08 September, 2025
Thai Airways started out as a venture between SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Thai Airways Company (Thailand's domestic carrier). They have been flying under the name 'Thai Airways' since 1988 and are now fully government owned and the national carrier of Thailand. Thai (including subsidiaries) currently fly to 84 destinations in 37 countries, using a fleet of over 90 aircraft, out of their hub at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. They also have a secondary hub at Phuket International Airport. They also run 'Thai Smile' and part-own 'Nok Air', both of which service domestic Thailand and South-East Asian destinations.
Their fleet numbers 80 aircraft, including Boeing 747, 777 and 787's, as well as Airbus A330, A350 and A380's.
Thai are a founding member of the Star Alliance airline program, and currently partner with 28 airlines worldwide, including Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and United.
Thai are easily recognisable by their purple and gold logo, bright purple planes and bright purple livery. Delicious local Thai cuisine is offered in-flight, as well as extensive entertainment options, and Thai regularly feature at Travel Industry Awards Nights; past wins include 'Best Airline Staff in Asia', 'World’s Best Economy Class' and 'Best Economy Class Onboard Catering'. Thai are also ranked as a Top-Ten Airline by Skytrax (as of 2019).
Thai Airways currently fly direct from Auckland. They also have a partnership with Air New Zealand through the Star Alliance program, so customers in other cities can fly with Air New Zealand to Auckland, have a short transit and then jump on their Thai Airways flight (all on one ticket).
All flights will transit via their hub in Bangkok, and from there passengers can travel onwards to a wide range of Asian destinations, as well as Europe and the Middle East.
Thai Airways used to fly directly to the U.S, but suspended services indefinitely several years ago.
By utlising some of Thai Airways airline partnerships, passengers can visit a larger variety of destinations including India, Japan, the Middle East and the UAE, as well as the already offered Asian and European destinations.
Thai Airways unfortunately don't run set weekly or monthly sales like some airlines, however they do feature a variety of different sales throughout the year. Previous sales have included their Anniversary Sale (early June), Boxing Day (December 26th) sales, Black Friday (after Thanksgiving), Cyber Monday and others. They may also feature flash sales, Earlybird sales (for fares booked several months in advance), companion sales (for two or more passengers in one booking) and destination-specific sales, with discounted fares to and across Asia, Europe and more. They also offer specials on their holiday packages with flights included.
We have seen lots of great fares from Thai Airways to Europe over the last year, sometimes for under $1000 return!
There is a dedicated 'Special Offers' page on their website, or you can sign up to their emails to be notified of any future deals. Or just sign up with us, and we will let you know about all the best fares!
Thai Airways operate three main class types onboard their flights: Economy Class, Royal Silk Class (Business) and Royal First Class. The airline may be rolling out Premium Economy on some aircraft/routes in the near future. All classes include baggage and in-flight meals.
Cabin/Carry On Baggage
Economy - 1 x 7kg piece (no larger than 56x45x25cm) + small personal item such as handbag or laptop
Royal Silk (Business)/Royal First Class - 2 x 7kg piece (no larger than 56x45x25cm) + small personal item such as handbag or laptop
Checked Baggage
For flights from Australia there is no limit to how many pieces are allowed as long as the total weight limit is observed.
Economy: 30kg (each piece must be less than 23kg and 158cm total LxHxW)
Royal Silk/Business - 40kg (each piece must be less than 32kg and 158cm total LxHxW)
Royal First Class - 50kg (each piece must be less than 32kg and 158cm total LxHxW)
Royal Orchid Plus Gold and Platinum members receive an additional luggage allowance of one piece, on top of their existing allowance within any class of travel.
You can check in for your Thai Airways flight either online, via the Thai Airways app (available for both iOS and Android), or in person at the airport.
Check in via the app or online opens 24 hours prior to departure, and you can print boarding passes at home. You can also choose seats, pay for baggage or extras, or upgrade. Luggage can be dropped at the Thai Internet Check-in counter.
There are also Thai Airways self-serve kiosks at some airports which allow you to print boarding passes and luggage tags without lining up.
To check in at the airport counter, check directly with the airport website for the exact time the counter opens. However, in general check-in counters are open 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. Please note that if the first part of your flight is operated by another carrier, ie Air New Zealand, you may need to check in with them.
The Thai Airways Frequent Flyer program is called 'Royal Orchid Plus', and has over three million members. The program allows you to earn miles on Thai Airways flights, Star Alliance partner flights or other airline partner flights. You can also earn miles with other travel partners, such as holiday packages, hotel stays, dining, car hire, shopping, insurance, credit cards and more.
The program is free to join, and there are four tiers to the loyalty program, beginning with Basic Status, followed by Silver, Gold and Platinum Status. Each membership tier provides various extra benefits to passengers, including extra baggage, free upgrades, lounge access and more.
Points can be redeemed for flights with Thai Airways, Star Alliance member airlines and partner airlines, as well as upgrades, lounge access, and partner deals such as accommodation and holiday packages, and even magazine subscriptions.
Website: https://www.thaiairways.com/en_AU/contact_us/index.page
Phone from New Zealand: (64-09) 377-3886
Email: reservations@thaiairways.co.nz; ticketing@thaiairways.co.nz