Why are plane tickets to Phuket, Thailand so much more expensive than plane

[Mega Balls]

tickets going to Bangkok? Aren't both destinations about the same distance from California?

 

[Joey]

For me prices for plane tickets vary depending on the season. Usually, summer seasons are more expensive in beach places such as Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui etc. as compared to city places like Bangkok. Also, it can be due to the fact that there are usually less passengers to phuket as compared to bangkok since Bangkok is often considered as a gateway of not only to Thailand but also to South East Asia. So, perhaps airlines try to jack it up in order to get a bit more sales.

 

[Gerald J]

Yeah, but Bangkok is a highly competitive route with many airlines that fly there. Phuket is a limited destintation route with little competition, which almost always means higher prices. Try connecting through Bangkok on budget airlines like Air Asia and you'll probably save some money, be careful of their low baggage allowances and checked baggage fees.