Can anyone tell me what the best way is to get to Phuket from the States? Fly straight to Phuket or land in Bangkok then fly to Phuket. What's the cheapest way to do this?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Emma

You can't fly 'straight' to Phuket from the States.<BR>You have various choices, all which involve a change of flight. From West CoastBR>China Airlines via Taipei<BR>Thai Airways via Bangkok<BR>Cathay/Dragonair via HKG<BR>Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur<BR>Singapore Airlines via Singapore.<BR>You can fly Northwest or United into Bangkok and change for domestic flight.<BR><BR>Ex East Coast you can use Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Swissair, British, Finnair, Scandinavian, Austrian/Lauda<BR>all to Bangkok and then domestic flight.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.

I'm from the midwest so my flight would probably make a connection in the west coast. I went into expedia and to fly strait to Phuket is at least $500 more than if I fly to Bangkok. I WOULD rather fly straight to Phuket but don't know where to go for cheap flights.<BR><BR>

United offer $794 to Bangkok in May, you are right, if you want Phuket they wack on $335 extra! Unbelievable.<BR><BR>Based on that and what I checked looks like you just get a good cheap ticket to Bangkok and then get an onward flight. That is easy, just call Thai Airways on their toll-free number ( you'll get it in Yellow Pages ) and they will issue you a ticket for about $140 return. Bangkok Airways and Phuket Air are a little cheaper on the route but not that easy to book online. So just call Thai Airways once you have sorted your long-haul flight and they will mail you the ticket for Bangkok-Phuket.<BR><BR>Take a wander into a local travel agent now that you know a real ball-park fare from Midwest to Bangkok should be $790 or less. <BR>Which town are you actually flying from in the US?

If you are planning more cities in Thailand, you can get the special Thai Airlines deal for x# legs for special price. I forget the details but you can get them from Thai Air. I like their website. Lots of info.

I am flying out of Minneapolis.

Fly direct to Bangkok and overnight or enjoy bangkok for a few days, but before you leave bangkok airport visit the Thai internal travel desk ( very well signposted) and book a return flight from Bangkok to Phuket for $80.<BR><BR>Have Fun - Visit Phi Phi Ley !!