I had two Japan Airline clips. I edited this for 4 hours. I messed up and played the same clip (left out the 2nd clip) at the beginning and end of the video. Sorry about that. My eyes were shot.
Loved watching this video. I've price compared, considered layovers and convenience and from Las Vegas I'm fortunate to have Korean Air direct to Incheon S. Korea and transfer to Bangkok. 13 hours and 6 hours respectively and as much searching I do online, I always prefer this itinerary. A bit pricier but for me its comfortable. I am 6'4" and I always get an exit row seat. It used to be free at check in but now they charge extra for it which is still worth it for me. Thanks for making this video!
As a native Angelino who's relocated to Fl, I now envy the prices and shorter flight schedule. I have Emirates out of Orlando and Qatar out of Miami to keep it to a one connection flight - but their prices are 70% more than what I paid in the past. I did fly JAL past Feb with 1st connection in BOS and the've also went crazy with prices increase. Looking towards April travel and EVA is pricing the best in coach at under $1200 from MCO. Any tips you have of me, as there is still plenty of time ?
Yes, Florida is about as far from Thailand as you can get. I would play with Google Flight. Maybe getting a separate ticket FL to JFK. Then start the voyage NYC to HKG, etc.. Then a separate ticket HKG to BKK. It's all a bit of a hassle to save $300. But, I like the challenge
Cool video so far I’m still watching. I have been flying from LAX to BKK via Singapore on Singapore Airlines for a couple years now and man it’s not cheap. I actually just booked that flight today. 😖 it was just under $1,800 for a round trip for myself. I used 60k points and saved myself a couple hundred $. Brought it down to under $1,400 I have taken American/japan airlines flight one time and it was alright. Long enough layover to explore Tokyo a little bit one the outbound and Osaka on the inbound. One time I hit NRT on a Singapore airlines flight from Phuket to LAX. Along with my roundtrip ticket today, I got my fiancée a one-way coming back with me. Her flight was as almost as much as my round trip before the miles discount. 😖 I’m a regular Joe, I’m not spending $100k on credit cards per year. I’m just trying to fly, not be cramped, not lose luggage as my friend did on china air, not be so limited on my luggage. I use every bit of those 2 23kgs checked, 7kg carry-on and a the personal item (laptop bag). I saw some flights today that only had 1 checked bag. I really wish google flights would show you exactly what you get when it comes to luggage allowance. I wouldn’t mind stopping in other cities like Hong Kong, Quatar, Dubai, Europe etc but having no real experience with the airlines that go those routes it’s a bit of a challenge to comfortably and confidently click that book flight button. At least with Singapore air I know exactly what I’m getting every time. Now time to finish the video. Maybe you have already answered some of the questions that I’m thinking of. 🤣
Hey, that's great. Ya, I was a blue-collar guy myself. Literally. Mailman blue. Still, traveling is always good. My girl and I are heading to Tokyo next week. Then I'll take the bullet train to Osaka. Good times.
th-cam.com/video/_JFnzGS4ACg/w-d-xo.html This video of mine will help. Having the card is one thing. Earning miles is another. If you want to fly Business Class its 70K to 90K one-way. First Class is 90K to 120K one-way. The Japanese Airlines are the best from California. Eva is also good. So get those miles together and have a great time. It's hard work. Do the research, earn the miles and you'll be in First Class in no time. Here's my flight over. It's not easy to do, but I'm proof it isn't impossible. th-cam.com/video/1XdMDOyC7WE/w-d-xo.html
I totally recognized SAN. (I'm an OC dude!) My BKK routine was being an EVA Green level frequent flyer, and booking in the members only area of their site. LAX to TPE to BKK for as low as $450, up to $750-ish economy, and then what ever up grades I could swing. Typically EVA members booking direct was usually at least 20%< than the super discount air china or china east. But this was 8 years ago and I haven't been since, so I don't really know if this applies any more? I loved that 22-23:00 LAX to HK on Cathay. My favorite was LAX to BKK direct on Thai air until they stopped running it.
