Why are flights to Thailand so expensive in 2026?
A mix of longer flight paths, fewer planes, and peak-season demand has pushed fares to Thailand to record highs.
A return flight from London to Bangkok in November 2025 now costs around £1,150 to £1,400 on direct carriers like Thai Airways or EVA Air. That is roughly double what you would have paid in 2019. Even stopovers on Qatar Airways or Emirates start at £850.
So what is going on? First, European airlines can no longer fly over Russia due to the Russian airspace ban. A Helsinki to Bangkok flight used to take nine and a half hours. Now it takes closer to thirteen. More time in the air means more fuel, more crew, and higher costs passed on to you.
Second, there simply are not enough big planes. Thai Airways retired its jumbo jets during the pandemic and is still waiting on replacement aircraft. Fewer seats means airlines can charge more.
Third, it is peak season. Europeans escaping the cold are flooding into Thailand right now. When demand is this high and supply is this tight, prices stay elevated.
The outlook: Do not expect a bargain anytime soon. The airspace issue is not going away, and new planes take years to arrive. Prices may ease slightly after the holiday rush, but the cheap Thailand trip of 2019 is unlikely to return.
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You can save between 40% and 80% on your flights to Thailand — and to other Asian countries — with Air Traveler Club Superdeals.
We monitor all major airports in Europe for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- London (LHR) — UK
- Paris (CDG) — France
- Amsterdam (AMS) — Netherlands
- Madrid (MAD) — Spain
- Frankfurt (FRA) — Germany
- Rome (FCO) — Italy
- Athens (ATH) — Greece
- Vienna (VIE) — Austria
- Zurich (ZRH) — Switzerland
- Warsaw (WAW) — Poland

Departure airports in Europe and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.

Superdeals to Thailand
Fly for half price (or less)
Airlines don't design their pricing systems to offer half-price tickets. However, when algorithms detect demand shortfalls for specific routes, automated systems apply steep discounts to fill planes. Airlines would rather accept losses than fly with empty seats.
ATC monitors thousands of routes from Europe 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Europe to Bangkok costs €700+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around €250:
Which airlines have promotions to Thailand right now?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
Which carriers have sales and special offers for flights in February, March, April and beyond? You can now browse the entire collection of active promotions:
Browse promos →Popular airlines with frequent offers from Europe:
Travel hacks and insights
for Europe — Thailand flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to Thailand.
Vaping devices lead to fines or jail
E-cigarettes and vapes are strictly illegal in Thailand. Bringing them through customs can result in on-the-spot fines of 20,000-50,000 THB (€500-1,300) or even imprisonment. Police frequently stop tourists at checkpoints.
Do not pack vapes in carry-on or checked luggage. Airport scanners look for them. Discard all vaping equipment before boarding your flight to Thailand. The law is enforced strictly against foreigners.
Scandinavia departures save €300-500 vs London
Departing from Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN), or Copenhagen (CPH) to Bangkok often costs €550-650 on Star Alliance carriers, compared to €900+ from London or Frankfurt. Thai Airways and SAS compete aggressively on these Nordic routes.
Positioning flights from major European hubs to Oslo cost €60-100 roundtrip. Even with an overnight hotel stay near OSL, total savings typically exceed €300 per person. Always book the positioning flight on a separate ticket with at least a 4-hour buffer.
Gulf carriers offer 30kg baggage advantage
European airlines like Finnair, Lufthansa, and KLM now sell “Light” fares to Thailand with zero checked bags. Adding a 23kg bag costs €100-140 roundtrip. in contrast, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad include 25-30kg on all standard economy tickets.
For a 2-week trip to Thailand, this baggage allowance is significant value. Always compare the “final” price including luggage, not just the initial Google Flights result, where European carriers often appear artificially cheaper.
Buy LifeMiles for 60% off Thai Airways business
Direct Thai Airways business class seats from London or Frankfurt cost €3,500+. During Avianca LifeMiles “140% bonus” sales, you can buy 78,000 miles for roughly €1,100.
Redeeming these miles for a one-way business class ticket on Thai Airways offers massive arbitrage. Availability opens 355 days in advance. Always verify award seat availability on the LifeMiles website before purchasing the miles to avoid getting stuck with non-refundable currency.
Strict onward ticket enforcement in Europe
Airlines in Europe (especially Finnair, KLM, and Lufthansa) strictly enforce Thailand’s proof of onward travel rule at check-in. If you don’t have a return ticket within 60 days, they may deny boarding.
One-way ticket holders must have a confirmed flight out of Thailand. A bus or train ticket is often rejected by European ground staff. Use a service like OnwardTicket for a verifiable 48-hour flight reservation (€12) to satisfy the agent if you plan to travel overland later.
Buy Fast Track access to skip BKK queues
Immigration lines at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) can exceed 90 minutes during European arrival banks (12 PM – 3 PM). You can legally purchase “Fast Track” or “Premium Lane” access for roughly €35-45 via third-party services like Limousine Express.
