Asia - Best route to BKK from the US

From the east coast of the US, what's the shortest travel time for a trip to Bangkok? What are the best connections?

From the east coast of the US, what's the shortest travel time for a trip to Bangkok? What are the best connections?

I think the best way is to fly from the East Coast to Tokyo Narita or Hong Kong, then on going into Bangkok.

United, All Nippon Air, Japan Air, Northwest connect through Tokyo Narita
Flying time is around 21 hours from the US to Bankgkok and 18 hours from Thailand back to the US.

Cathay Pacific connects through Hong Kong
US to Bangkok is 19.5 hours, and back is also 19.5 hrs.

The other way is across the Atlantic:

British Airways connects through London Heathrow.
US to Bankgkok is around 19 hours, and back is 22.5 hours

Lufthansa connects through Frankfurt
US to Bangkok is around 17.5 hrs, and back is 20.5 hrs.

As you can see, the on-air time is not much different. So, it comes down to what airlines you want to fly, and the time you want to get to your final destination.

All of the above do not include connection time.

From the east coast of the US, what's the shortest travel time for a trip to Bangkok? What are the best connections?

As its half way around the globe there is no difference which way you fly both ways require a minimum of a One Stop connection. Unfortunately Concorde no longer operates. Published fares are usually 40% less via the Pacific though. Fly with whoever gives you the best fare and mileage opportunities. For Discount Business Class Fares via the Pacific try www.accessfares.com although these might involve 2 connections,

You can try to work it out with this online website: www.amadeus.net. It will list your flights by the shortest flying time (with connection included).

If you don't have elite status with AA, may I suggest flying CX.

Enroll in the platinum challenge by calling AA. When you return from BKK, you will have Platinum status and will have earned over 28,000 miles. Just make sure your fare class is in H, B, or Y when flying economy class.

I can only speak to Star Alliance routings, but in my experience it is shorter and easier to fly east via Europe taking an evening flight to LHR or FRA (on UA or LH) and an afternoon flight on TG arriving BKK ~ 06:30. Returning you leave late at night and arrive in the U.S.A. in the early/mid afternoon. Returning takes a bit more travel time, flying west vs. east, due to schedules so total round-trip elapsed travel time is roughly equivalent. It all comes down to individual requirements and preferences.

Plug in your itin here:

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/

Login as Guest.

It will give you all possible itineraries.

You all are going to laugh about this, but the best routing I got from RDU was to use the SQ EWR-SIN flight. It took the least amount of time and I get Economy +! I'll tell you how it is next July

Have a great time!