I am planning my trip for this coming August. For those who fly out of SFO (San Francisco), where have you found the best airline rates and what site did you use to book? From my research I've seen that Eva Air usually offers the best prices for round trip flights. While looking at prices over the last few days it seems that Orbitz's has been offering the best rate after taxes/fees are applied.

 

Just looking for more info from those that regularly fly from SFO to BKK Also if you have a recommendation on when to book the tickets (I plan to record prices every night for the next week and then book the next time I find the cheapest rate) and would it be cheaper if I purchase 2 tickets at once? A friend will be coming on the trip with me and I wanted to see if it's cheaper for us to book under the same card or purchase our tickets separate (even though it's the same flight).

I am planning my trip for this coming August. For those who fly out of SFO (San Francisco), where have you found the best airline rates and what site did you use to book? From my research I've seen that Eva Air usually offers the best prices for round trip flights. While looking at prices over the last few days it seems that Orbitz's has been offering the best rate after taxes/fees are applied.

 

Just looking for more info from those that regularly fly from SFO to BKK Also if you have a recommendation on when to book the tickets (I plan to record prices every night for the next week and then book the next time I find the cheapest rate) and would it be cheaper if I purchase 2 tickets at once? A friend will be coming on the trip with me and I wanted to see if it's cheaper for us to book under the same card or purchase our tickets separate (even though it's the same flight).

 

I've flown EVA, China Air and Cathay Pacific. I prefer Cathay Pacific, and I always purchase directly from their website. I've found the prices there to be lower than on sites like expedia, orbitz and kayak. I usually purchase tickets about 10 to 12 weeks in advance. I haven't really done an exhaustive study of which airline has the best fares and how far in advance to purchase, but Cathay Pacific purchased about 2 1/2 to 3 months in advance seems to work out quite well for me. My preference for Cathay Pacific (because of convenient schedules and, in my opinion, somewhat better service, meals, etc.) makes me willing to pay a few more dollars (maybe $50 or $100) to fly on that airline. I like the flight that leave SFO shortly after midnight (or 1:00am when we're on daylight savings time) and gets you to BKK around 10:30 in the morning (after a stop in Hong Kong).

 

I can't comment on the idea of purchasing two tickets, since I've never done that. But my guess is that two tickets would simply cost twice as much as one ticket.

 

One other comment: If you join the Marco Polo club and fly (SFO-BKK-SFO) a couple of times (or more) per year, you'll be able to use their lounges and check in with Business Class (instead of Coach - I'm assuming you fly in the rear of the plane - like me - and save your money for Pattaya). Those are a couple of nice perks!

 

I'd be interested in what conclusions you come to after you complete your research. I'll be going to Pattaya in May and June, but may try to make another trip in August. So keep in touch. Maybe we can meet in the promised land!

 

Bakwan

I am planning my trip for this coming August. For those who fly out of SFO (San Francisco), where have you found the best airline rates and what site did you use to book? From my research I've seen that Eva Air usually offers the best prices for round trip flights. While looking at prices over the last few days it seems that Orbitz's has been offering the best rate after taxes/fees are applied.

 

Just looking for more info from those that regularly fly from SFO to BKK Also if you have a recommendation on when to book the tickets (I plan to record prices every night for the next week and then book the next time I find the cheapest rate) and would it be cheaper if I purchase 2 tickets at once? A friend will be coming on the trip with me and I wanted to see if it's cheaper for us to book under the same card or purchase our tickets separate (even though it's the same flight).

 

 

What's up Freeski

 

I fly out of SFO for my trips to Thailand. My airline of choice is EVA. China Air has cheaper flights but I did not like the service as much as EVA. Cathay Pacific has similar prices to EVA. I book through the EVA website. I recommend you register for the mileage points. It's amazing how fast the tickets go so if you know when you are traveling I recommend you go ahead and purchase. You can pick your meals, seat, arrival, and departure times. I've never seen a price break on just two tickets but it can't hurt to ask. I assume you and your friend want to sit together so I recommend you purchase at the same time. The better seats go first. I book as soon as possible in order to get my favorite aisle seat near the rest room. My last trip report might help you out a bit. The link is just below. Last trip Jan'25 - Feb' 15 2010.

Take care DBJOHN.

 

http://www.pattaya-addicts.com/forum/topic/52652-in-the-abundance-of-water-the-fool-is-thirsty/page__p__821631__fromsearch__1entry821631

i would also recommend Cathay Pacific but you have many choices from SFO... United, Eva, China Airlines(Taiwan), Asiana, All Nippon, Japan, Korean, Philippine Airlines. SFO is the gateway to Asia

I always fly EVA. The reason for this was because when I started going to LOS over 10 years ago, EVA was one of the only airlines at the time that offered premium/delux class seats. This is between econo and business class. It's around $200 more than econo and well worth it considering the flight time.

