echster

I added a new seat map link at the top of this thread.

I have pics but can't fucking link them here! The new seats look really nice. The improvements appear to be: adjustable headrests, Empower at each seat, better recline, larger PTVs (8.6-inch), AVOD! The one thing I noticed was no foot rest, but the leg rest looks really large and well padded.

I have stayed at the Sabai Lodge before, but not in the Sabai Wing or Deluxe Ruen Thai rooms. Does anyone have opinions of these? I read the earlier post but am looking for opinions. Thanks!

Here is the link to EVA's FF Program: Evergreen Club Homepage Use the menus on the left to review their program. How miles work? First of all, you must sign-up for an airlines FF program. You accrue miles for flights you take with an airline or their partners. These miles are placed in your FF account. On some airlines, these miles never expire, but with EVA, they expire after 3 years. You can use your miles for free tickets or upgrades so long as it is permissible inder the program rules. These tickets or upgrades need to be done through EVA. How many trips for a free flight? It depends where you fly from and how many miles you accrue. Another thing you may need to consider is costs associated with the flight. Speaking personally, I prefer to use my miles to upgrade as tickets where I gateway from (LAX) re relatively inexpensive.

I won't get into an A v. B conversation, but for the mission of hauling the mail, the B747F is preferred over the A380F. I don't know why, but I could speculate it's more easily filled and cheaper (when you associate other spending needed to change aircraft models). As far as B mocking A and the market for larger aircraft, I wouldn't call it mocking. They went to airlines and said these are the aircraft now available, what do you see your airline buying in the next few years. There were not many airlines that need an aircraft to carry 450+ people. Those size aircraft can only accomodate routes that are hub-to-hub or domestic Japan.

It's a matter of when, not if. Boeing has stated it would need 2 established carriers to order the B747Adv before they would commit to it. I think it could be official in the next couple of months. I think another order would come from one or more of the following: Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Singapore, China Airlines. Also, Boeing is already in negotiations for 30-35 B744F/ERFs. They may be converted to the B747Adv freighter.

I haven't heard anything about TG cancelling or delaying orders. There was a rumor discussed here about TG deferring A346s but as you can see, that's not happening. TG's A346s Winter Schedule Days per week: ZRH-7, AKL-3, KIX/LAX-4, JNB-3, DME-3, NRT-3 TG970 BKK-ZRH 0100-0700 TG971 ZRH-BKK 1330-0555+1 TG989 BKK-AKL 1720-1050+1 1,3,5 TG990 AKL-BKK 1530-2130 2,4,6 TG774 BKK-KIX-LAX 0740-0905 2,3,5,7 TG775 LAX-KIX-BKK 1205-2255+1 2,3,5,7 TG703 BKK-JNB 0015-0620 1,3,6 TG704 JNB-BKK 1345-0545 1,3,6 TG974 BKK-DME 1035-1625 2,4,6 TG975 DME-BKK 1820-0705 2,4,6 TG676 BKK-NRT 0730-1540 1,3,5 TG677 NRT-BKK 1655-2125 1,3,5

Tom, It could be a problem for TG but they're not going to keep the A346s on routes 7 days a week. They're going to mix and match and spread them around (ala LAX - 3 x A345, 4 x A346). I feel they'll be spread aroud until their other planes' cabins are refurbished. I can take an educated guess and say these airports will get or keep MD-11s for now: AKL, ATH, CPH, DME. Places like AKL and DME will see 3 days a week A346 and 4 days a week MD-11. I see the A346s here: JNB (announced), DME (announced 3 days a week), ZRH (TBA), MEL (their daytime MD-11s are going to move to AKL around Christmas), and LAX (4 times a week beginning in January 2006). I you can't catch the new Airbi, you're probably best to skip TG 'til the refurbs are complete. I'll probably stick with EVA Air from LAX because the TG non-stop only saves 1.5 hours. The cost difference isn't worth it right now.

Just thought I'd add this update: For anyone interested in flying TG from LAX but not willing to pay the premium of a non-stop flight, well, beginning in January 2006 the B744 will be no more. TG will be flying new A346s 4 days a week with a stop at KIX to supplement the 3 days a week non-stop A345 flights. These will be new aircraft with new configurations, seats, and AVOD.

Let me add my .02 cents to this conversation: Do I think NW mechanics even make the 30 days to strike? I can't see it, though it may happen. I think a likelier course is they hammer out an agreement on day 28 or 29 or NW locks them out on day 29 and brings in scabs they've been training all over the country. Either way, the mechanics will lose. Hell, even the union president will be furloughed if the job cuts come to fruition. Anyways, if they think what they're being offered now is crappy, imagine what'd they'd lose if NW files Chapter 11. They'd be lucky to have a job! Some folks have been saying they think the President would invoke the "no transportation industry strike" ban under law, but I can't see it this time. People who know US aviation know a major US airline needs to disappear for the health of the others. If you're a NW pilot, FA, or agent, do you cross the picket line? Hard choice! The mechanics would never forgive you if you did, but OTOH if you didn't kiss your job and company goodbye.

