Your Guide to Flying to Thailand From the U.S. — Including the Best Airlines and How to Save

Choose the best flight to Thailand from the U.S. for you.

Thailand has something for everyone. Most U.S. travelers will first arrive in bustling Bangkok, a capital city that’s a feast for the senses. There, visitors can beat jet lag by stumbling from a Michelin-starred restaurant and street-food vendors along back alleyways to swanky rooftop bars for a sundowner along the Chao Phraya River.

Not far from the capital are mountainous jungles and lush forests to the north and thousands of miles of shoreline to the south. Expect an array of luxury hotels, a rich culture, and elevated hospitality, too. The destination known as “The Land of Smiles” continues to soar in popularity; it certainly doesn’t hurt that Thailand will be home to the third season of HBO’s hit series, The White Lotus.

Here's what you need to know about flying to Thailand from the U.S., including the best airlines and routes to transport you to this dynamic Southeast Asian nation.

Flying to Thailand from the U.S.

First, let’s start with the bad news: There are no nonstop flights from the U.S. to Thailand. It’s been more than a decade since the two countries have been linked with direct service. Prior to the pandemic,Thailand’s aviation industry failed to pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) audit of their oversight systems.

With that said, there are numerous one-stop flight options from the U.S. to Thailand. Many travelers may even prefer the ability to stretch their legs, or include a stopover, during the lengthy journey to Southeast Asia.

Best Airlines and Routes to Thailand

If Thailand is your only destination, it’s suggested to select flights with the fastest travel time. Even the shortest flight from anywhere in the U.S. to Thailand will be at least 19 hours long, including a connection.

Here’s a look at a few of our favorite airlines (including several World’s Best Award winners) and preferred routes.

From the U.S. East Coast

From the U.S. East Coast, travelers can choose to fly eastbound across the Atlantic or westbound across the Pacific. For instance, it’s nearly the same distance and duration to fly from New York to Bangkok via Dubai (eastbound) as it is to fly from New York to Bangkok via Tokyo (westbound).

Emirates (via Dubai): Fly from New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Miami, or Orlando to Bangkok or Phuket

Qatar Airways (via Doha): Fly from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, or Miami to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Krabi

Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul): Fly from New York; Newark, New Jersey; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; or Miami to Bangkok or Phuket

Japan Airlines (via Tokyo): Fly from New York or Boston to Bangkok

Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong): Fly from New York or Boston to Bangkok or Phuket

From the U.S. Central and West Coast

For travelers living in the western two-thirds of the U.S. — including cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas — the most efficient way to get to Thailand is across the Pacific Ocean.

Singapore Airlines (via Singapore): Fly from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Bangkok or Phuket

Korean Air (via Seoul): Fly from Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket

ANA (via Tokyo): Fly from Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles to Bangkok

EVA Air (via Taipei): Fly from Chicago, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles to Bangkok or Chiang Mai

Best Ways to Save on Thailand Flights

With such a wealth of route options and airlines serving Thailand, airfare is relatively affordable compared to other Asian destinations like Tokyo and Singapore. A look at round-trip airfare from New York to Bangkok in November 2024 shows prices ranging from $990 to $1,300 in economy. Expect business-class tickets to start at around $5,100 round-trip.

Typically, the dry season for much of the country is November through March, and therefore might be the priciest time to visit. Summer is usually more affordable, but with it comes higher odds of rainy weather and soaring temperatures.