Songkran 2023 Travel Deals: CAAT Announces 20% Off Special Flights and More Seats for Thai New Year

Oh, the buzz in the air! With Songkran around the corner, it’s like Thailand is gearing up for the biggest bash of the year. But this isn’t just any year; it’s the year when travel takes a leap, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is making sure it’s a giant one for all of us dreamy wanderers. Yes, you’ve got that right — they’ve waved their magic wand, and voila, six airlines are preparing to whisk you away on special flights during the grand Thai New Year celebrations.

It’s almost as if the stars have aligned, because tickets are about to go on sale bright and early tomorrow (March 12). Picture this: a whopping total of 104 extra special flights ready to zip through the skies, adding a sweet number of 17,874 seats into the travel mix. It’s a golden ticket bonanza for those ready to embark on a festive adventure!

Imagine soaring to the vibrant hues of Phuket, diving into the cultural heartbeat of Chiang Mai, basking in the laid-back vibes of Samui, exploring the rustic charm of Ubon Ratchathani, connecting with the urban pulse of Udon Thani, or uncovering the hidden treasures of Khon Kaen. And the best part? These flights are set to depart on April 11-12 and return on April 15-16, perfectly hugging the Cabinet’s generous extension of the Thai New Year holiday to a lavish 5-day extravaganza.

Now, let’s talk deals because, oh, the airlines are rolling them out like a red carpet. With flights taking off at the crack of dawn or whisking you away under the cloak of night, there’s a sweet twist — special price promotions that can save you a hefty 20% off the usual ticket fare. It’s a deal that whispers “adventure” in your ear and tugs at the heartstrings of your wallet. This scheme is not just about getting you from A to B; it’s about doing it in style, ease, and for a bit less green.

This feast of flights is a joint effort by the Department of Airports, Airports of Thailand (AOT), and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand. They’re like the unsung heroes, working behind the scenes, extending airport operating hours and beefing up staff numbers to ensure your holiday kickoff is smoother than a beach pebble.

But here’s a word to the wise from the CAAT: popular festivities mean popular flight times, and that equals more demand which, you guessed it, often leads to pricier tickets. The golden piece of advice? Do a little detective work before you book. Peek at different channels, especially if you’re diving into the online travel agency pool. Better yet, go straight to the source, book through the airline’s website. It’s the fast lane to ensure any hiccups can be ironed out with the airline directly, without playing telephone between third parties.

In the end, it all comes down to this — Songkran 2023 is shaping up to be a banner year for travel within Thailand. Whether you’re jetting off to your hometown for a traditional celebration or seeking a new corner of the kingdom to explore, these special flights are your ticket to an unforgettable holiday. So, gear up, get booking, and let’s make Songkran the jumpstart to a year of adventures. Who knows? This might just be the beginning of a whole new tradition.