The best airlines for Southeast Asia routes
Summary
Best airlines Southeast Asia include a mix of budget carriers and full-service airlines. This guide compares the top options for flying within the region — by price, comfort, routes, and reliability.
Introduction
Hopping between countries in Southeast Asia is easy, fast, and often surprisingly cheap. But with so many airlines available — from ultra-low-cost to premium — how do you choose the best one for your trip?
If you’re traveling light and want to save, check out our top budget travel hacks for Southeast Asia — they’ll help you find great deals and avoid extra fees when flying with the best airlines Southeast Asia has to offer.
Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a traveler seeking convenience and perks, here’s a breakdown of the top airlines that dominate regional skies.
1. AirAsia
✈️ Best for: Budget travelers, wide route network
AirAsia is the region’s most popular low-cost carrier, connecting major cities and remote destinations across Southeast Asia at unbeatable fares. Perfect for budget travelers looking to stretch their trip.
- Operates across Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and beyond
- Cheap base fares, frequent sales, and reliable mobile app
- Charges for everything extra: baggage, meals, seat selection
Pro tip:
Subscribe to their “Big Sale” announcements for absurdly low prices (e.g., $15 international flights).
2. VietJet Air
✈️ Best for: Intra-Vietnam + nearby destinations (Thailand, Singapore, etc.)
Known for its frequent deals and expanding network, VietJet Air is a go-to choice for affordable flights between Vietnam and other Southeast Asian hubs.
- Competitive fares and lots of routes from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi
- Regular flash sales
- Occasionally delayed — plan with flexibility
Pro tip:
Travel light — fees for checked baggage can cancel out low ticket prices.
3. Scoot
✈️ Best for: Singapore-based flights
Scoot offers a comfortable low-cost experience with a modern fleet, great for longer hops between Southeast Asia and destinations like Australia or Japan.
- Budget arm of Singapore Airlines (safe and well-run)
- Good for flights between Singapore and Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
- Slightly higher base fares, but more polished than competitors
4. Lion Air & Thai Lion Air
✈️ Best for: Indonesia + Thailand domestic routes
Lion Air and Thai Lion Air cover a huge network within Indonesia, Thailand, and neighboring countries, often at some of the lowest prices in the market.
- Covers hard-to-reach areas in Indonesia
- Inconsistent punctuality — allow buffer time
- Check baggage policy per route (varies!)
5. Bangkok Airways
✈️ Best for: Comfort, short routes in Thailand
Nicknamed “Asia’s Boutique Airline,” Bangkok Airways includes perks like free lounge access and snacks even on short flights, making it a premium-feel option for regional travel.
- “Boutique airline” with free lounge access even for economy passengers
- Operates routes like Bangkok → Koh Samui
- More expensive than low-cost competitors, but better service
Pro tip:
Great for island hoppers who want ease and comfort without going full business class.
6. Singapore Airlines & Thai Airways
✈️ Best for: Full-service quality, international connectors
For top-notch service and comfort, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways deliver full-service luxury on Southeast Asia routes — ideal if you value comfort over cost.
- Excellent for longer regional flights or positioning to Europe/US
- More expensive, but top-tier service, meals, luggage included
- Use miles/points if you’re part of a loyalty program
Quick Comparison Table
| Airline | Price 💰 | Routes 🌍 | Reliability ⏱ | Comfort 😌 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirAsia | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| VietJet | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Scoot | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Lion / Thai Lion | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Bangkok Airways | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Singapore / Thai | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Conclusion
Your ideal airline depends on what you value: price, comfort, convenience, or loyalty perks. For budget adventurers, AirAsia and VietJet dominate. If you want a smoother experience with extra service, Scoot or Bangkok Airways might be worth the bump in fare.
Before booking, it’s also worth reading our guide on what you need to know about local airports in Southeast Asia — it covers everything from terminal quirks to transport tips, helping you get the most out of your trip with the best airlines Southeast Asia.
No matter what you choose — when flying with the best airlines Southeast Asia has to offer, the skies are wide open. Happy flying 😏
