when you walk in to get your paperwork checked at the first 90 day check in desk they gave me and everyone else a number to be called. Desk 11 was doing 90 day check ins and called everyone by number. Doesn't mean it was like that yesterday or that it will be tomorrow, but it was today. You didn't get a number until they checked you for proper paperwork
this morning only needed to go to the right side for a quick document check and ticket. After document check sit and wait for number to be called. I was there about 45 minutes. Only took that long because I didn't have a filled out tm47 so had to fill out and get back in line. No problem, was pretty painless even for an old impatient person like me 555. Appreciate all the responses and help for a newbie.
I've made that trip the last 5 years out of Dallas. Usually the closer you get to your flight date, the fewer flights and seats available and the price goes up. Not 100% the case as other things can effect ticket prices, but its usually the case in my experience. You will also have more seating choices the earlier you book.
Its whatever works best for you. For me it's much easier to send to my thai bank and use scan and pay through my banking app. But I also have a US bank card that refunds all foreign atm fees, so I use that to have cash to carry. You always need backup, so have multiple ways get your money.