 

I always book on their website. It's pretty easy to use. Also you should sign up for the EVA club. There are some nice perks if you fly enough.

 

I also like the schedule. Fly out around 1AM and arrive in LOS around 11AM. Leave for SFO at night (means you can put in a full day at work, saves using a vacation day) and get to LOS and have a full day there.

I am planning my trip for this coming August. For those who fly out of SFO (San Francisco), where have you found the best airline rates and what site did you use to book? From my research I've seen that Eva Air usually offers the best prices for round trip flights. While looking at prices over the last few days it seems that Orbitz's has been offering the best rate after taxes/fees are applied.

 

Just looking for more info from those that regularly fly from SFO to BKK Also if you have a recommendation on when to book the tickets (I plan to record prices every night for the next week and then book the next time I find the cheapest rate) and would it be cheaper if I purchase 2 tickets at once? A friend will be coming on the trip with me and I wanted to see if it's cheaper for us to book under the same card or purchase our tickets separate (even though it's the same flight).

 

 

 

Hi freeSki

 

I will be probably flying out of SFO this june, I flew last year in late July/Aug on EVA which I think is the best deal for the price. I've flown Cathay but didn't really see much difference.

But I'm waiting it out until the spring specials are over and they start running the summer. Last year I bought my ticket in May for $970 RT out the door. Also Singapore Air is very good they were running some very cheap airfares around the same time I bought mine last year. I know they say to buy early but I've been watching airfares closely and they are pretty high for the summer and have seen great deals for spring travel so I imagine they will go down.

Ron

Raider, I bought my tickets with Eva for my June trip. Unfortunately, June is listed as high season! I had to pay dearly for my flight, but I did not have any choice as this was my scheduled time off from work.

 

The better time out of SFO would be before the 3rd week of May or after the 3rd week of August when the prices drop. Anything after the 21st of May until August is when school term ends, and kids fly back and forth to their families, or families taking vacations. I believe I paid $500 plus over my regular Deluxe class this trip!

 

That being said, I got several email from both Cathay Pacific and Singapore offering good economy seats this time.

Edited April 14, 201016 yr by dotcom_OD

China Airlines gets my highest recommendation. I haven't flown the other two airlines mentioned in this thread (EVA and Cathay Pacific), but I've never had a reason to look for another airline. China Air generally has the cheapest flights and I've found the service (in economy) to be top-notch. You can check two bags for free (and have the standard two small carryons), meals are free and non-stop (standard airline fare -- not great, but not disgusting either). Beverages, including beer and wine, are free and unlimited. The cabin crew is attentive to a fault and all speak English (and Cantonese and Mandarin). I've heard their lounges are excellent, though since I just recently became a Dynasty Club gold member I haven't been in one yet. You can book online through their website and choose your seats, and even your meal if you want, immediately. If you fly China Airlines, the flight leaves SFO at about 1:30am during DST, and you'll change planes in Taipei, then get into Bangkok at about 11am. The only complaint I've ever had about China Airlines is that one time some of the ground crew in Taipei at security was a little surly (you have to go through security when you change planes).

 

I also flew United to Bangkok once. Never again!

 

Whichever airline you choose, be sure to check the prices on the airline's website before booking through Orbitz/Expedia/whatever. They're good for price comparisons, but I've always found that booking direct through the airline website to be much cheaper than booking through a clearinghouse like Orbitz.

 

Have a great trip!

China Airlines gets my highest recommendation. I haven't flown the other two airlines mentioned in this thread (EVA and Cathay Pacific), but I've never had a reason to look for another airline. China Air generally has the cheapest flights and I've found the service (in economy) to be top-notch. You can check two bags for free (and have the standard two small carryons), meals are free and non-stop (standard airline fare -- not great, but not disgusting either). Beverages, including beer and wine, are free and unlimited. The cabin crew is attentive to a fault and all speak English (and Cantonese and Mandarin). I've heard their lounges are excellent, though since I just recently became a Dynasty Club gold member I haven't been in one yet. You can book online through their website and choose your seats, and even your meal if you want, immediately. If you fly China Airlines, the flight leaves SFO at about 1:30am during DST, and you'll change planes in Taipei, then get into Bangkok at about 11am. The only complaint I've ever had about China Airlines is that one time some of the ground crew in Taipei at security was a little surly (you have to go through security when you change planes).

 

I also flew United to Bangkok once. Never again!

