echster

B/E Aerospace announced that it has been selected by Thai Airways, Korean Airlines and China Southern Airlines for retrofit and new aircraft programs worth approximately $60 million. All three carriers will feature B/E's award winning Minipod electric lie flat seat in their next generation business class cabins for B777, B747, A330 and A340 aircraft. Additionally, the Thai Airways program will include B/E's new, luxuriously appointed international first class seat accommodations, specially designed for Boeing and Airbus long-haul aircraft. "We are very gratified with the market response to our Minipod business class platform", said Robert J. Khoury, President and Chief Executive Officer of B/E Aerospace. "A total of eight major airlines have now selected our lie-flat seats for their next generation business class cabins, and we are pleased to collaborate with this broad range of successful and innovative carriers." Featuring advanced electric systems and controls, the seat is infinitely adjustable from the upright dining and working positions to the lie-flat bed mode. A patented articulating arm structure moves downward as the seat reclines, providing additional bed width and comfort. A specially designed cocoon-style shell around the seat provides greater privacy and personal space, and can be outfitted with additional passenger controls and reading lights. Other features, such as an 8-way back massager, 110-volt laptop power outlet and storage spaces for shoes and other passenger items are also available. B/E product deliveries are scheduled to begin late 2004.

Ken, I agree! I didn't mean I fly KE or OZ to/from BKK. Their departure times are absolutely dreadful - not to mention the 12-hour layovers for connections back to the States. I like EVA but will have to give TG a try when they get their new Airbus' in 2005. They also plan to fly non-stop: BKK-LAX-BKK BKK-ORD-BKK BKK-NYC-BKK

Those are good prices. I think KE's business class is underrated. It's not in the class of Asian powerhouses like CX, SI, and JL, but it's not too far behind. And their prices are almost always lower, as well.

Read THAI will be flying BKK-LAX-BKK starting in 2005, after getting their new Airbus aircraft. Will try to hunt down the article and re-post here.

Chalk me up for whenever. Hope to make it this year. BTW, put me in for a 36-handicap! ;D

You're right about the non-stop vs. direct analogy. I never noticed, but what is worse is I work in the aviation industry. Personally, I eat Thai shrimp here in the states and haven't noticed anything wrong with them <twitch><twitch>, not that all seafood now-a-days has some level of contamination.

17 January 2004 Thai Airways International should provide foot massages and other unique services on its long-haul flights, Srisook Chandarangsu, permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, said. THAI should initiate "extra" services on its new long- haul flights, which can up to last 16 hours, he said. "Thai Airways should prepare new services, such as foot massages, for customer satisfaction on long-haul flights, so as to upgrade itself as a premium airline," he said. Srisook said THAI expects to introduce new direct flights that last 16 hours, connecting Bangkok to Chicago and New York, after the opening of Suvarnabhumi International Airport. He said the Transport Ministry is searching for new routes to improve the competitiveness of the airline, which is 70-per-cent owned by the government. THAI currently has a direct flight to Los Angeles, its only destination in the US. "The Transport Ministry and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) are in the process of approving new routes," Srisook said. The new Airbus aircraft that THAI ordered last year had the capacity to operate direct flights from Bangkok to New York and Chicago, he said. Just a general note to add I'd take TG if it offered the "extras". LMFAO I'm sure how he said it isn't the same as how we interpret it! Also, TG DOES NOT fly direct BKK-LAX-BKK. The flights stop for 1 hour in Japan to refuel/re-cater and redistribute pax.

Ian, I used to live in S Florida and it is easier and much cheaper to fly to BKK via the west coast. I don't know why there is such a huge disparity in ticket costs for travel roughly the same distance. All I can figure is competition with the Asian airlines and less business fliers makes west coast seats cheaper.

R and H fare codes are the deeply, deeply discounted coach tickets. Most other codes are: F and P - First Class C and J - Business Class L - EVA Air's Evergreen Deluxe Y - Full Coach Others (L, U, T, H, V) - Coach There are other codes for award travel, but they vary wildly among airlines.

I've never experienced a big connection problem with EVA Air. They're not really a big airline and know when their flights are running a little late. They almost always delay the TPE-BKK leg if others are running late. I've been delayed an extra 15-30 minutes waiting for the NYC/SEA flight to arrive, so it has happened to me. I can't exactly remember what the flights are, but last time I was in TPE I noticed 3-4 flights going to BKK in that 0800-0900 time period (2 BR, 1 CI, 1 SQ). I wouldn't worry at all about missing the connection.

Don't live in the LOS so am unfamiliar with their broadband options. I always bring my laptop when I visit the LOS. I also leave it out in the open in my hotel rooms. I still have it so I guess it's fairly safe.

LAX/SFO to BKK $1900 NYC to BKK $2300 Travel from now until 11/30 and 2/16/2004 until 5/20/2004

It is most definitely worth it - outside of flying F or C! If I couldn't go C, I'd definitely go L (Evergreen Deluxe) or not at all (stinking arthritis). Not sure what the pitch is, but off-hand I say it's 37-38". The seats are about 20" wide. I have a big ass and it's plenty! There is a leg and foot rest with the seat, along with your own arm rest (so you don't have to fight for it. You don't exactly lay down, but it's the next best thing. Your tray table is located in the arm rest and the personal TV (PTV) is on the seat in front of you. The PTV is adjustable so no need to worry about glare if the person sitting there reclines. The meal served is economy, but not bad at all. There is also an amenity kit in the seat back. It has these slipper-type things so you can walk around in-flight with your shoes off, toothpaste and toothbrush, and the all important night blind-fold.

