When an airline launches a new route, it can be a terrific way to redeem points and miles at a great price. As the initial flights may not be full, award availability can be plentiful — and for programs that price redemptions dynamically according to demand, deals can be had.
United Airlines is launching daily flights to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) on Oct. 26. The airline will operate the 257-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on this route, which features 48 Polaris business-class seats, 21 Premium Plus recliners, 39 Economy Plus extra-legroom seats and 149 standard economy seats.
This flight departs from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with a short technical stop at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) before continuing on to BKK as Flight UA820; however, United's existing transpacific flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are also timed to connect to the BKK flight in HKG in both directions.
Unfortunately, award rates in economy and business class are steep for this new route. However, we have found a neat deal for you in premium economy. United Airlines' premium economy cabin, known as Premium Plus, offers a notably more comfortable experience than standard economy. Seats are wider with more recline and generous legroom, plus upgraded dining, amenity kits and priority boarding. It's a solid middle ground for travelers who want extra comfort without splurging for Polaris.
If you were captivated by the beauty of Thailand in the recent season of "The White Lotus," here's a great deal on flying United's Premium Plus product.
Note that prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing.
Related: Is United Airlines' premium economy worth it on long flights?
TPG's deal of the day basics
Airline: United Airlines
Routes: From LAX, SFO, Denver International Airport (DEN), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to BKK
Best way to book: United MileagePlus miles (transfer from Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards)
Price: 65,000 United MileagePlus miles plus around $16 in taxes and fees each way in Premium Plus premium economy (taxes and fees may vary slightly depending on routing)
Retail price: $992-$1,600
Travel dates: October to November 2025, January to May 2026
We have also seen some premium economy availability from BKK back to the United States in October to November 2025 and February to April 2026 for 65,000 United miles, though dates are more limited.
How to find and book TPG's deal of the day
We used the time-saving Seats.aero tool to quickly find award availability between LAX or SFO and BKK. This tool makes it easy to see which dates are available; however, it unfortunately does not display connecting itineraries for these routings.
Based on our searches, if you search directly on the United Airlines website, you should be able to add a domestic flight from your home airport to LAX or SFO at no extra mileage cost, wherever a 65,000-mile price from LAX or SFO is available.
Considering the length of the journey from the United States to Bangkok, this is an impressive way to redeem MileagePlus miles. Note that domestic connections to LAX or SFO will be seated in economy class, with premium economy on the long-haul leg to BKK via HKG.
How to earn the points or miles required for TPG's deal of the day
Here are some great cards that earn United Airlines MileagePlus miles, or offer the ability to transfer points to MileagePlus at a 1:1 rate:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees): Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on purchases in your first six months from account opening.
- United Quest℠ Card (see rates and fees): Best offer ever — earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
- United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees): Limited-time offer — earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
Bottom line
If Thailand is on your bucket list, this is a stellar opportunity to fly there in comfort without draining your MileagePlus balance. United's new Los Angeles-to-Bangkok route via Hong Kong offers premium economy seats for just 65,000 miles one-way — a fantastic use of points, considering the cash prices.
With flights available in both directions and connections possible from other U.S. cities, this deal is ideal for travelers who want extra legroom and upgraded service for less. Just don't wait too long—book your Thailand getaway now.
Continue planning your vacation to Thailand:
- 5 hotels in Thailand to check in to for a 'White Lotus'-inspired getaway
- Love premium economy? You're not alone. United wants more comfy recliner seats for its planes
- Now open: Ritz-Carlton adds another luxury name to Bangkok's booming hotel scene
- My nearly perfect stay in a rustic Thai resort: A review of the Six Senses Yao Noi
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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