THAI AIR JFK-BKK NONSTOP

[BigKev 0]

The service started May 1, 2005 and I am just wondering if any of my fellow boardies have flown the route yet or are planning to in the near future?

 

Cheers

 

 

BigKev

[PenName 1]

I heartily second BigKev's inquiry as I'm looking to finalize an autumn trip and would love to hear any feedback on the NYC / BKK / NYC routing as it's currently at the top of my list for getting back to paradise, even though Star Alliance carriers are not getting the bulk ofmy business these days (not for any knock against them -- I'm just flying to places better served by One World members these last few months). If the flight is all it seems, though, I'll happily start routing myself back through TG and all its Star Alliance buddies.

 

Thanks,

 

Pen

[Tahoe_Bill 0]

Booked on TG 791 JFK - BKK; May 28th.

I opted for the Premium Economy.

I plan to walk back and check out the seats in Ecomomy during the flight (for future reference).

I'll post my impressions etc. when I return in June.

Cheers!

Bill

[Dennism 3]

Bill

 

What sort of pricing did you get?

[rockinjerry 2]

Ditto on pricing, and if you know for Economy also. It will be interesting to see as my understanding is that Thai is doing a test for the first 3-months of this service.

 

While I fly from the left coast, Thai has LAX in future plans too.

 

Rockin' Jerry

[Emil 0]

Ditto on pricing, and if you know for Economy also. It will be interesting to see as my understanding is that Thai is doing a test for the first 3-months of this service.

 

While I fly from the left coast, Thai has LAX in future plans too.

 

Rockin' Jerry

I hope the west coast route is a success and draws paxs away from United. Hopefully UA will them drops their prices to be more attractive.

[Tahoe_Bill 0]

I paid $1250.00 + $15.00 for FedEx delivery (this fare isn’t currently e-ticketable).

Economy was about $300.00 less.

After making my reservation via phone, I had to fax credit card info, a copy of credit card as well as a copy of my drivers license (hopefully an e-ticket will be available once the route is well established).

The prices quoted above are supposed to be introductory prices. I don’t know about pricing for Premium Economy in the future but I’m already planning my trip in October, and the price on thaiair.com for economy seems to be about the same.

 

Jerry, I hope that BigD is right about the LAX- BKK nonstop (or even better for me the rumored ORD-BKK nonstop flight). Both airports would be much more convenient / less expensive for me to transit through.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Bill

[mister_handy 124]

I paid $1250.00 + $15.00 for FedEx delivery (this fare isn’t currently e-ticketable).

Economy was about $300.00 less.

<..>

The prices quoted above are supposed to be introductory prices. I don’t know about pricing for Premium Economy in the future

Don't know about Thai's pricings, but a $250-300 difference is about what Singapore Air charges for their "Executive Economy" premium economy product (although Singapore only has either Executive or Regular economy on a given plane... no 4 class as Thai uses on the new ones)

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Jerry, I hope that BigD is right about the LAX- BKK nonstop (or even better for me the rumored ORD-BKK nonstop flight). Both airports would be much more convenient / less expensive for me to transit through.

Bill,

 

Thai only has one more A340-500 due for delivery this year (the fourth aircraft is due in 2007/2008). This will give Thai a maximum of 3 additional flights per week to continental US. Contrary to what BigD says, there has been no announcement by Thai as to where these additional flights will be scheduled. There are various rumours re LAX/ORD flights and JFK going daily but, at the moment, that is all they are. Much will depend on Thai's review of the JFK route after 3 months operation.

 

Tom

[jimmac 66]

Don't know about Thai's pricings, but a $250-300 difference is about what Singapore Air charges for their "Executive Economy" premium economy product (although Singapore only has either Executive or Regular economy on a given plane... no 4 class as Thai uses on the new ones)

Thai has only 3 classes on the A340-500 being used on the JFK run. They have an upgraded Royal Silk business class, premium economy and economy.

[BigDUSA 71]

I remember reading the LAX-BKK nonstop someplace, I just don't remember where? If Thai doesn't offer frequent flyer miles with the cheapest of the cheap tickets, I wouldn't fly with them as UA still offers ff miles in the cheap seats.

 

I've used Thai for award tickets and have been very pleased with the service.

[jimmac 66]

There's a thread on flyertalk.com that says TG will start 3 times/week non stop LAX service with one A340-500 on November 3. It also says they will continue their existing daily LAX-KIX-BKK service.

[BigKev 0]

Took the plunge and just bought a ticket - Premium Economy - on the non-stop for my July trip. Will let you guys know how it is after my return.

