The perennial darling of the British holidaymaker, for decades Thailand has been more than just a dot on the map for sun-starved Brits; it’s practically a rite of passage. From the neon buzz of Bangkok to the slow, sandy sway of the southern islands from Phuket to Koh Samui, Thailand has wrapped itself around the collective imagination of the UK holiday-maker like a warm, lemongrass-scented breeze. It’s tropical, it’s affordable, it’s adventurous but accessible – what more could you want from a long haul love affair? So if you’re in the mood to tick it off, we asked our aviation nerds what they thought were the best airlines for flying to Thailand.

We combined that with their Skytrax ratings (think of them as the Oscars of the aviation world), as well as flight availability from UK airports and direct routes, to give you our top 5 choices – check ’em out.

Economy Class on Thai Airways isn’t one of those “knees-to-chin” situations. The seats are pretty generously spaced, the legroom is decent, and the adjustable headrests mean you can find that sweet spot between “upright citizen” and “napping baby giraffe.” Your seat comes with a personal touchscreen and the onboard entertainment has the usual buffet of movies, TV shows, music, and games – there’s a nice mix of classic Hollywood blockbusters, international movies, and some Thai flicks too if you want a flavour of your destination before you get there. When it comes to amenities, Economy keeps it simple but sweet with a neatly packed kit – eye mask, socks, toothbrush, the classics.

Now, if you fancy yourself a bit of a high-flyer, Royal Silk Class (Thai’s suave take on Business Class) is a total glow-up. The seats are fully lie-flat here, and you’ll get a big ol’ pillow, a cozy blanket, and sometimes even a mattress topper. Plus, on select aircraft, it even comes with a nifty built-in massage function. You get a bigger screen too. The newer planes (like the A350s and 787s) feature a 1-2-1 layout – so everyone gets direct aisle access (no more awkward “excuse me, I have to pee” gymnastics). You’re also given a sleek amenity bag stocked with lush skincare goodies from THANN.

But let’s say you’re going full Gatsby – Royal First Class is where the magic happens. Think: your own private suite (fully enclosed), plush bedding, private check-in, sipping champagne in swanky lounges, and if you’re flying through Bangkok, enjoying a free spa treatment at their Royal Orchid Spa. Yes, they literally massage the jet lag out of you. Plus chuck in a caviar service in-flight and amenity kits from brands like La Mer.

Whether you’re in the back or the front of the plane, expect a parade of bold, authentic Thai flavours on the menu -spicy tom yum soup, fragrant green curry, and the crowd-pleaser: pad thai that doesn’t taste like it came from a microwave. Western dishes are also on offer for the pad-thai-shy. Across all classes, everyone gets free drinks – including wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Yes, even in Economy. Cheers to that.

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Thai Airways offer two daily direct flights to Bangkok from London Heathrow, and from there you can travel onwards to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Koh Samui and more. They fly indirect from all other UK airports, with the fist leg fulfilled by one of their various airline partners with a stop in one of their hubs – these often include airlines like Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, so expect layovers in cities like Munich and Istanbul.

Which UK airports does Thai Airways fly from?

At the mo, Thai Airways only flies direct to Bangkok from London Heathrow.

This way for cheap flights with Thai Airways

We like to think of EVA Air as a bit of an underdog – a lot of people haven’t heard of this Taiwan-based airline, but you’d be surprised at just how popular it is for those flying to Asia on a regular basis, and especially to Bangkok. In a move that makes it unique amongst most airlines, they don’t offer any domestic routes within Taiwan, focusing instead on only international routes – the direct London Heathrow to Bangkok route being one of their most popular.

