Flying in Thailand: Which Airline Should You Choose?

Planning a trip to Thailand? Choosing the right flight can make a bigger difference than you might think.

Thailand has everything from full-service airlines with checked baggage and onboard extras to low-cost carriers designed for travellers who simply want to get from A to B for less.

At ThaiFlightCenter, you can compare and book flights with three popular Thai airlines: Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and Thai VietJet.

But which one is right for your trip?

That depends on what matters most to you: price, baggage, comfort, flexibility or destination.

Here’s what you need to know before you book.

The main types of airlines in Thailand

Before comparing airlines, it helps to understand that not every “cheap flight” works the same way.

Full-service airlines

Full-service airlines usually include more within the ticket price. Depending on the airline and fare type, this can include checked baggage, cabin baggage, meals or refreshments and other onboard services.

You may pay more upfront, but you’ll often have fewer extras to add later.

Low-cost airlines 

Low-cost carriers focus on keeping the base fare as low as possible.

Your ticket gets you onto the flight, while extras such as checked baggage, seat selection, meals and other services may need to be purchased separately.

That can make low-cost airlines a great choice if you’re travelling light — but not always the cheapest option once you add everything you need.

Popular airlines to fly in Thailand

Bangkok Airways

Looking for a little more comfort while exploring Thailand? Bangkok Airways is a popular option for both domestic and regional travel.

The airline is particularly useful for travellers heading to some of Thailand’s best-known holiday destinations, and its network also connects Thailand with destinations elsewhere in Asia.

Unlike a typical low-cost carrier, Bangkok Airways follows a more service-focused model.

This can make it a good fit for travellers who care about convenience and included services rather than simply choosing the lowest fare displayed on the search page.

Why travellers choose Bangkok Airways:

• Convenient domestic and regional connections

• Checked baggage allowance depending on the applicable fare and route

• Cabin baggage allowance

• A more service-focused travel experience

• Useful connections to popular leisure destinations

If you’re travelling with luggage or simply want a smoother journey, it’s worth comparing the total trip cost, rather than looking at the base fare alone.

Thai Airways

Thai Airways is Thailand’s national flag carrier and offers a traditional full-service flying experience.

It operates domestic and international services and is particularly relevant for travellers connecting Thailand with destinations across Asia and other international markets.

Depending on your route and fare, your ticket may include checked baggage and other services that would often cost extra with a low-cost airline.

Thai Airways also offers multiple cabin classes on eligible routes, making it suitable for travellers looking for more than a basic Economy experience.

Why travellers choose Thai Airways:

• Full-service airline experience

• Domestic and extensive international network

• Checked baggage included with many fare types

• Economy and premium cabin options depending on the flight

• Suitable for connecting and longer international journeys

Thai Airways can be especially worth comparing when you’re travelling with checked luggage.

A low-cost fare might look cheaper at first, but once you add baggage, seats and other extras, the difference between the two tickets may be smaller than expected.

Thai VietJet

Want to keep your flight budget down? Thai VietJet offers a low-cost alternative for travellers flying within Thailand and on selected international routes.

Its pricing model is different from Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways.

Instead of bundling lots of services into every ticket, low-cost fares allow passengers to start with a lower base price and add services depending on what they actually need.

Travelling with little luggage? You may be able to keep your total cost low.

Need checked baggage, a preferred seat or additional services? Make sure you add those costs when comparing fares.

Why travellers choose Thai VietJet:

• Competitive base fares

• Popular domestic routes

• Selected international connections

• Good option for short trips

• Pay for additional services when you need them

For budget-conscious travellers who can pack light, Thai VietJet can be an attractive way to explore Thailand without spending too much on flights.

Bangkok Airways vs Thai Airways vs Thai VietJet

So, what’s actually different?

	Bangkok Airways	Thai Airways	Thai VietJet
Airline model	Full-service / boutique	Full-service	Low-cost
Domestic flights	Yes	Yes	Yes
International flights	Yes	Yes	Yes
Checked baggage	Depending on fare/route	Included with many fares	Depends on fare/bundle
Seat selection	Depends on fare/conditions	Depends on fare/conditions	May cost extra
Meals/refreshments	Available depending on flight	Service depends on route/cabin	Usually optional/paid
Best suited to	Leisure & regional travel	Full-service & international travel	Budget-conscious travel

Remember: inclusions can vary by fare, route and booking conditions, so always check the specific ticket before you pay.

Which airline is right for your trip?

There isn’t one airline that works best for every traveller.

The cheapest flight on the search results page isn’t necessarily the cheapest trip.

If you’re travelling with only a small bag for a weekend in Thailand, a low-cost fare could make sense.

But if you need checked baggage, want more flexibility or are travelling internationally, a fare with more services included may offer better overall value.

Before booking, compare:

• The final fare, not just the starting price

• Checked and cabin baggage allowance

• Seat selection fees

• Change and cancellation conditions

• Departure and arrival times

• Airport used

• Connection time, if applicable

A slightly more expensive ticket can sometimes save money once all the extras are taken into account.

Flying domestic in Thailand

Domestic flights are one of the easiest ways to travel around Thailand, particularly when your itinerary combines destinations that are far apart.

Instead of spending many hours travelling overland, flying can help you connect Bangkok with beach destinations, northern Thailand and other parts of the country much faster.

Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and Thai VietJet each serve the Thai market differently, which gives travellers more choice between price and service.

Flying internationally from Thailand 

Thailand is also one of Southeast Asia’s major aviation hubs.

If you’re travelling between Thailand and another country, don’t compare fares based on price alone.

For international travel, baggage becomes particularly important.

A low-cost ticket can be attractive if you’re travelling light, while a full-service fare may make more sense when you have checked luggage or need a more inclusive ticket.

Also check which Bangkok airport your flight uses.

Thailand’s capital is served by Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), and travelling between the two requires additional time.

Tips for finding cheaper flights in Thailand 

Compare the total price

A 1,500 ticket with 1,000 worth of extras isn’t really a 1,500 flight.

Compare what’s actually included before deciding which fare costs less.

Check your baggage before booking

Don’t wait until you arrive at the airport.

Check how much cabin and checked baggage your fare includes, then purchase additional baggage in advance when necessary.

Be flexible with your travel dates

Flying one day earlier or later can sometimes make a noticeable difference to the fare.

If your schedule allows it, compare nearby dates before booking.

Check the airport 

When flying to or from Bangkok, pay attention to the airport code.

BKK means Suvarnabhumi Airport, while DMK means Don Mueang International Airport.

This is particularly important if you’re connecting between separate flights.

Read the fare rules

The lowest fare often comes with the most restrictions.

Before booking, check whether your ticket allows changes or refunds and what fees may apply.

Low-cost or full-service: which is cheaper?

It depends.

Low-cost airlines can offer extremely competitive fares, especially when you travel light and don’t need extras.

Full-service airlines can offer better value when you need baggage and other services included.

For example:

Traveller A takes a short domestic trip with one small cabin bag. A low-cost fare may be all they need.

Traveller B is flying internationally with a suitcase and wants more services included. A full-service fare may be worth comparing.

The important number isn’t the fare you see first.

It’s the final price you pay for everything you actually need.

Book Thailand flights with ThaiFlightCenter

Whether you’re planning a quick domestic getaway, a beach holiday or an international trip through Thailand, ThaiFlightCenter makes it easy to search and book flights with Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and Thai VietJet.

Compare your options, check what’s included and choose the flight that fits the way you want to travel.

From budget-friendly fares to full-service journeys, your next Thailand trip starts with finding the right flight.

Search flights with ThaiFlightCenter and start planning your journey today.