BigDUSA

LBJ, Thai flies non stop from LAX. Sailfast, I've made the 'nightmare' trip many times and I know at the end of the line what's waiting for me and that makes it all worthwhile. Matter of fact, I'm booked Philly-SFO-NRT-BKK, 1 May and looking forward to the end of the line.

I'm booked on UA 837 arriving 2 May at 11:05PM. I plan on taking a airport car for 2K. Anyone coming in at this time is welcome to share a ride and of course split the cost.

I remember seeing a year or so ago a brochure for a new assisted living old geezer home. I'm not sure but Soi7 may have checked it out already, just joking Soi7. This geezer has already started medical preparations for the big move and it saved my life as I found out I had killer skin cancer. It was caught early and so far no problems. I started having all my major body systems checked out as I'd rather have major medical care done in the US. Care givers are widely available. Just check any bar on soi 7 & 8. Competent nurses can be hired at a reasonable rate if needed. I sometimes see this old geezer using a walker with oxygen tank with a 20 something walking beside him. He always has a big grin on his face. Few years from now, that will be me.

If you bought your ticket in the US they would have taken your bag off the plane for free and re booked you for a future date with no penalty. You would have needed a note from an MD but no problem in LOS. US law mandates free re booking if your sick. Shortest turn around for me. I left in mid December and was back 6 weeks later.

Star Alliance gold card members gain access to the club on the day you fly. Free top shelf booze and finger food. Cheap Charley loves free top shelf booze.

I flew with Thai in late January and the planes are new. Excellent service and I liked the individual entertainment system each seat has on the plane. I had a aisle seat and the legroom was fine. Food was decent. Plenty of drink service. FA are gorgeous. A little taste of what's to come when I get off the plane. Call Thai for seat assignment.

I've taken one BG to the airport and the price was the same. If the driver had tried to pull this shit, I would have called the phone number on the receipt and asked them to send another car. I always leave more then enough time in case there is a problem.

I was able to book PHL-BKK, 1 May and returning 23 May on travelocity.com for $912. UA wanted $1350 on their website.

Has anyone noticed how few Thai driver's wear glasses? Buddha must have graced them with 20-20 vision.

What exactly do you expect at the cheap hotels?

Check travelzoo.com website for good fares from the US to BKK travel thru early May. Fare from PHL-BKK is $902 all in. Better then the $1500 fares they were quoting me last week.

I spent a month in Pattaya two years ago and spent 30,000 baht including hotel. I had a live in BG that cost 6K per month. I didn't go out every night but I had a good time. It's doable but tight. Figure the first month you'll spend more till you get pussied/drink out. One member, Soi7 does it on 20K per month but he doesn't drink. Send him a PM for good budget tips. Open return ticket is a good idea and use ATM excellent way to budget. BTW, I'm a cheap Charley.

Stay in BKK as this is the center of the Thai film industry. Your guild should be able to provide some leads. Good luck.

Check out www.skytoppattaya.com Cheap but clean guest house with in room safe, TV, AC and fridge. High speed internet café. Guest friendly and rooms are 450 and up. Great location on 2nd Road about two minutes away from soi 6. I've stayed there many times and will do so the next time, I'm in Pattaya.

I never staid there but I did eat breakfast there a few times. Not half bad for the price and they do keep the place clean. A while back someone mentioned they are guest friendly.

I agree plus the building stood empty for many years. One wonders what all the sea air did to the steel in the building?

Beer comes to mind.

I stay at www.skytoppattaya.com It's an 8 room guest house on 2nd Road less then 2 minutes away from soi 6. Cost is 450 per night and up. Rooms are clean with AC, TV, fridge and in room safe. High speed internet café located on the ground floor. Guest friendly and a no hassle place to stay. Aussie owned and Pete the owner is a good guy. Tell him Denny sent you and ask for a discount.

I've used the 800 baht taxi service and have been more then satisfied. I give the driver 200 for the tolls and tip. Since I'm in a licensed taxi, my travel insurance will cover me if I'm involved in an accident on the way.

I will only stay at a hotel that has in room safe. I lock up my wallet except for the money I plan on paying her. I've made over 25 trips to LOS and NEVER experienced any problem of this type with BG.

I use the licensed livery service in the arrival hall for 2K. My credit card company that I use to book my airfare will cover any medical expenses if I'm involved in an accident to and from the airport. Same goes for the life insurance coverage.

I think it's kind of 'special' when Tom refers to other people's prejudices. Tom's always good for a laugh.

Cheap Charley luves FF miles. I pay for two on UA and the third one is free. I get full access to Star Alliance lounges on my international trips. Free food and booze. Top shelf booze at that. I fly 50-100K paid miles per year and I'm a Premier Executive. I get to check in with business or first class, extra luggage allowance and I board the plane with business class passengers. Plus I get free upgrades and 5" of extra leg room. I always get exit row. Not bad for a program that doesn't cost me anything. Last week, I booked a FF trip with UA and they worked with me for a couple of days to get me to BKK. They changed routing, day of return but they got me what I wanted. Less then 25 hours till wheels UP.....

You wouldn't be referring to the massive subsides EU gives to Airbus? Hell if our government gave the same amount to the boys in Seattle they could undercut Airbus prices.

When Gary is around guys come in, drink and shoot the breeze. When he's not there, nobody stops in except me. Sometimes I just like to drink and not shoot the breeze. I'll stop in next Sunday around 3PM. Maybe, I'll get lucky and run ito Gary.