This grants access to the dedicated diplomatic/crew lanes, clearing immigration in under 10 minutes. While business class passengers get this for free, economy travelers can buy their way out of the wait. Book online 24 hours before arrival.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
What is the new ETA system required for entering Thailand?
Thailand rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in 2025 for visa-exempt travelers, similar to the US ESTA. You must apply online at the official Thai e-Visa portal at least 48 hours before departure to generate your QR code for entry. The process is free (or carries a nominal processing fee depending on recent updates) and links directly to your passport. Airlines will check this before boarding in Europe, so don’t arrive at the airport without your approval email saved.
Can I use the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for tourism?
Yes, the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) is an excellent option if you plan to stay up to 180 days and combine tourism with remote work or cultural courses (like Muay Thai or cooking). Launched recently to attract digital nomads, it costs 10,000 THB (approx. €275) and is valid for five years with multiple entries. Unlike the standard tourist exemption, this requires applying at a Thai embassy in Europe before you fly and showing proof of 500,000 THB (approx. €13,600) in savings. It’s a game-changer for Europeans wanting to winter in Thailand without constant visa runs.
Which SIM card is best for European tourists in Thailand?
AIS or TrueMove H offer the best coverage, especially if you plan to visit islands or northern mountains. Buy a “tourist SIM” at the airport arrivals hall (BKK or HKT) for about 300-600 THB (€8-16) for 15-30 days of unlimited 5G data. Alternatively, buy an eSIM via apps like Airalo before you fly to avoid queues, though local physical SIMs are often 30-40% cheaper and offer faster speeds. You will need your passport to register the SIM card by law.
Do I need to carry cash, or are credit cards widely accepted?
Cash is still king in Thailand for street food, tuk-tuks, local markets, and small massage shops. While malls, hotels, and 7-Eleven accept Visa/Mastercard (often with a 200 THB minimum at convenience stores), you need Thai Baht for the authentic experience. Withdraw cash from ATMs in bulk to minimize the 220 THB (€6) fee charged per transaction, or exchange Euros at “SuperRich” kiosks for the best rates. Always carry 1,000-2,000 THB in small notes for daily spending.
What is the dress code for visiting Thai temples?
Modesty is non-negotiable at sacred sites like the Grand Palace or Wat Arun. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women—no tank tops, short shorts, or crop tops. Sarongs are often available for rent at the entrance for 50-100 THB (€1.50-3), but it’s better to dress appropriately or carry a light scarf and long pants in your day pack. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the main prayer halls, so wear slip-ons for convenience.
Is it worth booking “VIP” buses for long distances?
Yes, for journeys like Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Krabi, the “VIP 24” or “First Class” government buses are exceptional value. For about 800-1,000 THB (€22-27), you get massive reclining massage seats, a meal, and onboard toilet in a 24-seat configuration. Avoid the cheap “tourist buses” sold on Khao San Road—they are cramped, often stop excessively, and have a reputation for luggage theft. Book official tickets via platforms like 12Go.asia or directly at the bus terminal (Mo Chit or Sai Tai Mai).
How does Air Traveler Club find cheap flights to Thailand?
We use AI to monitor pricing anomalies across 150+ airlines 24/7, catching sudden drops that occur due to new route launches or algorithm adjustments. For example, we might detect a Frankfurt to Bangkok fare dropping from €900 to €480 because a carrier released a new block of seats. Human experts verify every deal to ensure reasonable layovers and quality airlines before alerting you. You then book directly with the airline using the link we provide in our free newsletter.
Why are your flight deals cheaper than Skyscanner or Kayak?
Comparison sites show you the *current* market price, which is often high; we specialize in finding temporary *pricing anomalies* that most people miss. By the time a low fare trends on standard search engines, it’s often gone. We alert you the moment the price drops—like a €520 return from Paris to Bangkok on a top-tier carrier—giving you the “insider” window to book directly with the airline. Join our free newsletter to see these deals as they happen.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Europe to Thailand cost?
Nonstop Europe-Thailand flights take 10-13 hours and cost 20-40% more than connecting alternatives. Major hubs in United Kingdom, Germany, and France—including London, Frankfurt, and Paris—offer the most frequent service, primarily to Bangkok (BKK) and Phuket (HKT).
Direct service justifies its premium for business travelers, families, or when price differences stay below €200-300—otherwise, strategic one-stop routing typically delivers better value.