Ya, they even had a Delta LAX to BKK direct. They showed it in the Hangover Two. Me, I love the Japanese Airlines. The customer service is a notch above. Cathay, Eva, Singapore also great. I've had nothing but terrible luck with Air China, China Airlines. I never tried China Southern or Eastern
I wish there were a direct flight too. If Thailand would lighten up on import fee's, that plane can be full of California wine and other goods. Many flights are half full to Japan. But the cargo area is full of lobster and fish. That's the plane I want to be on. Passengers are fine, but the real money is in the cargo
@@Andyman29 Ya and a 20 minute boat ride from BKK to Krabi too. One of my music spot is on Sukhumvit Soi 7/1. That's the spot that was tore up after the party
@@EagerExpat Ya. I heard you mention that in one of your other vlogs. I love that movie, watched it dozens of times. I'll be there in January, I'll have to check that bar out. I did go up to the skybar at Lebua already.
Ya, I've bought my share of miles. Not sure about today, the only way to book (ten years ago) was calling Columbia. That was a mess. I had the perfect itinerary with availability. I'd buy the miles I was short. I'd have to go through at least two agents before I could find someone to get the ticket bought. They have a good award chart, but that customer service was a mess
I have 459,000 points from four credit cards AMEX Platinum, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire, Citi Premiere (I pay any/all balances owed in full every month). However and as you discussed, booking a business class ticket using only miles can be a challenge. In your experience, does the 'cash+miles' approach make it any easier?
It's a challenge, but I've did it a 100 times. I've never found the miles and cash a good value. Usually you need to purchase a coach ticket and then pay 50, 60K, etc.. to upgrade to Business. With tickets over $1000, I wouldn't waste 50K points on an upgrade. When you get a business award often at 50K or 60K. That's a good amount of miles you have in 4 programs. You'll have to buy one-ways. I do that all the time. Fly to Asia on Japan Airlines, fly home on Singapore, etc.. You should be able to buy many rt business awards. Just make sure you get the saver awards. AA for instance has the everyday awards. It might be 70k in business one-way saver, or 200K any day award. A horrible option. Be flexible and book when the saver is available. Good luck. Check out Frequent Miler for the best use of your Amex Point, Thank You Points, Ultimate Rewards Points and Capital Points
Sure. I was short on AS miles when I flew here to Bangkok. I could buy 9K for $291 and have enough for Japan Business (one-way) Or I saw a First Class Japan. I got that extra 19K miles on promotion. Instead of $551, I think it was $474 (I think) Still, that pains me to buy miles. One time years ago, I got 5 Alaska cards on the same day. That was the way to get Alaska miles. It still might be a deal to buy a few thousand dollars worth on promotion, but only if you have an immediate need. Buying for the future is risky. Even earning miles, is risky. You put all your eggs in XYZ basket and they change the business award from 120K rt to 200K rt. Tat being said, it's rare, but during the promotion you "might" be able to beat the cash price buying points. I forget the exacts, my buddy wanted to buy two business tickets (him and his wife) to London. He had a small amount of AA miles. 80k I think. This was 12 or 14 years ago. I forget the exact math. Let's guess the two biz tickets were $8000 total. By avoiding Heathrow (hello $400 landing fee even on award tickets) I got them to Paris buying miles (on promotion) for $5000. They got to see Paris for a few days, took the train to London and came out saving a few thousand. So yes, I've bought miles, but it pains me. There are so much easier ways to get miles. Not so much from Bangkok, Of course when you need miles, you don't have time to do the hacks. I'd still rather pay for miles (hopefully $500 or less) to enjoy a lie flat bed.
I'm not an expert because I've only flown to the Philippines. One time and it was my only flight in my life. But I noticed when I click on flights to thailand they stop in the philippines and they are cheaper than flights going directly to thailand can I buy that ticket and then just get off in the philippines and just not get on my next flight to thailand
No, you can get away with that in the US. International travel requires going through immigration. This would be a real problem getting off in the PI with a ticket to Thailand.
