
What are the top 10 best airlines in Thailand?
When planning your next trip within Thailand or flying internationally, choosing the right airline is important for your comfort, safety, and budget. Thailand has a well-developed aviation industry with many domestic and international airlines operating daily flights. Whether you are looking for the top 10 airlines in Thailand for your upcoming holiday, the best domestic airlines in Thailand for short trips, or international airlines in Thailand that connect you to countries like Japan, Singapore, or Australia, it is important to know which airlines offer the best service, prices, and reliability.
In this article, you will find detailed information about each airline, their services, routes, prices, safety records, and why they are recommended. This guide will help you decide which airline suits your travel plans, whether you want a premium experience with Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines, or you prefer budget options like Thai AirAsia and Nok Air for quick domestic flights.
How We Ranked These Airlines
To help you choose wisely, we ranked these airlines based on:
- Safety records (safest airlines in Thailand)
- Customer service and reviews
- Onboard amenities and comfort
- Punctuality and reliability
- Price and value for money (best budget airlines Thailand)
- Route coverage for both domestic and international flights
Top 10 Airlines in Thailand (2025)
Here is the Thailand airlines list 2025 you should know:
1. Thai Airways
Thai Airways is Thailand’s national flag carrier. Known for its warm hospitality, it offers a premium flying experience for both domestic and international routes. It flies to major cities like London, Tokyo, and Sydney, making it one of the major airlines in Thailand.
2. Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways brands itself as a “boutique airline” with free lounge access for all passengers. It is top-rated for flights to Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, making it a favourite among tourists seeking comfort and quality.
3. Thai Smile
A subsidiary of Thai Airways, Thai Smile offers affordable fares with full-service benefits like checked baggage and meals. It is ideal for those wanting the best budget airlines Thailand without compromising on service.
4. Thai AirAsia
If you are looking for cheap airlines in Thailand, Thai AirAsia is your go-to option. As a leading low-cost carrier, it connects Bangkok with domestic and regional destinations at very low fares.
5. Nok Air
Nok Air is one of the most popular low cost airlines Thailand has to offer, flying to many small cities and regional airports. It is well-known for its colourful bird-themed planes and budget-friendly prices.
6. Thai Lion Air
This airline offers competitive fares and a decent baggage allowance. Thai Lion Air serves many domestic routes and also flies to nearby countries, making it a good choice for budget travellers.
7. Thai VietJet Air
Another top budget airline in Thailand, Thai VietJet Air is great for quick domestic trips. Its fares are often among the lowest, though in-flight services are minimal.
8. Emirates
For international travellers, Emirates is a top-rated choice, flying from Bangkok to Dubai and beyond with excellent service, comfort, and entertainment systems.
9. Singapore Airlines
Known for being one of the safest airlines in Thailand’s skies (when flying out from Thai airports), Singapore Airlines connects Bangkok to the world via Changi Airport with world-class service.
10. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways ranks high in the Thailand airline ranking 2025 for international flights. It offers great connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with exceptional onboard service.
Best Domestic Airlines in Thailand
If you are flying within Thailand, here are the top airlines for Thailand domestic travel:
- Thai AirAsia – for cheap tickets and frequent schedules
- Nok Air – good for budget-conscious travellers going to regional airports
- Bangkok Airways – best for comfort and free lounge access even for economy class
- Thai Smile – for reliable service with affordable fares
- Thai Lion Air – competitive prices and generous baggage policies
Top Airlines for Thailand International Flights
For travelling abroad, these are the top airlines for Thailand international flights:
- Thai Airways – connects Bangkok to Europe, Japan, Australia, and North America
- Singapore Airlines – excellent for flights to Europe, USA, and Australia via Singapore
- Emirates – ideal for flights to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
- Qatar Airways – best for trips to Europe and Africa with short layovers in Doha
Comparison Table of Top 10 Airlines in Thailand
Airline | Type | Baggage Policy | In-flight Service | Popular Routes |
Thai Airways | Full Service | Generous | Meals, entertainment | Bangkok – London, Tokyo |
Bangkok Airways | Full Service | 20-30 kg | Meals, lounge access | Bangkok – Koh Samui |
Thai Smile | Full Service | 20 kg | Meals | Bangkok – Chiang Mai |
Thai AirAsia | Low Cost | Pay extra | Buy onboard | Bangkok – Phuket |
Nok Air | Low Cost | Pay extra | Buy onboard | Bangkok – Chiang Rai |
Thai Lion Air | Low Cost | 10-15 kg free | Buy onboard | Bangkok – Krabi |
Thai VietJet Air | Low Cost | Pay extra | Buy onboard | Bangkok – Phuket |
Emirates | Full Service | Generous | Premium meals, entertainment | Bangkok – Dubai |
Singapore Airlines | Full Service | Generous | Premium meals, entertainment | Bangkok – Singapore |
Qatar Airways | Full Service | Generous | Premium meals, entertainment | Bangkok – Doha |
Popular Routes and Destinations in Thailand
Some of the busiest and most scenic domestic routes include:
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai – cultural and food capital of the north
- Phuket to Krabi – short flight for island-hopping
- Bangkok to Koh Samui – fastest way to Thailand’s luxury island
- Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket – for beautiful beaches
For international connections:
- Bangkok to Singapore – busiest route with multiple daily flights
- Bangkok to Dubai – key hub for Europe and Middle East travel
- Bangkok to Doha – popular for Europe-bound flights with Qatar Airways
Budget vs Premium Airlines in Thailand
Thailand’s airline industry offers both budget and premium options:
- Budget airlines: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air – best for cheap, no-frills domestic flights
- Premium airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways – ideal for long-haul flights or when you want comfort and service
Baggage and Check-in Policies
Each airline has different rules:
- Low-cost carriers often exclude checked baggage in the base fare; you pay extra during booking
- Full-service airlines like Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways include checked baggage (20-30 kg) and meals
Tip: Always check baggage policies before booking to avoid unexpected fees.
