Hi everyone,

Thanks in advance for your help.

I live in Phuket. I want to buy a ticket online (BKK to Zurich for next month). I guess because of the type of payment card I have, the payment doesn't go through. Could anyone recommend a good and fair (no extra charge for the farangs, for instance, I would consider as fair) travel agency where I could purchase my ticket and pay cash, or with my card? Or do I need to go to Phuket Airport to buy a ticket? Thank you.

PS: I found a good deal with FINNAIR. Does Finnair have an office in Phuket or BKK? Thanks.

I think this is better off over in the Phuket forum. So let's move this topic over there, OK? Best of luck with your search!

Topic Moved.

Queens Travel, Patong.

Sweetland in Patong, Lotus, Central.

i didn't know people still bought tickets offline

i didn't know people still bought tickets offline

I guess they do if they don't have an acceptable online credit card.

I know you have asked for a travel agent, but have you tried using a VPN (it's not illegal) preferably with the server based in the country where your credit card was issued - your online purchase would most likely go through if using a VPN.

Another idea is, If you can't find a "good and fair" travel agent, transfer the money to a relative/friend in your home country, and get them to buy the air ticket online, on your behalf. They can then email it to you and you can print it up here.

Maybe the OP could tell us what kind of card he's trying to use. If a debit card, that could be the problem. They tend to have lower limits.

I had excellent experiences with Royal Friendly Tour, Rawai.

I know you have asked for a travel agent, but have you tried using a VPN (it's not illegal) preferably with the server based in the country where your credit card was issued - your online purchase would most likely go through if using a VPN.

Another idea is, If you can't find a "good and fair" travel agent, transfer the money to a relative/friend in your home country, and get them to buy the air ticket online, on your behalf. They can then email it to you and you can print it up here.

And violate the rule nearly all airlines have 'the credit card must be in possession of the traveler and be able to be shown on checkin'? Not a good idea.

I know you have asked for a travel agent, but have you tried using a VPN (it's not illegal) preferably with the server based in the country where your credit card was issued - your online purchase would most likely go through if using a VPN.

Another idea is, If you can't find a "good and fair" travel agent, transfer the money to a relative/friend in your home country, and get them to buy the air ticket online, on your behalf. They can then email it to you and you can print it up here.

And violate the rule nearly all airlines have 'the credit card must be in possession of the traveler and be able to be shown on checkin'? Not a good idea.

For many years I have paid for air travel for myself and family. Never been asked to see the credit card used to pay.

I know you have asked for a travel agent, but have you tried using a VPN (it's not illegal) preferably with the server based in the country where your credit card was issued - your online purchase would most likely go through if using a VPN.

Another idea is, If you can't find a "good and fair" travel agent, transfer the money to a relative/friend in your home country, and get them to buy the air ticket online, on your behalf. They can then email it to you and you can print it up here.

And violate the rule nearly all airlines have 'the credit card must be in possession of the traveler and be able to be shown on checkin'? Not a good idea.

For many years I have paid for air travel for myself and family. Never been asked to see the credit card used to pay.

It is a rule nearly all airlines have in their booking conditions. How they enforce it may be lax and depend on the airline as well.

Finnair (AY)
Reservation: 0 2634 0238-9

i didn't know people still bought tickets offline

Then you are missing out. I book several long haul tickets a year and 100% of the time you will save a few thousand baht going through a thai agency, especially on business class tickets.

Sweetland in Patong, Lotus, Central.

Thank you. I went to Tesco Lotus Extra Phuket Town, i didnt find it. Is it there? I guess Ill keep on looking in the other locations you mention.

Maybe the OP could tell us what kind of card he's trying to use. If a debit card, that could be the problem. They tend to have lower limits.

Thank you. It is a MasterCard debit card. The only option in the method of payment section is "credit card", and i dont have any of those. I thought i could pay with a debit card, but apparently not.

Finnair (AY)

Reservation: 0 2634 0238-9

Thank you. Is this a thai phone number? Doesnt seem to be to me, but Im not sure.

Every time I have bought a ticket to Singapore with Silk Air and paid by credit card, I have had to show my card at check-in.

Finnair (AY)

Reservation: 0 2634 0238-9

Thank you. Is this a thai phone number? Doesnt seem to be to me, but Im not sure.

Yes it is. Phone numbers starting with 02 are from Bangkok. The same way as 076 are for Phuket.

Sweetland in Patong, Lotus, Central.

Thank you. I went to Tesco Lotus Extra Phuket Town, i didnt find it. Is it there? I guess Ill keep on looking in the other locations you mention.

I thought I saw Sweetland there just the other day, maybe upstairs. There is definitely one at Lotus Chao Fa West. Central it is in the bank area.

I know you have asked for a travel agent, but have you tried using a VPN (it's not illegal) preferably with the server based in the country where your credit card was issued - your online purchase would most likely go through if using a VPN.

Another idea is, If you can't find a "good and fair" travel agent, transfer the money to a relative/friend in your home country, and get them to buy the air ticket online, on your behalf. They can then email it to you and you can print it up here.

