Flying on Peanuts

By Jason Gagliardi Monday, Jan. 05, 2004

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If you're heading to Thailand to escape the winter blues, you're in for bargains as two more cut-rate airlines enter its market. Last month, Malaysia-based AirAsia began flying from Kuala Lumpur to the resort island of Phuket for a thrifty $23.50, less than a third of the Malaysian Airlines fare. Next month, the airline founded by a former music executive will start service between the southern Malaysian border city Johor Baharu and Bangkok for about $26 a seat; plans are afoot to offer Thai domestic connections as well. But don't expect a morsel to eat or a refund if you miss the plane. Meanwhile, Orient Thai Airlines has launched flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, with similar no-frills service, and fares about 30% lower than Thai Airways'. The Thai government's move toward a more open-skies policy is turning out to be good news for sunseekers and adventurers.