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Thailand is one of my favorite destinations in the world. The culture, the food, the jaw-dropping scenery…it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Asia.
But let’s be real: flying there in style can be pricey. As someone who’s flown to Thailand multiple times, I’ve learned some tricks to score cheap business and first-class flights. These tips have allowed me to enjoy the luxury of flatbed seats and top-notch service while still keeping my budget in check.
In my ultimate guide below, I’ll break down exactly how to find those elusive deals on premium flights to Thailand. From frequent flyer programs to mistake fares, I’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. Plus, apps like Going have made it even easier to land incredible deals to Bangkok and beyond. Ready to fly to Thailand in style without breaking the bank? Let’s dive in!
Finding great deals on business and first class flights to Thailand has been much easier with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Their alerts have helped me score fantastic fares that make luxury travel more accessible. Instead of endlessly searching for deals, Going sends the best options directly to your inbox.
Going is a membership site and app that does the hard work of finding the best value flights from your chosen airports. Once you subscribe to their alerts (via email or app), you’ll get notified as soon as there’s a price drop – be it a mistake fare or a special promotion that might otherwise go unnoticed.
There are three membership tiers of the Going App: Limited, Premium, and Elite. If you’re focused on business and first class deals, Elite is the way to go. It gives you access to the most exclusive discounts, making high-end travel to Thailand more affordable.
Whichever tier you go with, I can’t recommend the Going app enough. It’s saved me a ton on flights to Phuket, Ko Samui, and beyond, allowing me to enjoy the perks of business class without the sky high prices.
2. Use points, miles, and credit card perks for upgrades
One of the best ways to score a business or first-class flight to Thailand without draining your savings is by using points, miles, and those handy credit card perks. Let me walk you through some of the options that have worked for me.
American Airlines AAdvantage
If you’re based in the U.S. and frequently fly with American Airlines, their AAdvantage program is a great way to upgrade to business or first class on flights to Thailand. American Airlines partners with Japan Airlines (JAL), which offers excellent service to Bangkok.
You can use AAdvantage miles to book business class on Japan Airlines, typically costing around 70,000 miles one-way. Occasionally, you might find even better deals during off-peak times or through special promotions.
Pro Tip: Consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® for earning miles quickly. The sign-up bonus alone can significantly reduce the number of miles you need for your upgrade.
United MileagePlus
United MileagePlus is another option I recommend, especially if you’re near a United hub like San Francisco or Chicago. United is part of the Star Alliance, which includes Thai Airways—one of the best airlines to fly to Thailand from the US and Europe.
Using MileagePlus miles, you can book a business class seat on Thai Airways for around 75,000 miles one-way. If you’re aiming to build up your miles fast, the United Explorer Card is a good bet. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, plus perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
For European Travelers: If you’re flying from Europe, you can use MileagePlus miles to book business class on Lufthansa or Swiss International Air Lines. Both offer excellent service to Bangkok, and sometimes, the mileage requirements are a bit lower than you’d expect.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
If you’re like me and value flexibility, Chase Ultimate Rewards is a fantastic rewards program. You can transfer these points to multiple airline partners, including United MileagePlus and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program.
I’ve transferred my Chase points to KrisFlyer and booked business class on Singapore Airlines. It’s one of the best flying experiences I’ve had!Â
Depending on the route and availability, you might need around 92,000 KrisFlyer miles one-way for business class. The Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve cards are great for earning these points quickly, with generous sign-up bonuses.
If you’re looking for business class flights to Thailand from Europe, you can transfer Chase points to British Airways Avios and book business class on Qatar Airways or Cathay Pacific to Bangkok. I’ve seen Avios redemptions as low as 75,000 miles one-way, which is a pretty sweet deal for such a luxurious experience.
3. Choose airlines with low business & first class fares
Finding affordable business or first-class flights to Thailand might seem like a tall order. However, if you know which airlines to look for, it’s more achievable than you might think. I’ve done the legwork to find the carriers that consistently offer the best value for business and first-class seats to Thailand.
EVA Air
If you’re flying from the U.S., EVA Air is a standout choice for business class flights to Thailand. This Taiwanese airline consistently offers excellent value for the money.Â
I’ve flown with them a few times, and their Royal Laurel Class is hard to beat when it comes to comfort and service. The lie-flat seats are perfect for the long haul, and the food and service are consistently top-notch.
Flights from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York to Bangkok with a stop in Taipei are typically priced well, especially if you catch one of their promotions. I’ve seen round-trip business class fares dip as low as $2,500, which is a steal considering the quality of the experience.Â
While EVA Air doesn’t offer a first-class cabin on most routes, their business class is so well-regarded that it often feels like a step up from some airlines’ first-class offerings.
