2 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks.

I've viewed the suggested services and they seem to offer the same flight choices at similar prices. I'm not in a rush, but I'm going to avoid those 29 hour flights that use different planes for various legs. I'm thinking it might be easier to just pay a bit extra and let an agency do the searching and booking for me.

Stubby

 

  We've all taken time to try and help you........................and you end up using an agent anyway !!!!!!!

22 hours ago, Stubby said:

Good afternoon, forum,

 

I'm flying to the UK soon after a long absence. It's my first long-haul flight for almost 10 years. Can anyone recommend an agency that offers the best prices? Or is it just better to search online and book via the web? I'm not in a rush, so I'm not fussed about one or two stopovers.

Thank you,

 

Stubby

I have been at it many years and think Skyscanner is now one of the better options. Decide on the flight that suits best and then book with the airline. Many will say there is nothing wrong with agents, but that depends if there is a problem or not.

The last tme I booked with an agent, the flight was cancelled. I couldn't get a refund from the airline because it was booked with agent, the agent claimed it was not a cancellation but a reschedule. I had an email  saying the flight was cancelled so took them to court, it was settled out of court, but I would never want to be in the same position again.

If not bothered about time, Chinese look about cheapest.

11 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks.

I've viewed the suggested services and they seem to offer the same flight choices at similar prices. I'm not in a rush, but I'm going to avoid those 29 hour flights that use different planes for various legs. I'm thinking it might be easier to just pay a bit extra and let an agency do the searching and booking for me.

Stubby

Think there are only 2 direct flights from BKK to UK these days, Thai Airways and EVA Air, not a lot of searching involved if you don't  want different planes.

Not sure what happened to BA, thought they had put one back on to Gatwick but didn't show up on enquiry.

If you had gotten back to me sooner, there was Air China for the 7th at £269.10. But now they only have it for the 8th onwards. It's a long stopover, but they do provide a free transit hotel(subject to availability).

 

That's about the cheapest you will find at such short notice.  https://www.airchina.co.uk/  All on one ticket and just one stopover. 

 

Book directly with them of course. As an aside, they have a strange anomaly on that date, wherein Economy Flex is cheaper than Economy Standard. So you get a relatively flexible ticket. Change dates for US$100. Refund US$200.

23 minutes ago, sandyf said:

Think there are only 2 direct flights from BKK to UK these days, Thai Airways and EVA Air, not a lot of searching involved if you don't  want different planes.

Not sure what happened to BA, thought they had put one back on to Gatwick but didn't show up on enquiry.

I believe the BA flights were a seasonal addition that ended last week.

17 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

I believe the BA flights were a seasonal addition that ended last week.

 

Yes, resumes again at the end of October.

2 hours ago, treetops said:

Consider yourself corrected.  Chiang Mai only has international flights to elsewhere in Asia, nothing to Europe. 😉

Many thanks for that. 

57 minutes ago, SMIAI said:

If you had gotten back to me sooner, there was Air China for the 7th at £269.10. But now they only have it for the 8th onwards. It's a long stopover, but they do provide a free transit hotel(subject to availability).

 

That's about the cheapest you will find at such short notice.  https://www.airchina.co.uk/  All on one ticket and just one stopover. 

 

Book directly with them of course. As an aside, they have a strange anomaly on that date, wherein Economy Flex is cheaper than Economy Standard. So you get a relatively flexible ticket. Change dates for US$100. Refund US$200.

I had a look on the Air China website but couldn't see any mention of free transit hotels. 

 

I wouldn't want to fly via China but would be interested in knowing of any flights with a stopover - and ideally a hotel - in the Middle East if there's anything you know of, especially if the price is similar to that of a direct flight, or less of course.

1 hour ago, Upnotover said:

I believe the BA flights were a seasonal addition that ended last week.

Cheers,  they were a permanent daily to Heathrow when I gave up on them, too many disruptions.

https://worldtravelerclub.com/airlines-offering-free-hotel-stays-for-long-layovers-everything-you-need-to-know/

30 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  We've all taken time to try and help you........................and you end up using an agent anyway !!!!!!!

No, I haven't, Nick, I'm just not ruling it out as an option, that's all. I appreciate everyone who's taken time to give advice. In fact, I've been surprised at how many eyeballs this topic has received. The reason I 'may' consider an agent is 

 

37 minutes ago, sandyf said:

I have been at it many years and think Skyscanner is now one of the better options. Decide on the flight that suits best and then book with the airline. Many will say there is nothing wrong with agents, but that depends if there is a problem or not.

The last tme I booked with an agent, the flight was cancelled. I couldn't get a refund from the airline because it was booked with agent, the agent claimed it was not a cancellation but a reschedule. I had an email  saying the flight was cancelled so took them to court, it was settled out of court, but I would never want to be in the same position again.

If not bothered about time, Chinese look about cheapest.

That's scary, Sandyf, thanks for your input. I have also found Chinese airline to be the best across the platforms, so it looks like that might be the way to go. 

3 hours ago, SMIAI said:

If you had gotten back to me sooner, there was Air China for the 7th at £269.10. But now they only have it for the 8th. It's a long stopover, but they do provide a free transit hotel(subject to availability).

