Thai Price drop

[Goldpanner 399]

Not even a stopover en-route to OZ or China?

I seem to see a few familiar faces on both of my flight legs to and from Manchester.

 

There will be flights to Bangkok via other destinations involving a change, but its simply not financially viable to run a flight 7 days a weel direct f it isnt over 3/4 full.

Thai Tried it and failed. maybe 1 direct flight per week might work.

[Goldpanner 399]

 

When would you book for February 2018?

I wouldnt even try, but if its realy necessary for February I would book ASAP. Mid Feb (Feb 16th) is Chinese New Year and probably a good week or two either side will be high season rated.

Jan/Feb has always been a problem for flights. Early Jan is High season. It drops to mid/low for the end of Jan then jumps up again as it gets close to Chinese new year, then drops back again.

I cant find the figures now but a few years back saw seat occupations and traffic movements for the periods around chinese new year and the actual numbers of people around the world moving and flying and specifically East asia was stunning.

 

If you intend going within 1 week either side of Feb 16th I would book as soon as possible before the big companies nab their allocation. A quick look via Skyscanner for a flight outbound on Feb 5 for 2 weeks already show that even the cheapies are getting expensive. The big boys havent done their allocations yet by the look of it but it wont be long.

But dont forget there is always a chance of getting a late cancellation, so ya pays yer money and take yer chances.

Im going at the end of October and wont buy my ticket untill September or maybe even october unless someone bottles out and sells some seats cheaply.

[Brown1950 67]

 

There will be flights to Bangkok via other destinations involving a change, but its simply not financially viable to run a flight 7 days a weel direct f it isnt over 3/4 full.

Thai Tried it and failed. maybe 1 direct flight per week might work.

Cannot remember Thai ever operating from Manchester ?

 

Thai Airways have over the last 20 years looked at direct services MAN-BKK and have always rejected it. Reasons being :-

 

BKK is a leisure route and yields are low.

Competition from EK/EY/QR/KLM

Why dilute your flag ship service ex LHR ?

[Goldpanner 399]

Cannot remember Thai ever operating from Manchester ?

 

Thai Airways have over the last 20 years looked at direct services MAN-BKK and have always rejected it. Reasons being :-

 

BKK is a leisure route and yields are low.

Competition from EK/EY/QR/KLM

Why dilute your flag ship service ex LHR ?

The Thai flights ex MCR werent well publicised as I suspect that the Thai hierarchy realy didnt want to do it but begrudgingly did it so they could say "Told ya so" so it was kept relatively quiet,

I believe the flight was a Thursday evening departure but only once a week.

They ran a direct service from Manchester in the late 80's as a test. I believe they applied for temporary Traffic rights but after less than a few months they stopped. There just wasnt the demand especially when China Airlines started their direct service ex Schipol offering a free overnight hotel in Amsterdam with connecting flights from London and Manchester.

I did the London-AMS-Bangkok with the overnight in Amsterdam. Quite a nice way to go. Stop off in Amsterdam for a smoke too !!

I wasnt offered any TG seats and indeed when inquiring was told they werent for sale.

Edited June 20, 2017 by Goldpanner

[Brown1950 67]

The Thai flights ex MCR werent well publicised as I suspect that the Thai hierarchy realy didnt want to do it but begrudgingly did it so they could say "Told ya so" so it was kept relatively quiet,

I believe the flight was a Thursday evening departure but only once a week.

They ran a direct service from Manchester in the late 80's as a test. I believe they applied for temporary Traffic rights but after less than a few months they stopped. There just wasnt the demand especially when China Airlines started their direct service ex Schipol offering a free overnight hotel in Amsterdam with connecting flights from London and Manchester.

I did the London-AMS-Bangkok with the overnight in Amsterdam. Quite a nice way to go. Stop off in Amsterdam for a smoke too !!

I wasnt offered any TG seats and indeed when inquiring was told they werent for sale.

Well blow me !!! Having worked at Manchester Airport in airline operations for the last 40 years you learn something everyday.

[Bazle 1,500]

I wouldnt even try, but if its realy necessary for February I would book ASAP. Mid Feb (Feb 16th) is Chinese New Year and probably a good week or two either side will be high season rated.

Jan/Feb has always been a problem for flights. Early Jan is High season. It drops to mid/low for the end of Jan then jumps up again as it gets close to Chinese new year, then drops back again.

I cant find the figures now but a few years back saw seat occupations and traffic movements for the periods around chinese new year and the actual numbers of people around the world moving and flying and specifically East asia was stunning.

 

If you intend going within 1 week either side of Feb 16th I would book as soon as possible before the big companies nab their allocation. A quick look via Skyscanner for a flight outbound on Feb 5 for 2 weeks already show that even the cheapies are getting expensive. The big boys havent done their allocations yet by the look of it but it wont be long.