In Economy Class, you’re getting a pretty comfy ride. The seats have a pitch of 31 to 33 inches, with a recline of about 6 inches, plus properly adjustable headrests. Each seat has a personal touchscreen with an easy interface and a decent stash of Hollywood, Asian cinema, documentaries, and TV series. It’s not Netflix-deep, but it’s well curated. Plus there’s USB ports and sometimes full AC outlets too. You’ll typically get a choice of two hot meals, with special meals available for various dietary needs if you pre-order. Meals come with fresh salad, a bread roll, dessert, and drinks – yes, alcohol is free in Economy. Also worth noting: Taiwanese culinary influence sneaks in sometimes, with things like rice dishes or Asian-style chicken.

But Premium Economy is really where EVA Air excels – they were actually the first airline to pioneer it as a concept back in the 90s, so they really know what they’re doing. On most long haul flights (particularly the Boeing 777-300ER and the newer 787-9 Dreamliner), the Premium Economy cabin is configured in a 2-4-2 layout. The seats themselves are wide – around 19.3 inches – and they come with 38 to 40 inches of pitch. The recline is also significantly deeper than Economy’s, and the footrest and leg rest combo lets you sink into a semi-cocoon state that’s dangerously close to a nap. Dividers help create a more private, enclosed feel too. Entertainment is the same as Economy, but dining gets an upgrade to proper metal cutlery (!), fancier wines (Champagne too), and coffee, tea and juice is free-flowing throughout the flight. EVA Air actually just recently announced a major facelift to their Premium Economy cabins on select aircraft with seats that might just be the roomiest outside of Business…

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Royal Laurel Class on most long-haul routes, including Heathrow to Bangkok, is laid out in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration. Translation: Everyone gets direct aisle access. You get a fully lie-flat bed, plenty of storage (nooks, crannies, hidden compartments), a noise-reducing headset, as well PJs and fancy Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits. The food is next-level – we’re talking multi-course meals designed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs. Think things like braised beef cheek with truffle, lobster tail with hollandaise, wild mushroom risotto, and delicate Taiwanese touches like abalone congee – all on porcelain tableware, linen placemats, and proper cutlery. As for drinks? There’s vintage Champagne, top-tier Bordeaux, and rare single malt whiskies. They also offer cold-pressed juices, artisan teas, and excellent espresso too.

“I flew Royal Laurel Class to Bangkok with EVA Air, and got to enjoy their Premium Economy on the way back too. It was my first time flying in Business Class, and the thing I remember the most is how attentive the cabin crew were. Well, that and those lie-flat seats. Oh, and the massive loos too! Premium Economy was good  as well – really generous recline and a good little amenity kit too.” – Freya, Marketing Executive

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EVA Air offers a mega convenient daily direct flight from London Heathrow that departs in the evening and lands the next afternoon at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, and from there you can catch onward flights across the country. They also fly from Manchester, but this is much more infrequent and includes a stop along the way.

Which UK airports does EVA Air fly from?

EVA Air currently only flies from two UK airports – London Heathrow and Manchester. They offer daily direct flights from London, and seasonal in-direct flights from Manchester.

This way for cheap flights with EVA Air

Offering a direct route to Bangkok from the UK, British Airways is a solid choice. In World Traveller (Economy) you can expect around 31 inches of pitch, while the in-flight entertainment system offers a variety of movies and TV shows, from new cinema releases and selected shows from Paramount+ (long-haul only) to The National Gallery: Behind the Scenes in Conservation. In terms of nosh, you can enjoy a starter, main and dessert, with a choice of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks. They also offer mid-flight snacks and a second meal on longer flights.

World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) is a pretty popular choice for those seeking additional space without upgrading all the way up to Business Class. Seats come with extra legroom (38-inch pitch) and more recline, and passengers enjoy benefits like priority boarding and a more refined meal service (with real cutlery and glassware!) Pus you’ll get a nifty amenity kit with all the usual suspects.

