Answered6 years ago
What airports allow connection flights and overnight stays for travelers heading to Thailand from Vancouver?
How are people flying long distances to Thailand given airport connection restrictions? Leaving from vancouver seems virtually impossible as my travel agent keeps saying system reads “documentation insufficient for journey... etc...”. In other words seems like places like Taiwan aren’t allowing for connection flights to reduce risk... is that so? And every flight path option from Vancouver has an overnight somewhere so what happens in those instances?
To summarize what airports are allowing connections and overnight stays? (Most flights seem to go through Taiwan, Korea, Japan... might have found one through London etc...)
Thanks for any insights!
To summarize what airports are allowing connections and overnight stays? (Most flights seem to go through Taiwan, Korea, Japan... might have found one through London etc...)
Thanks for any insights!
Answer summary
Traveling from Vancouver to Thailand has become challenging due to restrictions on transit flights, particularly through Taiwan, which has closed its borders. Passengers can consider alternatives through airports in Korea or Hong Kong, which offer viable connection options. Some travelers noted the possibility of long layovers, but suggested that airports might allow staying within the transit area without needing hotel accommodations. Useful routes include different combinations like Korean Air via Seoul or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. Additionally, travelers must adhere to COVID-19 testing requirements prior to departure, which might also influence flight choices.
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Robert ********
Or check about flying out of Seattle.
Robert ********
Korean Airlines. Vancouver - Seoul, Seoul to Bangkok.
Terary **********
I dont know the deal with Canada, but there are no direct flights Thailand/USA. I have heard rumor US doesn't allow it for some stupid reason (safety or security or something).
However, I know a few people that have recently flown from US to Thailand (routed through somewhere else). You may want to look at that option? Vancouver -> LA -> Thailand via Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, etc
However, I know a few people that have recently flown from US to Thailand (routed through somewhere else). You may want to look at that option? Vancouver -> LA -> Thailand via Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, etc
Ադամ ********
@Terary *********
No nonstop flight because it is a money loser. On contrary prior to covid SFO to tiny Singapore non stop 2x per day. 
Janne ***********
@Lance ********
another main reason that TG never in 30 years made any money on their BKK LAX route, it was for a show to fly in big market, and they tried NYC and that was also a money failure market. BKK fares have been pretty low in comparison with other big market.
Lance *********
@Terary *********
BKK airport doesn’t meet the FAA level 1 requirement. BKK is level 2. 
Gianni ************
It’s strange your travel agent hasn’t said to not travel. We’re in semi lockdown here and may just get more restricted..
Anthony ***********
OP@Gianni ***********
yes fair point... and has been raised... however, more or less locked down in Van as far as my situation so might as well be locked down in Thailand if I’m moving there anyhow. Also have some personal logistical reasons driving the timing.
Jaye ********
@Gianni ***********
Clearly, if there are flights operating then there is the intention to allow flight travel and if you are aware of why he needs to then maybe this is why you are providing this advice. Gianni ************
@Ja**
Clearly, I just thought the timing a little off but of course needs must. 
Matt *******
LAX-ICN-BKK
Dave ***********
I just did a search through Cathay Pacific's site and found flights there through HK that weren't on any of the booking sites.
And a lower price too.
And a lower price too.
Anthony ***********
OP@Dave **********
ok sweet, will check that out... thanks!
Janin ******
Thai airways starts again at the end of March. There are others like Qatar who have flights, but with mandatory quarantaine
Anthony ***********
OP@Janin *****
oh didn’t realize they were down... explains some. What do you mean by mandatory quarantine? You mean during the overnight stopover? Janin ******
@Anthony **********
, no when you arrive in BKK, 15 days quarantaine. Some countries don’t aloud a stopover.Thai Airways for the moment only does repatriation flights.
Zachary ********
I’m flying out of California. I’ve seen SFO-HKG-BKK
LAX-HKG-BKK
That’s about it from the west coast.
LAX-HKG-BKK
That’s about it from the west coast.
Anthony ***********
OP@Zachary *******
ok many are saying HK so sounds like it’s a non issue and mainly Taiwan.Zachary ********
@Anthony **********
yeah, I think Taiwan is closed to travel. I just saw a YVR-HKG-BKK flight also. 
Johnny *******
Qatar airways connection through Doha.
Todd *********
@Johnny ********
if you have no idea about geography, this is a good ideaJohnny *******
@Todd ********
well it's the long way round for him but at least he can be assured that the flights are going. I flew there from Toronto not too long ago. Todd *********
@Joh***
haha, yes - that's true. It's not unreasonable from Toronto. But another 4-5 hours from Vancouver on top of that. And as you know, flights insanely expensive in Canada. 
Jared **********
Swiss through Zürich
Ryan ********
Try Cathy pacific. They fly through Hong Kong.