And violate the rule nearly all airlines have 'the credit card must be in possession of the traveler and be able to be shown on checkin'? Not a good idea.

I believe they may ask to see the credit card if the flight was purchased online the day before, or the day of the flight.

The idea being, a stolen credit card can be used, and then the card reported stolen, so all payments stopped, and/or, the owner takes the flight, and then cancels the card, or payment, in order to get out of paying.

If the ticket is purchased well in advance, the payment is processed and goes to the airline. They have no need to see the card after this.

I have taken many, many flights, and never once been asked to produce the credit card.

In any case, my suggestion of using a VPN may be all the OP needs.

I know you have asked for a travel agent, but have you tried using a VPN (it's not illegal) preferably with the server based in the country where your credit card was issued - your online purchase would most likely go through if using a VPN.

Another idea is, If you can't find a "good and fair" travel agent, transfer the money to a relative/friend in your home country, and get them to buy the air ticket online, on your behalf. They can then email it to you and you can print it up here.

And violate the rule nearly all airlines have 'the credit card must be in possession of the traveler and be able to be shown on checkin'? Not a good idea.

I believe they may ask to see the credit card if the flight was purchased online the day before, or the day of the flight.

The idea being, a stolen credit card can be used, and then the card reported stolen, so all payments stopped, and/or, the owner takes the flight, and then cancels the card, or payment, in order to get out of paying.

If the ticket is purchased well in advance, the payment is processed and goes to the airline. They have no need to see the card after this.

I have taken many, many flights, and never once been asked to produce the credit card.

In any case, my suggestion of using a VPN may be all the OP needs.

Just check some booking conditions, and you'll see that it is a near universal requirement.

So they may ask to see it, no matter when the ticket was bought.

I know you have asked for a travel agent, but have you tried using a VPN (it's not illegal) preferably with the server based in the country where your credit card was issued - your online purchase would most likely go through if using a VPN.

Another idea is, If you can't find a "good and fair" travel agent, transfer the money to a relative/friend in your home country, and get them to buy the air ticket online, on your behalf. They can then email it to you and you can print it up here.

And violate the rule nearly all airlines have 'the credit card must be in possession of the traveler and be able to be shown on checkin'? Not a good idea.

I believe they may ask to see the credit card if the flight was purchased online the day before, or the day of the flight.

The idea being, a stolen credit card can be used, and then the card reported stolen, so all payments stopped, and/or, the owner takes the flight, and then cancels the card, or payment, in order to get out of paying.

If the ticket is purchased well in advance, the payment is processed and goes to the airline. They have no need to see the card after this.

I have taken many, many flights, and never once been asked to produce the credit card.

In any case, my suggestion of using a VPN may be all the OP needs.

Just check some booking conditions, and you'll see that it is a near universal requirement.

So they may ask to see it, no matter when the ticket was bought.

I believe you, I'm just saying, I have never, ever, been asked to produce it. Have you?

What happens when a guy buys an air ticket for his Thai missus, and uses his card?

Actually, forget about being Thai. What happens when one person buys an air ticket for anyone else?

Are you suggesting a member of the OP's family can not buy an air ticket for him, online?

There might be a person who has answered truthfully to all "Yes. I have read the terms and conditions" the person agrees, but I have not yet managed to meet one.

The companies make all kind of rules which pre-empty all kind of possible legal troubles. I guess the requirement to provide credit card when requested is one of those. That might help to fight the scammers, but it's not an issue in real life.

For many years I have paid for air travel for myself and family. Never been asked to see the credit card used to pay.

Does not been asked many times, but US Airway, Japan Airlines and Korean Airlines ask to see my credit card each one time.

I believe they may ask to see the credit card if the flight was purchased online the day before, or the day of the flight.

The idea being, a stolen credit card can be used, and then the card reported stolen, so all payments stopped, and/or, the owner takes the flight, and then cancels the card, or payment, in order to get out of paying.

If the ticket is purchased well in advance, the payment is processed and goes to the airline. They have no need to see the card after this.

I have taken many, many flights, and never once been asked to produce the credit card.

In any case, my suggestion of using a VPN may be all the OP needs.

On the 3 times they ask to see my credit card, 2 of those tickets were purchased over a month in advance so it is not true.

I believe they may ask to see the credit card if the flight was purchased online the day before, or the day of the flight.

The idea being, a stolen credit card can be used, and then the card reported stolen, so all payments stopped, and/or, the owner takes the flight, and then cancels the card, or payment, in order to get out of paying.

If the ticket is purchased well in advance, the payment is processed and goes to the airline. They have no need to see the card after this.

I have taken many, many flights, and never once been asked to produce the credit card.

In any case, my suggestion of using a VPN may be all the OP needs.

On the 3 times they ask to see my credit card, 2 of those tickets were purchased over a month in advance so it is not true.

You've been asked 2 times for your card out of how many flights, and that makes me a liar, does it?

Perhaps you could answer the questions I asked in Post No. 24.