Thai Air Increase: JFK-BKK Prem Econ

[IslandHopper 0]

For those of you who, like me, have gotten used to the Premium Economy Seats on the Direct flights 791/790 from JFK to BKK and return: I was just quoted $1705 by Thai Air. This is a jump from $1400-$1500 that I paid for a trip this November. This will put me back into economy where the price is steady at $1073 including taxes.

[echster 1]

This was an expected increase by TG. I don't want to say I told you so, but I told you so long ago. TG's plan from the start was to set fees at an "introductory rate" then raise them to begin 2006.

 

The reason being is simple. They have lost a ton of money to start this route and now that folks are hooked, they can raise the price. If folks stop flying the route, TG will cancel it and return to a B744 and put the A345 on a route to Europe. Simple economics.

[partyanimal 0]

At the airport you may be able to upgrade for $199 one way.

 

Better yest, do whatever you can to score row 44 center bulkhead in advance. If you can't get the bulkhead in advance get your ass to the airport 3 hours early and request row 44 side which is the emergency exit row.

 

Row 44 rocks. Better than Premium economy IMO.

[IslandHopper 0]

PartyAnimal:

 

Good advice (assuming the upgrade price is still $199 each way). Only problem I foresee is that it appears from the seat map selection that they are assigning row 44 in advance. I know most American airlines block off the bulhead row until the day of departure, but judging by the map of when I am flying, it appears that they are giving these seats out way before departure day?

[partyanimal 0]

I THINK the center row can be given out advance but the side can't be given out till departure day.

 

In Pattaya, I told a place that reconfirms flights that I'd give them 500 baht if they get me row 44. They managed to get it for me (center) about a week in advance. Now, it's possible you get moved around if there was a family with an infant that needed that row.

[Sailfast 503]

PartyAnimal:

 

Good advice (assuming the upgrade price is still $199 each way). Only problem I foresee is that it appears from the seat map selection that they are assigning row 44 in advance. I know most American airlines block off the bulhead row until the day of departure, but judging by the map of when I am flying, it appears that they are giving these seats out way before departure day?

If that map is the Thai air map on the Thaiair.com, I don't think it has much meaning. I booked 5 round trips last time, all in row 44. Two of us ended up in row 44 on the way out, none on the return.

 

There where NO infants in that row on either flight.

 

I think the $199 is a "last minute offer" at JFK check in if there are seats available for an upgrade. The price is not regularly 199.

 

We asked about purchasing this upgrade in BKK and they said it is never offered from BKK. Not sure if this is true, but that is what they told us at BKK check in.

 

Also, Thai offered us the uprgrade at JFK and when we said yes they directed us to another line where we waited for 30 MINUTES. Only to be told that there where no seats available!

 

Man was I pissed!

 

Sailfast

[partyanimal 0]

right, it's a last minute offer.

 

but the 199 price is not as good as it first appears. most of us think in round trip prices, so you should be thinking 400 bucks. now if it was an upgrade to business class it'd be a good deal, but premium economy didn't look like business class to me.

 

i'd first try to snag a seat that has an empty seat next to me (though that empty seat could get filled). or conversely, if the premium economy seat appears likely to have an empty seat next to it it becomes more valuable.

[jasp_124 0]

i have had good look on united. i am in vt which is not best place to fly out og. i have had prices in $ 800-$900 last 2 years ( 6 trips ) yes i am addicted. since then i got put up to premier exec. so i get doublee miles and economy plus :) which makes trips even cheaper . anyway f.y.i.

[Sailfast 503]

i have had good look on united. i am in vt which is not best place to fly out og. i have had prices in $ 800-$900 last 2 years ( 6 trips ) yes i am addicted. since then i got put up to premier exec. so i get doublee miles and economy plus :) which makes trips even cheaper . anyway f.y.i.

Just wondering, how long does your united flight take and where are your stops?

 

I have done the United from Prov RI, to Chicago, to Tokyo, to BKK route and it was hell. I don't envy you

 

How long would a drive to JFK take? I use the park/sleep/fly package at the JFK Ramada (not much of a hotel, but..) 180 bucks for the room and 10 days of parking if memory serves me. Then JFK to BKK direct 17 hrs on Thai.

 

That shower just before going to the airport is nice, no traffic worries as the hotel is at the airport.

 

You can use your United ff number for Thai air.

 

Sailfast

[jballstate 326]

For those of you who, like me, have gotten used to the Premium Economy Seats on the Direct flights 791/790 from JFK to BKK and return: I was just quoted $1705 by Thai Air. This is a jump from $1400-$1500 that I paid for a trip this November. This will put me back into economy where the price is steady at $1073 including taxes.

In looking at an airline seat info website it looks as if Thai Airways economy seats have a little more room than those offered by Cathy Pacific and other cariers. Is this correct?