Ask question

Why are flights from Bangkok to the US so empty despite high demand?

COVID-19 Travel Impact Flight Availability Airline Capacity Thailand Immigration Visa Concerns US Travel Restrictions Flight Prices Airline Operations

Sep 25, 2020

4 years ago

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

For all the talk about full flights leaving BKK, my flight on Korean Air to ICN then USA is about 90% empty

8,259

views

151

likes

231

all likes

40

replies

1

images

22

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion reveals a notable observation regarding the current state of air travel from Bangkok, particularly flights to the US, which are reported to be significantly underbooked despite numerous claims of full flights. Participants mention experiences on various airlines, highlighting that many flights have low passenger numbers. Comments also touch on issues such as pricing, the impact of COVID-19 on travel and airline operations, and the complexities faced when returning to Thailand due to varying visa and quarantine regulations. Overall, the conversation illustrates the challenges and changes in international air travel amidst ongoing global health concerns.

Andrew ********

same old price I paid. One way from London £450.

Like

Reply

Martin *******

It's a joke really. We will be paying for empty seats that would of been empty anyway forever now

Like

Reply

Antonino *******

I have found the same on the flight Etihad to Abu Dhabi, and then to Milano; the rate crew/passengers was about

***

.

Like

Reply

Andrew ********

Leaving Thailand is fairly easy it's coming back that's the problem.

Like

Reply

Andrew ********

I just got back from UK, still in quarantine. Arriving and going through Swampy was quick and easy. The tough bit was arranging all the paperwork, not cheap and highly stressful. The process is quite confusing as embassy gave me the wrong email addresses to send documents. The covid 19 test is another worry as the 72 hour bit makes it a very tight schedule. Trying t get on the repatriation flight was hopeless luckily Emirates put on a few scheduled flights which were

***

the price of the repatriation flight.

Like

Reply

Jane ***********

@Andrew *******

Thanks for this update, always interesting to hear experiences of those returning.

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andrew *******

good to hear that, hopefully more airlines will do that in the coming months

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andrew *******

isn’t that the truth! Caught a glimpse of what awaits while heading to my departure gate F6

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

John *******

They can’t fly like that for long.

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

they make up for it with cargo I think

Like

Reply

John *******

@Christopher *****

I hope so. But they can only carry as much cargo as before (they are not removing seats) and the passenger portion is near empty.

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

more weight available and unused luggage space - I heard Korean was using the cabin for flights to BKK but I can’t confirm that.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I can confirm the transit at ICN is very easy, and the lounge is open with food and alcohol, most shops open too - but on the BKK-ICN flight no alcohol.

Like

Reply

Han ********

Buy at duty free, transfer into Ice Oi Ichi Tea bottle bought from the pharmacy. (Comes with free ice tea).

Tell shop attendant you're only going as far as your first flight because otherwise they're going to spend 20 minutes figuring out if duty free items are allowed to transfer.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Han ********

Reply

Andrew ********

Returning to Thailand from London to Dubai was same A380 with perhaps 100 on board and Dubai Bangkok on a 777 with less than 50.

Like

Reply

Anthony *********

Also the lack of flying hours is hindering pilots from returning to these large carriers. This tidal effect of maintaining a licensed flight record will create a shortage of pilots in the short term.

Like

Reply

Anthony *********

The price gouging will be hard to reverse since airlines are flying at a huge loss. Till passenger confidence and closed border restrictions ease, this will not change. Hopefully they can fast track an instant Covid test that can bypass hotel quarantine.

Like

Reply

Motal ***********

Don't doubt we are on the third world war and nobody want to die.

Like

Reply

Tony ********

Australia has flight caps of32people per flight .and caps on passengers into airport so not economic Qatar may stop going to Aust

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

They need to come up with a way to get people back and stop making bad decisions

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

Whole lot a sleeping room and extra food

Like

Reply

Stéfan ********

These are not regular flights... they load up with Thais coming in and must return to point of departure

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stéfan *******

it’s a regular flight, I just booked online

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

Love ***************

Wow, did you have to get a transit visa? I thought they weren't allowing American Citizens to pass through.

