Thai AirAsia vs Thai Lion Air
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Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are low-cost airlines that both fly Thailand's busiest domestic routes from Bangkok's Don Mueang airport.
Quick verdict
Which is better: Thai AirAsia or Thai Lion Air?
Short answer: on Don Mueang's domestic routes the two overlap almost completely, so compare the fare, bag allowance and departure time for your date. On 5 Nov 2026 both flew to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Trang, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani and Udon Thani. Thai AirAsia is larger, with 62 aircraft (June 2026) against Thai Lion Air's 28 (our most recent figure, August 2025), and also flew to Kuala Lumpur. Both fly single-class economy.
Choose Thai AirAsia if…
- You want the larger schedule or an international hop such as Kuala Lumpur.
- You already collect AirAsia points or use the AirAsia app for add-ons.
Choose Thai Lion Air if…
- Thai Lion Air's fare or time is better for your date on a shared route.
- You compare bag allowances and Thai Lion Air's fare includes what you need.
At a glance
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Key differences
Routes
On 5 Nov 2026 both flew from Don Mueang to the same ten domestic cities. Thai AirAsia also flew Don Mueang–Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok (BKK)–Phuket and Krabi. Routes are the flights listed under each airline's own code on the AOT departure boards on 5 Nov 2026; some may be codeshares operated by a partner.
Thai AirAsia vs Thai Lion Air: Fleet and cabin
Thai AirAsia: 62 aircraft (June 2026), single-class economy. Thai Lion Air: 28 Boeing 737s (August 2025), single-class economy. Neither is in an alliance.
Frequently asked questions
Do Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air fly the same routes?
On Don Mueang domestic routes, largely yes: on 5 Nov 2026 both flew to the same ten cities.
Do either of them have business class?
No. Both fly single-class economy on their Thai domestic flights.
About Thai AirAsia Read more
Overview
Thai AirAsia is a Thai low-cost airline. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 12 November 2003 and began flying on 4 February 2004. It is headquartered at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok, and is owned by Asia Aviation Public Company Limited (SET: AAV). It is part of the wider AirAsia brand family and is not a member of a global airline alliance. Its loyalty programme is BIG Loyalty.
Network and hubs
The main base is Bangkok Don Mueang. Other operating bases listed by Wikipedia are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket. Wikipedia gives 67 destinations. A 2026 analysis report cites more than 70 destinations on 318 routes, including 25 domestic and 46 international. Destinations include Phnom Penh, Dhaka, Beijing, Chengdu, Changsha and Phu Quoc. Services to Siem Reap now use Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport.
The same report says the airline announced a 30% capacity reduction for May and June 2026 because of a jet fuel price spike and softer demand. Travellers should check current schedules.
Fleet
The fleet is made up of Airbus A320-family narrow-body aircraft. Wikipedia lists 62 aircraft, and the 2026 analysis report also gives about 62. Long-haul flights are operated by a separate airline, Thai AirAsia X. In May 2026 the AirAsia group placed an order for 150 A220-300 aircraft, according to the analysis report. Delivery timing for Thai AirAsia has not been confirmed in the sources reviewed.
On board
Thai AirAsia operates a no-frills, single-class economy cabin. Food, drinks and extras are sold separately. Seat pitch, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Good to know
- Cabin baggage: up to 7 kg, with a main bag of 56 x 36 x 23 cm plus a small personal item, per Cabin Zero and MakeMyTrip.
- Checked baggage: sold separately by weight, and excess weight is charged, according to Airportels. Check the airline's website for current prices.
- Airports: flights use both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, so check the airport on your booking.
- Loyalty: BIG Loyalty Programme.
- Lounges: no airline lounges were found.
About Thai Lion Air Read more
Overview
Thai Lion Air is a Thai low-cost airline and an associate company of the Indonesian Lion Air Group, according to Wikipedia. It made its first flight on 4 December 2013 between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Its head office is in the Don Mueang District of Bangkok. The airline does not belong to any of the three major alliances.
Network and hubs
The main base is Bangkok Don Mueang, with a second operating base at Taipei Taoyuan. The network covers domestic Thai cities such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and Udon Thani. International services include China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal and Macau. Wikipedia lists a Bangkok–Delhi route starting 14 November 2025, and the airline has added several Indian routes (Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kochi).
Services are subject to change. In 2026, The Nation reported that the airline suspended or reduced more than a dozen routes because of higher jet fuel costs, including Don Mueang–Taipei–Nagoya for July 2026. Check the booking site for current schedules.
Fleet
As of August 2025, Wikipedia lists 28 aircraft: 20 Boeing 737-800s (189 seats) and 8 Boeing 737-900ERs (215 seats). Former types include Airbus A330-300 and A330-900 and Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, all passed back to or transferred within the Lion Air Group.
On board
The airline operates a single-class economy cabin. This profile does not have confirmed seat pitch, entertainment or Wi-Fi details. As a low-cost carrier, services such as meals and checked bags are typically sold separately, so check the fare conditions when booking.
Good to know
- Cabin baggage: the airline's FAQs allow one cabin bag up to 7 kg, plus a laptop bag or handbag, each within size limits.
- Checked baggage: usually bought separately on the cheapest fares. Some routes include a free allowance. The FAQs say baggage can be pre-purchased up to 3 hours before departure.
- Airport: most Bangkok flights use Don Mueang, not Suvarnabhumi.
- Lounges, loyalty programme, change fees and punctuality: no verified figures were found.
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