How do you get from Israel to Thailand? For many of us, the first answer that jumps to mind is, of course, with a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Bangkok or to Phuket Island with the Israeli airline, but there are other ways that can be not only cheaper, but sometimes even more comfortable.
El Al flies to Thailand directly to Bangkok and Phuket several times a week, and indeed this is an advantage over other companies, but in recent months, following the security situation, the company returned to flying the old, longer route, which bypasses the Arabian Peninsula.
This means a long flight of about 11 hours, and those who want to reach a destination other than Bangkok or Phuket will have to take another internal flight within Thailand. The prices of these direct flights will often be more expensive than non-direct flights on foreign companies.
And at the same time, to God for significant advantages - many feel that it is the safest company, especially in this sensitive period, and it also allows the cancellation of the flight 24 hours before it, and the issuance of a credit voucher for redemption on a future flight.
In addition to El Al, there are other options for fairly comfortable, and also cheaper, flights. Abu Dhabi's airline, Etihad, arrives in Bangkok via Abu Dhabi, often with convenient connections. Emirates from Dubai is another company that flies to Bangkok and Phuket - the flights from Tel Aviv to Dubai are operated by its low-cost company, Fly-Dubai, and the onward flights to Bangkok and Phuket are with Emirates planes.
Another airline that arrives in Bangkok is Ethiopian Airlines, flying through the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, and another option, sometimes at an attractive price, is a flight to Bangkok with Uzbekistan Airlines via Tashkent. Of course, you can also get to Thailand with European companies via Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, but these flights will of course be significantly longer, and usually also expensive.
The Tourism Bureau of Thailand in Israel lists the other surprising possibilities: those who choose to vacation on the spectacular beaches of Krabi, can land directly at the international airport in the province - with Play-Dubai and a connection in Dubai. And those who want to vacation in the popular beach town of Pattaya, do not have to land in Bangkok at all - but can fly with Playdubai directly to the city's airport. The same goes for Phuket - there is an option to fly to the island with Etihad, with a connection in Abu Dhabi.
Imri Kalman, CEO of Terranova, which represents the Tourism Bureau of Thailand, notes that: "The number of Israeli tourists to Thailand broke a record last year with 216,000 visits to the kingdom. The increasing demand for Thailand causes the direct and convenient El Al flights to Bangkok and Phuket to fill up quickly, and therefore the convenient routes offered by foreign companies, including to Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket, are also relevant and in demand. These days we are establishing the club of Thai lovers in Israel - Sawadi Club whose members will enjoy information and benefits also on flights to Thailand. On the club's tips website you can read tips on planning the flight to Thailand from experienced travelers."
Important things to pay attention to when choosing a plane ticket to any destination
When choosing flights with a connection to Thailand, you should remember a few important points: always prefer to purchase a flight with one ticket, with the same airlines or with airlines that work together. The reason is that if one of the flights is canceled or delayed, the airline will be responsible for bringing you to the final destination without additional payment. And if you are required to stay overnight at the connection destination - she will be the one to arrange accommodation for you at her expense, including transfers to the hotel, in most cases.
A flight consisting of two different tickets in different companies is not recommended, because it does not include such a guarantee, and if the flights are canceled or delayed (or any other malfunction), you may miss the onward flight, without receiving any compensation or refund.
Travel agent Meirav Gerber, who specializes in travel to Thailand, adds important tips from the experience of many travelers: "If you have chosen to combine several airlines on the same ticket, prefer to purchase a flexible ticket, in case of cancellation or change, and in addition take a security factor of a long enough stay at the destination of the connection - just in case There will be a delay on the first flight. It is also very important to make sure in advance about the luggage - will the airline transfer it to the onward flight itself, or will you be the ones who have to pick it up at the connection destination, and check in, including sending the luggage, to the onward flight.
"In the current period of sensitivity and security instability, the recommendation is to use the services of Israeli travel agents, who will be able to assist you in cases of cancellations and changes to flights. However, if you chose to purchase a ticket online, it is recommended that you purchase it directly from the airline and not from third-party websites. This is because dealing with them Usually especially complicated in situations of changes or cancellations of flights for various reasons."
How much will it cost you to fly to Thailand in the summer, as of now:
Tel Aviv Phuket via Abu Dhabi, Etihad - $ 950 Tel Aviv Pattaya, Playdubai - $ 800 Tel Aviv Bangkok, Ethiopian, $1150Tel Aviv Krabi via Dubai, Playdubai - $ 850 Tel Aviv to Phuket via Dubai, Playdubai - $ 1200 Tel Aviv Bangkok, El Al - $ 1,300 , (for Phuket 1,400)