Janne ***********
you can travel via Seoul,,
Anthony ***********
OP@Janne **********
Interesting I thought agent saw same thing come up with Korea and other locations but maybe miss-understood. But if ok how does one manage the overnight... virtually EVERY flight path from Vancouver has at least one and most are 13+ hours. Technically Wouldn’t I have to quarantine 14 days and take covid test again to catch connecting flight lol. What are airlines/airports doing about that?Janne ***********
@Anthony **********
korean airlines have service nonstop from YVR to ICN but currently not daily. the use to fly icn-bkk 4 times a day, right now only twice a week, th/fr from ICN,,Anthony ***********
OP@Janne **********
gotcha... ok will check that out, thanks. Downside is Heading to Phuket so 4 stops lolJanne ***********
on a wednes you could fly YVR-SEA-ICN-BKK,,no overnighter needed,,,but no nonstop yvr icn,,on a thurs you can fly nonstop yvr-icn conx to bkk,,,direct conx about 90min in seoul
Ben ********
I am also flying out of Vancouver and have a booking with Cathy via HK to BKK. Transit time at HK airport around 7 hours.
Anthony ***********
OP@Ben *******
ok thanks will look into that. Thought had same issue through HK. 7 hours is amazing as eliminates overnight issueBen ********
@Anthony **********
yes the flight arrives in HK around 5 am and departs around lunch time
Derek *********
Did you try Hong Kong?
Bob **********
If I were you I postpone my trip as we are on lockdown and all domestic flights have been cancelled and you cannot travel by land from or too any red provinces
Garrett ***********
@Bob *********
wrongBob **********
@Garrett **********
show me your link the PM did this yesterday no inessential travel Dave ***********
Todd *********
@Bob *********
dave let fear get the best of him and went home. Now trying to get back Bob **********
@Dave **********
are you in Thailand??Garrett ***********
@B**
wrong Dave ***********
@Bob *********
So then why are you posting misleading information?There is no lockdown and domestic travel is not banned.
Bob **********
@Dave **********
yes if you have an absolute reason and get approved by the government in the province your in it should work you can't come from BKK to pattaya right now because your a tourist Dave ***********
@Bob *********
So not banned, just limitedBob **********
@Garrett **********
yes it is you can only travel with a government approved letter Garrett ***********
@B**
So domestic travel isn't banned then?Ադամ ********
Look at YVR-ICN-BKK on Korean.
Ադամ ********
It is 8 hours max transit time I think. The connections are set up so it is only a few hours coming from West Coast morning departures you get to BKK at 23:20 There might not be an evening flight to BKK every day KAL cut their schedule.. I just did it from LAX. About 2.5 hours ground time.
Anthony ***********
OP@Adam *******
I thought Korea had same issue but guess got it wrong. Still don’t understand what one does about overnight layover. Are you required to just stay inside airport for 13-20 hours?Dave ***********
Im trying to find options out of Vancouver right now too.
What are you doing for your pre-flight covid test?
The clinic at the Vancouver airport is selling travel tests for $300 but it says right on their website that they can't guarantee a turnaround time.
What are you doing for your pre-flight covid test?
The clinic at the Vancouver airport is selling travel tests for $300 but it says right on their website that they can't guarantee a turnaround time.
Ryan ********
@Dave **********
at the beginning of December I got a test through Covid-medical (they are by the south terminal at Yvr) had the test on Sunday. Results Tuesday morning (dated Monday afternoon) and also at care point medical on Joyce st in Vancouver. Tested Monday morning had results and f2f issued Tuesday evening. Flew thur morning (red eye) on Eva (Eva is not flying now due to restrictions in Taiwan)
Anthony ***********
OP@Ryan *******
awesome, thanks for sharing... had no idea how I was going to get this done.Dave ***********
@Ryan *******
Unfortunately, the YVR clinic is no longer guaranteeing turn around times and said they will not be responsible or liable for any late results.Correction: It looks like there are at least two clinics at the YVR airport doing covids tests now. The one that is not guaranteeing turn around times is the other one. CVM is still guaranteeing 48 hours on their site.
Ben ********
@Dave **********
there is a clinic at Vancouver airport that operates 7 days/week and guarantees 48hrs turnaround time. Try CVM Medical. 
William *******
@Dave **********
I’m having the same problem with obtaining the Covid19 test within 72 hrs. of flight time. Had to cancel four flights so far.Dave ***********
@William ******
Damn
George *********
I’m flying ANA out of San Fran...
Garrett ***********
@Pa**
Happy Birthday Paul Paul *****************
@Garrett **********
Thanks 
Steve *********
Through middle East offers a lot of options ... London, you only get Thai airways once a week (Sundays only).
Michael *******
Fly via middle East with Etihad, Qatar or Emirates
Steven ********************
@Michael ******
try oman i use them Todd *********
@Michael ******
#geographymattersGarrett ***********
*****************************************************************************************************
Garrett ***********
You can connect through just about any airport EXCEPT Taiwan. Taiwan closed all transit flights last week.
Anthony ***********
OP@Garrett **********
oh! Well that explains why... that was the initial flight i was booking but then I thought agent saw same thing come up with other locations but maybe miss-understood. I guess if other connections are ok how does one manage the overnight... EVERY flight path from Vancouver has at least one and most are 13+ hours. Wouldn’t I have to quarantine 14 days and take covid test again to catch connecting flight lolGarrett ***********
@Ant****
Transit airports won't let you leave the terminal. Some of them have lounges open (Dubai, UAE) others even the lounges are closed. Just got to rough it out mate.Anthony ***********
OP@Garrett **********
I see... so basically all doable, just need to stay in terminal be it 5 hours or 20. Activity
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