Definate downturn in prices out of London to Bangkok return

[Bullfrog 2,257]

On 3/21/2025 at 11:58 AM, Rawhide2 said:

China Eastern and Air India both leading the way with decent priced single and return fares

Norse is starting direct flights LGW to BKK in November .. That'll shake things up a bit ..The Premium Economy Light prices are damned good if you can travel with 15kg carry-on and no checked bags. It comes with priority check in counter too !!

[teelack 10,501]

Unlike European travellers I am quite restricted to who and when I can travel. I am however interested in the pricing as UK to Thailand is almost the same distance as I have to fly.

Over the years I have used almost every combination of airlines to travel to and fro. The one rule I try to keep to is this. If I can find a reasonable fare with a top rated airline that has good times, I will use it if there is not too much of a price difference.

For instance, there is a world of difference flying and transiting via Singapore on Singapore Airlines than China Southern via Shanghai. Or using Cathay or Malaysia Airlines rather than Brunei or (I hate to say it) Qantas or even Thai if it means transiting via Australia.

Sure. Price is important but it's only part of the picture.

Sent from my CPH1941 using Tapatalk

[Rawhide2 1,462]

I'm a bit surprised how low one way fares back out to Bangkok are in August

The pinch point seems to be around 23rd (ish) where they drop

I can use China Eastern again for around £290 ish standard connections.....I should have joined their frequent flyer club before

So basically looking to obtain METV and go around that time......I understrand the METV works differently in that if granted the 6 months runs from immediate of issue where as the SETV you have some time before it needs to be used

 

Is that correct  ??

[jacko 8,980]

6 hours ago, Rawhide2 said:

..I understrand the METV works differently in that if granted the 6 months runs from immediate of issue where as the SETV you have some time before it needs to be used

 

I believe both have validly from date of issue, the single entry for 3 months, the METV for 6 months. So a Single gives you 60 days with an option of +30 extension. (No better than Visa exempt). The METV, you can do a border bounce just before it expires, for a total of 6 months +60  days and an option to extend a further 30. A border run or trip(s) out sometime during the 6 months is also needed, since Permission of Stay is still 60  days per entry. Do not confuse visa validity with permission of stay, a common error. 

I know, clear as mud!

Edited July 14 by jacko

[Rawhide2 1,462]

11 hours ago, jacko said:

I believe both have validly from date of issue, the single entry for 3 months, the METV for 6 months. So a Single gives you 60 days with an option of +30 extension. (No better than Visa exempt). The METV, you can do a border bounce just before it expires, for a total of 6 months +60  days and an option to extend a further 30. A border run or trip(s) out sometime during the 6 months is also needed, since Permission of Stay is still 60  days per entry. Do not confuse visa validity with permission of stay, a common error. 

I know, clear as mud!

Yes am not clear either........I know on the SETV there is a "use by date" to arrive but was under impression the METV 6 months literally starts from the day its "issued"

I hindsight I might just go SETV obviously I know at the moment its effectively same as visa exempt and use 90 days (with extension) as I was somewhat pointly asked last entry "no visa" by IO

The last 3 have been visa exempt entries with first two extended by 30 days.....the third one I departed bang on validity without extension

90 Days from late August will take me to within 4 months of state pension age.......I could try and do it phone as suggested on Help the Aged website but it appears (and happy to be corrected) you need a reference number which Pension service send via letter 4 months prior to 66th birthday  ??

In addition and as per other thread I started on "requirements" for state pension am coming up against a blank wall no matter who I enquire with as to whether I'm actually divorced from a decade plus ago (long story) and how do I get around not having a divorce certificaate