 

Whichever airline you choose, be sure to check the prices on the airline's website before booking through Orbitz/Expedia/whatever. They're good for price comparisons, but I've always found that booking direct through the airline website to be much cheaper than booking through a clearinghouse like Orbitz.

 

Have a great trip!

 

Interesting, i would not have thought the Taiwanese flight attendants all speak Cantonese.

I've been checking prices every night for the past week and they aren't going up or down in price, staying the exact same hehe. So far I've seen Eva Air to be ~$1100 after taxes/fees and China Airlines to be ~$1150 after taxes/fees.

 

I'm not going to loose sleep over spending $75-100 more for tickets, but would they generally come down in price if I wait till May to book my tickets?

Free,

 

When buying on US carriers, expect to pay more from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It can be the opposite on the Asian carriers. The prices on the Asia carriers typically have less volatility and shopping on EVA website (after you join evergreen) should give you a fair price. That said, due to the unique political situation (and the usual drop off in tourism that traditionally follows), expect airfares to drop off in the next month or so in/out of BKK.

 

From SFO I've flown EVA, United, Singapore and ANA. I typically fly on Star Alliance carriers to accumulate United miles for future upgrades and accelerators.

 

By far, the best bang for buck is EVA. Join EVA mileage program (Evergreen Club) and you'll receive emails on discounts called hot e-savers. They also post on their site. FWIW, current cheapy fare (code X) in the back for an August trip is 976, inclusive of gas surcharge.

 

Singapore is the best airline, but the super cheap fare does not allow for accumulation of miles. My last mail from SQ was 1162 r/t for prem econ.

 

IMO United sucks trans-pacific on those old planes with old hags but once you get to Narita, you're on new trip 7s with Toyko-based flight crews (it's like a different airline). FWIW, the cheapest fare I see on United at the moment is 1007 (1085 after taxes). In August that goes up to 1659 and Sept it drops off to 1041 (b4 tx)

 

As a sidenote, 3 additional things:

1) Depending on your size, getting the premium economy seat (aka evergreen plus) on EVA also is worth the extra couple of bucks.

2) EVA also lays over (aka transit) in Taipei.

3) When traveling to Asia, always take the miles and book through the airline over priceline when you have the option. The few bucks you save aren't worth it.

Edited April 15, 201016 yr by arbiez

My choice of airlines to Asia is Cathay Pacific and it's been the only airline I've used. I like going into Hong Kong (since this is Cathay's home base) as I sometimes stay over in Hong Kong to visit friends. But I've heard very good things about Eva. That's my limited personnel experience flying into Asia.

I always fly EVA. The reason for this was because when I started going to LOS over 10 years ago, EVA was one of the only airlines at the time that offered premium/delux class seats. This is between econo and business class. It's around $200 more than econo and well worth it considering the flight time.

 

I always book on their website. It's pretty easy to use. Also you should sign up for the EVA club. There are some nice perks if you fly enough.

 

I also like the schedule. Fly out around 1AM and arrive in LOS around 11AM. Leave for SFO at night (means you can put in a full day at work, saves using a vacation day) and get to LOS and have a full day there.

Really???

Hmmm.........I wonder why from LAX to BKK it's more of a difference? I just checked and the cheapest airfare from LAX to BKK and back (Aug. 30th to Sept. 21st) is $911, all inclusive, for economy and $1448, all inclusive, for Evergreen Deluxe/Elite; that's a $537 difference!!!! (and they're the same flights)

(wonder why it's less of a difference from SFO to BKK, roundtrip, than it is from LAX to BKK, roundtrip?)

 

 

Allen

Edited April 15, 201016 yr by abinder

My bad. that was the difference 10 years ago and I never bothered to compare again. Once I using deluxe I never looked back.

My bad. that was the difference 10 years ago and I never bothered to compare again. Once I using deluxe I never looked back.

I noticed that on seatguru.com, it appears that you have about 1" wider seat and about 3 degrees more recline in the deluxe seats. Is there any other differences? (more leg room, softer seat?)

 

Just curious.

 

 

Allen

I noticed that on seatguru.com, it appears that you have about 1" wider seat and about 3 degrees more recline in the deluxe seats. Is there any other differences? (more leg room, softer seat?)

 

Just curious.

 

 

Allen

If that's the main difference then I will pass hehe. I'm very fit however I am rather tall (6'4") so I would only really benefit from more leg room. A wider seat and more recline isn't worth an extra $400-500 for me. Maybe on a 20+ hour flight it might be nice though. I fly to the Philippines annually for work and that's only a 13 hour flight yet I dread every minute of it LOL.

