Fireman Sam

Did anybody notice this in the uk press today 2nd January. Hope it goes ahead, interesting developments hopefully will reduce prices across the board. Maybe some of our resident airline experts (Cheshire tom etc would like to pass on their thoughts) [sir Richard Branson is in discussions to create a global low-cost airline that could operate flights from the UK to Malaysia for as little as £43. The founder of Virgin Atlantic is looking to team up with Malaysian airline AirAsia, the foremost low-cost airline in the fast-expanding Asia region. Tickets may be offere

Hi, does anybody know where the left luggage counter is at the new airport. I did not have time to look for it when I departed on 5th October. I arrive on 7th December and have most of the day to kill in BKK before heading up North. I don't want to carry suitcase around with me all day. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi, I had same problem last year due to an unexpected trip to Pattaya. I managed to secure a room in the Sabi Resort Hotel (next to big C on second road) over the christmas period. Last year they were just re-opening after converting from the weekender hotel so had plenty rooms available. Unsure how popular this hotel has become, but might be worth a look on their website, you can book from there. Hope this helps, best of luck trying to get accommodation. Best Regards Mr He-tet

Use them all the time (i.e 5-6 trips a year), I am a gold card member. The business class with China is not a full on business class service (i.e no pod beds). The entertainment system is not as good as emirates and some other carriers. You will have to change planes in Amsterdam, your Gatwick to Amsterdam legs will be economy class both ways. The price used to be about £700-£800 pounds which was about right for the service they provide, since they hiked the price it is not worth the extra money IMHO. I now travel economy class with them and use my miles for upgrades. If you do bo

You really didn't want to stay there, it was a dump when i stayed there in 1983-1984. god only knows what it was like before they demolished it ?

Hi saranagon, I travel ABZ to BKK five or six times a year, mostly use Gazelle travel in Newcastle and travel China Airlines via Amsterdam, long wait in Amsterdam both ways especially in winter when KLM drop the 9am flight to Amsterdam. I am a Gold card holder with China Airlines so is difficult to change now. Having said that booked with Thai Airways for 8th September return 5th October for £426.00 and BA £80.00 return to Heathrow. Have not used Thai for 4-5 years so will see if they are ok or not. Might be cheaper buying a return and not showing up for second leg? If you need an

I just paid £569 from Aberdeen to BKK via Amsterdam, out 6th December back 24th December. Long wait in Amsterdam due to connections from Aberdeen, but Edinburgh connections might be better. Used my miles with China to upgrade to Business Class for both legs. Used Gazelle travel in Newcastle.

I also paid £426.00 for Thai Air, with Cerdit Card booking charge a total of £434.52 including all taxes. Out on the 8th September back 5th October. Thought it was a good deal. Booked on Sunday the 16th. I saw the £316.00 deal also, but how you get it God only knows?

Hope it works out okay for you. Just for your information Andy works abroad sometimes as well, so someone else might reply instead of him. Not sure if he is in Pattaya just now.

Go into the PEC Computer and Language school located in the North Pattaya bazzar at the Dolphin roundabout. The owners Andy and Fai are good friends of mine they also run Thai cooking classes. Not sure of the setup or how often they are run, but you can ask them. Speaking to Andy a while back and he said his biggest customer base are girls from Issan, seems that Thai cooking is not taught so much upcountry these days, or the girls leave home before they learn. When it comes time to settle down they need cooking lessons. Here is their website for contact details. www.pecschool.com

PB Air code share with Thai so there is no difference who you book with you will end up on PB Air, paying the same price. I think they are the only airline flying to the smaller cities in the North East (unless someone knows differently) ? I used them to return from Nakhon Phanom at the end of February. I was quite impressed with them, small plane with about fifty seats, drinks and biscuits available, nice smooth flight and on time. Will use again when I return next week. I paid 2950 Baht booked with Thai Airways. Fares are on www.pbair.com, 1650 single or 3300 return to Bu

Hi Strooby, I stayed in the Sabi Resort for fifteen days over Christmas this year, I paid 1450 per night for a standard room in the block on your left when you enter the pool area. Thought the room was expensive for what you got, but it was a last minute booking and it was right in high season. Excellent location right next to big C. The pool area is nice if your are a sun worshipper, the pool has a jacuzzi section as well. In room safes are provided, air conditioning units are old and quite noisey but work ok, cable tv in room and a big screen provided in the reception area which they

I'm already a member of their frequent flyer club, should be receiving my gold card after this trip. China airlines in London (0207 436 9001) also told me you cannot pre-book seats in advance for economy class. Normally travel 50-50 business and economy.

I also book with Gazelle travel in Newcastle, but was informed that you cannot pre-book a seat in economy class. You had to try your luck at check in The plane I flew back in last Thursday had a different seat layout as the one posted i.e seat 28c was 25c great seat with all the legroom you could wish for.

I'm no expert, but you should have no problem booking your luggage straight through. What date in March are you flying, as I'm also on China Airlines on the 25th.

Thanks for the ideas about going into Amsterdam, hadn't thought about that as an option until now. I e-mailed China Airlines direct about the time limit in the lounge, still no clear answer they just said of course I have access to the lounge. If I decide to stay in airport then I will split my time between the airport terminal and the lounge. Thanks anyway for all the replies. Ten days until wheels up.

Does anybody know if there is a time limit on amount of time you can spend in the lounge at Amsterdam. I have heard that in some lounges there is a two hour maximum applied. I have a five and a half hour layover in Amsterdam. So need to kill the time somehow Chock Dee. Still worth every second for the end result.

Same Same me But for arrival 30th September will post the outcome when I arrive ?

easyman please take the caps lock button off, it's seen as shouting on any internet forum.

Tafkamb, yes will catch you in FLB on Sunday night for a few cold ones for sure. Roll on the 30th!!!!!!!!!

Hi nce, if you want to share a private car to Pattaya on arrival I've got one booked already 1700 Baht including all tolls etc. PM me if you are interested. If you fancy a beer or two in Amsterdam on the 29th before the flight just give me a shout, as I have a four or five hour layover. Ye looking forward to Sunday night in FLB. Chock dee.

I am also flying out on the 29th September, but unfortunately I changed from my normal airline "Thai" to go with China Airlines from Amsterdam this time. I'm travelling alone this time might catch you in either Hammers bar on soi 8 or in the FLB on the Sunday. Chock Dee

Do a search on this subject, been discussed many times already.

My preference is Amex Traveller cheques in £100.00 cheques. If you go for Amex they replace them the next day if you lose them or they are stolen. Was a godsend for myself one time.

Does anybody know of a hotel/rooms which has both AC and a Fan in the room. I only like AC for twenty minutes or so to cool down after a shower (if there is any water this trip?) I normally stay in the Thai Garden Resort in the one bedroom apartments which have AC in the bedroom and a fan in the living room area. I reckon that i live in a cold room/environment for eleven months of the year so i don't want to fly six thousand miles to sleep in a cold room on holiday. This visit as I'm staying a bit longer than normal am looking for somewhere around the 1000 baht a night range.