Finding a great flight deal to Thailand can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. With a bit of planning, patience, and the right tools, it’s easy to save money on your next trip. Whether you’re flying to crowded Bangkok or the peaceful islands, these tips will help you get the best value for your flight.
Book Your Flight at the Right Time
Timing is everything when buying flight tickets. Generally, booking your flight 2-3 months in advance will secure the best deal. Flights tend to be cheapest around 6-8 weeks before departure, especially if you’re flying during the shoulder season. Avoid booking too early or waiting until the last minute; prices usually spike in these cases.
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If you’re flexible with travel dates, try to avoid booking flights during high seasons like December or New Years. Traveling during holiday periods or peak tourist seasons can really drive up the price. Off-season months, such as May or September, tend to have cheaper flights.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Flight comparison websites are a crucial tool when searching for the best deals. They let you see different airlines and prices all in one place, giving you a broad view of your options. My go-to sites are:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Kayak
These websites allow you to see a wide range of airlines, layover options, and baggage fees. Google Flights is particularly useful for its map feature, where you can search for the cheapest flight options to nearby destinations. This can sometimes uncover hidden deals and alternate airport options.
Consider Airlines Known for Good Prices to Thailand
Many airlines offer decent fares when flying to Thailand. Consider both traditional airlines and low-cost carriers to find the best deal:
Budget Airlines
AirAsia, Scoot, and Thai Lion Air are popular low-cost carriers based in Asia. They often sell discount tickets to Thailand, especially if you don’t mind a basic fare without extras. These airlines usually offer budget tickets with the option to pay for added services like baggage, seating, or meals.
Full-Service Airlines
If you prefer a bit more comfort, full-service airlines like Thai Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines are reliable choices. They come with higher base fares but include amenities, checked baggage, and meals in their price. Keep an eye out for sales or promotional fares that make the overall price more competitive.
Consider Connecting Flights
Direct flights can be convenient but are often more expensive. Connecting flights, with one or even two layovers, are usually cheaper. For example, flying through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong may cut your total fare.
If you’re open to adding hours to your journey, these cheaper flights are worth considering. Use flight comparison tools to check the price differences between non-stop and multi-leg trips and calculate if the savings are worth the extra time.
Play Around With Different Airports
If you’re flying from a country with multiple international airports, check prices between them all. Big cities like New York, London, or Los Angeles have multiple airport options with different pricing. Sometimes flying out of a smaller or more regional airport can save you hundreds of dollars.
In Thailand, Bangkok is served by two major airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). Look at flights into either one, as budget airlines typically use Don Mueang, and regional airlines use both. Depending on where you’re staying, it’s worth checking which airport gets you closer to your destination without paying extra for transfers.
Sign Up For Airline Newsletters and Alerts
Airlines often promote their sales or flash deals through newsletters. While your inbox might fill up, it’s an easy way to catch low fares when they’re available. If you’re not comfortable with constant emails, set an alert on Google Flights or Skyscanner for specific routes you’re interested in. These alerts will notify you when the ticket prices drop.
Sometimes, airlines have mistake fares, where they accidentally sell tickets at much lower prices. These are rare, but if you’re subscribed to newsletters or following travel deal websites like “Secret Flying” or “The Flight Deal,” you might catch one.
Use Points or Miles
One of the best ways to fly for less is to use airline miles or credit card points. If you’re signed up for frequent flyer programs, check if you can use your points to offset the flight’s cost or book a free ticket entirely.
For someone traveling frequently, a good travel rewards credit card can build up points quickly. Many credit cards have partnerships with different airlines or offer bonuses when you spend a certain amount in the first couple of months.
Focus on Baggage Fees
With budget airlines, cheap fares may come with hefty baggage fees. If you plan to check a suitcase, always double-check how much the airline charges. Consider using a carry-on bag only to avoid extra costs.
On the other hand, full-service airlines usually include baggage in the price. Depending on how many bags you need to bring, an airline offering free checked bags might be a better deal. The key is to consider the total price, not just the upfront ticket fare.
Consider Regional Flights for Islands
Thailand’s popular islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, or Krabi are best accessed via air. Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways serve many regional routes, but you can also look at AirAsia, Nok Air, or Thai Lion Air for cheaper domestic flights.
Some islands, like Koh Lanta or Koh Phangan, don’t have airports. In these cases, flying to nearby destinations and then taking a ferry is usually the best option. For example, you can fly to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat, and from there, take a bus or ferry to reach Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Check ferry times in advance to avoid long waits.
Use Incognito Mode When Searching
There’s an ongoing myth that airlines increase prices based on your search history. While it’s not definitively proven across the board, it doesn’t hurt to use a private or incognito browser window when regularly checking flights. This way, there’s less risk of prices being adjusted or cookies driving up the fare.
Be Flexible With Travel Dates
Flight prices can vary greatly depending on the day and time you’re flying. If you have flexibility, try searching for flights on weekdays rather than weekends. Tuesdays or Wednesdays are typically cheaper days to fly. Even flying earlier in the morning or during less popular hours may also lead to reduced costs.
Most flight comparison tools have “flexible date” options, so you can easily view the best days to fly. If you have a set destination and time frame, use this to find the cheapest days for your trip.
Try Booking One-Way Tickets
Sometimes booking one-way tickets separately might save you more money than booking a roundtrip flight. Some airlines charge less if you treat the outbound and return flights as individual bookings.
This isn’t always the case, so compare prices for both roundtrip and one-way tickets before buying to see which option is cheaper. Play with different airlines, stops, and routes to get the best price.
Check for Flights to Nearby Cities
If it’s significantly cheaper to fly into a neighboring city or country, it can sometimes be worth it to book a bus or train to your final destination in Thailand. For example, Kuala Lumpur or Ho Chi Minh City might be cheaper to fly into, and from there, hop on a budget airline or bus to Thailand.
Nearby cities often have international flights that are cheaper due to lower airport taxes or different regional promotions. Consider this option if you’re feeling more adventurous with your route.
Conclusion
Flying to Thailand doesn’t have to be expensive if you strategize your booking. Use flight comparison tools, stay flexible with dates, and take advantage of deals from both full-service and budget airlines. By following these tips, you’ll be able to save money on your flight, leaving you with more to spend on enjoying all that Thailand has to offer.
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