I would book a roundtrip ticket from SFO to HKG on any airline you find cheap, then book a separate trip from HKG to BKK. You get to relax in HK or go over the border for more fun. If you know somebody in HK, you could have then look up a package for 2 people. You could get specials from $3,000 - $5,000 HKD, with 3 star and up plus air.

Hopefully I'm worrying for no reason at all.. Searching flights on EvaAir for the beginning of August and some flights are already sold out (not a big deal I guess as I just move my departure one back/forward). The price is going up gradually though.. I recall seeing it ~$986 a couple weeks ago and now it's up to ~$1100 :(

 

Does everyone usually book through their site or is it worth calling/emailing them for a possible discount? I wasn't sure with all the protests going on right now if they would offer a discounted rate for booking now hehe ;) Or if I should just wait it out another week and book when I see a price that's reasonable.

Edited April 21, 201016 yr by FreeSki

As of right now EvaAir's main site is quoting $1090 ($1168.40 after taxes) per ticket. Does anyone think I will find a better price if I wait or what are your expierences? Also is it best to book online or are there are rebates/deals to be had by calling in. I am booking two tickets btw..

As of right now EvaAir's main site is quoting $1090 ($1168.40 after taxes) per ticket. Does anyone think I will find a better price if I wait or what are your expierences? Also is it best to book online or are there are rebates/deals to be had by calling in. I am booking two tickets btw..

Hmmmmmm...........I just looked on the EVA airlines website and looked for flights leaving LAX to BKK on Aug 30th and returning on Sept 21st. The quoted price was $925.

 

Are you flying from SFO to BKK? Can you go the end of August/beginning of September instead?

(personally, I'll probably fly China Airlines again from LAX. The 747 is very decent and food seems pretty good as well.)

 

Allen

Hmmmmmm...........I just looked on the EVA airlines website and looked for flights leaving LAX to BKK on Aug 30th and returning on Sept 21st. The quoted price was $925.

 

Are you flying from SFO to BKK? Can you go the end of August/beginning of September instead?

(personally, I'll probably fly China Airlines again from LAX. The 747 is very decent and food seems pretty good as well.)

 

Allen

Yes, SFO to BKK (as the thread title suggests ;) hehe). I have to go at the beginning of August as I am traveling with a friend (has obligations late August) and I also have obligations early September.

 

Also on EvaAir there always seems to be 3 of the exact same flights listed but the prices vary significantly. What are the differences between these flights? I tried checking the fare rules and didn't notice anything different??

Freeski it is the lay over in Taipei that is the difference between the 3 flights. Usually around 2-4 hours is typical. I try to get the first flight out as the best part of any flight is when you touch down!

The flight(s) I was looking at just sold out :( Well for 2 tickets it did, there's still one left but that would be pretty messed up for my friend hehe. Looks like I will have to stay one extra day in Pattaya *sigh*

 

I plan to book my tickets tomorrow as the rates aren't changing however flights are selling out. Looks like it will end up costing ~$1090 per ticket ($1163 otd)

 

Freeski it is the lay over in Taipei that is the difference between the 3 flights. Usually around 2-4 hours is typical. I try to get the first flight out as the best part of any flight is when you touch down!

The flights are identical according to the times, flight numbers, arrival/departure, etc.. It goes from $1090, $1241, to $1371 for three flights that appear identical..

Just booked my ticket and my friends ticket Ended up finding a great deal on Vayama.com (airline booking site) which had a cheap China Airlines flight and a few promotions ($30 April discount on International flights). Each ticket came out to $1068 USD including all fees/taxes! Also the days worked out great and we booked tickets for August 1st-15th.

 

Flight leaves SFO ~2:05am and the flight to BKK arrives the next day ~11:20am. The return flight leaves BKK ~5pm and lands back at SFO ~8pm.

 

I'm excited and it looks like everything worked out great! Exact flight schedule I wanted and for a great price

Just booked my ticket and my friends ticket Ended up finding a great deal on Vayama.com (airline booking site) which had a cheap China Airlines flight and a few promotions ($30 April discount on International flights). Each ticket came out to $1068 USD including all fees/taxes! Also the days worked out great and we booked tickets for August 1st-15th.

 

Flight leaves SFO ~2:05am and the flight to BKK arrives the next day ~11:20am. The return flight leaves BKK ~5pm and lands back at SFO ~8pm.

 

I'm excited and it looks like everything worked out great! Exact flight schedule I wanted and for a great price

 

Now that you are no longer under the pressure of booking the tickets, I would still check Eva air for the time that you want. This is just for information for future flights. I know that a lot of the seats on Eva air are taken by travel agents. However when the travel time gets closer, the travel agents have to either pay for the seats or release them. This is why a lot of airlines have last minute specials.