Looks like I've found my new way to the LOS from LAX! I truly hate stopping in Tokyo or Taipei and would gladly pay for the convienence of a non-stop flight. If TG gets in gear and starts the service in 2005, I'll definitely book that way. Check-in at LAX with next stop Pattaya instead of who knows where. February 2004 SIN-LAX would be 16 hours LAX-SIN would be 18.5 hours August 2004 SIN-NYC-SIN would be 18 hours both ways The aircraft - A340-500 - will be 2-class (Business and an Economy Plus). A345 Raffles (Business) Class The A345LeaderShip Raffles Class cabin will feature 64 of SIA’s renowned lie-flat SpaceBeds in a 2-2-2 seat layout, with a larger seat pitch of 64”. The SpaceBed offers a bed width of 26” and a bed length of 78”, as well as an adjustable headrest, leg rest and lumbar support. The 10.4” personal video monitor will enable customers to enjoy SIA’s comprehensive in-flight entertainment system in style, and an AC power supply outlet at every seat will be welcomed by the traveller who wishes to power up his laptop. A345 Executive Economy Class This new SIA class of travel will offer 117 Executive Economy Class seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, with a seat pitch of 37” and a seat-back recline of 8”. It will also feature a seat width of 20”, a leather adjustable headrest, an innovative leg rest and foot rest, and a 9” personal video monitor for in-flight entertainment. In addition, SIA has introduced AC power supply outlets in the Executive Economy cabin. Personal note: That's almost equivalent to the BR economy deluxe class.

And with these newer planes they will re-do their interior. TG is a great airline, but their first and business products are vastly inferior to their Asian rivals.

I enjoy flying EVA, as a Diamond card holder, but their new A330s and 777s will not have Evergreen Deluxe Class.

It was the first place I ever stayed. It's a nice place, really huge. The only drawback was the trip. It is a long way to go, especially at night. You're better off staying in town.

I don't know who you want it compared to, but personally, I'd spring the extra $100-150 to fly in EVA's Evergreen Deluxe Class. Coach service and meal but with a business class-type seat and pitch. When I've only flown coach US-BKK-US, it was on Korean Air and JAL - once each as I normally fly Business Class (working my way closer to EVA's Diamond status LOL). I ALWAYS received the exit row on JAL and had 5 feet of legroom to the front. Food is decent - better than a US airline. Service is outstanding for coach. The FAs seemed to continually bring around drinks, or drinks were left in the galley area on trays so one could help themselves. IFE (inflight entertainment) is so-so. I think there were only 2 English music channels. On KE, I had rows to myself on all those legs. I'd put up the seat divider, take off my shoes, and lay out. I chose the Korean food (had lived there a few years) and really liked it! As far as service, I truely don't know because their departure times were terrible so I'd sleep all the way through. IFE is the same as above. Anything specific you looking for, send me an IM and I'll get back to you.

Not sure where most of you guys in the US fly from. As you've read, don't lock your bags. If the machine rings, off with your lock. Word has it at my local airport you can get a "red" plastic-type lock at the airport. If the machine rings, they'll take it off and check your bag. They'll then put on a "blue" plastic-type lock to let you know they searched your bag. Theft claims will be up in the air as neither the TSA or the airlines wants to be liable for any thefts. If anyone has something swiped, please post how you went about getting it resolved! I really hate dealing with airline security now. So, to really piss 'em off, I'm putting my shoes on bottom - where they belong! No way do I want my clothes wrinkled. Secondly, all dirty clothes near the top with "special" DIRTY & CRUSTY undies reserved for the top of the heap! ;D All the sex toys and condoms will be in plain site, as well! This is gonna be a clusterfuck-type of operation! Good to see the US government getting involved in the airline security business. Hopefully it runs as smooth as other government programs. ::)

Actually, it's not factually true. There is no "safe" place to sit on an airplane. Ever notice that many plane crashes in history usually kill everyone on board? When deciding where to sit, you have to ask yourself what you want in a ride, what times you'll be flying, and what is your general flight route. If you want a smoother flight and will be flying at night, you want to be in the middle as that is the most structurally sound part of the aircraft. This is because there is generally more turbulence over the oceans at night (during most US-BKK-US flights). You'll barely notice most turbulence. If you like a wilder ride - especially at takeoff - you've got to sit up front! Even better is the upper deck of a 747. This is my favorite place! As far as the back of an aircraft, Henry Kissinger once said, "There are only two reasons to sit in the back row of an airplane: Either you have diarrhea, or you're anxious to meet people who do." Anyways, just my 2 baht.

The Sonic Cruiser has officially been canned by Boeing. They will introduce some of the properties of the BSC into a newer version of their 767. Items such as use of composites, an aero package to reduce drag, and an ability to travel farther due to the saved fuel.

Never had a problem with the booking on EVA's site. As previously noted, search by clicking the "Price" toggle and go from there. Other options are to call the EVA ticketing in Los Angeles or my fave, Ann at angeltravel.com. I'm in St. Louis right now and won't be doing any traveling for a while.

Why not spend $885 and fly EVA Air's Evergreen Deluxe? It's not much more than you're gonna pay right now. Two roundtrips in Evergreen Deluxe or higher between the US and BKK in 2003 will get you 8 upgrade certificates and "Silver" status. You can then use your "Silver" card and have access to their airport lounges before your flights. Along with that, they tag your bags priority so they're some of the first ones out on the conveyor. You can book or request the cost of airfare from Ann at angeltravel.com or through the EVA Air website. If you book through the EVA website from now through 31 Dec, you are enrolled in a weekly free ticket giveaway.

I'm definitely a hansum man, too mutt.

Being closer to my age, I'll be the first to advise you on this: Not sure if you've ever been to Pattaya before, but you'll soon learn that nothing comes free. It's better for your health to just pay.