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Thai Airways

Thailand's flag carrier, flying from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

  • ThailandCountry
  • TGIATA Code
  • THAICAO Code
  • Star AllianceAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Thai Airways

Thai Airways is Thailand’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, flying from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Phuket, Chiang Mai and across Asia, Australia and Europe. Since March 2026 international baggage uses the piece concept, from one 23 kg bag on Saver to two on Flex. This guide covers each fare’s baggage, the 2026 power bank rules, Suvarnabhumi tips, Royal Orchid Plus and how Thai compares with Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

Thai Airways was founded in 1960 and is based in Bangkok. It was a founding member of Star Alliance in 1997 and is known for Thai hospitality, orchids on board and Royal Silk business class.

Thai Airways flights to Bangkok
Photo: Alejandro Cartagena / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Thai Airways

Since 27 March 2026, following ICAO safety standards, Thai Airways applies these rules:

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger.
  • Using or charging power banks during the flight is not allowed.
  • Power banks go in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Breaking the rules can mean the device is confiscated or you are refused boarding.

Thailand’s aviation authority has since adopted similar rules for all flights in the country.

Check-In at Suvarnabhumi

Online check-in is available on the website and app. Suvarnabhumi is large, so allow time for check-in, passport control and the long walk to some gates.

Arrive at least three hours before international flights, especially in the December–February high season.

Families and Special Assistance

Families can request bassinets on long-haul flights, and special meals and assistance should be booked in advance.

How to Find Cheap Thai Airways Flights

Cheap Thai Airways flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Travel in shoulder months: May, June and October are often cheaper.
  • Avoid peaks: Christmas, New Year and Songkran (mid-April).
  • Book through to Phuket or Chiang Mai: a connection on one ticket can cost little more than Bangkok alone.
  • Pick the right fare for bags: Flex includes two bags.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Thai Airways next to Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and others.

Thai Airways vs Singapore Airlines vs Malaysia Airlines

All three are full-service Southeast Asian airlines with long-haul networks.

Thai AirwaysSingapore AirlinesMalaysia Airlines
HubBangkokSingaporeKuala Lumpur
AllianceStar AllianceStar Allianceoneworld
Cheapest Economy checked bag1 × 23 kg25 kgNone on Lite
Power banks2, no use on board2, no use on boardNo use on board
Best forThailand and IndochinaSoutheast Asia and AustraliaMalaysia and Borneo

See our Singapore Airlines guide and Malaysia Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi Airport is about 30 km east of central Bangkok. The Airport Rail Link, taxis and buses connect it with the city.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Thai Airways a Good Airline?

Yes. Thai Airways offers warm hospitality, good food, generous baggage on Flex fares and Star Alliance connections. Check how many bags your fare includes under the new piece concept.

For more options, see our Nok Air guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the Thai Airways piece concept announcement and ScandAsia reporting on power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official Thai Airways website before you travel.

Star Alliance & Airline Partnerships

Thai Airways is a founding member of Star Alliance (1997). You can connect in Bangkok onto partners such as Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines and EVA Air on one ticket and earn Royal Orchid Plus miles across the alliance.

Learn more about Star Alliance

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Thai Airways codeshares with several Star Alliance partners and regional airlines, and has absorbed the network of its former subsidiary Thai Smile.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is Thai Airways' hub for domestic and international flights, with popular connections to Phuket, Chiang Mai and other Thai destinations.

Popular Thai Airways Routes

Thai Airways' busiest routes link Bangkok with Phuket and Chiang Mai, with Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Delhi, and long-haul with London and Sydney. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Thai Airways Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Thai Airways sells Economy as Saver, Standard, Flex and Full Flex, with Premium Economy, Royal Silk (business) and Royal First on top. Saver is the cheapest but the most restricted; the Flex fares let you change more easily and include more baggage.

Whenever you change, you pay any difference in fare plus any fee for your fare type. Check the conditions shown for your fare before booking.

  • Economy Saver Lowest price; change fees apply and refunds are limited.
  • Economy Standard More flexible than Saver.
  • Economy Flex and Full Flex The most flexible Economy fares, with two checked bags.
  • Royal Silk and Royal First Flexible premium fares.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on thaiairways.com or the THAI app.

Thai Airways Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can choose a seat when booking or later in Manage booking, with some preferred and extra-legroom seats available for a fee. Royal Silk business class has lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft, and Royal First is offered on selected routes.

Thai Airways is known for its Thai cuisine on board and for its Royal Orchid Spa and lounges at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

  • Seat selection When booking or in Manage booking; some seats paid.
  • Royal Silk Lie-flat business class on long-haul flights.
  • Royal First Available on selected routes.
  • Lounges Royal Silk and Royal Orchid lounges at Bangkok.
  • Extra baggage Prepaid 5 kg blocks cost less than paying at the airport.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs, special meals and other help in advance.

Thai Airways Baggage Allowance

Thai Airways moved to the piece concept on international routes for travel from 2 March 2026. Economy Saver and Standard include one checked bag of up to 23 kg, while Flex and Full Flex include two. Premium Economy includes two 23 kg bags, Royal Silk two 32 kg bags and Royal First three 32 kg bags.

In the cabin, Economy passengers can bring one bag of up to 7 kg and 56 × 45 × 25 cm. Some domestic and partner-operated flights may have different rules.

  • Carry-on (Economy) 1 bag up to 7 kg and 56 × 45 × 25 cm.
  • Carry-on (Royal Silk and Royal First) 2 bags.
  • Economy Saver and Standard 1 checked bag up to 23 kg.
  • Economy Flex and Full Flex 2 checked bags up to 23 kg each.
  • Premium Economy 2 checked bags up to 23 kg each.
  • Royal Silk 2 checked bags up to 32 kg each.
  • Royal First 3 checked bags up to 32 kg each.
  • Maximum bag size 158 cm total length + width + height.

Royal Orchid Plus: Thai Airways Loyalty Programme

Royal Orchid Plus is Thai Airways' free loyalty programme, with more than two million members. You earn miles on Thai Airways and Star Alliance flights and with partners, and redeem them for award flights and upgrades.

It has four tiers: Member, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

  • Member Entry level for all members.
  • Silver Priority services and Star Alliance Silver status.
  • Gold Lounge access, extra baggage and Star Alliance Gold status.
  • Platinum The top tier, with the highest priority and benefits.
  • Star Alliance Earn and redeem miles across Star Alliance.
Join or log in on the Thai Airways website

Thai Airways: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Thai Airways’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is TG. It appears in flight numbers (for example TG 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is THA, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Thai Airways part of?

It is a member of Star Alliance. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Thai Airways headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.

04When was Thai Airways founded?

The airline was founded in 1960.

05What are Thai Airways’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Bangkok (BKK) – Main Hub.

06What is Thai Airways’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Royal Orchid Plus. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07What is Thai Airways' checked baggage allowance?

On international flights from 2 March 2026, Economy Saver and Standard include one 23 kg bag, Flex and Full Flex two 23 kg bags, Royal Silk two 32 kg bags and Royal First three 32 kg bags.

08What is Thai Airways' cabin bag limit?

Economy passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg and 56 × 45 × 25 cm. Royal Silk and Royal First passengers can bring two bags.

09What happened to Thai Smile?

Thai Smile, Thai Airways' former regional airline, stopped flying under its own name at the end of 2023, and its routes and aircraft were absorbed into Thai Airways.

Thai Airways, its logo and trademarks are the property of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thai Airways unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.