But dont forget there is always a chance of getting a late cancellation, so ya pays yer money and take yer chances.

Im going at the end of October and wont buy my ticket untill September or maybe even october unless someone bottles out and sells some seats cheaply.

 

Thanks for that - particularly about Chinese New Year. Looks like I need to give my 2018 schedule some early attention.

[Butch 3,456]

I always bloody forget about Chinese NY and the impact it has on flight prices, that's a damn good point. Especially these days as half of China seems to want to travel around SEA to celebrate.

 

We got caught a couple of years ago on a Cathay fare being some 30% more because that was our week of travel. HKG was absolutely rammed solid and we couldn't even get a place to sit and eat, ideal when you've got a hungry 2 year old. Oddly it didn't occur to me at the time why it was so expensive, I just assumed it was because it was after Xmas.

 

Another reason to hate the Chinese. Fucking smug not-able-to-understand-how-to-use-a-European-toilet-cunts.

[Goldpanner 399]

Beginning of the year has always been a problem. It starts with Christmas and new year which carries the High season fares into mid to late January. then you have around 2 weeks low to mid season, then BANG Chinese new year can block things out for soetimes up to 3 weeks. you then have 2 to 3 weeks quiet period then BANG again into school half term. After that its too bloody hot then wet

Its a real problem for us sex starved mongers

[valentinoxxx 4]

Beginning of the year has always been a problem. It starts with Christmas and new year which carries the High season fares into mid to late January. then you have around 2 weeks low to mid season, then BANG Chinese new year can block things out for soetimes up to 3 weeks. you then have 2 to 3 weeks quiet period then BANG again into school half term. After that its too bloody hot then wet

Its a real problem for us sex starved mongers

 

It's really not that bad if you are travelling alone and can be flexible. Of course it's more difficult for those who are sitting around waiting for a direct flight to come down in price.

 

I rarely pay more than £300 for a return flight in all seasons, apart from the super peak of the third week of December to first week of Jan. But again if flexible you can cut costs there too, as I've shown earlier.

 

I'll buy a flight that is cheap just for the fun of it. Recently bought a flight from Europe to Bangkok, returning to London for £185. I can connect up directly or create a twin centre holiday.

 

I can see that people are buying tickets in much the same way that they were perhaps twenty years ago. West East Travel, now that's a blast from the past. :)

 

 

Sometimes you need to apply lateral thinking to solve a problem instead of following the mainstream and suffering from the same issues.

[Goldpanner 399]

Yes I agree some people like the cheapies, many years back so did I but not now.

Some people (like me) just dont like flying on airlines serviced by Chinese or East Europeans. I wont fly on China Southern ever again after being put through their flight change down to Bangkok. Rude wasnt the word for it my wife had to physically stop me punching one guard who forcibly pulled my walking stick off me to put through his X Ray machine (that couldnt even see through it anyway).

And Jet Airways? total and utter chaos. I dont know how their planes ever get to destinations, I suspect they still navigate with AA Road Maps and compasses. Change over was total chaos, my bag was lost and didnt arrive in Bangkok Untill 4 days later. Air India? fine if you have nasal problems. The stench of BO on the flight from UK to India was enough to put me off my meal and I spent most of the time up the back of the aircraft standing.

Aeroflot? Take some spanners and nuts and bolts with you to fix the plane in flight as its liable to fall apart if you are unlucky enough to get one of their older planes.

 

I was realy pleased when Garuda and PI stopped running into Bangkok. PI, even in business class was so apallingly terrible its a joke. The waitresses throw your food down then dissapear to bed untill half an hour before landing then slam your breakfast down and give you about 2 minutes to eat if before its snatched back.

The last cheapie I bought was Phuket Airlines LGW to BKK, tried it for fun. Very pleased they got shut down!!.

 

Super Cheapies? now? No thanks.. But I do understand that some people like them. To each their own.

 

And .........I once flew Tarom.........and LIVED !!!!

Edited June 21, 2017 by Goldpanner

[valentinoxxx 4]

Yes I agree some people like the cheapies, many years back so did I but not now.

Some people (like me) just dont like flying on airlines serviced by Chinese or East Europeans. I wont fly on China Southern ever again after being put through their flight change down to Bangkok. Rude wasnt the word for it my wife had to physically stop me punching one guard who forcibly pulled my walking stick off me to put through his X Ray machine (that couldnt even see through it anyway).

And Jet Airways? total and utter chaos. I dont know how their planes ever get to destinations, I suspect they still navigate with AA Road Maps and compasses. Change over was total chaos, my bag was lost and didnt arrive in Bangkok Untill 4 days later. Air India? fine if you have nasal problems. The stench of BO on the flight from UK to India was enough to put me off my meal and I spent most of the time up the back of the aircraft standing.

