The main international gateways to Southeast Asia are Bangkok and Singapore, with Kuala Lumpur in third place.

In general, Southeast Asian air carriers are much cheaper than their American and European rivals, and the can be some great bargains to be had. Much of Southeast Asia is now also covered by a dense web of discount airlines, making this an affordable way of getting around. Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are the main hubs for discount airlines in the region, but also Manila and Hong Kong makes good springboards into the region, with relatively good connections to other cities outside the region and with many low-cost carriers flying into Southeast Asian destinations.

Southeast Asia probably offer some of the best air pass values of any region. Some of these deals are only available to those who fly transpacific or from Europe into the region, and must be issued at the same time as the international ticket. Other air pass deals can be obtained while in the region, but there are destinations where you cannot get air pass deals. The competition is fierce, especially between the discount airlines, and some incredible airfares are sometimes offered, so it can be time well spend to investigate the various deals before you book your air tickets.