Compare fares and extra fees before booking New Year flights, CAAT advises
CAAT’s New Year 2027 survey found average maximum fares of 5,028 baht for full-service airlines and 3,512 baht for low-cost carriers.
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) advises passengers to book New Year flights early, as lower-priced tickets are limited and prices increase closer to the travel date.
- A survey found significant fare differences between airline types, with the average lowest fare for full-service carriers being about 41.6% higher than for low-cost airlines on comparable routes.
- Travelers are urged to consider the total cost before booking, including extra fees for baggage and other services, alongside the conditions for changing flights.
- CAAT recommends planning ahead and comparing prices across several airlines to find flights that suit passenger needs and budgets during the busy holiday season.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers to book early for the 2027 New Year holiday, after a survey of eight domestic routes found that lower-priced tickets remained available on some flights but were limited in number.
The survey used prices recorded on November 2, 2026, covering flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Hat Yai, Trang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom.
CAAT examined full-service and low-cost airlines separately to help passengers compare their options during the busy holiday period. The regulator noted that the availability of cheaper tickets tends to decline as departure dates approach, particularly when travel demand is high.
Full-service maximum fares average 5,028 baht
Across the six routes surveyed for full-service airlines, the lowest fares recorded averaged 3,566 baht, while the highest averaged 5,028 baht. Bangkok–Phuket had the highest fare levels, followed by Bangkok–Chiang Mai.
The low-cost airline survey covered all eight routes. The lowest fares recorded averaged 2,532 baht and the highest averaged 3,512 baht, with Bangkok–Phuket and Bangkok–Chiang Mai priced relatively highly compared with the other routes surveyed.
CAAT separately compared the six routes for which data were available for both airline types. On that basis, the average lowest fare for full-service airlines was approximately 41.6% higher than for low-cost carriers.
CAAT said the differences could reflect service models, benefits included in tickets, passenger demand and the number of seats available on each route.
The surveyed prices reflect conditions at the time of data collection and may change according to when passengers book and how many seats remain available.
Check baggage charges and flight-change conditions
CAAT recommended planning ahead and comparing prices across several airlines to improve the chances of finding suitable flights within budget. Passengers should also check any relevant government travel benefits or promotional measures.
The regulator advised travellers to consider the total cost before purchasing, including baggage charges and additional service fees, alongside the conditions for changing flights.
CAAT said the advice applied to New Year travel as well as other holidays and major festivals, helping passengers choose journeys suited to their needs and budgets.
CAAT will continue monitoring domestic airfares to promote transparent pricing, fair competition and the protection of passenger rights.
Passengers who do not receive assistance to which they are entitled, or who encounter problems with airline services, can submit complaints through CAAT’s complaint-handling system.
