Advice on Flights to Thailand from USA

Hello all,
great info on this forum! I am planning my first trip to Thailand for the beginning of August and am looking for flights. Flying from NYC it looks like the cheapest is about $1400 R/T including taxes. I'm wondering if I should book now or wait to see if better deals come up between now and Aug. I've been to lots of discount travel sites as well as Thai Airways and Malaysia Air. I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions anyone might have.

As a travel agent, I might be able to give you some advice.

Most of the time, airlines will have higher rates when you look at them real far in advance. I'd bet if you looked at that in May, or June, the price will be lower as airlines put their specials just several months out.

I just did a quick look at travel at the end of Feb and return in March and the fares were under 1200 and this is high season.

Be patient and you'll save money. IMHO.

...Unless you want to travel on specific dates/times.
Sometimes the flight you like most gets booked and then you're screwed.
If you are flexible, waiting is a lot better, but if you're pressed for time, it's often too risky.
Also, prices for flights that have the best schedule rarely go down (because they know the'll get booked).

uum, I just bought my BF a ticket through orbitz for $900 incluing taxes for mid-march ... thai airways operates a few direct flights a week to and from jfk. if you get the days right the prices are pretty low.

I book way early. Sometimes the price drops a little, but the longer you wait the worse the connections are. I booked my upcoming trip in Feb., last May and paid a little more than $1000. It is a great connection, as in none. It's a nonstop JFK - BKK (right over Santa's place) on Thai Air. I can't wait; only ten more days.

Fares are based on both availability and on date of travel. People who are quoting you fares for Feb, March or even May might not realize that Aug. is peak season. Peak season usually begins either the beginning of June or mid June and runs through at least beg. of Sept. Your price is based on date of departure and on what's available so although you don't want to book too far ahead, waiting until the last minute might mean sacrificing availibility. If I were you, I'd shop in April/May. Good luck!

Well, I am going back in May. I am just waiting on a check to buy my ticket. It will be about $1130 for a May-Aug round trip ticket. Use the normal. I like Kayak. Other than that, you can try ThaiFly. I live in DC, but I often fly out of JFK for the better price. I am looking forward to the nonstop Thai Airways flight this time.

Thanks for all the info guys - it helped a lot... I'll probably buy in the next month or two as we're on a pretty strict time schedule. I was looking at the Thai Airways flights as well... I'd rather pay a couple hundred bucks extra for the direct flight. At least, thats how I imagine I would feel on my 3rd layover...

I agree with you. I am on a tight schedute as well and I've already booked that direct flight. No comparison. It's nice to be able to leave Bangkok and get to NYC the same day.