This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What is the best affordable airline with big seats and good service from New York to Bangkok?
flightsairlineseconomy travelNew York to Bangkokaffordable travelairline recommendationsbig seatsgood servicehigh season travel
Dec 17, 2025
4 months ago
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTERBest affordable airline for economy from new york to bangkok?? Big seats and good service !
TLDR : Answer Summary
Inquiries about affordable airlines from New York to Bangkok led to various recommendations. Users noted that during high season, affordability may be compromised, and comfort typically correlates with a higher price. Some suggested airlines like Korean Air, Qatar Airways, and EVA Air, emphasizing the need for premium options for bigger seats. Skyscanner was mentioned as a good tool for finding deals, and several users pointed out that searching for flights may provide information about the aircraft type, impacting passenger comfort. Lastly, there's a consensus that finding an airline offering both affordability and quality service is challenging.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Phyf ****
STARLUX is pretty much taking over. Cheap flights luxury accommodations
Paul *******
@Phyf ***
but they aren't really cheapReply to
Paul *******
Reply
David *******
Aeroflop!
Archie *******
EVA
David *********
@Archie ******
EVA seating is like sitting on a metal tractor seat with a steel bar across the back. That was my last trip on EVA PE!Reply to
David *********
Reply
Tom *******
Affordable big seats and good service in same sentence is a contradiction of reality
Micheal **********
@Tom ******
^^^ THIS! LOL!Reply to
Micheal **********
Reply
Ant ***********
Skyscanner
Shane *****
86k points in biz. Free.
Gary ***********
Qatar is not good in economy if you get a 777, tbh avoid any 777 with 10 seats across (most of them) best economy space is on an Emirates A380
Eric *******
@Gary **********
so true! Flew Doha to JFK in Economy on a 777. Worst experience ever!Eric *******
@Gary **********
that happened to me. I finally had to say something bc I felt they were doing it intentionally. Singapore Air is my Number #1!Gary ***********
@Eric ******
get the aisle seat and get bashed by people and carts all flight too as the aisles are so narrowReply to
Gary ***********
Reply
Gary ***********
Etihad has some 777 with 10 across but the main issue is the width rather than legroom
Giøvanni **********
@Gary **********
better Ethiad, a lot of space for my legs in Economy.. Qatar economy really uncomfortable..Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gary **********
how would i check what kind of airplane it is?Ivan ************
@Ste***
like Gary says it will tell you when searching/booking. You can look up the seat maps on ****************
- on almost any airline these days if a seat has extra legroom it will be an upcharge but you can get an idea of where the best seats are and whether it's worth it. There's obviously emergency exit rows but also like there can be a seat with no seat in front of it because there's a crew escape hatch, like 68D here, and you 63ABC HJK is a lot better than DEFG. For example. This is a Qatar A380.Gary ***********
Generally tells you when you search the price and either follow through to airline/agent website, often under a dropdown marked flight details
Gary ***********
Generally tells you when you search the price and either follow through to airline/agent website, often under a dropdown marked flight details
Reply to
Gary ***********
Reply
Steve ***********
Fly to sfo or lax, then choose
Bill ********
Qatar
Phirom *******
Qatar airway.
Wayne ********
Is end of March/April affordable for flights?
Sheen ************
@Wayne *******
look it up. It’s all onlineReply to
Sheen ************
Reply
Alyona *********
flyNorse?
Andy **********
Some cracking deals with Chinese airlines if your willing to entertain them. Cannot comment on quality of seats or service as never used them but recently on my searches price wise cannot be beaten
Dan *******
Before the pandemic I flew round trip from LAX to Thailand for $400. The transition in China was God awful.
Bill *********
@Andy *********
Never ever fly a Chinese mainland based airline!Vincent ***********
The Taiwan based EVA air is much better
Andy **********
@Vincent **********
yes I have flown with EVA in the pastReply to
Andy **********
Reply
Calvert *******
Does Spirit fly this route
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Calvert ******
no homieCalvert *******
@Steven ********
I know I was just kidding. I've flown EVA, ANA and I'm flying on Singapore Air for my trip in JulyJeff *********
@Calvert ******
Singapore does not disappoint 👍Calvert *******
@Jeff ********
The economy seats are good?Jeff *********
@Calvert ******
yes , I sit in emergency exit as I’m tall. Used to fly to Australia with them, and lots from Australia to Thailand etc. warm towels great service 👍 airports unreal 😳Reply to
Jeff *********
Reply
John *****
Korean air is the best economy I've had. Cathay pacific is a close second
Andrew **********
@John ****
I loved Korean Air but they got pricey from New York.Vincent ***********
They are really cheap BKK to LAX
$ 500 one way coach.
$ 500 one way coach.
Andrew **********
@Vincent **********
I was actually thinking of flying to LA for a day but the extra time and expense problably isn’t worth it.Reply to
Andrew **********
Reply
Jeff *********
@John ****
never flown Korean , cathay is my top 3, Singapore being number 1 👍Vincent ***********
Korean is doing a good job through Inchon with 747 service and cheap seat upgrades. About $100 for prime economy seat on Inchon lax route.
