Airline News

[Pdoggg]

Bangkok, 26 October 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, welcomed the United Airlines inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok, marking the airline’s return to Thailand after more than 11 years and restoring connectivity between the two nations. Operated daily via Hong Kong, the route enhances travel convenience for North American travellers while reaffirming Bangkok’s position as a leading gateway to Asia and a major hub for long-haul travel. The stop in Hong Kong will also allow customers from United’s San Francisco to Hong Kong flights to connect seamlessly onwards to Bangkok. United’s Los Angeles and San Francisco hubs offer connections to more than 75 destinations throughout the Americas

United Airlines’ daily service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Bangkok (BKK) operates with a Boeing 787–9 Dreamliner, offering 257 seats across Polaris Business Class, Premium Plus, and Economy. The inaugural flight UA 820 departed Los Angeles at 23.15 hrs on 24 October and arrived in Bangkok at 11.25 hrs on 26 October (via Hong Kong). The return flight UA 821 departs Bangkok daily at 16.55 hrs and arrives in Los Angeles at 20.25 hrs on the same day, providing smooth transit through Hong Kong.

The United Airlines inaugural flight to Thailand represents the first U.S. carrier to resume service to Bangkok since 2014, following the suspension of operations by both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. This achievement highlights Thailand’s strong appeal as a preferred destination for international travellers and demonstrates the market’s confidence in the country’s tourism potentia

The launch of the United Airlines service coincides with the continued growth of long-haul arrivals from North America, supported also by the existing non-stop Vancouver––Bangkok route operated by Air Canada. It also aligns with a renewed international spotlight on Bangkok, following major productions such as The White Lotus Season 3, which has further boosted global interest in Thai culture, lifestyle, and hospitality. 

The United States remains one of Thailand’s most promising long-haul markets, distinguished by strong spending power and high-value travel demand. Between 1 January and 24 October 2025, Thailand welcomed 808,288 American visitors representing a 5 percent increase compared with the same period last year. This places the U.S. among the top ten source markets for Thailand. Arrivals are expected to continue rising through the final quarter, with projections indicating that the number of American visitors could reach 1.09 million by year-end, generating an estimated 62 billion Baht in tourism revenue.

https://thepattayanews.com/2025/10/26/united-airlines-officially-resumes-flights-to-thailand/

[JustSumGai]

I'm ON one of those flights. The haul from LAX to Bangkok is 21 hours plus. Apparently we sit in the plane while they refuel and passengers get and off. USUALLY it's around 15 hours from Houston or Atlanta, laying over in Inchon or Narita. THAT is long enough to start with. The only good thing I can see about this is that both Security Gauntlets will be in the USA. Hopefully no problem. Bastards in Inchon took my P-38 can openers claiming they could be weapons or saying sharp or something. ABSURD. I could do more damage with the chopsticks in the bar or even a Bic pen I'd guess. Also the flight from Hong Kong into Bkk is just over 2 hours, it's usually 6 from either of the aforementioned places. The whole thing cost $1079. No one else could do better, most more like $1200.  Not bad still, around 2014 I paid 1500, BUT..in 2019 I fle China Air or Southern for $700. Round trip.