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What are the best transit options for flying to Bangkok from California in November?

Visa RulesFlight OptionsTransit RecommendationsThai VisaTravel from USA to Thailand
Oct 25, 2021
3 years ago
An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, was looking at flights to Bangkok for November and I see various transits (layovers) from Tokyo, Narita, Doha, Seoul, and Singapore.

The cheapest routes for me are transiting through Tokyo or Narita. Are these options possible as of current? If not, any other recommendations?

Thank you kindly for your help!

A bit of context. I will be flying from California (San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles or Oakland).
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A traveler is inquiring about possible layover options for flights to Bangkok in November, specifically through Tokyo or Narita. Responses suggest that ANA offers a preferred route from San Francisco to Bangkok via Narita, with positive reviews on the airline's service. Other options mentioned include Korean Air and Japan Airlines, with tips to avoid American airlines for international travel. The traveler eventually shares their experience of booking a flight with JAL and applying for a Thailand Pass.
An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
A small update. Ended up booking my flight to Thailand with JAL with stops in Seattle & Tokyo. Successfully applied to the Thailand Pass, but now the waiting game begins for that QR code.
3 years ago
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An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Surprisingly, got my QR code today from Thailand Pass. It took 2 days if anyone was wondering. Next up: RT-PCR test and off to Thailand!
3 years ago
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An *******
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Massimo ************
Anyone flying from USA Miami jus wondering tickets are so expensive I am planning to go in January
3 years ago
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Chris *********
Compare also via Narita on JAL.
3 years ago
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An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi
@Chris ********
, I'm currently check out that route right now. Thanks for the recommendation!
3 years ago
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An *******
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John ********
I agree with above comments . ANA from sfo-nrt-bkk. Get their member card, the miles add up quickly.
3 years ago
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An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey
@John *******
, I will definitely check out the card!
3 years ago
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An *******
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Tony ******
You really only have two options SFO or LAX. There are no flights across the Pacific from OAK.

I have been traveling on this route 3-4 times a year for the last 15 and I must agree ANA to Narita and then down is by far the easiest way to go. ANA is, in my opinion, way better than the other options available.
3 years ago
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An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi
@Tony *****
, thanks for the input! Will be doing searches on ANA and JAL now. What do think of the cabin? How are the seats?
3 years ago
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Tony ******
@An ******
 I have travelled that route in all three classes and yes business class is much better than the other two. Traveling so much I can use upgrades. The difference ( in my opinion ) between premium economy and regular economy is quite minimal. A slightly larger seat and a few inches extra legroom.

The big difference is the cost. The difference between business and economy is in the region of $2500. The difference can buy you 18 nights at the Hilton on Sukhumvit in two room suite, including breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks and appetizers.......la difference and your choice.

You can check out all the seat charts at seatguru.com
3 years ago
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Mike *******
@An ******
 economy is similar in most Asian airlines. 32-33 inch leg room. Entertainment screen and food service twice. My last ANA flight was 3-3-3, so pick your seats accordingly. Honestly it probably won't be a full flight and you'll have the middle seat open
3 years ago
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An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mike Hamel, your info has been very helpful. Thanks! I'm hoping the flight won't be full, but we shall see. Will report back here once I book 👍
3 years ago
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An *******
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Mike *******
@Tony *****
 can fly out of Seattle too, but might as well do SFO of you're thinking Seattle
3 years ago
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Tony ******
@Mike ******
 Yes done that too. SFO for me was the best.
3 years ago
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Mike *******
@Tony *****
 I fly San Diego ANA. I have to take American to SFO, but since rental cars are overpriced now, it was easier to just fly from San Diego.
3 years ago
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Mike *******
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Mike *******
Here are your best 3 options from SFO. ANA through NRT (Tokyo). Korean or Asiana through ICN (Seoul). Do not fly a American airline overseas, you'll regret it. I recommend ANA because the flight over the Pacific is only 10.5 hrs vs 13.5 going to Korea.
3 years ago
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Mike *******
Just make sure if you go through NRT (Tokyo) that your flight to BKk leaves NRT as well. Some flights transfer to HND and it's a hassle.
3 years ago
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An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey
@Mike ******
, thanks for the input! I will be looking out for ANA flights moving forward. I do see ANA flights now and then, but currently, JAL flights is the cheapest for me via google flights. SFO to NRT is 11.5 hours. Not too bad?
3 years ago
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Mike *******
@An ******
 don't reference Google flights. You need to go directly to website. I've found Google flights to be wrong all the time. Japan air is also very decent. I'm just more partial to ANA and Korean Air.
3 years ago
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An *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mike Hamel, you're right. I'm planning to book soon and will report back here once I do
3 years ago
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An *******
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