 

That's about the cheapest you will find at such short notice.  https://www.airchina.co.uk/

 

Book direct of course. As an aside, they have a strange anomaly on that date, wherein Economy Flex is cheaper than Economy Standard. So you get a relatively flexible ticket. Change dates for US$100. Refund US$200.

Thank you very much, SMIAI ;) 

3 hours ago, treetops said:

 

Yes, resumes again at the end of October.

 

Bad timing on my part, Treetops.

2 hours ago, Stubby said:

I have also found Chinese airline to be the best across the platforms, so it looks like that might be the way to go. 

I am not sure they are ever the "best" option.  Likely the cheapest.  Depends on your priorities.

Last year I used China Eastern, flew to Shanghai, long layover, I think 8 hours, then to London Gatwick. Cheap but long and tiring.

 

This year I have booked with Qatar Airways, I was a Silver card member with them. 
To BKK, then 6 hours to Doha, then 6 hours to LGW. 63, 779 THB return for 2 people.

Their service is the best in my opinion, friendly, good food, plenty booze, decent Airport lounges and shopping.

 

They use to fly from CM a few days a week, but discontinued since Covid.

 

If you avoid flying on certain days, eg weekends, you should get cheaper tickets.

1 hour ago, Tazmo said:

Last year I used China Eastern, flew to Shanghai, long layover, I think 8 hours, then to London Gatwick. Cheap but long and tiring.

 

This year I have booked with Qatar Airways, I was a Silver card member with them. 
To BKK, then 6 hours to Doha, then 6 hours to LGW. 63, 779 THB return for 2 people.

Their service is the best in my opinion, friendly, good food, plenty booze, decent Airport lounges and shopping.

 

They use to fly from CM a few days a week, but discontinued since Covid.

 

If you avoid flying on certain days, eg weekends, you should get cheaper tickets.

Thanks, Tazmo ;)

If youre doing a connecting give a good look at layover connecting ttime               There are a bunch of booking

with 20-30 layover.  Prices look good  

but forever in an airport

Search flights from Bangkok, as you'll likely be going there first anyway.

 

Skyscanner.

 

From CNX, 37000thb

From Bkk, 21000thb. 

 

 

https://m.airchina.com/c/invoke/zzjdinstruction@pgenus

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@madsmully/video/7426342334679289121

 

I would disagree with @Packer this occasion. Choosing a cheap flight from BKK makes 3 stops with at least two self transfers is sheer folly. needing to collect your luggage and to check in on multiple occasions is a recipe for disaster.

Air China Economy Flex with a one stop and accommodation included for less than £270 is a 'no brainer'.

Seems obvious that the poster needs a one way.

If there is no Thai Air allergy I wouldn't think twice.

As I don't have exact date I looked up on MATRIX starting May 23.

 

15520 Baht is a competitive price!

2 hour layover in Bangkok.

Baggage checked through.

What more do you need?

This is May 27:

(same price every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

 

Click on image.

On 5/2/2025 at 5:50 PM, Yagoda said:

Skyscanner is the best way to do it.

MATRIX

Slower but very comprehensive.

https://matrix.itasoftware.com/

 

 

11 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

MATRIX

Slower but very comprehensive.

https://matrix.itasoftware.com/

 

 

Cool, Im researching flights and will take a look

15 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

MATRIX

Slower but very comprehensive.

https://matrix.itasoftware.com/

 

 

Bro thanks for that, it gives the same prices as Skyscanner but I like the layout and search parameters

 

Out of curiosity I checked the opposite direction (May) and here TG wants 590 GBP! (about 26000 Baht) and far from the best prices.

 

China Eastern 1 stop via Shanghai is 376 GBP from Gatwick.

As both legs China Eastern I guess you can check baggage through.

1 hour ago, SMIAI said:

Air China Economy

 

Don't forget your earplugs, nose plugs, hazmat suit and padlock for every pocket. 

 

 

Air China economy, may times never, ever be that tough. 🙏

11 minutes ago, Packer said:

 

Don't forget your earplugs, nose plugs, hazmat suit and padlock for every pocket. 

 

 

Air China economy, may times never, ever be that tough. 🙏

I don't think the China option is going to work. I wanted to take my guitar but they said if I take in onboard, i need to book an extra seat. And if I want to check it in with my regular bag, I will have to pay $1000 extra. I've never had issues taking a guitar on a plane before on a long-haul flight, but I guess this is the price one must pay for economy.

 

30 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Out of curiosity I checked the opposite direction (May) and here TG wants 590 GBP! (about 26000 Baht) and far from the best prices.

 

China Eastern 1 stop via Shanghai is 376 GBP from Gatwick.

As both legs China Eastern I guess you can check baggage through.

The price is great, but only if I leave my guitar behind. See previous response, BENQ :(

 

You didn't mention carry a guitar beforehand. Anything else that you have neglected to mention? 🙂

 

Just put the guitar in the hold as checked luggage. Where else did you expect to carry the guitar? It's too big for carry on. Every other airline will be the same.

As long at the total dimensions do not exceed 203cm, you can check it in for free. Of course that means that you will only travel with hand luggage and a guitar. Up to you.

Complaining about Air China Economy Flex, but instead suggesting multi stop flights with self transfers including Wizz Air??

 

I think someone might have taken leave of their senses. I'll take one stop with a free hotel over multiple self transfers any day.