Booking Family Flights to Thailand
Book your flights at least 4-6 months in advance, ideally targeting mid-week departures to save 15-20% on fares. Use Google Flights to track prices for the specific dates, but always book directly through the airline's official website to avoid complications with third-party travel agencies when traveling with children.
- Set a price alert early. Use Google Flights to track your specific route. Toggle the 'Track Prices' switch at least 6 months out. If you see a price drop below your target, book immediately; don't wait for a further dip.
- Prioritize layovers carefully. With a family, avoid any connection shorter than 3 hours. If traveling with young children, prioritize an overnight layover in a hub like Singapore or Hong Kong to break up the 15+ hour journey.
- Verify airline child policies. Before purchasing, check the airline's website for 'Infant' vs 'Child' fare rules. Most carriers offer a 10-25% discount for children under 12, but this often only applies to base fares, not taxes or surcharges.
- Book direct with the airline. Never use an OTA (Online Travel Agency) for family travel. If a flight is canceled, dealing with an airline directly is significantly faster and more reliable than trying to get a refund through a third-party site.
- Should I book a bassinet seat for my infant?
- Yes. Call the airline immediately after booking your tickets to request a bassinet seat. These are limited in number and are located at bulkhead rows.
- Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Phuket?
- Bangkok (BKK) is almost always cheaper and offers more flight frequency. It is usually more cost-effective to fly into Bangkok and take a budget carrier like AirAsia to your final island destination.