too_mutt

The airlines are kind of a futures market for airline seat revenue, and right now it looks like fuel prices are on the rise. I think I would wait a while and keep checking and pounce on it when it hits the $1500-$1600 range. I would guess in the July-August time frame. Good Luck.

Seatguru.com shows a seat pitch of 36'' for economy on the A345 (JFK-BKK). The width is pretty standard, but at least you will have a little more leg room. Thai would be my choice after SQ and CX.

Layover. Have a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air for a few hours. Regards

I was curious why you have never tried Cathay Pacific with so many LAX departures. I was considering Cathay from LAX or Singapore from SFO for my next trip. Regards

That is an excellent idea. I think that perhaps the Bangkok Pattaya hospital is still considered top notch. Regards

When I check the Thai Air site for the LAX-BKK run the PE fare is about $1400 and the Biz class fare is about $4000. Maybe worth it, maybe not. I read one traveler's account of the flight from JFK -BKK at FlyerTalk.com, and he indicated that because the PE seats were directly over the wing they were extremely warm from the reflected sunlight. I guess he flew the polar route and it was light nearly the entire time. I won't have that problem on the LAX-BKK run however. Regards

Wow! Sounds like there isn't a good option here. I usually drink the bottled water in Pattaya, as I think my odds are better with it. Regards

It sounds like it pays to stay in a hotel with a deadbolt and chain lock for the door. I thought this happened to me once in the PI. Not a comforting feeling at all. Regards

Okay. Thanks for the info! I see that it was under "Special Internet Rates". There is a big difference between the "Special Internet Rate" and the "Full Rate". Makes it seem like you are getting quite a bargain. Regards

I went to www.sabaiinn.com and I can see that the transportation to the hotel is 1500 baht from the Bangkok airport, but I don't see any room rates listed. Kind of strange. Sawadee.com shows a rate of 1000 baht for the standard room however. Regards

I have to agree it is great to be able to stand for 15-20 minutes at a time without "being in the way". I sure am glad that Cathay(out of LAX) and Singapore(out of SFO) still use the 744 for the West coast to Hong Kong routes. Not sure about the A340-500 as far as having open room to stand for a while. Regards

I sent an e-mail to Areca Lodge five days ago requesting some information about the hotel and also the rate for pickup at Don Muang. I have yet to hear back. Has the happened to anyone else? Regards

As I understand it, the only problem there is that you must pay for the entire stay in advance. Otherwise, if you book directly with the hotel, the choice is between giving your cc info over the internet via email, or faxing them the information. Has anyone had any problems sending their cc info via email to the Areca Lodge, and is it still a no-no to do this these days? I have a fax machine, but I would prefer not to dig it out and hook it up, and I cannot do this from work. Regards

Is it only me who thinks that the rather small padlock used to lock the suitcase is a little bit small to secure a safety deposit box? Even the "tsa locks" that we use in the states on luggage would probably be subject to being broken with a large pair of pliers I think. Regards

I think you may be able to find employment in Singapore, but a reduced wages in most cases. Regards

If you are looking to spend some dough the Pattaya Marriott is guest friendly and has a very good location. Of course it will set you back quite a bit more than the RG. There is something to be said for location. Regards

That sounds like a good idea, although it seems strange that you wouldn't be able to rent a bath towel for the shower. I guess bringing a throw away towel isn't too tough though. Regards

Also, there is the Thai Air, TG 795 from LAX (non-stop) to BKK on the A340-500 departing Monday, Thursday and Saturday I believe. It is about 17 hours over and about 14.5 hours back. Regards

I was considering using Mr. Toom, but now I think I will go with Image Limo. Regards

I think you have it about right. They must have gotten tired of giving the award to the same airline year after year. Regards

I just finished reading the post from the link and it is quite interesting. Sounds like the A340-500 is a nice plane except for the lavatory water that stopped working. I guess all new planes have a few bugs to be worked out. I may have to give it a try from LAX. With 2x4x2 seating in economy, 2x3x2 seating in premium economy(42" pitch according to the review), and 2x2x2 in royal silk class it seems fairly compelling. Regards

I think you are correct about that. It seems like they sort of have it in for the single destination (LOS) male traveler and stopping in one or two other countries tends to add to the less likely to be hasseled "tourist" image in my opinion. Regards

Are you referring to the "TSA locks" that you can purchase at Home Depot or other places? TSA agents have a master key that will open them, bypassing the combination. I used a couple to lock my bag on a trip to Hawaii. I didn't know that people used them on international trips also. Regards

Are you joking? I usually feel that "honesty is the best policy", but if what you say is true I may have to re-consider. Regards

I think your suspicion is correct. To visit so many places as an average civilian in so short a time period probably raises a red flag unfortunately. Most people that are retired would not have the stamina to do the much travel, and their (customs) question would probably be: why. Thanks for the post. Regards