Best Way to Phuket from NY?

[DirtyDeeds]

Vladimir
Why Singapore Air vs Thai Air?

 

[Babukins]

Singapore Air must be the best airline ever and you'd want to fly Singapore as much as you could. I just flew Thai this month and was very comfortable as well - seems they are looking to really compete against Singapore Air in my opinion.

For me - I picked Thai Airways due to over all travel time - I just needed the shortest possible way

 

[Kevrumbo]

For me, it's the beautiful Chinese Flight Attendants speaking proper English with a sexy British accent (Singapore Girl -what a great way to Fly! ). . .

 

[vladimir]

Vladimir
Why Singapore Air vs Thai Air?

Singapore Air has "Executive Economy" class, I think they call it. If you are not flying business or first class (both of which are pretty steep on SingAir) this will give you quasi-business class comfort. You'll appreciate the wider seat and extra legroom about 10 hours into the flight. EVA Air has (had?) a similar service called "Evergreen Class", but I don't think it's a direct flight--worth checking though. Although I've made dozens of round-trips to Singapore, I haven't made many lately, and I've been flying Singapore Air exclusively.

 

[vladimir]

A little off-topic, but Phuket wouldn't be my first choice destination if I were flying all that way.

 

[DirtyDeeds]

I need the shortest travel time as well and glad to hear Thai Air is comfortable. I am looking to dive on a livaboard for 4-5 days and then stay in Phuket for a week. I am not only looking to dive but party as well. If I was just looking to dive I would go somewhere else.

 

[MoonWrasse]

In general, ANY asian airline gives far better service than an American based one IMO.
American based airlines' food is questionable, and their attendants on the whole are surly.

 

[EvaL]

I second Vladimir's suggestion.
If you're willing to pay a little more (~$1800 round trip) the fastest way may be to fly direct to Singapore on Singapore Airlines (18 hour versus 25+ hours on other airlines with 2 stop-overs), and connnecting on a short flight to Phuket on any of the regional airlines. After doing this trip the long way earlier this year, I am willing to pay $200-300 more for a much shorter flight. The cheapest tickets are through travel agents who know (Expedia, Orbitz are selling them for over $2500). PM me if you need a travel agent recommendation.

 

[MoonWrasse]

That's a lot of $ to fly to BKK.
Usually I pay around $700 from SFO to BKK with only a refueling stop in Japan/Hong Kong/Taipei.

 

[DirtyDeeds]

Thai Airline is faster and $500 more cheaper than Singapore Air. $1200 vs $1700. If Thai Airline is booked than I will go with Singapore Air.