We're off to Bangkok and Koh Samui in June next year and starting to think about airfares. Can anyone tell me what would be called a "bargain" or a cheap airfare and on which airline? Should I wait till closer or grab what I can when they are advertised? Does anyone know the goss on Tiger Air as I'm sure I read somewhere they may be flying from Sydney to Bangkok or Phuket from later this year?
Eagerly awaiting your replies....I love a bargain!!

I know ... JQ doesn't fly to Bkk from Sydney (but they do fly Sydney to Phuket). I've recently looked at flights for Bkk next May and at this stage, they are still just showing full economy, so around $800 return.

In May this year, we flew Melbourne-Bangkok return for the amazing sum of just A$374 ... this was (obviously) a special promotional fare which they released when they launched their international service last year, but we booked 8 months in advance and really didn't have any trouble getting thes cheap seats.

Just keep an eye on their website and sign yourself up for Jetmail so that you are advised in advance of any upcoming specials.

I have looked at the Tiger Air website - so far, no flights from Australia to Bangkok and they don't fly in or out of Sydney ... the best you can hope for is Melbourne-Darwin-Singapore, and then you could catch one of the cheap Asian airlines like Jetstar Asia to fly into Thailand (Bangkok Air flies Singapore-Samui direct). It's a bit of a milk run to do it this way, but if you are getting a really cheap deal, then it's worth it, I suppose.

I think once Tiger starts to fly more regularly and gains a bigger markeshare in Australia, then Jetstar will be forced to match their fares, and the customers will be the winner, as the fares will come down, and you'll see those crazy $1 fares, which will be great.

Good luck, and have a wonderful trip!

As said probably your best bet of a cheap bargain fare is with a discount airline but as also said this can become a milk run if you`re not careful.

One cheap way for you might be to look for a cheap fare to Singapore with Qantas or Singapore Air then fly Tiger Air to BKK.If you want to fly direct to Samui from BKK it has to be with Bangkok Airways.

A price to start you off would be $1100 return Syd to Sing then less than $40 return Sing to BKK with Tiger.Bangkok Air to Samui is around $260 return.Bangkok Air rarely offer specials unless it is on their first or last flight of the day.

There are ways of getting cheaper fares through a travel agent.This usually involves staying at a hotel/resort that say Qantas or Thai Airways deal with through their travel arms, with Thai it`s Royal Orchid, Qantas is I think Qantas Holidays,this way you get what they call a wholesale fare.

Other than that enter "lowest airfares Sydney to Bangkok"in to Google & see what comes up.

You have 9 months & plenty of research ahead

Good Luck

Jamie

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Thanks Daniel and Jamie!
God, I didn't realise June is only 9 months away! Now I'm getting excited. If only I could decide which hotel to stay in....I keep changing my mind every day after reading people's comments and reviews.
If you hear of any cheap flights guys, let me know.
Cheers!