I've thought about taking the non-stop, but I just can't make it work. I usually fly paid C-class so would like the opportunity. However, being Gold with EVA Air and the time specifics involved, it just isn't worth it to me. The only people who would pay this are those whose time is worth more than mine. I cannot see paying $5k for a RT ticket with 1.5 hours less travel time when I can get there for $3k. An hour of my time isn't worth $2k. TG Non-stop LAX-BKK Depart 2230, Arrive 0700 EVA Air LAX-TPE-BKK Depart 0130, Arrive 1130 Granted, it's faster coming back to LAX, but who wants to get back to work quicker?

What does being from the US have to do with Boeing and TG's B772s? Nothing! I stated just above that TG's management is inept. When it comes to outfitting a plane, Boeing puts in what the airlines want, not what they want. Anyone who knows a lick about the aviation industry knows TG's premium cabins are horrible. They're starting to change it with the introduction of the A345s/A346s. Their B744s (F/C), B772s/B773s (C/Y) are being refitted. Just to let you know, the B772s will be 2-2-2.

It's should start in October or November. See this thread from this board: LAX-BKK-LAX Non-stop Info

The A346 flew a one-time mission to JFK because the A345 broke. TG's A346 will mostly be flown on routes to Europe, and occassionally Oceania. There shouldn't be a disruption in non-stop service to the US after August as TG is scheduled to take delivery of 1-2 more A345s. With this/these plane/s, TG is going non-stop to LAX 3x a week beginning in September. This should leave an aircraft available as a maintenance spare.

SYD-LHR is technically within the range if there are no winds and no ATC delays, and as an airline you've configured the aircraft to lose money on each flight! So, yes, it is within range. Facetiousness aside, it can't presently be done...and done profitably. This was why I noted Boeing was trying to squeeze an extra couple hundred miles out of testing and tweaking. LHR-SYD, on the other hand, can be done right now due to tailwinds on the route. Qantas is holding out hope for Boeing and if it can be done, they will likely place an order. It's my understanding if they can make SYD-LHR, they'll buy enough B772LRs to run NYC-SYD....bypassing a connection in LAX. As far as TG is concerned, I wouldn't say they're broke. They're one of the few airlines that runs a profit. However, they are one of the most inept airlines in the world. It is a shame their management and the government are corrupt because their staff is awesome. All you need to prove this point is look at how they've handled (or didn't handle, whatever the case) their aircraft interiors. While other airlines were improving, they were sitting on their collective asses.

From what I hear, the statements were made to placate Thaksin. TG has no intention of delaying delivery of the A345s and A346s. TG simply has too much rapid expansion the rest of this year to not take delivery. AKL, from what I've also heard, is going all MD11 and MEL will be getting the A346. Edit: I'll just add my .02 cents since folks mentioned the B772LR. I can't see TG buying it because of the good deal they're getting from Airbus and certain EU nations. However, IMHO, the better deal is the B772LR over the A345. The B772LR can carry more pax (301 vs. 280 in 3-class config) and more cargo (11 tons more) while burning less fuel (20% less) than the A345. That equates to some damn good numbers and that's why more aircraft will soon be ordered. Boeing is trying to stretch about 300-500 more miles out of it so it can do the SYD-LHR route. Also, the B772LR will atempt a new world record in August. The current record -- 10,823 nautical miles (20,044 kilometers) -- was set in 1997 by the 777-200ER (Extended Range). Details of the record flight, during which the Worldliner is to fly for approximately 24 hours, will be released in the weeks ahead.

I keep saying I can't wait to try it out in August. And you're probably right! We'll all be standing around the bar instaed of in our seats. Also, those seats appear to be the exact same ones as on the A332. EVA Air B773ER Full Press Release

The A345 had an engine problem pushing the A346 into service on this route.

You're going to have to call to confirm whether or not you'll receive FF miles. It usually goes by booking class. The lower the class, the lower the FF miles. TG's non-FF miles fares are "W' and "V". These will run about $600 RT US-BKK. I'd venture to guess the non-stop JFK-BKK-JFK will receive FF miles because TG offers lower fares on the B744s.

Not bad seats unless you like a window. It's a bar, dude! You know, a place for those folks who spend their hard-earned (like me) or business' money (like you! ) to congregate and have some drinks. Then again, to be totally honest, I'm just guessing. I'm sure there will be an interactive presentation on the EVA website like they had when they introduced the A332.

I also need to add for those short of miles needed to upgrade, you can now purchase up to 5k miles at check-in ($200 US). It may only be for US residents, though I'm not certain. From EVA Air monthly news: - Purchasing electronic mileage for an upgrade in cabin service Starting from Jul 01, 2005, Evergreen Club members who do not have enough credits to redeem for an upgrade in cabin service can purchase the required miles upon check-in at the airport for an en route upgrade. (Member is not allowed to reserve a free upgrade seat in advance.) Member could only purchase up to 5,000 miles upon check-in to secure an en route upgrade, and the cost of US$40 for every 1,000 miles purchased.