 

BigKev

[Tahoe_Bill 0]

Kev,

Just curious; what is the price is premium economy in July (as opposed to the May – low season price of $1250)?

Have a great trip!

Bill

[BigKev 0]

Bill,

 

$1665. Most I've ever paid but had no choice due to my dates available. But then again 2 weeks in Pattaya is priceless.

 

BigKev

[IslandHopper 0]

Just got back from flying this flight. I dont know if anyone else has put in their two cents, but in my opinion this flight is wonderful. I was lucky to have a FF freebie in biz class due to USAir miles. Thai Air is telling everyone you need to show up three hours before takeoff, but in my humble opinion, most passenegers showed 1.5 to 2 hrs ahead. They share biz class lounge with Swiss Air at JFK and it sucks. Club hasnt been cleaned in ages. Flight took off basically on time. New Airbus biz class seats are wonderful. Food was terrific. Opted for the Thai options and wasnt dissappointed. Wine selections could use some improvement, but ....who really cares? Flight does Not follow Singapore Air's flight path as previously discussed. Instead, it goes up over Quebec, Iceland, Greenland, the Arctic and comes down near Moscow, S Asia and into BKK arriving on time at about 1610. Note that this flight arrives and departs into and from Terminal 2. Everyone in BKK will try to tell you that TG flights are ALL in Terminal 1, but they are wrong. Luckily, there are big signs approaching Terminal 1 telling you to check into Teminal 2 for the BKK-New York Express.

 

The return flight was equally as painless. I arrived at the airport 1 hour 50 min before departure and didnt have a problem. Late due to not wanting to leave the Tirak not due to traffic.....there is none at this hour (0040 departure). I booked my hotel for an extra night so that I could shower for the fourth time before changing into Western clothing for the flight.

 

In general, this, gentlemen, is the way to go from the east coast. For those who have travelled through LAX, Hong Kong or NRT, this flight cuts out hours in the travel days and allows you to arrive in BKK to meet someone, have a great meal, party a littkle bit and be oriented to Thai time by the first morning. On return, the midnight departure means you are ready to sleep after the first meal and frankly, after 8 hours of sleep. I arrived reasonably refreshed and actually got quite a bit of work done the same day.

 

I would also suggest to those it is available, I trained in on NJ Transit from Trenton to NYC, Penn Station. Easy transfer to LIRR, and a 15 minute ride to Jamaica Station. From there, you can cab to an airport hotel if you arrive the night before or if its the same day as departure, you just walk upstairs at Jamaica Station to the AirTrain and for $5 you can be delivered directly to Terminal 4 in about 10 mins. This service makes JFK almost pleasant.

Edited June 10, 2005 by IslandHopper

[partyanimal 0]

If you fly the Thai non-stop, you can put your FF miles on United, right?

[Tahoe_Bill 0]

I just got back yesterday. New York Express TG 791 / TG 790. I agree it is the best way to go from the East Coast. I flew Premium Economy; nice seats, 30 movies to choose from etc. (full report forthcoming).

 

Yes I received my UA FF miles from Thai a couple days after I arrived 8656 miles JFK to BKK, I’m anticipation the return trip miles to be posted in a day or two.

 

A little off the topic: Thai will begin their nonstop BKK/LAX on Nov 7th via A340-500. 3 nonstops per week (Monday Thursday and Saturday), TG 794 / TG 795. My sources is the Star Alliance Electronic Timetable. This info may have been previously put out in another thread while I was in the LOS.

 

Bill

[BigKev 0]

Thanks for the info guys. Makes me a bit less nervous with less then three weeks left. Have flown over on my previous trips on EVA and got a bit spoiled by them. From the sounds of it looks like I may have found a new home.

 

BigKev

[sommy 0]

oh you new yorkers and LA people are so lucky to have access to this direct flight to bkk with thai air and the promotional pricing is reasonable for what your getting. I emailed Thai airways and asked them if they ever planned on launching a Toronto to BKK and they said they have plans of this in the future.

 

The new york to bkk is so nice and leaves and arrives at such convienient times and 17 hours with that level os service from thai airways must be really nice.

 

Please Thai airways set up a flight from toronto! I guess there is not enough demand for it

[partyanimal 0]

If I ran an airline you'd get a non-stop from Toronto but just one day a week, maybe on a Wednesday.

 

Anyone know what the different classes such as V or Q class means? I believe the cheapest class offers no FF miles, but the next clas up maybe costing 50 bucks more does.

 

Which clases don't you get miles?

 

Which coach classes do?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

No miles in V and W classes on Thai from 1 June this year. At the same time Y class was increased to 110% of miles flown. They seem to be following other airlines and rewarding revenue earned rather than miles flown.