Awards and Recognition
Many airlines here are award-winning:
- Thai Airways has consistently ranked in Skytrax top airlines for its Royal Orchid Service
- Bangkok Airways often wins Asia’s Best Regional Airline award
- Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are globally known for their luxury and safety standards
Tips for Booking Flights in Thailand
- Book early during festivals like Songkran (April) and Loy Krathong (November)
- Use local travel platforms or apps for deals
- Check for seasonal promotions on airlines’ official websites
- Consider flights from Don Mueang (DMK) for budget options, and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for premium airlines
- Look out for flash sales from Thai AirAsia and Nok Air for the cheapest tickets
Airline Hubs and Base Airports in Thailand
Most airlines operate from:
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, international airlines
- Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air
- Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) – regional hubs for domestic routes
Travel Experience and Comfort
If you value comfort:
- Thai Airways offers spacious seating and premium meals even in economy
- Bangkok Airways provides lounge access to all passengers
- Budget airlines have tighter seats with minimal legroom, but ideal for short flights
Conclusion
Choosing the right airline can make your journey within Thailand or abroad smooth, comfortable, and affordable. Whether you prefer premium experiences with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways or you are looking for budget-friendly options like Thai AirAsia and Nok Air, there are plenty of choices to match your travel style. Always compare airlines based on safety, service quality, baggage policies, and ticket prices before booking.
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FAQ
How early should I arrive at the airport for domestic flights in Thailand?
It is recommended to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure for domestic flights. This gives you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and boarding, especially during peak travel hours.
Which Thai airlines allow free seat selection during booking?
Most full-service airlines like Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways include free seat selection in their ticket price. However, budget airlines such as Thai AirAsia and Nok Air usually charge extra if you want to select your seat when booking.
Can I book flights in Thailand using SuperCashDeal Thailand for discounts?
Yes, you can find special airline deals, voucher codes, and promotions on SuperCashDeal Thailand, which help you save on domestic and international flight bookings.
Which airlines in Thailand offer in-flight WiFi services?
Currently, Thai Airways provides WiFi on selected international routes, while most domestic low-cost carriers do not offer onboard internet. Always check your flight details if WiFi is important for your journey.
Do any airlines in Thailand provide special meals for dietary restrictions?
Yes, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Singapore Airlines offer special meal options for passengers with dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, or gluten-free. Requests should be made at least 24-48 hours before departure.
What is the average baggage allowance for domestic flights in Thailand?
For full-service airlines, checked baggage allowance is usually 20-30 kg plus cabin baggage. Low-cost airlines include only cabin baggage (around 7 kg) in the base fare, and checked baggage must be purchased separately when booking.
Which airline is best for travelling with pets in Thailand?
Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways generally allow pets to travel in the cargo hold, while Nok Air offers a “pet on board” service for small pets on certain domestic routes. Always confirm airline pet policies before making your booking.
Are there any airlines in Thailand that offer student discounts?
Yes, Thai Airways sometimes provides student fares on selected routes. It’s a good idea to check their official website or SuperCashDeal Thailand for the latest student discount promotions.
Which airlines in Thailand are best for last-minute flight bookings?
For last-minute domestic flights, Thai AirAsia and Nok Air often have multiple daily departures with available seats, though fares may be higher. Checking SuperCashDeal Thailand for last-minute promo codes can help reduce costs.
Do Thai budget airlines provide refunds if I cancel my ticket?
Most budget airlines in Thailand do not offer refunds on basic fares if you cancel your ticket. Some may provide credit for future travel after deducting cancellation fees. Always read the fare rules carefully before booking.