Club World (Business Class) is where the lie-flat beds are (they were one of the first airlines to introduce them!) They’ve gradually been transitioning to a 1-2-1 layout with their newer aircraft and updated cabins, like the the Club Suite, BA’s newest Business Class product. In Club Suite, you’ll get privacy doors and direct aisle access in all seats, plus a larger entertainment screen (18.5 inches). Bedding is provided by The White Company, and so are the amenity kits. Dining in Club World includes pre-flight champagne, a three-course meal (with a choice of mains, including British classics), a solid wine selection (BA loves a good Bordeaux), mid-flight snacks (including mini tubs of Jude’s ice cream), and a proper English breakfast before landing (bacon rolls on morning flights).

First Class is like stepping into a posh private club at 35,000 feet – think champagne on arrival, lie-flat beds, designer amenity kits, and white tablecloth dining. First Class does not have a fully enclosed suite – but it does offer a large fully lie-flat seat, a personal wardrobe (because First Class passengers don’t just “stuff things in overhead bins”), a whopping 23-inch HD entertainment screen, and nifty windows with electronic blinds (because reaching for a manual shade is so… Economy). Amenity kits are provided by Temperley. Dining is similar to Business Class, with a few essential perks: enjoy  stuff like lobster thermidor, steak, or afternoon tea with scones, and enjoy it on proper bone china and glassware –  none of that flimsy plastic stuff. Plus you can dine whenever you want.

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British Airways fly direct to Bangkok from London Gatwick multiple times a week, and with their Bangkok Airways partnership you can travel onwards across Thailand to spots like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. They also fly indirect to Bangkok from London Heathrow.

Which UK airports does British Airways fly from?

Being our national flag-carrier, British Airways pretty much flies from every major UK airport. But for Thailand-specific routes, your best bet is London Gatwick, as this is their base for direct flights to Bangkok. You can fly out of other regional UK airports, but they’ll all involve a stop in Heathrow and then a further one in one of British Airways’ global hubs, like Doha in Abu Dhabi.

This way for cheap flights with British Airways

Qatar Airways have just retained their title as the World’s Best Airline, according to Skytrax (that’s, like, the gazillionth time in a row.) So if you want an experience that’s seriously tried and tested (and approved), and don’t mind spending a bit extra to enjoy it, then Qatar Airways might just be the one for you.

Economy Class is nice and spacious, with a pretty generous seat pitch that lets you stretch out – no sardine-can vibes here. Adjustable headrests and built-in footrests add to the comfort, while the touch-screen entertainment system offers a wealth of options, from blockbuster movies to engaging games. The dining options are equally impressive. Menus are frequently updated, so you’ll never face the same chicken-and-rice combo twice. Middle Eastern cuisine like hummus and falafel takes center stage, alongside global options like pasta, grilled chicken, and regionally inspired treats. It might come as a surprise that Qatar Airways doesn’t offer Premium Economy – but that’s just because they’ve made Economy so good, it doesn’t really seem necessary, you know?

Now, let’s talk Business Class – the Qsuite. Awarded the World’s Best Business Class gong from Skytrax, this ain’t a seat, it’s a whole experience. These fully lie-flat beds come in private suites with doors you can close for total privacy – ideal for pretending you’re in your own mini hotel room. Traveling with friends or family? The “quad” configuration allows four suites to connect for a communal vibe. There’s dining on demand (yes, they’ll even plate up at 2am). It’s not available on all flights yet but you’re in luck, because many London to Doha and Doha to Bangkok flights do.

“I got to try out the Qsuites on a recent trip to the Maldives – the Maldives were dreamy, but the Qsuite might actually have been dreamier. My husband – much more used to Economy – lost his mind a bit when he realised these were our actual seats. I loved the pajamas, and the Diptyqye amenity kits.” – Mandy, Head of Marketing

Meanwhile, First Class takes luxury to another level, featuring private suites with lie-flat beds that transform into ultra-comfy sleeping pods with lavish bedding. On select aircraft, you can even freshen up with an in-flight shower. And of course, you’ll enjoy a premium entertainment system complete with Bose noise-canceling headphones. Amenity kits are from Bulgari, darling, and upgrading to First Class unlocks a whole new level of dining. Think caviar, Wagyu beef, and the ability to dine on demand.

