Bangkok to China - single ticket

[dtaai-maai]

A friend of mine is coming to Thailand next Feb. His return leg is booked from Shanghai, China, as he wants to spend a couple of weeks there before going home and was advised by wherever he got his ticket in the UK that it would be cheaper to get the Bkk-Shanghai ticket here.

That sounds unlikely to me, but it's done. Does anyone have any idea if it will be cheaper to book the ticket now, or to get it a few days before he flies (the date - late March - is flexible by a few days)?

Also, any recommendations for a cheap/safe airline? On second thoughts, ignore the safety bit and concentrate on the cheap. He's Scottish.

[lomuamart]

I'm not sure about the cost of booking here, but I'd ask whether your friend is coming over on a 30 day visa exemption. If he is, then he'll need some proof of onward journey from Thailand or he won't be allowed to board the plane in the UK.
If he's on a Tourist visa, it shouldn't be a problem. I'd bear that in mind before even thinking about booking over here. Nothing worse than not "getting past go".

[STEVE G]

If you are not so fussy, Air India will fly you one-way Bangkok to Shanghai for about 150 pounds, available for about any day you want and purchased on-line.

[gaijin]

From experience I can confirm that it is often the case that it is significantly cheaper to buy a ticket such as the one mentioned out of BKK. If he waits to buy it after arrival, he will not be allowed to board the flight to BKK without a visa. The best way around this is to buy in advance a ticket through one of BKK’s internet based travel agents. Try manidatravel.com. They are very competitive on prices and have good service. Sh ould appeal to a Scot.

[dtaai-maai]

Thanks for the advice, chaps, I've passed it on.