Lena *************
@Vincent **********
what is the difference with prime economyVincent ***********
I booked premium economy with AA points I have.
The seating is larger, food is better and it’s two abreast instead of 3 in a 787 configuration.
Dollar wise buying outright it costs 60 % more in now season .
Points wise it’s 50 k points for premium vs 35k points for coach.
Regards premium seating, Korean air lets you pick seats when you book and for $100 each you can get bulkhead or exit row.
Much nicer than coach seats alone for foot room.
These seats comparably world cost about $200 and up many American Airline. Talking one leg here, one way upgrade.
Consider upgrading the pacific longer leg to Hong Kong and or Japan.
I don’t upgrade short legs.
I don’t like Cathay Oacific because seat selection is a mess withheld until 24 hours before flying.
Otherwise they have great routes and service and planes
The seating is larger, food is better and it’s two abreast instead of 3 in a 787 configuration.
Dollar wise buying outright it costs 60 % more in now season .
Points wise it’s 50 k points for premium vs 35k points for coach.
Regards premium seating, Korean air lets you pick seats when you book and for $100 each you can get bulkhead or exit row.
Much nicer than coach seats alone for foot room.
These seats comparably world cost about $200 and up many American Airline. Talking one leg here, one way upgrade.
Consider upgrading the pacific longer leg to Hong Kong and or Japan.
I don’t upgrade short legs.
I don’t like Cathay Oacific because seat selection is a mess withheld until 24 hours before flying.
Otherwise they have great routes and service and planes
Reply to
Vincent ***********
Reply
Vincent ***********
$1000 one way seats for 2 in coach and $200 for both seat upgrades I meant to say
Lena *************
@Vincent **********
how did you get the seat upgrades, I just booked and there wasn't an option to upgrade anything.Vincent ***********
Maybe the seats were sold out when you booked.
I always book 3 months before flying and you get options to purchase better seats in coach
I always book 3 months before flying and you get options to purchase better seats in coach
John *****
@Vincent **********
i fly out of dfw and can always get $700 return even in high season. Yesterday it was $724Vincent ***********
That is really good.
My 500 flight is to LAX then I use points to get the short leg to Albuquerque
My 500 flight is to LAX then I use points to get the short leg to Albuquerque
Reply to
John *****
Reply
Steven *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ****
are the seats comfy? Good food?John *******
@Steven ********
I found the food much better on Cathay Pacific than Korean Air but your mileage may vary!Dan *******
Korean Air is consistent and I’ve flown with them many times. Recommended
Richard ********
@Steven ********
yes you have sofa lopster for diner and free massageBraulio *********
@Steven ********
Long haul in economy is not going to be "comfy" Perhaps you should reconsider you expectationsJohn *****
@Steven ********
I mean it's a 16 hour flight in economy... seats aren't comfy after the first 4 hours. Food is decent thoughReply to
John *****
Reply
Gary ******
If ANA flies from there to Bangkok I would recommend them.
Vincent ***********
ANA serves BKK from the west coast
Vincent ***********
ANA gives the best seat spacing. 81 cm in coach compared to 76 average on others.
Korean air is very close as well for coach comfort, if such a thing is possible
Korean air is very close as well for coach comfort, if such a thing is possible
Richard ********
@Gary *****
they do. That’s the only airline I fly on now that the Middle Eastern airlines have and are drastically increased/increasing their prices.Vincent ***********
I loved Qatar airport if DFW for BKK with their 380 airbus service, but the prices are 5O % higher than most flying to Bangkok
Reply to
Vincent ***********
Reply
Young ********
Big seats only in Economy Premium or Business class. High season won't be cheap
Philip ********
Skyscanner
Dan *******
Nope. One of the worst services in the travel industry. More complaints than a Jewish woman in an Italian bakery
Philip ********
@Dan ******
what that comment supposed to mean, Skyscanner is a platform not a booking service, jeez who are you!!!Andrew ********
@Dan ******
what does that mean? Why not just say there are a lot of complaints rather than disparage Jewish women.Reply to
Andrew ********
Reply
John ********
@Philip *******
I know, the easiest there is. 👍Reply to
John ********
Reply
Christopher **********
Try Chinese southern
Vincent ***********
China Southern has good pricing and equipment and a great safety rating.
The airports they change at might not be wonderful however. Avoid Shanghai at all costs.
Singapore however has a world class efficient airport (Changi) that you will be glad you visited
The airports they change at might not be wonderful however. Avoid Shanghai at all costs.
Singapore however has a world class efficient airport (Changi) that you will be glad you visited
Christopher **********
If the poster what’s the best airline to travel with I would’ve said Singapore airlines or Qatar Airways but they’re looking for something a bit cheaper so I would definitely say China Southern
Henry *********
@Christopher *********
is it safe? 😂Christopher **********
@Henry ********
China Southern is the best Chinese airline and I would rate them 7 out of 10. I’ve flown all around the world on many airlines. They’re fine.Vincent ***********
Good safety record
Reply to
Vincent ***********
Reply
Bill *********
@Christopher *********
Chinese...that right there should make you avoid at all costs.GiftedF*******
@Christopher *********
we flew them a couple of weeks ago Brisbane to Bangkok, they decided we didn’t need our luggage. Took a few days to get it. I don’t rate their inflight service either.Montaque *********
@Christopher *********
last time no heat in airport long lay over nearly froze . Wouldn’t go to China again even if freeAndrew **********
@Montaque ********
I didn’t like the censored internet or the security. Nothing worked on my phoneDan *******
Agreed. Nasty airports and disgusting Chinese people.