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You do have to sacrifice a little bit for the luxury of flying with Qatar Airways – they don’t currently offer any direct flights to Thailand from the UK. All of their routes currently include a stop over in their Doha hub before carrying on to Bangkok, or other spots like Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai. They offer daily in-direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Bangkok, all via Doha.

Which UK airports does Qatar Airways fly from?

Qatar Airways currently offer routes to Thailand from London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester.

This way for cheap flights with Qatar Airways

All flights to Thailand with Emirates connect via their hub in Dubai, but they make up for it majorly by flying from absolutely loads of UK airports – a big tick on the convenience side of things. And like Qatar Airways, they also make up for it by being a really fancy flying experience – worth the extra pennies, we reckon. Our Head of Brand and Campaigns, Vicky, just got back from a family trip to Thailand with Emirates, and spoiler alert: she loved it.

Starting from the back of the plane, Economy Class is surprisingly roomy, with ergonomically designed seats, generous recline, and adjustable headrests. Each seat is fitted with a touchscreen powered by their award-winning ICE entertainment system, offering a whopping 6,500+ channels of movies, music, and games. Meals are regionally inspired (plus more Western options for picky kids!) served with metal cutlery, and you’ll get a choice of wine or spirits – even in the back row. Amenity kits with socks, eye masks, toothbrushes, and earplugs are sometimes provided on longer routes too, which is handy.

The airline’s newest baby, launched in 2021 and slowly rolling out across its A380 fleet, Premium Economy is the Goldilocks zone of air travel: not quite First-Class glam, but miles above Economy. The seats are generously sized -about 19.5 inches wide with up to 40 inches of pitch. Think cream leather with elegant woodgrain accents, as well as calf and leg rests, a deeper recline, and six-way adjustable headrests. Oh, and you’ll get a proper fold-out dining table too. Expect multi-course meals served on Royal Doulton china. Wines are curated, and yes, you still get bubbly. Amenity kits vary by route but often include socks, eye masks, and essentials like lip balm and toothpaste. Plus, a plush pillow and blanket come standard.

Move up to Business Class, and you’ll get lie-flat beds with plush duvets and mattress toppers, direct aisle access (on the A380 and newer 777s), and plenty of privacy. The ICE system gets an even bigger screen – up to 23 inches – with noise-canceling headphones and a touchscreen tablet remote – fancy. Dining is à la carte, plated restaurant-style with fine china and linen, and you can order a meal whenever you feel peckish. Champagne? Of course. Snacks? Available at the bar on the A380, where you can mingle, sip cocktails, and pretend you’re in a Bond film. Amenity kits include Bulgari skincare products and pajamas on overnight flights.

Then there’s First Class. Emirates’ First is less “premium travel” and more “luxury space capsule.” Private suites with sliding doors, leather seats that convert into fully flat beds, and lovely ambient lighting. The ICE system is maxed out with a 32-inch screen, a minibar at your seat (stocked with soft drinks and water), and yes, you can video call the crew from your suite if pushing the call button is too much effort. Eating is an on-demand, fine-dining experience with everything from caviar to Arabic mezze. On the A380, you get access to the shower spa – actual hot showers in the sky, with fluffy towels and luxury toiletries. The amenity kits? Leather cases filled with Bulgari and Byredo products, and if you look faintly jet-lagged, someone will probably offer you a warm towel, dates, and a smile that says, “You’ve made it.”

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All Emirates flights to Thailand from the UK include a stop over at their hub in Dubai, before continuing on to Bangkok (4x daily from Dubai) as well as Phuket and Krabi (seasonally dependent).

Which UK airports does Emirates fly from?

Emirates flies to Thailand out of so many UK airports – London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. So, yes – Emirates delivers a very frequent service: pick any major UK airport, fly to Dubai, then hop onto one of the four daily  nonstop flights to Bangkok.

This way for cheap flights with Emirates