsung SmartTag.
For peace of mind, consider purchasing travel insurance to cover the full value of your luggage, as airline liability usually doesn’t reflect the actual value of the baggage content.
“Book Flights Now, Pay Later” — is it worth it?
Booking a flight and paying for it later has recently become a popular trend in the travel industry, with many airlines offering delayed payment plans. They will allow you to make flight reservation to Thailand now and then pay the bill in installments. But should you take advantage?
Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans are essentially short-term personal loans. By partnering with financial companies such as Affirm, Afterpay, PayPal Credit, Fly Now Pay Later, and Uplift, airlines can offer their loan services on the checkout page. When you book the flight with the BNPL option, the company pays the airline, and you repay the loan in installments over a set period (usually up to 24 months), with a set interest rate.
BNPL providers have varying terms and fees. Some may offer interest-free loans but have fees for late payments and require forced autoplay on your bank account, while others may have high annual percentage rates (up to 30-40% APR). There may also be transaction fees, down payment requirements, and many companies even run a credit check on the traveler.
Among the airlines that offer a “fly now, pay later” option are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic.
Is BNPL financing worth it? If paid off on time, interest-free delayed payment on your flight ticket to Thailand can be a great way to free up your cash flow. However, there may be safer alternatives available – such as taking advantage of an introductory 0% interest offer on a credit card or using flight price “freezing” services like Hopper.
Proof of onward travel – a simple hack
Travelers who go on long trips often don’t have a set itinerary and fly on one-way tickets. The problem? For many APAC countries, proof of onward travel is a legal requirement. If you arrive at the airport without an onward ticket (from Thailand to another country), you’ll either be forced to buy one online or forbidden from boarding the plane altogether.
The cheapest solution? Renting an onward ticket! Use the websites such as OneWayFly or OnwardTicket to get a flight reservation for a limited amount of time (usually 2 to 14 days). They work by actually booking you on a real flight out of Thailand and giving you a confirmable flight reservation with a PNR (Passenger Name Record) under your name. After the time limit, your spot on the flight is automatically canceled. Such “temporary tickets” tend to cost anywhere from $10 to $20.
User Review
4.94 (2180 votes)Flights to Thailand
If you have specific travel dates, it's worth booking as soon as possible. The optimal time to book international flights to Thailand is 2–8 months in advance, with a "prime booking window" at 4–6 months before departure for the best bargains.
In economy class, medium to long-haul flights to Thailand range from $150 to $600, and can go up to $1,000 for routes exceeding 6,000 km. Round-trip bookings offer savings between 20% and 35%. Strategic planning like early booking, flying in low-season, booking directly with airlines, or chosing a route with a layover can save an additional 5–30%.
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About the author
Maksim Koval
Aviation industry expert, digital editor at Tiket2 since 2010, and the pioneering founder of the Air Traveler Club.
Maksim is a Bali-based seasoned travel writer, avid flyer, tinkerer, photographer, motorbiker, animal lover, and the truest evangelist of the company. His dedication to providing valuable insights and engaging content has established him as a trusted voice in the industry.
You can contact him via email at maksim[at]tiket2.com.