Aeroflot? Take some spanners and nuts and bolts with you to fix the plane in flight as its liable to fall apart if you are unlucky enough to get one of their older planes.

 

I was realy pleased when Garuda and PI stopped running into Bangkok. PI, even in business class was so apallingly terrible its a joke. The waitresses throw your food down then dissapear to bed untill half an hour before landing then slam your breakfast down and give you about 2 minutes to eat if before its snatched back.

The last cheapie I bought was Phuket Airlines LGW to BKK, tried it for fun. Very pleased they got shut down!!.

 

Super Cheapies? now? No thanks.. But I do understand that some people like them. To each their own.

 

And .........I once flew Tarom.........and LIVED !!!!

 

I fully expected the "cheapie" argument from you. You are using the arguments from perhaps ten years ago. I haven't flown with any of the airlines that you have mentioned.

 

I certainly wouldn't put Gulf Air in your description.

 

 

But seriously, if you use a walking stick, the extra outbound stop might be a step too far for you. The advice is aimed at people who also enjoy travelling and seeing other places, not just getting from A to B asap. But also at those who really need to save money.

 

A couple of examples for you that were also available at the same price over Chinese New Year.

Which is my point. That for those that can take advantage of the flexibility, it might make the difference of being able to afford an extra trip or simply to enjoy a twin centre holiday, as I am wont to do.

Personally for me, it's not that I can't afford it. It's just fun for me to visit another place along the way if I wish or just use the money saved on something else.

[Goldpanner 399]

You seem to have taken my post as some sort of affront to anyone flying on cheapies? That is wrong, as I said "But I do understand that some people like them. To each their own.".

I was passing on my experience of flying on those airlines within the last 5 years and not as you wrongly suggest using arguments from 10 years ago. Just do your research, its all there on Google.

ButI also recognise that everyone has their own standards and what someone classes as a crap flight will, to another, be OK.

 

I would always travel Gulf Air in the 80's and early 90's when they were flying Tristars but have you seen the reviews now? They are reported to be rubbish. Just like BA who were once superb and are also now total rubbish.

I use a walking cane. I dont NEED one. I also use the cane to get special treatment

So lets investigate your cheapie flights eh?. Firstly I would suggest that those fares are what is known as 'Error fares' a fare that sometimes the airline will NOT honour. Be VERY Carefull

Now did you notice that the flights you have shown were for January and February THIS YEAR ?? and youve also failed to price-in the connecting flights from the UK to Larnaca and Istanbul and return.

Its also worth mentioning that many screen scaper sites wont even mention Egyptair as a Possibility for getting to Thailand as parts of Egypt are still War Zones. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

Sorry but I wouldnt fly Egyptair if they gave tickets away or paid me. Why do you think they are so cheap Hmm??

So thats a 3 stop flight youve mentioned? and the flights from London to Larnaca and London to istanbull arent connecting flights so that would mean collecting your bags and going through security and immigration,then checking back in. You would also then need a Visa for entry into Larnaca and Istanbul airports as the ticket from London to Turkey and Greece wouldnt be a through ticket. Your total travelling time ex UK to Bangkok would be horrendous!. plus the delightfull fun of dealing with Turkish Immigration and security. That isnt a holiday, its a rather disturbing marathon.

 

If you check elsewhere on this specific forum you will see I have posted liinks to several sites offering dirt cheap 'Error fares' Most arent as good as they initially look

 

I too used to get a buzz from flying cheapie airlines, but in the end you find that those cheapie flights have their drawbacks and all you wat to do is get to your destination.

Its also a valid point that many blokes only get 1 or 2 weeks holiday a year so losing nearly 2 days travelling each was is simply not on.

 

As I aso said, and I wasnt criticising anyone, is, if all that sodding about to save a few quid floats your boat then fine, to quote a little brown girl with black hair and big brown eyes "Up to you".

Its the same with those guys who want to fly Business class or stay in the Hilton, its their money. I flew Business and first when I got them free, but I wouldnt pay for either of them.

 

So matey you continue doing what pleases you its your money. My posting was to warn blokes on normal airlines that Chinese NewYear can and is expensive for flights.

If you want to post prices then feel free.

Edited June 21, 2017 by Goldpanner

[valentinoxxx 4]

You seem to have taken my post as some sort of affront to anyone flying on cheapies? That is wrong, as I said "But I do understand that some people like them. To each their own.".

I was passing on my experience of flying on those airlines within the last 5 years and not as you wrongly suggest using arguments from 10 years ago. Just do your research, its all there on Google.

ButI also recognise that everyone has their own standards and what someone classes as a crap flight will, to another, be OK.

 

I would always travel Gulf Air in the 80's and early 90's when they were flying Tristars but have you seen the reviews now? They are reported to be rubbish. Just like BA who were once superb and are also now total rubbish.

