Before you can immerse yourself in the wonders of Thailand, you need to plan your journey to get there. Traveling from the US, the trip can be anywhere from 20-30 hours depending on starting location and layovers. Although the flight time can seem daunting, it’s all in your frame of mind. When do you ever get to watch 10 movies in one day?
When to Travel
The cheapest month to fly to Thailand can vary depending on various factors such as airline promotions, seasonal demand, and availability. Generally however, the months of May to October are the low season in Thailand, with fewer tourists and lower flight prices. During this period, you are more likely to find cheaper flights compared to the high season months of November to April, which include holidays, spring break and peak travel times. Check for flight deals and compare prices across different months to find the most affordable options.
When to Book Tickets
As for any international flight, it is advisable to book tickets to Thailand 2-8 months ahead of time. Prices tend to be cheaper if you book well in advance. Even after booking however, keep monitoring prices and take advantage of any sales or promotions that may occur closer to your travel date. Depending on your airline and the type of ticket, often there will be no change fees imposed. So if you do find a cheaper thicket even after booking, you can often cancel your current flight, rebook using your credit and be left with a credit to use for future travel.
During peak travel seasons like holidays or major events, try to book even further in advance, often around 6-12 months ahead, to secure better prices and availability. In some cases, airlines may offer last-minute deals on unsold seats, but this can be risky as there is no guarantee of availability or affordable prices. Therefore, it is generally best to avoid last-minute bookings unless you have the luxury of flexibility.
Check Other Airports
Before booking your tickets to Thailand, check prices from other airports particularly if your home airport is small. Here are a few reasons why checking other airports as possible departure locations can be beneficial:
- Cost savings: Flying out of airports like ORD (Chicago), SEA (Seattle), or LAX (Los Angeles) might offer lower ticket prices compared to your home airport. This is because larger airports often have more airlines, routes, and competition, resulting in better deals for travelers.
- More flight options: By considering alternative departure locations, you may have access to a greater variety of flights. This can include non-stop options, more convenient departure times, or flights with better connections. It allows you to compare different airlines and routes to find the most suitable and affordable option for your trip.
- Nearby destinations: Exploring other airports can open up possibilities to visit nearby destinations. For example, if you find cheaper flights from LAX, you can consider extending your trip and exploring Southern California or other surrounding areas before heading to Thailand.
- Stretch your legs: If you break your trip up with a night stay in city a few hours closer to Thailand, the travel can be easier on your body. Consider the entire trip as part of your adventure!
Remember to account for any additional costs, such as transportation to the alternative airport and any inconvenience associated with additional nights stay. However, in many cases, the cost savings and additional flight options outweigh these factors, making it worth exploring alternative departure locations.
Navigating Thailand’s Major Airports
Thailand had 3 main international airports, BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, HKT Phuket International Airport and CNX Chiang Mai International Airport. All three are well-equipped to handle the influx of tourists. Suvarnabhumi Airport, located in the heart of Bangkok, offers excellent connectivity to domestic and international destinations. Phuket International Airport, located in the popular beach destination of Phuket is a convenient entry point for those seeking an island paradise. Chiang Mai is the easiest entry for those who want to explore Northern Thailand.
Most often it will be cheapest to fly into Thailand’s largest airport in Bangkok BKK. Perhaps spend a few days there then continue on to alternate destinations. While in Bangkok, many domestic flights also fly out of DMK Don Mueang International Airport. It’s a little smaller than BKK and very easy to navigate.
All four airports provide a range of transportation options, including taxis, shuttle buses, and car rentals, making it easy for you to reach your desired destination in Thailand. For more information about getting around Thailand, please read my blog on Transportation within Thailand findingthailand.com/local-travel
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