NEXT MONTH MID NOV, Flying round trip out of San Francisco TO Bangkok round-trip FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTH TRIP & looking at China AIR HAS THE BEST FLIGHT times AND SHORTEST FLIGHT TIMES FOR ME BEEN LOOKING AT KAYAK BUT THE PRICE KEEPS GOING UP ORIGINALLY ABOUT $900 AND THEN WHAT'S UP TO $1,400. + SHOULD I TRY BOOKING THROUGH CHINA ARE SUCH AS YOU STATED? THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP.
Ya things can change $200 in ten minutes. I won't use Kayak or Expedia. Book direct at the airline. Even better if you have to fly Air China (not my favorite) buy the ticket at the US partner. Air China is part of United. Buy the ticket with a United number. You'll be on the same plane just as a customer of United. If there's a problem you'll need to call Peking. If you buy with United, you'll be talking to Chicago. I got a few minutes. Give me the exact dates. I'll give you a few ideas how to get to Bangkok from San Francisco.
The other issue is buying a return ticket six months away. They usually schedule very high for 6 months out, then tweak it down 2 months closer to the flight. Don't count on those times staying the same. Flight times change often. In six months it could land in SFO at 12 noon today. Six months from now it has changed to landing at 1am. Go for the best airline at the best price. If it's at 1am (which most flights are going to Asia, you have to suck it up) Not worth going at noon for $400 more. Especially when you can buy a noon ticket and three months later you get an email that says you've been moved to the 1am flight. Air China is famous for not flying a plane that isn't 100% full. They just bump everyone to the next day. Japan Air will fly a half empty plane. That's the plane you want to be on
Just a 5 minute search showed most of November over $1200. Except Nov 24 SFO to Hong Kong on United. Leaves at 11:30a. 3.5 layover in Hong Kong, then arrive in Bangkok at 12:45am. This is common. Return on May 13. Hong Kong Airlines to Hong Kong and return on the United flight. This is $940. You'll have to get a long term visa or they won't let you in Thailand for a stay more than 30 days. You can get a "fake ticket" Bangkok to Cambodia for $40 one-way. Show immigration that ticket instead of may. Then get a visa in Thailand. Hire an agent, maybe $1500 or watch my video 10 times on the retirement visa. You can do it yourself for $100. You better enjoy paperwork. Ok, its midnight. I'm gonna go have a nightcap at the place down the street. Please don't fly Air China. The planes still smell like cigarettes. Plus, bootcamp is more enjoyable than most airports in China. Thousands of people yelling and screaming.
Thank you oh so very much for taking all that time explaining this important information to me. I'm going to get the non-O-immigrant retirement Visa such as I did before when I got lockdowned when covid struct and also I did in the plane Japan air with a short layover in Tokyo when I got stuck in Thailand when covid hit but I've been flying Air China or EVA Air would be my next choice and so I have the dates here I'm flexible okay let's try leaving November 15th Wednesday returning July 2nd Tuesday as I'm flexible a few days before and after these dates. I've also flown Eva a few times and also Cathay Pacific which are very convenient with shortest flight hours and layovers. Sorry again I took too long as it's only 11 a.m. here in California so maybe we can catch up later or I want to give you my email if that's okay and then after you get it I'll delete the message or you can the best way to guard my privacy against somebody for fraud so nobody else can get that if you follow me? But as for these dates I'm flexible but I want to make sure I'm in Thailand at least by Monday November 20th. Sounds like I might find a better way to book my tickets and find a new Airline as your help is muchly and greatly appreciated I thank you again for your time. Enjoy your shows on Subic Bay as well. thanks for your US military veteran service 🇺🇸 Semper Fidelis🇺🇸
Leaving San Francisco November 14th or through the 19th. returning last week of June or first week of July. Like to get to Bangkok AIRPORT early as possible, to catch a second flight early afternoon to KHON KAEN. Also want to get his latest afternoon flight out of Thailand when I fly back to San Francisco and that's why I always pick China Airlines as they had the earliest Landing flight in Bangkok which was 9:50 a.m. and the latest departure leaving what was 5:30 p.m. sorry for all my trouble. I know you're a busy man as you're the number one best TH-camr man I've seen by far and better yet a US military veterans such as myself thanks again sorry TMI