I use a walking cane. I dont NEED one. I also use the cane to get special treatment

So lets investigate your cheapie flights eh?. Firstly I would suggest that those fares are what is known as 'Error fares' a fare that sometimes the airline will NOT honour. Be VERY Carefull

Now did you notice that the flights you have shown were for January and February THIS YEAR ?? and youve also failed to price-in the connecting flights from the UK to Larnaca and Istanbul and return.

Its also worth mentioning that many screen scaper sites wont even mention Egyptair as a Possibility for getting to Thailand as parts of Egypt are still War Zones. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

Sorry but I wouldnt fly Egyptair if they gave tickets away or paid me. Why do you think they are so cheap Hmm??

So thats a 3 stop flight youve mentioned? and the flights from London to Larnaca and London to istanbull arent connecting flights so that would mean collecting your bags and going through security and immigration,then checking back in. You would also then need a Visa for entry into Larnaca and Istanbul airports as the ticket from London to Turkey and Greece wouldnt be a through ticket. Your total travelling time ex UK to Bangkok would be horrendous!. plus the delightfull fun of dealing with Turkish Immigration and security. That isnt a holiday, its a rather disturbing marathon.

 

If you check elsewhere on this specific forum you will see I have posted liinks to several sites offering dirt cheap 'Error fares' Most arent as good as they initially look

 

I too used to get a buzz from flying cheapie airlines, but in the end you find that those cheapie flights have their drawbacks and all you wat to do is get to your destination.

Its also a valid point that many blokes only get 1 or 2 weeks holiday a year so losing nearly 2 days travelling each was is simply not on.

 

As I aso said, and I wasnt criticising anyone, is, if all that sodding about to save a few quid floats your boat then fine, to quote a little brown girl with black hair and big brown eyes "Up to you".

Its the same with those guys who want to fly Business class or stay in the Hilton, its their money. I flew Business and first when I got them free, but I wouldnt pay for either of them.

 

So matey you continue doing what pleases you its your money. My posting was to warn blokes on normal airlines that Chinese NewYear can and is expensive for flights.

If you want to post prices then feel free.

 

 

A long post...... and it seems that you have lost the ability to read and comprehend.

 

 

 

Now did you notice that the flights you have shown were for January and February THIS YEAR ?? and youve also failed to price-in the connecting flights from the UK to Larnaca and Istanbul and return.

 

Yes, Chinese New Year this year was from the 28th of January to the 15th of February this year.

 

So the flights were overlapping and during Chinese New Year this year.

 

Secondly, not only did I state clearly that the flights returned to London, but I illustrated that by showing by posting actual examples of flights booked over Chinese New Year this year, returning to London.

 

 

So, one would only need a one way flight to Larnaca or Istanbul in that case. Once again, you can choose a flight to connect the same day or you can choose to take a look around Cyprus or Istanbul with the money saved.

 

So they are actual examples of cheap flights over Chinese New Year. Since the cost over the Chinese New Year was the whole point of your post, I illustrated that with flexibility you can get an inexpensive flight with a decent airline.

 

Apologies for the posting in bold, but I feel the need to emphasise the salient points, since you missed them the first time around.

 

 

 

 

As I stated, your experience was from a looooong time ago. I've actually flown these airlines recently and I was quite surprised with the quality and service of Gulf Air. Big seatback TV, lots of legroom and good onboard and ground service on the London to Bangkok route.

 

So they are certainly a 'normal' airline. This is no longer the nineties. Things have changed. Though I agree with you for when it comes to BA.

They in some cases seem to have gone backwards.

 

As to Egypt Air, that was just another example and another option. If one has already visited Istanbul, one can visit Cyprus. Those aren't the only two airlines available. I just posted those two, as I had actual examples over Chinese New Year this year.

 

As to your "3 stop" comment, you seem to have a problem with counting as well as comprehension It is 2 stops on the way out and 1 stop on the way back. No one counts one stop each way as a 2 stop flight. You are funny

 

As to your comment about needing a visa for Cyprus...... Come on, you really need to stop. No, it is not true. Yes, you need one for Turkey, but not if you travel with just hand luggage.

But remember that I wrote that you can choose to make it a twin centre holiday on just choose to connect the same day. It is a matter of choice.

 

As I alluded to you earlier, your experience is from many years ago. Airlines have changed a lot in this time. That includes the likes of Gulf Air and even Aeroflot. Even Kuwait Airways flies new planes on the Bangkok route.

 

So instead of hearsay, I post from recent experience. I actually flew the IST route with hand luggage(I don't need to take 30kgs of luggage for a two week holiday in the sun) and went through to my connecting gate with no issue.

All of your comments are purely conjecture. Not an ounce of fact contained within.

 

Once again, apologies if I appear blunt. This is because you appear not to have bothered to read properly before replying and, worse still, to have made things up along the way.

