Thailand is served by numerous airlines from all over the world. Direct flights are available from North America, Europe, Australasia, and Asia. A flight from the US will take as long as 24 hours and may entail an overnight stay in Japan. Thai Airways  operates direct flights from Los Angeles to Bangkok, and British Airways , United , and Northwest  have a connecting service from New York. Flights from Asian countries may land at Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Hat Yai.

The cost of flying to and from Thailand varies according to the destination, the airline, and the time of year. In the northern hemisphere the low fares are available from September to April, and in the southern hemisphere from March to November. Bangkok is one of the cheapest cities in the world to fly out of due to loose government restrictions on air fares and fierce competition between the airlines and Bangkok’s travel agencies.

Following years of planning and numerous delays, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport finally opened in September 2006. The airport is located in Racha Thewa in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan Province, 30 km (18 miles) east of the capital. One of the busiest airports in Asia, Suvarnabhumi is used for all international flights as well as some domestic ones.

Named by King Bhumibol, Suvarnabumi  means “Golden Land.” The airport’s futuristic design makes it a striking architectural feature as well as a functional airport. The large roof trellis structure is sized for the future growth of the airport, which at present operates 76 flights per hour and can accommodate 45 million passengers a year. This will potentially increase to 100 million passengers once the airport is fully expanded. The airport terminal boasts 41 restaurants and over 90 duty free shops as well as the world’s tallest air traffic control tower.

Arriving passengers enter the terminal on the second floor of the concourse buildings. After passing through passport control checkpoints and customs, they can proceed to the arrivals hall, where they will find transportation counters, accommodation counters, and a tourist-information center. A meeting point can be found on the third floor.

Metered taxis are available outside the first floor. There is a surcharge of 50 baht  in addition to the meter fare. A trip into the city will cost roughly 300 baht , including expressway charges, and take around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Passengers may also take a shuttle bus.

People traveling to the airport are strongly advised to allow at least one hour for travel time and to take the expressway. Check-ins, particularly at the Thai Airways counter, are often subject to delays. The walk from the passport checkpoint to the flight lounge is also a considerable distance.

A direct BTS Skytrain link to Suvarnabhumi Airport is currently under construction and due to open in late 2008.

A number of domestic flights from Bangkok leave from Don Muang Airport. Located on Bangkok’s Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Don Muang serves non-connecting flights of Thai Airways, all domestic flights of Nok Air , and some domestic flights of Orient Thai.

Local carriers Thai Airways  and Bangkok Airways  fly to all major provincial capitals, such as Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Phuket. They also serve towns such as Ranong, Mae Sot, and Phrae. Other local airlines now in operation include Air Andaman, Orient Thai Airlines, PB Air, and Phuket Airlines. Air tickets can be bought through travel agents and hotels, or booked directly through the airlines – in this case passengers will need to pick up their ticket at the airport at least one hour before flying.

On the many public holidays and on weekends, when there are more people traveling, it can be difficult to get a flight, so try to book tickets well in advance or travel during the week.