Читать книгу Bangkok and Chiang Mai On a Rope - Larry Stein - Страница 11

A wide range of carriers connects the US with Southeast Asia. In large part because of exchange rates and taxes, airline prices vary far more than is the case with domestic flights, or travel to Europe. Comparison shopping is crucial. Recently, Korean based airlines have had a price advantage. Some years back, EVA, a Taiwanese airline, offered the best rates.

But, for a long flight, quality of food and service, and particularly seat size and pitch, must also factor into your decision. A great source for information and rating of airlines is Skytrax, http://www.airlinequality.com. Be sure to check out their chart of seat pitch, the distance between any point on a seat and the same point on the seat in front and in back of that seat. Greater pitch means more legroom.

If Bangkok is the start and end point of your trip, consider Royal Thai. The food and service are excellent. Coach has a 34” pitch, tied for the best among Asian airlines. Some flights offer premium economy, a chance for better seating at a price far below business class. Nonstop flights are offered from New York, and in the past, have been offered from Los Angeles. Skytrax rates royal Thai 4 stars. In recent years, prices have been on the high side.

Another 4 star rated airline, EVA Air flies from Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York to multiple destinations in Southeast Asia by way of Taipei. EVA offers some advantages. Economy pitch is 34”. But at only a 10% surcharge, 38” pitch seats are available in premium economy on most flights. If EVA again becomes one of the lower cost options, it merits serious consideration.

Three 5 star airlines fly from the US to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, from Los Angeles, Singapore Airlines stops in Tokyo and Singapore before landing in many Southeast Asia destinations.

Cathay Pacific and Asiana, each have excellent reputations. Cathay Pacific stops in Hong Kong, on the way to Southeast Asia. Asiana stops in Seoul. Both offer exquisite service, and wall-to-wall food, even in coach. But Asiana has a number of advantages. On many routes it's about 200 dollars cheaper. In economy Asiana has a 34” pitch as compared to Cathay Pacific’s 32” pitch. Finally, on the return to Los Angeles, there is an 8 hour layover on Asiana. Sounds like a disadvantage, but Asiana is busy making those lemons into lemonade. Asiana offers a choice of a free tour of Seoul, including lunch, or an airport hotel. The overseas flight on Asiana, is the best coach flight I have ever taken. Incheon airport is modern and efficient. If you are going to Phnom Penh you will probably be at Gate 35 or 36.