| Route | Airline | Aircraft | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) → Bangkok (BKK) | Thai Airways | 777-300ER | €900 | €305 (66% off) |
| London (LGW) → Bangkok (BKK) | Norse Atlantic Airways | 787-9 | €750 | €245 (67% off) |
| Frankfurt (FRA) → Bangkok (BKK) | Thai Airways | A350-900 | €880 | €295 (66% off) |
| Munich (MUC) → Bangkok (BKK) | Thai Airways | A350-900 | €860 | €290 (66% off) |
| Paris (CDG) → Bangkok (BKK) | Air France | 777-300ER | €920 | €305 (67% off) |
| Paris (CDG) → Phuket (HKT) | Air France | 777-200ER | €950 | €315 (67% off) |
| Amsterdam (AMS) → Bangkok (BKK) | KLM | 787-9 | €900 | €305 (66% off) |
| Copenhagen (CPH) → Bangkok (BKK) | Thai Airways | 787-9 | €820 | €275 (67% off) |
| Zurich (ZRH) → Bangkok (BKK) | Swiss | 777-300ER | €920 | €320 (65% off) |
| Oslo (OSL) → Phuket (HKT) | Norse Atlantic Airways | 787-9 | €780 | €255 (67% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Europe to Thailand flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Europe to Thailand, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Istanbul IST
with Turkish Airlines
- Average savings: 42% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Europe-Istanbul (~4h), then Istanbul-Bangkok (~9h)
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 90 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free hotel up to 3 nights
- Visa requirements: Visa-free transit for most European passport holders
- Airport rating: 4-star Skytrax, modern terminals
- Best for: London, Paris, Frankfurt travelers seeking extended free stopovers
Dubai DXB
with Emirates
- Average savings: 48% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~6h Europe-Dubai and ~6h Dubai-Bangkok legs
- Typical connection: 3-5 hours (2h minimum)
- Stopover perks: Free hotel with meals and transfers
- Visa requirements: Free transit visa for European passport holders
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, world-class facilities
- Best for: London, Rome, Madrid travelers seeking premium lounge access
Abu Dhabi AUH
with Etihad Airways
- Average savings: 45% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~6h Europe-Abu Dhabi, ~7h Abu Dhabi-Bangkok
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 90 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free 2-night hotel package
- Visa requirements: Visa-free transit for most European passport holders
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, premium terminal experience
- Best for: Paris, Berlin, Zurich travelers seeking complimentary 4-5 star accommodation
Doha DOH
with Qatar Airways
- Average savings: 40% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: ~7h Europe-Doha + ~6h Doha-Bangkok
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 90 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Hotels from $14/night
- Visa requirements: Visa-free transit for most European passport holders
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, award-winning hub
- Best for: London, Amsterdam, Vienna travelers seeking best-value business class
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Set alerts →Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to Thailand
Most travelers book Europe–Thailand flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to Thailand.
Singapore Airlines
Airbus A350-900
Five-time Skytrax Airline of the Year winner using the A350’s lower cabin altitude and quiet cabin for reduced jet lag. Ideal for premium comfort on Europe–Bangkok via Changi, world’s best airport.
- Route: Direct/1-stop via Singapore SIN→BKK/Bangkok (13–14hrs)
- Economy: 32–33″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3, adjustable headrests, USB-A + power, premium meal service
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, fully enclosed suites, aisle access for all
- Standouts: 18.5″ HD touchscreen IFE with 1,800+ titles, free messaging via wifi, Singapore Girl service, cold towel refresh, premium wines, Changi connections
- Typical Pricing: Economy €580–850; Business €2,300–3,600;
Turkish Airlines
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Skytrax 4-Star Airline using the 787’s lower cabin pressure and humidity to reduce fatigue. Strong 1-stop connectivity from Istanbul to Bangkok with generous baggage and meal service.
- Route: 1-stop via Istanbul IST→BKK/Bangkok (13–14hrs total)
- Economy: 31–32″ pitch, 17.8–18″ width, 3-3-3, USB + power, Turkish coffee, hot main course, dessert
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, privacy dividers
- Standouts: 12.1″ IFE with 400+ movies, free wifi (limited), Turkish Airlines’ award-winning cuisine, lounge access in Istanbul, generous 2x23kg baggage in Economy
- Typical Pricing: Economy €490–720; Business €1,800–2,900;
Lufthansa
Airbus A350-900
Skytrax 4-Star European flagship using the A350’s quiet, low-pressure cabin for smoother long-haul travel. Direct Frankfurt–Bangkok with German precision and strong connections across Europe.
- Route: Direct via Frankfurt FRA→BKK/Bangkok (12–13hrs)
- Economy: 31–32″ pitch, 17.8–18″ width, 3-3-3, adjustable headrests, USB + power, hot meal with wine, breakfast
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 79″ lie-flat, aisle access for all, privacy panels
- Standouts: 13.3″ IFE with 300+ movies, free wifi (limited), Lufthansa’s business class dining with wine list, Frankfurt hub efficiency, Star Alliance network
- Typical Pricing: Economy €520–780; Business €2,100–3,300;
Qatar Airways
Airbus A350-1000
Skytrax 5-Star Airline using the A350-1000’s ultra-quiet, low-pressure cabin for premium comfort. Strong 1-stop Doha–Bangkok connectivity with award-winning service and modern interiors.
- Route: 1-stop via Doha DOH→BKK/Bangkok (13–14hrs total)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3, adjustable headrests, USB + power, hot meal with regional options
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 80″ lie-flat, fully enclosed suites, aisle access for all
- Standouts: 13.3″ IFE with 850+ movies, free wifi (limited), 5-star Qsuite-level service, premium dining with wine, Doha’s Hamad Airport lounge access
- Typical Pricing: Economy €500–750; Business €2,000–3,200;
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