 

 

My point is that there are viable alternatives to your run of the mill suggestions. I don't claim they will suit all.

 

In the case of the Gulf Air flight, total cost including the connecting flight was around £205. Total flight time perhaps eighteen hours including stopovers going out, 16hrs 45mins going back. Not the best, but not terrible.

Please don't write about error fares if you don't know the meaning. Neither of the above were error fares.

 

Once again, these are just a couple of examples, not the whole nine yards. I've probably done fifty of them without issue.

So less of the conjecture and scaremongering if you please.

 

Let's post from experience and share the actual experiences. Aflight from ten to twenty years ago isn't relevant now, other than for a good story.

[valentinoxxx 4]

....also I don't know where you got the losing two days travelling thing from....you lose a few hours outbound on the extra stopover, that is it.

 

It might be two hours. It might be four hours. No addition on the way back and since your post was about it being more expensive over that time of year then the gist of the post was about affordability. So about losing four hours but saving a couple of hundred pounds.

If it wasn't about saving money, what was the point of your post in the first place? I can afford to fly at any time of year. I'm just passing on tips on saving money.

We aren't talking about cutting down on quality or flying on dodgy airlines. Lateral thinking my friend. That's why instead of properly reading what I wrote, you retorted with stories of cheap and nasty airlines.

Nothing to do with that. Most of my flights are with 4* & 5* airlines.

I just posted those examples to prove that I wasn't making it up about £185 over Chinese New Year. One booked seven months in advance and another booked a month in advance.

[Goldpanner 399]

No dear it seems that you seem to be unable to comprehend what I posted either, or even take a look at some of my earlier posts where I showed error fares which is what you quoted, OLD fares.

I have to write a long post as I know you simply dont understand Fare ratings or Error Fares or Chinese New year problems.

 

All my original post above stated was for people to be carefull when booking as Fares can, will, and DO go up around the Chines New year period.

I was asked a question and I gave some advice based on experience of Chinese New year and the expectation of CNY 2018

I gave advice based on Normal standard Airlines which I suspect most users here would use. I didnt base it on dogshit airlines with 2 or three stops and the necessity of getting a visa for a change of aircraft..

I also stated that there may be some dates where the price would drop, but, on average January and February are rated as High season except for that time between the New Years finish and Chinese new year start.

 

Show me some Gulf Air fares. NOT ERROR FARES either, for next Jan/Feb eh?. I wont wait up.

Show me a Gulf air flight next January ? No I'll show you their advertised scheduled fare for departure on 15th January

OOH Look £623 (Skyscanner)

£640 .27 (Ebookers) Even Jetair is £411 thats £70 more than normal.

£623 (Kayak)

I could go on. JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ARE HIGH SEASON

 

Those, sir are High season sceduled fares. And they arent high ?? Error Fares are cockups, sometimes the airlines will honour them and sometimes they wont.

 

It is a very well known fact by all Far East Travellers that "normal", NOT Error fares in January and February are usually high, THAT was what I was trying to say. Dont believe me then do your bloody research instead of trying to demean a little bit of advice that I posted which was that certain times in Jan or Feb 2018 are going to be expensive. Dissprove me? You cant.

You showed a few dogshit airline error fares that I suspect the majority of punters on this forum would definately NOT use. Egypt Air?? Fuck off.

 

Also, as I stated my experiences on those airlines are from the last 5 years not the 90's.

I fly around 10 to 15 times a year on Band business and private business which gives me a little insight into the dogshit airlines as I get put onto them quite often by our office.

 

And Gulf air? take a look at one of the best review sites around about Gulf air and see what users say:

http://www.airlinequality.com/airline-reviews/gulf-air/

"They were really ruthless" "this airline was horrifying" "despicable customer service" "An awful airline" "trying desperately hard to survive"

"They were really ruthless"

"Awful customer service" "no signs of Gulf Air rep" "cheap tickets not worth it" "most likely not use again" "Worst experience ever"

Gulf Air were one of the best, years back, but like many other airlines the standard has dropped down.

 

Then again if youre used to flying on cheapshit airlines then anything is going to be better isnt it.

If you live in a pigsty then anything else is going to look like luxury isnt it

 

I'll put you on ignore so at the least I wont ned to read your shite any more. Others can choose what they read.

Bye piggy !

[valentinoxxx 4]

No dear it seems that you seem to be unable to comprehend what I posted either, or even take a look at some of my earlier posts where I showed error fares which is what you quoted, OLD fares.

I have to write a long post as I know you simply dont understand Fare ratings or Error Fares or Chinese New year problems.

 

All my original post above stated was for people to be carefull when booking as Fares can, will, and DO go up around the Chines New year period.

I was asked a question and I gave some advice based on experience of Chinese New year and the expectation of CNY 2018

I gave advice based on Normal standard Airlines which I suspect most users here would use. I didnt base it on dogshit airlines with 2 or three stops and the necessity of getting a visa for a change of aircraft..

