What airline is the best option for domestic flights these days?

[Old Fool]

I recently noticed that the usual airline companies are all charging baggage and seat fees now.  The RT flights from Bangkok to Phuket have doubled in price from before C-19 because of these fees.  Thai Airways seems to be the only option I found that doesn't rob you of fees and gives 25kg limit on checked bags.  4100 THB for a RT flight at the least popular times of day.  I recall maybe 2,100 THB 6 years ago for the same flight, and the times of the flights didn't affect prices like now.

 

Is there a trick to get good rates besides the usual websites?  I'm wondering if locals pay over 4000 THB for these flights.

[ronster]

Any time I'm flying around the country I send my suitcase with Kerry express or flash courier to my destination .

Basically can send a 20kg+ suitcase from one end of country to other for 5-600bht and it arrives in 2 days .

Plus you don't need bother waiting at baggage claim .

[Scouse123]

1 hour ago, ronster said:

Any time I'm flying around the country I send my suitcase with Kerry express or flash courier to my destination .

Basically can send a 20kg+ suitcase from one end of country to other for 5-600bht and it arrives in 2 days .

Plus you don't need bother waiting at baggage claim .

 

But surely at that price you can get it baggage checked through with Air Asia?

[Scouse123]

19 hours ago, Old Fool said:

I recently noticed that the usual airline companies are all charging baggage and seat fees now.  The RT flights from Bangkok to Phuket have doubled in price from before C-19 because of these fees.  Thai Airways seems to be the only option I found that doesn't rob you of fees and gives 25kg limit on checked bags.  4100 THB for a RT flight at the least popular times of day.  I recall maybe 2,100 THB 6 years ago for the same flight, and the times of the flights didn't affect prices like now.

 

Is there a trick to get good rates besides the usual websites?  I'm wondering if locals pay over 4000 THB for these flights.

 

Unfortunately,

 

Post Covid excuses from airlines and other nonsense, it is what it is these days.

 

Yes, of course, Thai nationals pay the same for flights.

 

I haven't found any shortcuts to get better deals.

[BarraMarra]

Who wants to start organizing a courier service when you have just flown 18 hours from Europe to Thailand.

[Ajarnbrian]

Demand-driven pricing for airlines these days. As more tickets are sold for a flight, the price goes up. And using attractive headline price to grab attention, with lots of extras like bags, seat, card payment fee then added. Bangkok Airways have higher prices, fewer add-ons, better level of service and lounge to use at BKK if you are transferring to another flight with them. For cheaper domestic flights at times others don’t want to fly, eg Tues late evening in low season.

[ronster]

27 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

But surely at that price you can get it baggage checked through with Air Asia?

From Roi et to bkk yes for a bit more but then involves getting case and transferring it to next flight or airport and then waiting again for baggage. Much easier get off plane and head straight to hotel.

[DFPhuket]

Bangkok Airways and Thai both include 20kg checked bag, seat assignment and a snack/drink plus don't seem concerned about carry-on bag weight. The first price you see is what you pay.

 

All others are low cost and add for all of the above plus a credit card fee. The first price you see won't be the final price. If you are checking a bag, make sure you go to the final step to see how the price compares to Bangkok Air or Thai. 

 

Prices are indeed up. Total inflation since 2019 is about 9%, but prices have gone up more than that. 

 

 

[bkk6060]

Bangkok Air is the best, but probbly most expensive.

They do not provide a snack.  They provide a meal even on a one hour flight.  Chicken and noodles, a roll, dessert, coffee, water, tea all included.  Plus, they have a lounge pre flight.  Also, their flights from my expereince are not always full becasue people are cheap.

[BusyB]

15 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Bangkok Air is the best, but probbly most expensive.

They do not provide a snack.  They provide a meal even on a one hour flight.  Chicken and noodles, a roll, dessert, coffee, water, tea all included.  Plus, they have a lounge pre flight.  Also, their flights from my expereince are not always full becasue people are cheap.

 

A much better and more civilized way to travel ...

[MalcolmB]

Vietjet.

 

they  wear these cute shorts

[sandyf]

1 hour ago, Ajarnbrian said:

And using attractive headline price to grab attention, with lots of extras like bags, seat, card payment fee then added.

Indeed, and not just the domestic. A lot got caught out when BA introduced a cabin baggage only fare.

[sandyf]

56 minutes ago, DFPhuket said:

Prices are indeed up. Total inflation since 2019 is about 9%, but prices have gone up more than that. 

There may be a levelling off. I have just booked another flight with Emirates back to the UK as I did last Sep. Bit surprised it was about £60 cheaper this year for the same class of fare.