Depends where you're trying to book. I just got a buddy rt from Los Angeles to Bangkok for less than $1000. You have to fly on a Tuesday and return in his case 3 weeks later on a Thursday. If you want to start in some small town, you can expect the airline to tack on a ton more. This video is a year old, but if you're seeing 4 times the price, that doesn't sound right. If you travel in high season, say December, of course it will be more. Where and when are you looking. I'll take a 5 minute look. Give me a range of 5 days to travel and 5 days to return. For example, leave Aug 1,2,3,4,5 and return Aug 15,16,17,18,19. You might need to buy a cheap ticket to Los Angeles and then get a rt to Asia. It may cost what you are seeing, but let me look. I'm curios
@@EagerExpat Hi, there. And thank you for the reply. I actually goy my ticked leaving from (LAX round trip to BKK for like around $1160 for full 39 days, July to Aug , 2024). On my previous trip, same from LAX to BKK i paid $980 30 days round trip from Feb to March 2024. and $200 round trip to Samui. But both trips are Economy 🤐. Not a fun flight but that's the cheapest I could find in both occasions. Now with the new 60 days extension that rolled out in June 2024 I'm planing my next trip for Jan of Feb 2025 and planing on staying 60 days straight. I'm a Muay Thai Practitioner and would like to flight as cheap as I can. If you have any ideas for me to fly in one of those cool Business class seats that would be wonderful. . Thank You again. Ani
@@animal9370 Sounds good, but I'm confused. What was 4X times more? You saw $4000 at American Airlines? About $1000 is the going rate. I just got a friend LAX to BKK for $800 in August for three weeks. I'm seeing some great deals. Tonight, I have a video coming out on searching for fares from the US. Samui is always expensive. Bangkok Airways owns the airport and controls the price. If you want to save money, you can fly Bangkok to Surat Thani for $50rt and take the ferry to Samui. Myself, I just pay the higher airfare. I love to dive off the islands. By the way, the new 60 day stamp hasn't happened yet. They are saying maybe by the end of June. But, this is Thailand. There is also talk the new changes will happen in September. No big deal, just keep an eye on things. You might need a 1900b extension if you only get a 30 day stamp. At first they said 60 days on June 1st. It's June 6 and people are still getting 30 days. Monitor the situation at a pretty reliable website. I would ignore Facebook. 99% trolls. www.khaosodenglish.com/ When it switches to 60, and the answer if that can be extended another 30 will be reported there. It has to be recorded in the Royal Gazette. Until then, it's only talk. Also, there is a small chance you might have an issue checking in. It happened to me at LAX. They wanted to see a ticket for onward travel within 30 days out of Thailand. They have fake ticket websites. $12 I think, but I just bought a $19 ticket to Cambodia on Air Asia. This is just a throw away ticket. Just something to show the counter agent in LAX, or Thai immigration. It's kind of silly, but that's how it goes. It may not happen, but many people are reporting that issue. It's also possible when you arrive (less likely) in Thailand, if it's still 30 day stamp, they may ask for your ticket, out of Thailand within that 30 day window. Especially with younger people. I was travelling first class on Japan Airlines. Free with points, and they told me I can't board without onward travel. I made the trip 12 times in the past decade and was never asked. Of course all those times, I had a return ticket. This appears to be a new issue. These are all small problems. Nothing to worry about. Best of luck with the training.
@@EagerExpat Oh I'm talking about Premium class type of flights. Some of them are 5k or so Directly from the Airlines. But even just Regular call/Coach is way more expensive when going to let's say UnitedAirlines.
I had two Japan Airline clips. I edited this for 4 hours. I messed up and played the same clip (left out the 2nd clip) at the beginning and end of the video. Sorry about that. My eyes were shot.
Loved watching this video. I've price compared, considered layovers and convenience and from Las Vegas I'm fortunate to have Korean Air direct to Incheon S. Korea and transfer to Bangkok. 13 hours and 6 hours respectively and as much searching I do online, I always prefer this itinerary. A bit pricier but for me its comfortable. I am 6'4" and I always get an exit row seat. It used to be free at check in but now they charge extra for it which is still worth it for me. Thanks for making this video!