I also stated that there may be some dates where the price would drop, but, on average January and February are rated as High season except for that time between the New Years finish and Chinese new year start.

 

Show me some Gulf Air fares. NOT ERROR FARES either, for next Jan/Feb eh?. I wont wait up.

Show me a Gulf air flight next January ? No I'll show you their advertised scheduled fare for departure on 15th January

OOH Look £623 (Skyscanner)

£640 .27 (Ebookers) Even Jetair is £411 thats £70 more than normal.

£623 (Kayak)

I could go on. JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ARE HIGH SEASON

 

Those, sir are High season sceduled fares. And they arent high ?? Error Fares are cockups, sometimes the airlines will honour them and sometimes they wont.

 

It is a very well known fact by all Far East Travellers that "normal", NOT Error fares in January and February are usually high, THAT was what I was trying to say. Dont believe me then do your bloody research instead of trying to demean a little bit of advice that I posted which was that certain times in Jan or Feb 2018 are going to be expensive. Dissprove me? You cant.

You showed a few dogshit airline error fares that I suspect the majority of punters on this forum would definately NOT use. Egypt Air?? Fuck off.

 

Also, as I stated my experiences on those airlines are from the last 5 years not the 90's.

I fly around 10 to 15 times a year on Band business and private business which gives me a little insight into the dogshit airlines as I get put onto them quite often by our office.

 

And Gulf air? take a look at one of the best review sites around about Gulf air and see what users say:

http://www.airlinequality.com/airline-reviews/gulf-air/

"They were really ruthless" "this airline was horrifying" "despicable customer service" "An awful airline" "trying desperately hard to survive"

"They were really ruthless"

"Awful customer service" "no signs of Gulf Air rep" "cheap tickets not worth it" "most likely not use again" "Worst experience ever"

Gulf Air were one of the best, years back, but like many other airlines the standard has dropped down.

 

Then again if youre used to flying on cheapshit airlines then anything is going to be better isnt it.

If you live in a pigsty then anything else is going to look like luxury isnt it

 

I'll put you on ignore so at the least I wont ned to read your shite any more. Others can choose what they read.

Bye piggy !

 

You are coming over like angry and despicable old man.

What kind of man claims to use a walking stick only to gain the benefits of the genuinely disabled? Disgusting in my opinion. But you seem genuinely proud of your behaviour.

 

As to your slagging off of Gulf Air, how ironic that you recently began a thread on that very topic: http://www.pattayatalk.com/forums/topic/67390-gulf-air/ There was nothing negative about the review that you received in reply, but instead you chose to fly with China Southern.

 

So your argument about other flying with "shite" airlines as you put it, goes right out of the window. I would choose Gulf Air over China Southern. Better seat pitch, wider seats, better food, better service. I missed my flight through my own fault and they told me, "no problem, we'll put you on to the next free of charge". Excellent service from the ground staff. Genuinely warm welcome on board, I was pleasantly surprised in most every way.

 

I think people take more notice of a genuine recent review than, some angry old man who hasn't flown with them for twenty years.

 

Even you complained about China Southern :) So what happened to your years of experience there?

 

A man who claims to fly Business Class everywhere, but in reality flies with China Southern and then tries and fails to slag others off for flying with "dogshit" airlines. What a joke. You are just showing yourself up for what you are.

 

The airlines that I have flown to Asia just this past twelve months include Gulf, Oman, Thai and Qatar. The year before to include Emirates. So I have recent experience.

 

I posted only the Gulf Air and Egypt Air examples as I had the empirical evidence to back up my statement. Booked for the Chinese New Year, the periods when they were booked and the actual flight experience.

 

How would I be able to do that with a flight in the future?

 

That's what forums are about, to share info. They are not your personal fiefdom. You just ended up looking rather stupid.

 

 

Really no need for you to post a load of BS about flying Business Class everywhere, but in reality flying with the likes of China Southern. Perhaps you are really short and don't need much in the way of legroom. That would at least explain your apparent Napoleon complex.

Every reference to you on this forum shows your interest in purchasing economy class fares. So sad.

 

 

Hopefully if you keep to your word, you won't see my post as you claim that am on ignore.

 

Everyone else will be able to see that you are just a very unpleasant fraud.

 

 

.

Edited June 21, 2017 by valentinoxxx

[Butch 3,456]

Wow, that escalated quickly.

 

It's a pity that it turned into a bit of a barney because the information being posted by both was very useful.

 

Aeroflot have apparently come a long way in reliability. I've told this yarn more times than is healthy but I boarded one plane in one of the smaller African countries years ago, took my seat and noticed the word "aeroflot" had been scratched out and the name of the Airline dyno taped over it. It didn't fill me with the greatest of confidence. They enoy a good reputation now and are flying modern Airbus tackle instead of some of the older Ilyushin stuff.

