Airlines to Asia

Indochina Travel arranges international airlines with competitive wholesale pricing on economy, business and first-class tickets to Asia, and also private regional flights within Asia, call us at (415) 680-3788 or email us at info@indochinatravel.com.

AIRLINE OPTIONS
—seating often fills months in advance into Japan, Vietnam, and other destinations. If you're using miles, you'll have to do it direct with your program — please see below for more information on miles programs.

MILEAGE PROGRAMS
Cathay is a member of the One World travel alliance which partners with and may enable you to use your American Airlines miles. Singapore, Lufthansa and Thai Airlines are partners in the Star Alliance of which United Airlines and Air Canada are members. Often frequent flyer miles may only get you part of the way, to Bangkok or Hong Kong for example. Separate ticket required to get you into Vietnam can be quite expensive so make sure to check into ticketing all the way into Vietnam as Vietnam Airlines tends to charge a premium for single flight legs.

OPEN JAW AIRLINE ROUTING TO VIETNAM
"Open jaw" routing (flying into one city and out of another, such as into Hanoi and return from Bangkok), is very typical for most airlines serving Asia and does not come with an extra cost or difficulty in booking. It is also recommended to save flight time and to possibly avoid time consuming re-entry into Vietnamese immigration if you've gone onto other countries during your travel.

CATHAY PACIFIC BEST FLIGHT OPTION TO VIETNAM FROM JFK, SFO or LAX
For overall quality, shortest routing, and reliability, Cathay Pacific is the best bet from JFK, LAX or SFO. They fly through their hub in Hong Kong, which is a short skip (under two hours) from Hanoi (a flight operated in conjunction with Vietnam Airlines. As those of you know who have been through the new Hong Kong airport, it is very efficient and transit times can be as little as one hour between flights (such as Cathay does on the return from Saigon to Hong Kong to USA). Return from Bangkok is not is a better option if you are going onto the temples in Angkor and can fly Vietnam Airlines to get there.

UNITED and EVA "NO FRILLS BUSINESS CLASS" — OTHER POPULAR OPTIONS
United flies from San Francisco, but only to Saigon. United airline partner Asiana flies into HANOI (via Incheon, Seoul). United will then combine their flights for an open jaw itinerary.  If you use United, please arrive one day earlier and we will arrange the 2-hour flight to Hanoi for the start of your tour. Please note: fares on UAL.com vary dramatically, depending on open jaw, roundtrip from one city, etc. The cheapest option appears to be roundtrip to Saigon (we would fly you to Hanoi for the tour start, extra flight is about $188).

A recent flight itinerary for United from SFO to Vietnam is posted here:

EVA, a Taipei-based airline, offers no frills "business" class seating in their "Economy deluxe" class - essentially a lazy-boy size seat in the front of their 747s. They offer open-jaw routing at no extra cost. Call us for better pricing than advertised.

THAI, SINGAPORE, and JAPAN AIR ARE LONGER OPTIONS
Thai, Singapore, and Japan Airlines all fly to Vietnam but with longer routing (the flight to Singapore or Bangkok will add roughly 4-5 hours flight time).Regionally, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and Thai Airlines serve most inter-country routes. Avoid online bookings with new, budget regional carriers like Star Asia. Flight cancellations have been common, and customer service is non-existent.

AMERICAN EXPRESS TWO FOR ONE
American Express 2 for 1 is a good option for card holders seeking business class seats. Although it is listed on their website as a carrier, they may not have  Cathay Pacific available.   

"We chose China Airlines because it had the best connections.  Eva had some long layovers. The cost was about $5,600 for two people, but there were a lot of full flights and unavailable seats.  We could not get the Taipei to Hanoi connection included for the dates we wanted, so had to buy a separate one way for both of us.  The total came to about $6400. The very best connections were with China Airlines  from SF direct to Taipei leaving at midnight, 2 hr connection, then direct to Hanoi.  Home was Saigon to Taipei, 2 hr layover, then direct to SF.  Patrick was more hesitant about coach class on China Airlines, than business, so we are taking the chance.  Kathy PS  The American Express tickets are also fully refundable and changeable without penalty, which is a real plus."

CHINA & KOREAN AIR — CARRIERS OF LAST CHOICE
We recommend that China and Korean Airlines should only be a last choice, although Korean has a hub in Dulles. Great pricing, but long layovers, lackluster service, and reliability.

AIRLINES FOR YOUR TRIP

AIRLINE TICKETS
If we have made any airline bookings for your trip, they are e-tickets only (except Myanmar*). You may simly check in with your passport. Flight numbers and times, as well as booking numbers are noted on your most recent itinerary. Your itinerary lists flight information made at booking, but what may not the ultimate flight number and time—flights are changed quite frequently. It is the traveler's responsibility to reconfirm all international flights (especially the day of), and any regional and local flights with your guide or local tour manager. Check for any last minute schedule changes on this web site: Flight Stats.

If Indochina Travel has not made airline reservations for you, ensure you have sent us complete updated flight schedules so we may arrange airport transfers.

Any airport transfers during your trip will be reconfirmed by our local tour managers.

Seat assignments may be arranged where possible based on your preference and availability. It is also possible to arrange seating during check-in as carriers frequently reserve seats that may be confirmed during check-in.

Any mileage numbers you may have provided us have been submitted to the airline. Make sure to carry your mileage card with you, and during check-in confirm teh airline has your correct mileage program infirmation.

Expedited immigration and airport transfers: Upon entering the terminal, look for a person from our local office, transport company, or airport agent holding a placard with your name on it (and/or our company name, Indochina Travel. Important: please notify the agent if you are only transiting between flights. He/she will assist you with expedited immigraion if arranged, luggage assistance, and escort to your waiting vehicle.

See our regional airport notes for specific information

VIETNAM AIRLINES
We will book all of your domestic and regional flights, especially with Vietnam Airlines. We obtain tickets in country that are typically the most flexible in terms of changeability, refunds, and cost. Vietnam Airlines does not often honor tickets obtained overseas for reservation changes or refunds, and are typically higher priced. Vietnam Airlines of 2008 is nothing like the airlines they were a decade ago. Vietnam Airlines operates flights in conjunction with Cathay Pacific and boasts a newer fleet of Airbus and Boeings with an unlemished safety record over the last decade.

AIRPORT PICKUP
If you've arranged your trip with us, airport transfers are typically arranged for most arrival cities. If you are only bookin flights, we can still arrange airport transfers and special services (such as "fastrack" immigration in Bangkok and other cities).

TRIP FLIGHTS ARE E-TICKETS
If you are traveling with us, please note there are no paper tickets issued (except Myanmar) and you may simply check-in with your passport. Flight booking confirmation codes are noted on your itinerary as backup. Please reconfirm your flight numbers and times for all flights with your guide or local tour manager.

CONFIRM FLIGHTS BEFORE DEPARTURE
Important: Domestic and international flight segments may be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled—please re-confirm your flights, especially on the day of departure.

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