[Red Forever]

Viet Jet or Lion Thai are good. You don't pay extra for seat choice if you leave that box blank. After all, who needs a seat of choice for a 1 hour flight. Or, for that matter, an in-flight meal.

[LukKrueng]

22 hours ago, Old Fool said:

I'm wondering if locals pay over 4000 THB for these flights.

No. The locals have a secret code and pay only a fraction of this price. Some airlines have a system where the more non Thais are booked on the flight - the less Thais pay.

[Upnotover]

4 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

Vietjet.

 

they  wear these cute shorts

Unfortunately not, at least not always.  Advertising works it seems.

[ktm jeff]

3 hours ago, Red Forever said:

Viet Jet or Lion Thai are good. You don't pay extra for seat choice if you leave that box blank. After all, who needs a seat of choice for a 1 hour flight. Or, for that matter, an in-flight meal.

Vietjet were arguing about me being 0.9 KG over my 20 KG paid extra allowance earlier this year. It was juice , so couldnt move to cabin bag. Booked with Lion Air this week. They all put extras on.

[BangkokHank]

9 hours ago, ronster said:

Any time I'm flying around the country I send my suitcase with Kerry express or flash courier to my destination .

Basically can send a 20kg+ suitcase from one end of country to other for 5-600bht and it arrives in 2 days .

Plus you don't need bother waiting at baggage claim .

That's a very good idea. Thanks!

[ronster]

54 minutes ago, BangkokHank said:

That's a very good idea. Thanks!

Never had any problems doing it yet if I notify the hotel and so much easier not having to go about chasing and dragging a suitcase.

If take a carry on bag or backpack on the plane then it's free and in it can put anything essential if your case hasn't arrived so it should cover 1-2 days if somehow case is delayed.

[Old Fool]

So yesterday I found that Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways were the only non fee options.  TA gives 25kg and BA gives 20kg free.  Both are around 4,100 THB.  I like TA, and the meals are good.  I think I will try BA for the lounge this time.  Thanks

[digbeth]

7 hours ago, LukKrueng said:

No. The locals have a secret code and pay only a fraction of this price. Some airlines have a system where the more non Thais are booked on the flight - the less Thais pay.

There are actually Thai government employee deal, while not the cheapest compared to the cheapest fare with no options ticked on that flight (in case of low cost carrier like AirAsia), but has included snacks(not full meal) and baggage allowance, fixed price at around 2,200-3000 baht depending on route

[shdmn]

11 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Unfortunately,

 

Post Covid excuses from airlines and other nonsense, it is what it is these days.

 

Yes, of course, Thai nationals pay the same for flights.

 

I haven't found any shortcuts to get better deals.

They usually have a coupon code box on their website.  Do a search on the internet for that airline and try some codes. 

Edited September 27 by shdmn

[marin]

14 hours ago, LukKrueng said:

No. The locals have a secret code and pay only a fraction of this price. Some airlines have a system where the more non Thais are booked on the flight - the less Thais pay.

That is as hare brained as any post I have seen on travel in Thailand.  Yes LK they are coming to get you. 🤣

[JBChiangRai]

21 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

Vietjet.

 

they  wear these cute shorts

The male trolley dolly serving me wasn’t wearing cute shorts (thanks for small mercies).

[Srikcir]

If you want excitement: Thai VietJet

[Burma Bill]

What airline is the best option for domestic flights these days?

 

IMO Air Asia with some direct domestic routes avoiding Bangkok DMK. For example Khon Kaen direct to Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Edited September 28 by Burma Bill
additional information

[LukKrueng]

9 hours ago, marin said:

That is as hare brained as any post I have seen on travel in Thailand.  Yes LK they are coming to get you. 🤣

 

I guess you are the 1 that put the sad face on my remark. At least other members here CAN recognize and appreciate sarcasm

 

[marin]

2 minutes ago, LukKrueng said:

I guess you are the 1 that put the sad face on my remark. At least other members here CAN recognize and appreciate sarcasm

I did not do sh*t to your post. Very strange dude. 

[Bday Prang]

21 hours ago, ronster said:

Never had any problems doing it yet if I notify the hotel and so much easier not having to go about chasing and dragging a suitcase.

If take a carry on bag or backpack on the plane then it's free and in it can put anything essential if your case hasn't arrived so it should cover 1-2 days if somehow case is delayed.

do you take your own sandwiches and a refillable bottle of water too ?

[Bday Prang]

12 hours ago, marin said:

That is as hare brained as any post I have seen on travel in Thailand.  Yes LK they are coming to get you. 🤣

It was what is commonly known as "a joke"  you must hate April 1st