 

Gulf Air in the 70's and 80's were exceptional, they traded in their old VC10's for Tristars, all the Cabin Crew were attractive Brits with the odd Indian stunner mixed in and they all enjoyed time off in Bahrain at good Hotels and plenty of free bubbly. However, the Gulf Air hotel in Ruwi / Muttrah wasn't such a fantastic gig, it was in fact a shithole. Ha. I think GF dropped the ball a bit in the late 90's Early 00's but have since had to up their game in order to compete with the other ME Carriers who all, with the exception of Kuwait Airlines offer good quality travel.

 

Kuwait are fucking abysmal though. They run absolute shitheaps on the Asia - Kuwait routes, we recently had an arrival of Filipino nurses who the agent put on a Kuwait flight to save money, no IFE for 9 hours, the plane was hot and the food awful.

 

Airlines change their policies frequently, they cut services for Econ pax to save cash in a very tight business. Travel in the 70's, 80's and 90's is different to what it is now. EVA back in 96 were flying 747-400 Combi's in a 3 class set up, food was great, prices very cheap (EVA Deluxe was only £75 more each way) they had half decent IFE ahead of it's time and the CC always got a round of applause when we landed in DM. Now it's a shadow of its former self, and that is in the space of 10 years. Times change, business plans change and yesterday's shit airline is todays middle of the road one.

 

As for prices, it's always gonig to be hit and miss but any kind of strategy to give someone the edge is always welcome.

[valentinoxxx 4]

Wow, that escalated quickly.

 

It's a pity that it turned into a bit of a barney because the information being posted by both was very useful.

 

Aeroflot have apparently come a long way in reliability. I've told this yarn more times than is healthy but I boarded one plane in one of the smaller African countries years ago, took my seat and noticed the word "aeroflot" had been scratched out and the name of the Airline dyno taped over it. It didn't fill me with the greatest of confidence. They enoy a good reputation now and are flying modern Airbus tackle instead of some of the older Ilyushin stuff.

 

Gulf Air in the 70's and 80's were exceptional, they traded in their old VC10's for Tristars, all the Cabin Crew were attractive Brits with the odd Indian stunner mixed in and they all enjoyed time off in Bahrain at good Hotels and plenty of free bubbly. However, the Gulf Air hotel in Ruwi / Muttrah wasn't such a fantastic gig, it was in fact a shithole. Ha. I think GF dropped the ball a bit in the late 90's Early 00's but have since had to up their game in order to compete with the other ME Carriers who all, with the exception of Kuwait Airlines offer good quality travel.

 

Kuwait are fucking abysmal though. They run absolute shitheaps on the Asia - Kuwait routes, we recently had an arrival of Filipino nurses who the agent put on a Kuwait flight to save money, no IFE for 9 hours, the plane was hot and the food awful.

 

Airlines change their policies frequently, they cut services for Econ pax to save cash in a very tight business. Travel in the 70's, 80's and 90's is different to what it is now. EVA back in 96 were flying 747-400 Combi's in a 3 class set up, food was great, prices very cheap (EVA Deluxe was only £75 more each way) they had half decent IFE ahead of it's time and the CC always got a round of applause when we landed in DM. Now it's a shadow of its former self, and that is in the space of 10 years. Times change, business plans change and yesterday's shit airline is todays middle of the road one.

 

As for prices, it's always gonig to be hit and miss but any kind of strategy to give someone the edge is always welcome.

 

 

I checked the Kuwait Airways planes to be used on the BKK route, as I posted a deal recently, and they look to be new. When last did you fly with them?

 

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/9k-apa

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/9k-akh

 

Two years old. That's new for when it comes to aircraft.

 

One needs to keep abreast of the changes. It wasn't long ago that THAI were the worst. Completely outdated equipment, not even a seatback TV. They only recently brought their product up to date.

[keyman 1,413]

 

 

I checked the Kuwait Airways planes to be used on the BKK route, as I posted a deal recently, and they look to be new. When last did you fly with them?

 

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/9k-apa

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/9k-akh

 

Two years old. That's new for when it comes to aircraft.

 

One needs to keep abreast of the changes. It wasn't long ago that THAI were the worst. Completely outdated equipment, not even a seatback TV. They only recently brought their product up to date.

 

 

 

I've been travelling Thai Airways 2-3 times a year for the last ten years and I can't recall them not having seatback TVs. I also don't recall 'outdated' equipment. When did all these changes from 'worst' to 'ok' or 'good' take place?

 

KM

[valentinoxxx 4]

 

 

 

I've been travelling Thai Airways 2-3 times a year for the last ten years and I can't recall them not having seatback TVs. I also don't recall 'outdated' equipment. When did all these changes from 'worst' to 'ok' or 'good' take place?