Here's a link for the B773ER seat map. You don't need to download the Chinese language characters. If it appears small, in the upper right there is a magnifying glass with a "+" sign. Click that, or click on the "1024" just above that. Notice Evergreen Deluxe on the B773ER will be called Elite Class. Edited to add a new seat map link. EVA Air B773ER Seat Map

Here she is returning from her first flight: EVA B773ER Here she is taxiing back to parking after landing: EVA B773ER

From today's LA Times: Boeing Is Well-Equipped as Airlines Race to Offer High-Speed Web Access The plane maker has invested $1billion to develop a satellite-based system aimed at attracting business travelers. By Peter Pae, Times Staff Writer 34,000 FEET OVER THE ATLANTIC — An hour into a recent Los Angeles-to-Munich Lufthansa flight, Boris Kushnir flipped open his laptop and e-mailed the parents of his nine teenage fencing students en route to an international competition in Kiev. "You don't know how excited they were to know I was telling them this from an airplane," said Kushnir, a fencing instructor at the Beverly Hills Fencers' Club. Later, he chatted by e-mail with a friend in Russia and then surfed the website for the fencing competition. Kushnir paid about $15 and spent two hours on a direct network connection while airborne. Traditionally, airplanes have been one of the few places where the Internet has been kept at bay. But more airlines are hoping to differentiate themselves in the lucrative business-traveler market by offering high-speed Internet access. And that may be good news for Boeing Co., which has invested more than $1 billion to develop the Web technology, analysts said. The aerospace giant launched its Connexion by Boeing system last year. Since then, Deutsche Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines Ltd., SAS' Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines Corp. and All Nippon Airways Co. have added the service on 64 aircraft flying 100 routes daily. Six more foreign airlines will add it by next year. Boeing is also installing its Internet system in all of its new 787 passenger jets slated to fly in 2008. Boeing has 266 orders for the plane. Some airlines also want Boeing to install its Internet system on Airbus' upcoming double-decked, 555-passenger A380 that will fly in late 2006. Airlines pay Boeing a one-time equipment fee for the Internet package — which includes the antenna, wireless routers and a computer server. Boeing and the airlines then share the Internet fees paid by passengers. "We see it as a several-billion-dollar-a-year market," said Laurette Koellner, head of Connexion by Boeing. Lufthansa has been the most aggressive in rolling out the service: Forty-two of its 78 wide-body, long-haul airplanes are outfitted with Connexion equipment. By next year, Lufthansa expects most of its wide-body fleet to have the high-speed Net service. "We don't have a single monopoly route, so every passenger has a choice," said Thomas Winkelmann, Lufthansa's vice president for the Americas. "This is one way to distinguish ourselves from the competitors." Lufthansa charges $9.95 for the first 30 minutes of Internet hookups and 25 cents for each minute thereafter. Or passengers can pay $14.95 to $29.95 for unlimited access on long-haul flights. Lufthansa said one to two dozen passengers use the service on each flight and on average they spend about three hours surfing the Internet, paying bills and logging on to their companies' networks. Boeing won't have the market to itself, though. This month UAL Corp.'s United Airlines and Verizon Airfone Inc. received Federal Aviation Administration approval to begin offering a rival Internet service using a ground-based cellular phone technology. Boeing's system relies on orbiting satellites that beam signals to an airplane's antennas to provide a connection for passengers with wireless-enabled laptops. Boeing has also sold the service to cargo ships. This month Boeing won its first maritime order from Bahamas-based Teekay Shipping Corp. to equip 50 ships with the service. The airborne service, though, is still a novelty. A Lufthansa employee stood in front of the gate for a recent Munich-to-Los Angeles flight to tell passengers with laptops that Internet service was available. But one frequent user onboard Lufthansa Flight 452 said the price might be too high and has kept passengers from using it. "I think [the cost] needs to be lower," said Thomas Kolbusch, managing director for Coatema, a coating machinery maker in Cologne, Germany. Kolbusch flies about 200,000 miles a year and bills his company for the Web service so he can e-mail colleagues and empty out his e-mail box before landing. That way he can "relax at the hotel knowing [he's] done with work." Kolbusch spends about five hours per flight using the service. He also talks to his wife while flying by using a voice-over-the-Internet phone service through his laptop computer attached to a headset. "The first time, it bothered the guy sitting next to me," Kolbusch said. "But I've learned to talk a little more quietly."

I don't think I could talk you out of flying EVA's Premium Laurel or Evergreen Deluxe. I have flown both and liked both. Of course, the Evergreen Deluxe was on a B744 so it was old, but still quite comfortable. I can say I'd never fly to BKK again unless it was in at least a Y+ or higher seat.