Yes, Vegas has some nice international options. Korean is a great choice. Thanks for watching
As a native Angelino who's relocated to Fl, I now envy the prices and shorter flight schedule. I have Emirates out of Orlando and Qatar out of Miami to keep it to a one connection flight - but their prices are 70% more than what I paid in the past. I did fly JAL past Feb with 1st connection in BOS and the've also went crazy with prices increase. Looking towards April travel and EVA is pricing the best in coach at under $1200 from MCO. Any tips you have of me, as there is still plenty of time ?
Yes, Florida is about as far from Thailand as you can get. I would play with Google Flight. Maybe getting a separate ticket FL to JFK. Then start the voyage NYC to HKG, etc.. Then a separate ticket HKG to BKK. It's all a bit of a hassle to save $300. But, I like the challenge
Cool video so far I’m still watching. I have been flying from LAX to BKK via Singapore on Singapore Airlines for a couple years now and man it’s not cheap. I actually just booked that flight today. 😖 it was just under $1,800 for a round trip for myself. I used 60k points and saved myself a couple hundred $. Brought it down to under $1,400
I have taken American/japan airlines flight one time and it was alright. Long enough layover to explore Tokyo a little bit one the outbound and Osaka on the inbound. One time I hit NRT on a Singapore airlines flight from Phuket to LAX.
Along with my roundtrip ticket today, I got my fiancée a one-way coming back with me. Her flight was as almost as much as my round trip before the miles discount. 😖 I’m a regular Joe, I’m not spending $100k on credit cards per year. I’m just trying to fly, not be cramped, not lose luggage as my friend did on china air, not be so limited on my luggage. I use every bit of those 2 23kgs checked, 7kg carry-on and a the personal item (laptop bag). I saw some flights today that only had 1 checked bag. I really wish google flights would show you exactly what you get when it comes to luggage allowance. I wouldn’t mind stopping in other cities like Hong Kong, Quatar, Dubai, Europe etc but having no real experience with the airlines that go those routes it’s a bit of a challenge to comfortably and confidently click that book flight button. At least with Singapore air I know exactly what I’m getting every time.
Now time to finish the video. Maybe you have already answered some of the questions that I’m thinking of. 🤣
Hey, that's great. Ya, I was a blue-collar guy myself. Literally. Mailman blue. Still, traveling is always good. My girl and I are heading to Tokyo next week. Then I'll take the bullet train to Osaka. Good times.
From SoCal, great details , can’t wait to go back n be there for a while .
I miss many things about SoCal, but I love living in Bangkok. Thanks for watching
Ohhh i have Chase Sapphire. And i want to fly first class or business class, whatever is the best. California to thailand in march
th-cam.com/video/_JFnzGS4ACg/w-d-xo.html
This video of mine will help. Having the card is one thing. Earning miles is another. If you want to fly Business Class its 70K to 90K one-way. First Class is 90K to 120K one-way. The Japanese Airlines are the best from California. Eva is also good. So get those miles together and have a great time. It's hard work. Do the research, earn the miles and you'll be in First Class in no time. Here's my flight over. It's not easy to do, but I'm proof it isn't impossible.
th-cam.com/video/1XdMDOyC7WE/w-d-xo.html
I totally recognized SAN. (I'm an OC dude!) My BKK routine was being an EVA Green level frequent flyer, and booking in the members only area of their site. LAX to TPE to BKK for as low as $450, up to $750-ish economy, and then what ever up grades I could swing. Typically EVA members booking direct was usually at least 20%< than the super discount air china or china east. But this was 8 years ago and I haven't been since, so I don't really know if this applies any more? I loved that 22-23:00 LAX to HK on Cathay. My favorite was LAX to BKK direct on Thai air until they stopped running it.
Ya, they even had a Delta LAX to BKK direct. They showed it in the Hangover Two. Me, I love the Japanese Airlines. The customer service is a notch above. Cathay, Eva, Singapore also great. I've had nothing but terrible luck with Air China, China Airlines. I never tried China Southern or Eastern
I wish both governments open up direct flights from the US to Thailand.
