Answered6 years ago
What are the best transit terminals for Americans traveling to Bangkok?
Hey Fellow Americans, how did you get to Thailand? I'm wondering what terminals you can go through as an American to get to Bangkok. I almost booked a ticket that went through Zurich but then saw that Zurich doesn't allow Americans to use it as a transfer terminal. Would appreciate the help, thanks!
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the best travel routes and terminals for Americans heading to Thailand, particularly Bangkok. Users share their experiences with different airlines and their transit policies, emphasizing the importance of booking flights that align with visa requirements and transit regulations. Notable transit options include Zurich, Doha, Taipei, and various Asian hubs, while caution is advised regarding repatriation and semi-commercial flights due to ongoing travel restrictions.
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Mark ***********
My stop was in Tokyo out of NYC
Ricky *********
Hi, Your options are easy, but limited. The reason is that non-Thai's must be on a "semi-commercial" Repatriation flight. Check your nearest Thai Consulate's website, flights are listed clearly. This is a must, I have heard that lots of people lose cash by booking a 'normal' flight into Thailand (including me...almost -thanks "Greeney").
Garrett ***********
@Ca***
Semi commercial flights and repatriation flights are 2 different things. Thais do not have to be on a repatrition flight. Ricky *********
@Garrett **********
1. Accordingly to the Thai Consulate's in NYC's website, they quote: "we have organized semi-commercial repatriation flights" (it is listed under "Procedures for O & TR Visas"). I suspect that you are referring to a technical difference between the two. IF THIS DIFFERENCE IS RELEVANT IN SOME WAY, PLEASE ADVISE. The pragmatic point is that people should be checking their Thai consulate/embassy's website first & then check FB! 2. I suspect that you misread my response: I stated "non-Thai's" must be on a repatriation....." -this does not imply Thai's need to be on a repatriation flight. Again, if their is a pragmatic diff between semi-comm & repatriation flights, please consider responding in a separate post so everybody will notice it. Thx.Ricky *********
Michael Dawson Wow! One questions: 1. Did the flight cost jump when they changed the date to the date of repat'n? If not, please tell me which consulate (I'll bet Los Angeles, btw). I also noticed Garrett's "pay the embassy" point...but I let it pass...It could have been true at one time. All I care about is that people check with the consulate...too many people have lost cash (especially to Caribbean destinations). Again, please let me know if there was a price jump. Thx
Michael ********
@Garrett **********
i came on repatriation no payment was done to embassy, they told us to book a flight with Singapore Airline just any flight for August, then they converted it to the date of repatriation in my case 27th July and Singapore Airline sent through the new booking.Ricky *********
@Garrett **********
Ok, thx. The point is people need to check their consulate. Honestly, I feel silly: both you & I have obviously done our homework....yet we replied to a post by a person who clearly has not! I'll bet $5USD that this person has no intention of coming. Still, our input might help others. Thx.Garrett ***********
@Ca***
Repatriation flights are booked by the embassy. The embassy contracts with an airline to fly a specific route that is otherwise unavailable. You have to book and pay for your ticket through the embassy. The "semi commercial flights" can be booked directly through the airline or travel/booking agent. They fly normally and are not contracted with any embassy or government. The reason they are called semi commercial and not commerical flights is because the Thai government has suspended commercial air travel into Thailand pursuant to their emergency decree and needed something to call the commercial flights that are flying into the country.
Jimmy ***********
From east coast Emirits Dubai Bangkok best way to go
Vivek ********
You have to reach first to your destination after clearing from destination then only you can go to any where in europe.
Nick **********
Depends where you are departing from in the u.s.
Ryan ***********
It may be too late, but I would highly recommend Delta/Korean Air through Incheon to BKK.
Joann ********************
Emirates through Dubai
Antoine *******
Why you not look info on internet, you lazy?
K ****************
OPI know, but I have insomnia and can’t help it.
K ****************
OPNot as lazy as that sentence you typed 😉.
Ted ********
@K ***************
better to ignore than engage
Rob ******
Korean Air: ORD to ICN to BKK (in September). Had to make a separate itinerary to get to Chicago on the repatriation itinerary.
Robert *********
Try Eva and Singapore air
Zzyzx *******
LAX-ICN-Bkk
Marshal *********
SFO to Taiwan, Taiwan to BKK or CMX.
Michael *********
Isn't BKK the only international airport in TH nowadays?
Marshal *********
@Michael *****
sorry, forgot they haven't reopened it yet. Thanks for catching that. 
Stéfan ********
@Michael *****
indeed... there are no international flights to ChiangmaiMarshal *********
@Stéfan *******
same, thanks for catching that. K ****************
OP@Marshal ********
Booked it! Thanks!
Janne ***********
there are a lot of different paper works that needs to be handled to get a visa,, and then the 14 day quarantine in a assigned hotel of your choosing that will run 1000-2000usd pending your budget, with very little time allowed to leave the room during the stay,,,
Soph *******
Janne ***********
@Sophia *********
me bad that was a mis-sent,,
Bob **********
The Thai embassy will tell you
Hugh ********
Are Americans allowed in
Ken ***********
@Hugh *******
U.S. citizens have never been banned as long as they have the correct visa and a COE
Benjamin **********
I just made the flight. It only means you are stuck in same terminal for arrival and depart and cannot use the lounge in other terminal.
Robert ******************
If you're flying from the East Coast, Frankfurt or London. From the West Coast Taipei or Hong Kong. Likely there are others, but those for sure.
William **********
Try Eva air
Keef ********
Eva, so Taipai, Taiwan
John ********
Singapore or cathay
John ********
Eva
Kathy ****************
Washington DC to Qatar to Bangkok
Benjamin ******
I'd contact the airlines, and ask them. If you book a ticket to go to Thailand, it's their responsibility to make sure you can travel through.
Garrett ***********
Where did you see that you cannot transit through Zurich?
K ****************
OPI’m booked
K ****************
OPOk, I think I misunderstood. I think as long as the final destination isn't within Switzerland you can keep going. Sorry for the misinformation.
Adrian ***************
@K ***************
go to the Thai embassy website and it tells you the flights 
Darren *******
@K ***************
isn't within Schengen, so pretty much most of Europe you can't get to via Switzerland. K ****************
OPTransiting Switzerland from the United States to another country may not be possible depending on the final destination. Currently the Swiss Immigration Office does not allow individuals traveling from the United States or other high risk countries to transit Switzerland to another Schengen country, unless all entry requirements for Switzerland have been met. It may be possible to transit Switzerland from the United States or other high risk country to a non-Schengen country. Passengers transiting Switzerland from a high risk country, like the United States, to a Schengen country have been denied onward travel and returned to their country of origin. Travelers from high risk countries like the United States are encouraged to travel directly to their final Schengen destination without transiting Switzerland. For the most current restrictions and travel requirements, please see the FAQ page and the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration Office information page.
K ****************
OP***************************************
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