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Love **************

no need, super easy transit

Like

Reply

Christophe **********

No, they were not allowing thais to come in or transit

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christophe **********

Reply

Todd *********

Interesting!!Incheon and South Korea in general would be a blast now. Wonder how their visa situation looks for long stay

Like

Reply

Ness *******

This is so sad to see!

Like

Reply

Chris *******

Save on the business class ticket and stretch across 4 seats mate !!!!!!

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I did that! But also upgrade certificates on Delta so Delta One Suites it is!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

John ********

Any flight arriving from Hong Kong to BKK

Like

Reply

Martin ********

Qatar yeaterday, 36 passemgers on BKK to Doha flight

Like

Reply

Bill ***********

Are you sure you got on the right flight?

Like

Reply

Cervantes *******

Seems like no one wants to go to the US?

Like

Reply

Billy *******

@Cervantes ******

Ha! It's a shit hole!

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cervantes ******

could be, but this flight is to Seoul, I will take a pic on connecting flight to USA

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

Kevin *******

etihad the same ,a month ago

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Emirates was checking in about same time, looked also like very few flyers compared to normal

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

John ********

Price??

Like

Reply

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I paid one-way about 28,000 baht, changed fight date for free twice.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Christopher ******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Why are flight prices to Thailand so high right now?

56 comments

5 months ago

Are flight fares to and from Thailand seeing any changes recently?

34 comments

2 years ago

Why is there a lack of tourists in Thailand during the rainy season?

32 comments

2 years ago

What are the best recommendations for air ticket agents in Bangkok for traveling to the US?

9 comments

2 years ago

What travel advice can help ensure a smooth departure from Thailand to the USA considering COVID-19 requirements?

6 comments

3 years ago

Why are flights from Doha to Bangkok so full right now?

27 comments

3 years ago

Is it worth it to deal with flight cancellations and travel restrictions in Thailand?

43 comments

3 years ago

What are the best airlines to book flights to Thailand for later this year?

31 comments

3 years ago

Why does Don Mueang Airport look deserted during the pandemic?

13 comments

4 years ago

What is the current situation regarding flights from Sydney to Bangkok during the pandemic?

17 comments

4 years ago

What are the best transit terminals for Americans traveling to Bangkok?

47 comments

4 years ago

What recent travel experiences to Bangkok have the expats shared amidst COVID-19 restrictions?

102 comments

4 years ago

Will Thai Airways operate flights without passengers for financial reasons?

33 comments

4 years ago

What are the current conditions for flying during COVID-19, particularly for Delta flights?

30 comments

4 years ago

What is the current situation for travelers returning to Thailand amidst quarantine and repatriation flights?

3 comments

4 years ago

What are the current immigration and flight conditions for returning to Thailand?

67 comments

4 years ago

What is the current situation like at Suvarnabhumi Airport?

57 comments

4 years ago

What is the current status of domestic flights in Thailand, specifically from Bangkok to Khon Kaen?

6 comments

4 years ago

What are the current flight options from Thailand to the United States as of July 2020?

24 comments

4 years ago

What are the current visa and entry requirements for returning to Thailand amid travel restrictions?

62 comments

4 years ago

What are the predictions for future flight prices to Thailand post-pandemic?

52 comments

4 years ago

Are there currently reliable flights from Bangkok to Manchester?

35 comments

4 years ago

Why is Thai Airways offering such high prices compared to Emirates for the same route?

12 comments

5 years ago

Is $4000 a reasonable price for a one-way flight to Thailand, considering current travel restrictions?

12 comments

5 years ago

What are the current flight options and airport status for traveling from Koh Phangan to the US?

14 comments

5 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq: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.