Chiang Mai:Bangkok The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has addressed concerns regarding the steep increase in flight prices between Bangkok and Chiang Mai during the Loy Krathong festival, scheduled from November 23-26, 2026. The heightened demand for travel during this period, along with modifications to flight schedules to accommodate festival activities in Chiang Mai, has resulted in limited flight availability and seating capacity, especially for flights on November 23-24 and return flights on November 25-26.
According to Thai News Agency, upon examining airline websites directly, it was noted that many airlines no longer have tickets available for those dates. Instances of unusually high ticket prices displayed on online sales platforms were clarified by CAAT as the result of pricing mechanisms used by ticket agents, which may reflect near-full or low seat availability, rather than prices set by the airlines themselves. CAAT advises passengers to confirm prices and seat availability directly with airlines to ensure they receive a valid ticket and that the fare complies with legal limits.
Further recommendations from CAAT suggest that passengers planning to travel during the festival allocate extra time for their journeys and closely monitor flight schedules, as they may be adjusted to adhere to safety measures during lantern-releasing activities. Additionally, travelers are advised to prepare luggage in accordance with aviation security regulations, particularly ensuring that power banks are carried on board as they are prohibited in checked baggage. These steps are intended to minimize delays at security checks and facilitate smoother travel experiences during this peak period.