I wish there were a direct flight too. If Thailand would lighten up on import fee's, that plane can be full of California wine and other goods. Many flights are half full to Japan. But the cargo area is full of lobster and fish. That's the plane I want to be on. Passengers are fine, but the real money is in the cargo
Wasn't there a direct flight from LAX to Krabi in the Hangover 2 movie? 😂 Imagine that to be true! 😅
@@Andyman29 Ya and a 20 minute boat ride from BKK to Krabi too. One of my music spot is on Sukhumvit Soi 7/1. That's the spot that was tore up after the party
@@EagerExpat Ya. I heard you mention that in one of your other vlogs. I love that movie, watched it dozens of times. I'll be there in January, I'll have to check that bar out. I did go up to the skybar at Lebua already.
My cheap method of flying back and forth tofrom Asia is buying Lifemiles on the cheap. Often get a business class segment.
Ya, I've bought my share of miles. Not sure about today, the only way to book (ten years ago) was calling Columbia. That was a mess. I had the perfect itinerary with availability. I'd buy the miles I was short. I'd have to go through at least two agents before I could find someone to get the ticket bought. They have a good award chart, but that customer service was a mess
I have 459,000 points from four credit cards AMEX Platinum, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire, Citi Premiere (I pay any/all balances owed in full every month). However and as you discussed, booking a business class ticket using only miles can be a challenge. In your experience, does the 'cash+miles' approach make it any easier?
It's a challenge, but I've did it a 100 times. I've never found the miles and cash a good value. Usually you need to purchase a coach ticket and then pay 50, 60K, etc.. to upgrade to Business. With tickets over $1000, I wouldn't waste 50K points on an upgrade. When you get a business award often at 50K or 60K. That's a good amount of miles you have in 4 programs. You'll have to buy one-ways. I do that all the time. Fly to Asia on Japan Airlines, fly home on Singapore, etc.. You should be able to buy many rt business awards. Just make sure you get the saver awards. AA for instance has the everyday awards. It might be 70k in business one-way saver, or 200K any day award. A horrible option. Be flexible and book when the saver is available. Good luck. Check out Frequent Miler for the best use of your Amex Point, Thank You Points, Ultimate Rewards Points and Capital Points
First time visiting Thailand but I only have a week off. Would Bangkok and Phuket be sufficient for the trip?
That's fine. Bangkok is a great city, and Phuket is the Hawaii of Thailand. You could also try Koh Samui for some island time.
Have you bought Alaska miles during any of their promotions?
Sure. I was short on AS miles when I flew here to Bangkok. I could buy 9K for $291 and have enough for Japan Business (one-way) Or I saw a First Class Japan. I got that extra 19K miles on promotion. Instead of $551, I think it was $474 (I think) Still, that pains me to buy miles. One time years ago, I got 5 Alaska cards on the same day. That was the way to get Alaska miles. It still might be a deal to buy a few thousand dollars worth on promotion, but only if you have an immediate need. Buying for the future is risky. Even earning miles, is risky. You put all your eggs in XYZ basket and they change the business award from 120K rt to 200K rt. Tat being said, it's rare, but during the promotion you "might" be able to beat the cash price buying points. I forget the exacts, my buddy wanted to buy two business tickets (him and his wife) to London. He had a small amount of AA miles. 80k I think. This was 12 or 14 years ago. I forget the exact math. Let's guess the two biz tickets were $8000 total. By avoiding Heathrow (hello $400 landing fee even on award tickets) I got them to Paris buying miles (on promotion) for $5000. They got to see Paris for a few days, took the train to London and came out saving a few thousand. So yes, I've bought miles, but it pains me. There are so much easier ways to get miles. Not so much from Bangkok, Of course when you need miles, you don't have time to do the hacks. I'd still rather pay for miles (hopefully $500 or less) to enjoy a lie flat bed.
