Phuket reopens to tourists, here's how to travel for free using miles and points
This is it, the big day is here. Or almost because at the last things could change. On July 1 after more than [...]
Qatar Airways
Emirates
British Airways
Star Alliance
SkyTeam
Oneworld
HKT
This is it, the big day is here. Or almost because at the last things could change. On July 1 after more than 18 months Thailand will reopen to tourism and it will do so starting with one of the iconic places: Phuket.
In this article:
As of July 1, all vaccinated tourists landing at the island's airport will not be quarantined and, after 1 week's vacation and a swab, will be free to move undisturbed throughout the Asian nation.
This is actually the first major reopening, pending the United States and the rest of the world, but since it is one of the world's reigning tourism destinations, it is one of the most anticipated. Thai Airways has launched special direct flights to Phuket City, but it is possible to reach the area by flying with many other airlines as well. We at TFC went in search of the best award tickets to use as soon as the borders reopen.
With Emirates from Milan, as well as from Venice and Rome, you can fly from as low as 75k Skywards points, plus 150€ in taxes. Much availability to fly business as well from 150k Skywards points and, depending on the date, also in first class.
Normally both routes would be operated with A380s, but operations from Italy and to Thailand at present are announced with 777/300s. What changes? No bar for business class passengers and especially no shower for first class guests. The Dubai-based airline is definitely the one offering the best conversion at this time.
As a reminder, Emirates is a partner of American Express, so it is possible to Fly using their Membership Rewards points.
Unfortunately, no Skyteam partner flies to Phuket airport, and that means no chance to invest Alitalia miles to fly to Thailand. Not even Etihad at the moment has opened a route to the area made famous by the Leonardo Di Caprio movie.
Still using Membership Rewards points, but flying Qatar via British Airways Avios, availability is really scarce and the cost required is definitely high: flying from Malpensa via Doha in business class costs 201,500 Avios points and almost €520 in taxes. This is not a conversion we feel like recommending.
Playing with dates, and if you have Qmiles available, you can book directly with Qatar. Not only will you save a lot of money since fees are less than €65, but you will have the opportunity to try Qatar Airways' QSuite.
Important before booking
Regulations could change at any time, so it is always best to take advantage of companies that offer flexible tickets and Covid-19 insurance, even if you are vaccinated. If you will stay less than 7 days in Thailand, you will not be able to move from the Phuket area and will need to depart from the same airport. On the other hand, if your vacation will last more than 7 days, you can go wherever you want and also depart from Bangkok airport.
It is possible that in the coming weeks other companies will decide to open connections to Phuket, once it is certain that the borders will be reopened to vaccinated and quarantine-free tourists. If that happens, of course, it will open up other opportunities to take advantage of points and miles of other carriers as well, which to date do not offer direct connections, the only ones to be approved for the Sandbox.
