Thai AirAsia X launches non-stop Sydney, Melbourne flights to Bangkok

With airfares still stretched to eye-wateringly high levels, Thai AirAsia X’s arrival into Australian skies couldn’t be better timed.

The Thai offshoot of low-cost colossus AirAsia has pegged its Premium fares at a third of rival Jetstar and less than 20% of Qantas and Thai Airways.

Of course, the Premium experience on these Airbus A330s can’t be compared to that of Qantas or Thai Airways, given these 12 seats are angled lie-flat beds or ‘sloping sleepers’ which are more like premium economy than business class.

AirAsia's Premium class seats.

But there’s no argument that based on fares for the middle of February 2023, from which our comparison is drawn, $500 for a ‘not stuck in economy’ experience from Sydney or Melbourne to Bangkok is pretty compelling – especially if your budget is stretched or you’d rather splash out on a longer stay at a high-end hotel in Bangkok.

“Thailand is an incredibly popular destination for Australian travellers, not only to Bangkok but to provinces including Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai and many more,” related Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X.

Bangkok can also be your jumping-off point for an onwards flight to other parts of Asia or beyond.

Thai AirAsia X’s non-stop A330 from Melbourne to Bangkok takes off at 3.30pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, reaching Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 9.15pm.

The direct Sydney-Bangkok flights run four days a week – Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday – with a 3.45pm departure and a 9.35pm arrival.

The airline says it intends to increase the frequency of these flights “in line with future forecast demand.”