Best time to purchase flights to Thailand in November

Lgormsby on 11/06/2013 - 15:31

I've promised my wife a long overdue holiday to Thailand this year. I'd usually look for cheap flights and make plans around the dates available but her school and work commitments make taking holidays a bit of a challenge so she's already booked leave in late November.

Given that my dates are not flexible and November is still a way off I was wondering if anyone had advice on the best time to purchase tickets? Do I hope for a good sale to come up that matches our dates? Or are there times during the year that are better than others when it comes to sales or cheap fares? Is leaving it until a month or two before better than buying now (5 months out)?

It's a pity the Air Asia sale that was posted today is only for 1 Jan - 1 Apr 2014!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Travel

Comments

  • Melbourne Cowboy on 11/06/2013 - 16:16

    Where in Thailand are you planning to visit?
    I travel to Thailand for holidays often, it makes for an excellent holiday with cheap hotels and the worlds best food (IMHO).

    When I plan on going I just keep an eye on the Jetstar and Thai Air websites, however I only fly with airlines who fly direct to Bangkok from Melbourne, if you are willing to go indirect it may make the flights cheaper (not worth it in my opinion).

    If you check these websites regularly (and I mean every 2nd day) you will get a good price between now and November.
    Also, be a bit flexible with your days, flying on a Tuesday is often cheaper than flying on a Saturday.

    Good luck and enjoy the land of smiles.

    • gormsby on 12/06/2013 - 08:52

      We were thinking of either flying in to Bangkok and heading east around the coast to Koh Samet (done this before) or flying in to Krabi/Phuket and checking out the south which we haven't done yet.

      In your experience, what's considered a 'good price' for return flights on Jetstar/Thai?

      PS. Totally agree about the food! Can't wait :)

  • cpho on 11/06/2013 - 17:21

    I'm also going at the end of the year, and I've booked my flight with Qantas. It was cheaper than any other airline, and it's a direct flight from MEL-BKK.

    • gormsby on 12/06/2013 - 08:53

      How much were your flights with Qantas?

      • cpho on 12/06/2013 - 09:48

        Well, there are a few differences. First I'm flying around Christmas time, and second I'm flying from Adelaide so I have to stopover in Melb, but I got flights for $1500/person return :)
        Flying with Emirates from Mel-BKK, and Jetstar on the way back.

        • rilebags on 22/08/2013 - 20:54

          Scoot is under 600 return from sydney

  • Melbourne Cowboy on 12/06/2013 - 09:31

    Thai- Economy anything under $800 a ticket (return) is pretty good, Thai doesn't go on sale very often though.
    Jetstar- I go business class because economy on JS is like a trip into hell. Business class isn't real business class, but it is definitely more comfortable than economy.
    JS- 2 tickets for under $2500 return is good, Ive had them for under $2200 before, you've got to be lucky and flexible for that price though.

    I think Ive seen economy on JS for about $650 or $700 return, but I'd recommend paying the bit extra if you find Thai on sale. Thai economy is light years above JS economy.

    However, having said all of that, if you can deal with 9 hours of cramped flight than JS economy on sale is the way to go- cheaper than anything else (watch out for the 'extras' though).

    Remember Thai is a full service airline, JS is much more basic.

  • tensai on 12/06/2013 - 13:30
    +1

    will suggest you to buy now via expedia brazil, qantas is doing sale at the moment and you will find it cheaper booking via expedia brazil
    just booked our own trip Sydney to Bangkok in Nov

  • gormsby on 28/06/2013 - 12:30

    Just got return tickets for two to Bangkok with Jetstar for under $500 each. Sadly it's Jetstar economy so will be a very no-frills experience but I'd rather save the money on travel and have more to spend when we get there. And good thing is that the flights are direct from Melbourne.

    Thanks all for the advice!

  • JoyVee on 02/07/2013 - 22:56

    Check out Royal Brunei as they have some fares from about 770 AUD in September to BKK and it is full service, meals, luggage, blankets , non alcoholic drinks, cheaper than Jetstar by the time you add in all the extras.
    Just check out all the dates you may consider.

    flies 12.15 p.m.Mel to BKK with stopover in Brunei, arrives BKK about 8 pm.
    flies back from BKK at about 1.30 p.m to arrive in Melbourne at 5 a.m. At least it is quick through immigration at that time and catching a taxi is easy.

    Make sure you only get a flight that has a brief stopover in Brunei. A couple of connections you have to overnight so it is better to fly short route.

    When QF have a sale check out the Expedial Brazil site using google Chrome as your browser as it will translate pages for you. Considerable discount and reliable fares

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