Flyers hoping to escape the extended misery of coach on the long haul between the US and Asia, are seeing their most affordable comfort option, Premium Economy, becoming scarce. Two popular Asia carriers have dropped the service, one by eliminating the class, and the other by halting operations on a major route, leaving fewer low-cost options.

The latest airline to fall away from the Premium Economy segment is Thai Airways, which is terminating its New York-Bangkok service entirely, effective July 1, 2008, because the high cost of fuel has rendered the route unprofitable. It’s Los Angeles-Bangkok service will be reduced later this year.

Earlier this year, Singapore Airlines announced that it’s dropping Premium Economy in favor of all-Business Class service on its routes from New York.

Continue to be vigilant in your search for discount Business Class flight to Asia, which can often net Business airfares in the similar neighborhood as Premium Economy.