First trip to BKK
 

I am planning my first trip to BKK sometime in February. I am wondering about airline fares. My first choice, because of Elite status, is NWA. I will be flying from the midwest through MSP. I know there have been changes in what tickets you must use to get your FF miles. I would appreciate an update on that change. The best fare I have seen on NWA is about $1,400. I have done several trips in the past to HkG and CAN and have always found a ticket for less than 1k. more in the $800 range. Is BKK just more expensive? What about using a consolidator? How early should I start looking for tickets? It seems NWA often has a sale for Asia right after Christmas. Any advice from BKK experts would be appreciated.

take a look at flying out of sfo. the rates are much lower and with a bargain ticket to sfo, you come out about 400 bucks ahead...just have to juggle the two ticket schedules. i usually take nwa out of msp myself, elite status lock-in!! was just looking around yesterday for a better fare, i think i saw a 600 dollar deal using sfo.....eva also does the route from msp...and i think you get miles with nwa or continental.
enjoy bkk, thailand is a lovely place to visit.

Avoid Chinese New Year. That is peak travel time in Asia. NW sales for BKK have not been good this year. You may have to wait for the winter sales after the New Year for a better price.

For that same money to fly NW, you can fly EVA out of LAX in Deluxe class. In general, LAX has the best prices to Asia.