I'm not an expert because I've only flown to the Philippines. One time and it was my only flight in my life. But I noticed when I click on flights to thailand they stop in the philippines and they are cheaper than flights going directly to thailand can I buy that ticket and then just get off in the philippines and just not get on my next flight to thailand
No, you can get away with that in the US. International travel requires going through immigration. This would be a real problem getting off in the PI with a ticket to Thailand.
NEXT MONTH MID NOV, Flying round trip out of San Francisco TO Bangkok round-trip FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTH TRIP & looking at China AIR HAS THE BEST FLIGHT times AND SHORTEST FLIGHT TIMES FOR ME BEEN LOOKING AT KAYAK BUT THE PRICE KEEPS GOING UP ORIGINALLY ABOUT $900 AND THEN WHAT'S UP TO $1,400. +
SHOULD I TRY BOOKING THROUGH CHINA ARE SUCH AS YOU STATED? THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP.
Ya things can change $200 in ten minutes. I won't use Kayak or Expedia. Book direct at the airline. Even better if you have to fly Air China (not my favorite) buy the ticket at the US partner. Air China is part of United. Buy the ticket with a United number. You'll be on the same plane just as a customer of United. If there's a problem you'll need to call Peking. If you buy with United, you'll be talking to Chicago. I got a few minutes. Give me the exact dates. I'll give you a few ideas how to get to Bangkok from San Francisco.
The other issue is buying a return ticket six months away. They usually schedule very high for 6 months out, then tweak it down 2 months closer to the flight. Don't count on those times staying the same. Flight times change often. In six months it could land in SFO at 12 noon today. Six months from now it has changed to landing at 1am. Go for the best airline at the best price. If it's at 1am (which most flights are going to Asia, you have to suck it up) Not worth going at noon for $400 more. Especially when you can buy a noon ticket and three months later you get an email that says you've been moved to the 1am flight. Air China is famous for not flying a plane that isn't 100% full. They just bump everyone to the next day. Japan Air will fly a half empty plane. That's the plane you want to be on
Just a 5 minute search showed most of November over $1200. Except Nov 24 SFO to Hong Kong on United. Leaves at 11:30a. 3.5 layover in Hong Kong, then arrive in Bangkok at 12:45am. This is common. Return on May 13. Hong Kong Airlines to Hong Kong and return on the United flight. This is $940.
You'll have to get a long term visa or they won't let you in Thailand for a stay more than 30 days. You can get a "fake ticket" Bangkok to Cambodia for $40 one-way. Show immigration that ticket instead of may. Then get a visa in Thailand. Hire an agent, maybe $1500 or watch my video 10 times on the retirement visa. You can do it yourself for $100. You better enjoy paperwork.
Ok, its midnight. I'm gonna go have a nightcap at the place down the street. Please don't fly Air China. The planes still smell like cigarettes. Plus, bootcamp is more enjoyable than most airports in China. Thousands of people yelling and screaming.
Thank you oh so very much for taking all that time explaining this important information to me. I'm going to get the non-O-immigrant retirement Visa such as I did before when I got lockdowned when covid struct and also I did in the plane Japan air with a short layover in Tokyo when I got stuck in Thailand when covid hit but I've been flying Air China or EVA Air would be my next choice and so I have the dates here I'm flexible okay let's try leaving
November 15th Wednesday
returning July 2nd Tuesday
as I'm flexible a few days before and after these dates.
I've also flown Eva a few times and also Cathay Pacific which are very convenient with shortest flight hours and layovers.
Sorry again I took too long as it's only 11 a.m. here in California so maybe we can catch up later or I want to give you my email if that's okay and then after you get it I'll delete the message or you can the best way to guard my privacy against somebody for fraud so nobody else can get that if you follow me? But as for these dates I'm flexible but I want to make sure I'm in Thailand at least by Monday November 20th. Sounds like I might find a better way to book my tickets and find a new Airline as your help is muchly and greatly appreciated I thank you again for your time. Enjoy your shows on Subic Bay as well. thanks for your US military veteran service 🇺🇸 Semper Fidelis🇺🇸
Leaving San Francisco November 14th or through the 19th.
returning last week of June or first week of July.
Like to get to Bangkok AIRPORT early as possible, to catch a second flight early afternoon to KHON KAEN.