 

KM

 

Seems people had a different experience in 2012.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293916-i3687-k5332506-Has_Thai_airways_London_to_bkk_TG911_improved_been_updated-Bangkok.html

 

If you search you'll find similar stories. They were really the worst. It was embarrassing.

 

People were still talking about it in 2013; https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k6092145-Thai_Airways_LHR_to_BKK-Air_Travel.html

 

I think they were just very slow on fitting out their planes.So probably up to 2012 at least, there was still a chance of no seatback TV on the BKK route.

 

When you consider that Emirates had introduced in-seat entertainment twenty years previously, that is quite poor.

 

 

Look here: http://www.airreview.com/Thai/Fleet.htm Might remind you of what you forgot.

Edited June 21, 2017 by valentinoxxx

[keyman 1,413]

 

Seems people had a different experience in 2012.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g293916-i3687-k5332506-Has_Thai_airways_London_to_bkk_TG911_improved_been_updated-Bangkok.html

 

If you search you'll find similar stories. They were really the worst. It was embarrassing.

 

People were still talking about it in 2013; https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g1-i10702-k6092145-Thai_Airways_LHR_to_BKK-Air_Travel.html

 

I think they were just very slow on fitting out their planes.So probably up to 2012 at least, there was still a chance of no seatback TV on the BKK route.

 

When you consider that Emirates had introduced in-seat entertainment twenty years previously, that is quite poor.

 

 

Look here: http://www.airreview.com/Thai/Fleet.htm Might remind you of what you forgot.

 

 

 

2012 isn't recently, it's 5 years ago. I can't be arsed responding to the rest of your patronising post.

[Goldpanner 399]

 

As for prices, it's always gonig to be hit and miss but any kind of strategy to give someone the edge is always welcome.

 

Bizarre isnt it?. I was asked a question about when to book and I gave some advice based on my experience about how busy New Year and Chinese New Year can get and how prices can go up, and was then pounced on and insulted for having the temerity to warn the guy that asked the questions.

I post on this specific forum hoping to help guys save a few quid. My advice isnt compulsory !! I try to help.

 

Kuwait Air? Strangely before Saddam attacked Kuwait I would fly to Bangkok at least onec a year on them. Their service wasnt actually that bad apart from the prayers coming through the PA before they took off. On the change of aircraft on the way back all through passengers were whisked upstairs for a superb Breakfast which contained bacon eggs ham, loads of tea and toast.

Their airport was a concrete monstrosity but their in flight service and food was always good. I havent flown them since the Guf war so cant comment.

[valentinoxxx 4]

 

 

 

2012 isn't recently, it's 5 years ago. I can't be arsed responding to the rest of your patronising post.

 

Patronising? When did that happen?

 

You just told that you were doing the journey for ten years and couldn't remember. So I remind and you call me patronising!

 

2012 to 2013 is recently. They were probably the last major airline to do so. You initially suggested that it could be 2007 to 2008 with your ten year time frame.

 

I've been a member of this particular forum for fifteen years. Seems the 'new' members are a bit thin skinned and take offence at the slightest thing.

Edited June 22, 2017 by valentinoxxx

[valentinoxxx 4]

 

Bizarre isnt it?. I was asked a question about when to book and I gave some advice based on my experience about how busy New Year and Chinese New Year can get and how prices can go up, and was then pounced on and insulted for having the temerity to warn the guy that asked the questions.

I post on this specific forum hoping to help guys save a few quid. My advice isnt compulsory !! I try to help.

 

Kuwait Air? Strangely before Saddam attacked Kuwait I would fly to Bangkok at least onec a year on them. Their service wasnt actually that bad apart from the prayers coming through the PA before they took off. On the change of aircraft on the way back all through passengers were whisked upstairs for a superb Breakfast which contained bacon eggs ham, loads of tea and toast.

Their airport was a concrete monstrosity but their in flight service and food was always good. I havent flown them since the Guf war so cant comment.

 

 

You weren't attacked. Show me even a single sign of an attack in post #34 where I quoted you or even in post #36.

 

I just pointed out an alternative strategy to just looking for the same flights that everyone else would be looking for and backed it up with actual data. You did your best to denigrate and tried and failed to pick it apart.

 

It's not a competition. As Butch stated, any kind of edge is helpful. But you seem to take his statement as some kind of personal endorsement when likely he meant to state that all of the information posted is useful.

 

The discussion in this thread illustrates how the industry is changing, so up to date info should be welcomed, rather than to be viewed with suspicion.

 

I have no problem with an impartial discussion on the best strategies. But you seem more concerned with matters of ego.

 

The board topic is Airline Discussion.

Edited June 22, 2017 by valentinoxxx

[valentinoxxx 4]

Every now and again, you can find an almost useless, but amazing flight deal. 2841 baht