Getting to Thailand: Our Honest Airline Review from ATL to Bangkok
When people ask us "Wasn’t it exhausting flying that far with kids?" — the answer is yes... but it was also smoother than expected thanks to great airlines, some smart planning, and a few well-timed upgrades. If you're considering a trip to Thailand (or anywhere across the globe), here's a full breakdown of our multi-leg flight experience from Atlanta to Bangkok, including Virgin Atlantic, KLM, and EVA Air
Leg 1: Virgin Atlantic – ATL to Manchester (MAN)
We kicked things off with Virgin Atlantic, and honestly? It was an incredible start to the trip.
✔️ Amazing service from the cabin crew — warm, helpful, and attentive.
✔️ The plane wasn’t full, which meant we had a little extra space to stretch out (an absolute win when flying with kids).
✔️ In-flight food was great — flavorful, well-portioned, and better than your average economy fare.
This leg definitely helped us settle into "travel day" with a positive attitude.
Pro Tip: We tried to stay awake MOST of this flight since it was daytime in Thailand even though it was overnight for us!
Travel Hack: How We Flew to Manchester for (Almost) Free
One of the best parts of this trip? We redeemed credit card points and paid only the taxes and fees to get to Europe. 🎉
Using our Chase Sapphire Preferred® card, we took advantage of a transfer bonus and moved points to Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club to book our ATL–Manchester leg. The taxes were minimal, and we saved hundreds — if not thousands — by strategically using points.
This is one of our favorite ways to travel smarter and stretch our budget further.
👉 Want to start earning points toward your next big trip?
Click here to sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and start earning today!
It’s our go-to card for travel rewards, flexible points, and premium travel protection — totally worth it.
Layover: Manchester Airport + KLM Lounge in Amsterdam
After landing in Manchester, we had a 5-hour layover before our next leg to Amsterdam via KLM. Once in Amsterdam, we made a beeline for the KLM Lounge using our Amex Platinum perks, and it was everything we needed and more.
🚿 Yes, we paid for showers — and YES, it was glorious.
Nothing beats washing off the plane grime, changing clothes, and resetting before a long-haul flight. Highly recommend!
🍽️ The lounge had snacks, drinks, and space to unwind, making this layover feel less like a hassle and more like a breather.
Leg 3: EVA Air – Amsterdam to Bangkok
This was the big one: 11.5 hours in the air with kids — and let me tell you, Premium Economy on EVA Air was worth every penny.
✨ More legroom
✨ Foot/leg rests
✨ Upgraded meal service
✨ Bigger, more comfortable seats with deeper recline
This is where the real travel magic happened. The kids could sleep better, stretch out, and snack comfortably. The in-flight entertainment was solid, and the flight attendants were lovely and patient.
If you’re on the fence about spending extra for a premium cabin on a long-haul — this experience alone sold us. EVA is now one of our favorite airlines for international travel with a family.
Final Thoughts
Flying halfway across the world with kids isn’t easy — but with the right mindset, some preparation, and airline choices that support comfort, it’s totally doable (and even enjoyable). Virgin Atlantic, KLM, and EVA made our journey feel like a part of the adventure, not a hurdle.
Next up on the blog: Must-haves for long flights with kids & Our favorite Bangkok eats and markets, the elephant sanctuary experience, and the hidden beach we almost didn’t find. Stay tuned! 🌏✨