Hans *********
@Montaque ********
agreed, treat you like criminal damn near full pay down. No Chinese airlines, or airportsVincent ***********
I don’t know the Chinese airlines but I’m not impressed by the airports I went through
Reply to
Vincent ***********
Reply
Ralph *******
@Montaque ********
I had the same experience. Waiting nearly two hours at the gate, no heating, minimal facilities. I had departed from LAX so I wasn’t wearing a jacket and didn’t think I would need one.Vincent ***********
Avoid Shanghai airport. No air condition. Filthy with broken machines and lines. Huge crowds. No signs in English. Ask for help and they laugh.
They make you disembark luggage on a through flight, reinspect and screen it then reload it for Bangkok,
Fucking barbaric in my opinion.
BTW American Airlines has great premium economy from DFW to Shanghai then JAL to BKK
Too bad about the airport in Shanghai however. The flights are great and reasonable in low season
They make you disembark luggage on a through flight, reinspect and screen it then reload it for Bangkok,
Fucking barbaric in my opinion.
BTW American Airlines has great premium economy from DFW to Shanghai then JAL to BKK
Too bad about the airport in Shanghai however. The flights are great and reasonable in low season
Hans *********
@Vincent **********
yeah, went there as well , they landed at different airport 30 kms away because of fog, noone on plane understood what she said except Chinese. Noone on ground to help found transit bus by luck I figured they'd transfer my luggage, they foew it in 10 hours later . Philippines is cheap ish from l. A. One connection in manilaReply to
Hans *********
Reply
Eugene **********
@Montaque ********
lol o spent 12 hours in some giant Chinese airport, it was empty as hell and cold too. Luckily I have learned and prepared by borrowing a lot of blankets. Also instant noodles help, most Chinese airports have hot water dispensers for tea and noodles!Dennis **********
@Montaque ********
this upcoming trip will be my 5th time flying with them and so far not 1 complaintChristopher **********
@Montaque ********
I’ve been there twice brand-new airports easy transfer new aeroplanes 8 out of 10 for meDavid ********
Montaque A Dubs Airport was brand new, service was great on and off the plane and there were plenty of free seats while I was waiting for my connecting flight at the airport. Are you sure it was China Southern you flew with?
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Brandon ************
It's high season, so you can forget about affordable.
Also, if you're shopping based on price, you do not get to shop on comfort or service.
Also, if you're shopping based on price, you do not get to shop on comfort or service.
Lee ********
@Brandon ***********
I find great prices from chicago toBangkok in January departure February return as low as $600 round trip. Of course no big seats. I prefer Cathay Pacific or Thai Air
Dany ********
@Brandon ***********
not sure about the US. but from europe the season in thailand doesnt impact the prices as much. you pay in august, middle of monsoon, deepest low season, same or more than in January, february because of school holidays i assume…. i fly all year round in and out and book my flights 1-3 weeks in advance and there isnt much price increase in high season. i did return to and from germany for about 650-700€ in high season.Gabriel ********
@Dany *******
I’m leaving in 2 hours, NYC to bkk-$2300 on JAL…Same flight in June costs me $1300Dany ********
@Gabriel *******
why would you tellme two completely different things than i was talking about? june is
not august.
and in one of my other comments i even posted a specific travel itinerary from NYC to BKK in january. 3 weeks. peak high season. return for 630€.
while june price are listed at 850+. july around 900.
Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Richard ********
@Dany *******
700 for direct fly you dream August is high season in Europe
Low season is may to end of June and end September to beginning December
Dany ********
@Richard *******
what exactly do you try to tell me? as i said, the prices are not much effected by thai season and more by your departing countries season.Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Oh *********
@Brandon ***********
true words, which nobody wants go hearReply to
Oh *********
Reply
43 comments
7 months ago
12 comments
7 months ago
212 comments
a year ago
16 comments
2 years ago
89 comments
2 years ago
What are the best ways to find discounted Business Class fares for flights from the USA to Thailand?
29 comments
2 years ago
19 comments
2 years ago
33 comments
3 years ago
111 comments
3 years ago
24 comments
3 years ago
48 comments
4 years ago
72 comments
4 years ago
9 comments
4 years ago
51 comments
4 years ago
30 comments
4 years ago
28 comments
4 years ago
20 comments
5 years ago
Can I fly from Dallas to Bangkok with a layover in Narita, Japan, and which airline should I choose?
7 comments
5 years ago
10 comments
5 years ago
0 comments
5 years ago
116 comments
5 years ago
23 comments
5 years ago
0 comments
5 years ago
10 comments
5 years ago
84 comments
6 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.