LAX to Thailand and back. Trying to figure out the cheapest route with best chances.

Hi, thank you for helping out.

I have D1 travel passes as a child of a retired pilot. My Dad was a pilot for American Airlines but passed away a few years ago, otherwise I'd ask his advice. I'd like to use non-rev to get to Thailand.

My plan is to travel from May 20th to May 29th. May 29th is memorial day, so I'm thinking it may be hard to get back into Los Angeles. I can return sooner if you think thats wise. It looks like there are non-stop routes from LAX to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai. From there I could buy a cheap ticket to Phuket, Thailand and spend some time there.

Hoping for advice on best routes, highest chance of boarding in what airports, how much this may cost me for non-rev tickets, whether or not I should wait to book anything in advance until I arrive in Asia, and how many days I should give myself to get back home.

I greatly appreciate anyone taking the time to help me! The airline and traveling community has always had a place in my heart. :)

Welcome aboard pmacs there’s a seat for you right down front and the walk-up drink/snack bar, that’s straight to the back. http://www.4smileys.com/smileys/icq-...smiley_008.gif

If I’m correct you can only travel on AA metal, so out/into LAX you got 3 flights a day/3 different cities – research, planning, flexible, is going to be key. The return is where non-revs usually run into trouble, but traveling D1 you’re ahead of the game, just be open to DFW- it may just save you a day or two.
As far as your May dates, check for festivals/major events and weather - AirAsia and Tigerair are two low cost carriers’ that fly into HKT and if you can, do carry-on only.
As I recall, some our members have made the trek to Thailand so do a quick search if you haven’t already Oh one last thing, watch out for that Thai spicy curry.

Mig

Do you know where you are headed in Thailand? If you can only fly AA then HKG would be your best option with ICN coming in 2^nd.These two airports would have the lower costs airlines to get into/out of Thailand.Example is I paid around $120 for one way BKK to ICN last year on Eastar Jet.
Anyways, if going to the Bangkok area remember DMK, normally has cheaper flights.
If going to the beaches around Phuket then HKG is probably best option. Just know what airlines you can fly out of ICN/HKG and prices and keep an eye on AA flights to/from each place.You might have to fly into HKG but out of ICN or vice versa.