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What documentation do I need for a one-way flight to Thailand, especially during layovers?

Visa RequirementsTravel DocumentationCovid Testing GuidelinesVaccination ConfirmationThailand ImmigrationExpats in ThailandAirline RegulationsInternational TravelOne-Way Flights
Nov 25, 2021
3 years ago
Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Kay, so I'm an American who checked in to the first leg of their flight earlier today and I just want to let ya'll know that they asked for ALL of my documentation (visa, Thai pass, Covid test, onward travel because it is a one-way, vaccination card - everything!) even though my first leg was a NATIONAL flight operated by a different airline (JetBlue) than the one I'm primarily booked with (Etihad). People have claimed on here that this stuff is only needed for the international portion of your flight but that was definitely not the case for me and I would not have been able to board if I'd ignored my common sense. I was told my docs would be re-checked for the international leg and they were. Both checks asked for my physical vaccination card, so I guess make note of that too.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An American traveler shares their experience of needing extensive travel documentation (including visa, Thai pass, Covid test, onward ticket, and vaccination card) for both national and international legs of their flight to Thailand. Several comments emphasize that it's critical to have all documents ready for each leg of a flight, especially when the airline checks in for both parts or if luggage is checked through to the final destination. The discussion highlights differences in airline practices and the importance of understanding travel documentation requirements for international trips.
Burnard ************
It is still considered an international booking even if the first leg is in the same country.

The first boarding will check everything.

That being said, I would have all documents I may need just in case. Who knows, yesterday's rules may not be today's rules. And in Thailand, everyone does it differently.
3 years ago
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Chris *********
@Burnard ***********
 Actually my experience coming from USA was that the first international leg was the critical point. Singapore Airlines needed our PCR test to be 48 hours or less before boarding that flight. This may depend on airlines.
3 years ago
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Burnard ************
@Chris ********
USA is like that for Citizens. I have been an Expat so long that I forgot.

My example refers to a foreigner going to another foriegn country. They often check on the first flight.
3 years ago
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Burnard ************
@Chris ********
Singapore is big on rules. But, I am surprised they did not check everything in USA.

Did you fly with more than one airline.

Come to think of it, if you are coming from USA, Singapore wouldn't bel your first international leg. It would be after your first leg.
3 years ago
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Chris *********
@Burnard ***********
 you misunderstood me. They checked at LAX, my first flight leaving the US, but not my first flight.
3 years ago
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Chris *********
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Jonathan *******
If you check in for the whole flight i.e. both domestic then the international portion at the same time they will check everything. This is normal dont worry :)
3 years ago
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Peter *************
Its Hard to be a freedom loving americans
3 years ago
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Jared **********
Lol…There is literally nothing out of the ordinary here or not to be expected
3 years ago
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Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jared *********
 I agree, but look at this comment section. You’re saying this is obvious (and I agree) other people are claiming this is “highly unusual”. Direct your sarcasm at them, not me 🤷🏻‍♀️
3 years ago
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Jared **********
@Tara *********
 unless you booked a domestic separately from your international flight it’s all one itinerary, they look at your final destination and make sure your documents are in order. God only knows why you wouldn’t have your documents prepared for your first point of departure but would for your second leg, other then not receiving a Covid test in time and thinking you might have it before you go international but I doubt the airlines would let you on the first flight.

You time your Covid test by the rules of where you’re going, the rules of your airline, and sometimes by what countries you are transiting through and for how long.

Other then the guy talking about Singapore, which is known for strict rules, I haven’t seen a single mention about any airline or Thailand differentiating between your departure flight if it’s first domestic then international, or directly international.

If you’re going to say you had an appropriate Covid test within 72 hours of your departure but was denied boarding because it was not 72 before your international boarding then that would be something to bring to peoples attention.
3 years ago
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Jared **********
@Tara *********
 I just read every single comment and I didn’t see a single person say this is “highly unusual”, and the guy who did have an issue was because of Covid testing guidelines and a 48 hour window his test was valid.

Everyone agrees this is standard operating procedure and it makes no sense to not have all your documents for your initial departure whether it’s a domestic flight to an international airport or directly international 🤷‍♂️
3 years ago
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Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Jared

Also clock any posts on here about how to time your Covid test.
3 years ago
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Tara **********
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Dan **********
I don't get it..which part of the documentation would someone not have when boarding the domestic leg of an International flight but then have ready for the international portion?
3 years ago
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Nick ****************
If they are booking you and your baggage through they should check everything. If its a short hop where you reclaim your baggage etc then checkin again then they don't need to.
3 years ago
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Tom ********
Nothing unusual about what they requested, that is how it works
3 years ago
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George ********
Why do Americans need to check your post out? Do you feel you are being targeted because of your nationality?
3 years ago
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Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@George *******
 I direct it at Americans because how do I know if different countries do it like this? Different countries have different regulations. It's better to be specific. If other nationalities want to take it in to consideration obviously they can.
3 years ago
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George ********
@Tara *********
 yes, how would you know? It must be very exciting to travel internationally for you. You are so brave.
3 years ago
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Tara **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@George *******
 I have no clue what you're trying to get at. I specified Americans because different countries (like Singapore) have different requirements. I'm not going to blanket every country and mislead people. It's that simple 🤷‍♀️
3 years ago
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Tara **********
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Stuart *********
I would say that’s highly unusual for an internal flight. But possibly because your bag is being checked through to your destination they need to check that you’re ok to get there.
3 years ago
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Jonathan *******
@Stuart ********
 If they check in for both flights its perfectly normal but if they have to collect their bags and then re-check in again its a little strange
3 years ago
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Jonathan *******
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Jason ********
And if, for some reason, you don't take the first leg of the national flight and plan to leave for your international flight from the second airport, your whole trip is canceled. I learned this the hard way lol
3 years ago
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Jonas *************
Actually that's might be up to the airline. I've managed to cancel the first leg and allowed to take only the second leg, one time. But this was 20 years ago.

But it is correct very if I hadn't turn up at all for the first leg and not canceled it it would have canceled my second leg.
3 years ago
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Jason ********
@Jonas ************
 Not just the airline. They told me I actually broke the law haha. Federal law
3 years ago
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Jason ********
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Ernesto ********
Absolutely need every document for every part of flight. It’s like people have never traveled before
3 years ago
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Janne ***********
First check-in station is always responsible to verify that all needed documents are in order.✈️🤔
3 years ago
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Eyal *******
Of course because if you landed in Thailand and they deported you, the airline need return you
3 years ago
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Eyal *******
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