Also want to get his latest afternoon flight out of Thailand when I fly back to San Francisco and that's why I always pick China Airlines as they had the earliest Landing flight in Bangkok which was 9:50 a.m. and the latest departure leaving what was 5:30 p.m. sorry for all my trouble. I know you're a busy man as you're the number one best TH-camr man I've seen by far and better yet a US military veterans such as myself thanks again sorry TMI
I try booking my Thailand trips Directly from the Airlines and is like 4x times the price.
Depends where you're trying to book. I just got a buddy rt from Los Angeles to Bangkok for less than $1000. You have to fly on a Tuesday and return in his case 3 weeks later on a Thursday. If you want to start in some small town, you can expect the airline to tack on a ton more. This video is a year old, but if you're seeing 4 times the price, that doesn't sound right. If you travel in high season, say December, of course it will be more. Where and when are you looking. I'll take a 5 minute look. Give me a range of 5 days to travel and 5 days to return. For example, leave Aug 1,2,3,4,5 and return Aug 15,16,17,18,19. You might need to buy a cheap ticket to Los Angeles and then get a rt to Asia. It may cost what you are seeing, but let me look. I'm curios
@@EagerExpat Hi, there. And thank you for the reply. I actually goy my ticked leaving from (LAX round trip to BKK for like around $1160 for full 39 days, July to Aug , 2024). On my previous trip, same from LAX to BKK i paid $980 30 days round trip from Feb to March 2024. and $200 round trip to Samui. But both trips are Economy 🤐. Not a fun flight but that's the cheapest I could find in both occasions. Now with the new 60 days extension that rolled out in June 2024 I'm planing my next trip for Jan of Feb 2025 and planing on staying 60 days straight. I'm a Muay Thai Practitioner and would like to flight as cheap as I can. If you have any ideas for me to fly in one of those cool Business class seats that would be wonderful. . Thank You again. Ani
@@EagerExpat Btw; I got my tikes from Google flights.
@@animal9370 Sounds good, but I'm confused. What was 4X times more? You saw $4000 at American Airlines? About $1000 is the going rate. I just got a friend LAX to BKK for $800 in August for three weeks. I'm seeing some great deals. Tonight, I have a video coming out on searching for fares from the US.
Samui is always expensive. Bangkok Airways owns the airport and controls the price. If you want to save money, you can fly Bangkok to Surat Thani for $50rt and take the ferry to Samui. Myself, I just pay the higher airfare. I love to dive off the islands.
By the way, the new 60 day stamp hasn't happened yet. They are saying maybe by the end of June. But, this is Thailand. There is also talk the new changes will happen in September. No big deal, just keep an eye on things. You might need a 1900b extension if you only get a 30 day stamp. At first they said 60 days on June 1st. It's June 6 and people are still getting 30 days. Monitor the situation at a pretty reliable website. I would ignore Facebook. 99% trolls. www.khaosodenglish.com/ When it switches to 60, and the answer if that can be extended another 30 will be reported there. It has to be recorded in the Royal Gazette. Until then, it's only talk.
Also, there is a small chance you might have an issue checking in. It happened to me at LAX. They wanted to see a ticket for onward travel within 30 days out of Thailand. They have fake ticket websites. $12 I think, but I just bought a $19 ticket to Cambodia on Air Asia. This is just a throw away ticket. Just something to show the counter agent in LAX, or Thai immigration. It's kind of silly, but that's how it goes. It may not happen, but many people are reporting that issue. It's also possible when you arrive (less likely) in Thailand, if it's still 30 day stamp, they may ask for your ticket, out of Thailand within that 30 day window. Especially with younger people. I was travelling first class on Japan Airlines. Free with points, and they told me I can't board without onward travel. I made the trip 12 times in the past decade and was never asked. Of course all those times, I had a return ticket. This appears to be a new issue. These are all small problems. Nothing to worry about. Best of luck with the training.
@@EagerExpat Oh I'm talking about Premium class type of flights. Some of them are 5k or so Directly from the Airlines. But even just Regular call/Coach is way more expensive when going to let's say UnitedAirlines.