Cheaper to fly return from Bangkok ?

[pinsharp]

I have been told that it is usually cheaper to get return flights originating in Bangkok rather than the UK. Only problem seems to be getting a cheap single from the Uk to start the process running. Is this correct ?

[Glyn]

Yes

[PeteC]

In the 80's there used to be a well used "businessman's scam". I think I remember how it went but not exactly sure:

First, most would buy R/T tickets in the USA on their expense account and get reimbursed.

Then, they would get to let's say HK and turn in the unused return portion of the ticket and get a refund credited to their credit card.

Then, buy a cheaper R/T HK-USA-HK and use the cheaper return to the USA portion.

Then for their next trip, they would buy and charge the company for another R/T USA-HK-USA and simply use the USA-HK portion they had already bought before at the much cheaper rate in HK.

The cycle would go on and on. Some smart auditor smelled it out and blew the whistle and it swept the entire country. I think I remember there were ten's of thousands of international business travelers doing this.

Free enterprise out of control.. Pete

PS: Relate this to your needs as appropriate.

[Condoking]

Pete - a good scam if it works, but any idea how we get to Bangkok

[Big Boy]

Pinsharp,

I've had to buy several return flights to the UK from Thailand in the past, and also have several friends who have done the same. We've always found that the cost has been one to two hundred pounds more than if we'd done the transaction London/Bangkok/London.

However, I'm always looking at ways to save on the air fare, so I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

[PeteC]

Pete - a good scam if it works, but any idea how we get to Bangkok

If what BB says is correct, it doesn't work anymore.

You buy the RT UK/BKK/UK. Use half. Get a refund for the return. Go to a different airline and book a RT BKK/UK/BKK. You're now into the 'cheaper' cycle of BKK/UK/BKK if it is indeed still cheaper. You probably have 1 year 'open' for your next return UK/BKK. Then you start again once you're back here.

Don't use the same airline as originally ticketed on, and book your original return a week or so earlier than you want to return to give a valid reason why you are cancelling your return with that first airline.

No idea if this will still work with the computer linking they have now. Or, if the tariff differences are that much different? Pete

[gaijin]

It pays to look at what specials are being offered in both Thailand and wherever you are flying from. Yes, sometimes it will be cheaper, sometimes not. However, remember that these days when you fly into Thailand on a 30 day tourist visa, you need to show proof of a ticket out of Thailand. Due to a recent xenophobic crackdown on airlines by the powers that be in LOS, all airlines now demand that you show proof of an outward bound flight before they will issue you with a boarding pass. I guess a few Bangkok travel agents will be missing the farang trade in ex Bangkok bookings.

[pinsharp]

Thanks for the input .. I think I can put this to the test. All I will need to do is plan one trip ahead so that I will always have a return booked from Thailand within 30 days of arrival

[bubbly]

I stayed in Hua Hin longer than i anticipated last year and ended up having to buy a 1 way ticket out of bkk to england hrw (due to an only 90 day max ticket). I used the little tour company just across the road from the cop shop and ended up paying 25,000 for a direct flight. does anyone know,was this expensive???(don't fly qatar,i had a nightmare with them from start to finish)

[Hobiecat]

Get yourself lined up with an agent over here in this part of the world and when you want to fly. Purchace your ticket on line with them and get them to courier (Fed X) you ticket direct to your home before your departure. Heance you get your round trip ticket at Asian prices. Our company does it all the time and saves tons.

[dr dave soul monsta]

and do not forget you may not be given entry to the out going flight with a one way ticket depending on your visa

[jackie]

I come to HH 3 times a year: April £535 July £745.00 and I have just booked for December and I got a deal £710.00,other airlines wanted up to £900. The only problem is the time of year I can get away are the most expensive. I do fly direct to BK but I will look at the other ways of trying to get cheaper flights.

[BaaBaa.]

I come to HH 3 times a year: April £535 July £745.00 and I have just booked for December and I got a deal £710.00,other airlines wanted up to £900. The only problem is the time of year I can get away are the most expensive. I do fly direct to BK but I will look at the other ways of trying to get cheaper flights.

Who With???

That July price is ridiculous!!!

I paid £460 in June with Emirates.

Had to pay £650 for this coming December though compared with £550 the same time last year.

[BaaBaa.]

Have you tried http://travel.kelkoo.co.uk/c-172201-flights.html

[RedBull]

I thought unless you have the relevant visa you cant buy a one way ticket to Thailand must be a return? Might have got that wrong though.