Finnair
Finnair is another smart choice, particularly if you’re flying from the East Coast or the Midwest. Finnair offers business class flights to Bangkok via Helsinki that are often more affordable than what you’d find with other European carriers. The stop in Helsinki might seem out of the way, but it can be a strategic choice for saving money while still flying in comfort.
I’ve found business class fares on Finnair to be as low as $2,000 round-trip, especially if you book during their sales. Finnair’s business class product includes lie-flat seats and quality service. Trust me, it’s a great middle ground if you’re looking to save some cash while still enjoying a premium experience.
SWISS International Air Lines
SWISS International Air Lines usually offer competitive business class fares to Bangkok from U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, with a stopover in Zurich. What’s even better is that Swiss often has attractive offers on first-class flights to Thailand, which are typically more affordable compared to other premium airlines.
SWISS business class tickets can be found for around $3,000 during sales. First-class fares, while still expensive, are often less costly than what you’d pay on Emirates or Qatar.Â
My recommendation for European and other travelers
If you’re traveling from Europe, Finnair remains my top recommendation for business class flights to Thailand, especially if you’re departing from Northern Europe. The Helsinki-Bangkok route is often priced competitively. For those in other parts of Europe, SWISS offers great connections from Zurich.
For travelers in Asia or the Middle East, I’d advise looking at airlines like Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines. They offer superb service, though often at a higher price point. Occasionally, you can find deals that make them worth considering, especially if you’re looking to maximize comfort and convenience.
4. Fly to Thailand during off-peak times
Timing your trip to Thailand can make all the difference in how much you pay for that luxury flight. If you’re like me and enjoy flying in style without breaking the bank, knowing when to go is key.
The most expensive times to fly to Thailand are during the high season from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, and around major holidays like Songkran (Thai New Year) in mid-April. Prices tend to skyrocket during these periods, and availability for premium seats can be limited.
If you’re looking for cheaper fares, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons in March-April (before Songkran) and September-October. The weather is still pleasant, and you’ll find that flights are often more affordable. I’ve personally found great deals in these months, and it’s also less crowded, which makes for a more relaxed travel experience.
Another option is to travel during the rainy season, from May to October. Yes, it’s wetter, but the rain usually comes in short bursts and doesn’t ruin the entire day. Plus, you can score some amazing deals on business and first-class flights during this time.
Pro Tip: One of the best ways to find these off-peak deals is by signing up for Going. Their Elite membership is especially handy for spotting discounted business and first-class fares. The Going app has helped me snag some incredible deals to Thailand during these off-peak times!
5. Consider stopovers
Stopovers can be a clever way to save on your business or first-class flight to Thailand, and they can make the journey more enjoyable, too. Instead of just focusing on getting to Thailand as quickly as possible, why not add another destination to your itinerary for less?
For instance, flying with Finnair often involves a stopover in Helsinki. Not only does this route tend to be more affordable than direct flights, but Finnair sometimes offers complimentary stopovers in Helsinki. It’s a great way to explore a new city while breaking up a long journey.
Qatar Airways is another great option, with a stopover in Doha. They often have competitive prices, and Qatar offers discounted or free hotel stays for business and first-class passengers. It’s a nice way to add some Middle Eastern luxury to your trip without spending extra.
Lastly, Etihad Airways with a stop in Abu Dhabi is worth considering. They also have deals on hotel stays for stopovers, so you can break up the journey, rest up, and maybe even explore a new city on the way to Thailand.
Bonus tip: Fly business class to nearby countries, then take a short flight to Thailand
Here’s a little bonus trick I’ve found useful! Instead of booking a business or first class flight directly to Thailand, consider flying to a nearby hub first. Often, you can find better deals by splitting your journey and then taking a short flight to Thailand.
Here are some nearby hubs you can consider:
- Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines often has great business and first class deals to Singapore. From there, you can hop on a short, affordable flight with a carrier like Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways to reach Thailand.
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Malaysia Airlines frequently offers competitive business class fares to Kuala Lumpur. Once there, it’s just a quick flight to Bangkok or Phuket with AirAsia or Thai Airways.
- Hong Kong (HKG): Cathay Pacific is known for its excellent business class service, and they often have good fares to Hong Kong. From there, you can take a short flight with carriers like Hong Kong Airlines or Thai Airways to reach your final destination in Thailand.
I’ve used this strategy a few times, and it’s not only saved me money, but it’s also given me the chance to explore cities I might not have visited otherwise. Plus, you still get to enjoy the luxury of a long-haul business class flight for the majority of your journey.
Ready to make your Thailand trip even more affordable? I highly recommend signing up for Going Elite. This membership is your secret weapon for finding those hard-to-get business and first class flights to Thailand. With Going Elite, I’ve been able to snag incredible fares that I wouldn’t have found on my own. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to travel in style without the high price tag!
