I'd say to party like its 1999, take a quick shower and zoom out to the airport. You'll feel like poop the two hours in the airport, but you'll sleep like a baby on the plane.

travel, i did a search and can't find it--if you happen to uncover the thread, would you mind posting it? thanks for the info!

mango, you got it! only problem is I'm a very OLD 34. I'm usually in bed by 10. But you sentiment is exactly what I was thinking: wear myself out so I am comatose for the flight home.

The only real argument for keeping the hotel at this point is that it's an SPG reward and if we cancel, we're just banking points we won't really use anytime soon. So nothing really gained or lost IMO.

That 3-hour rule is like the 55 mph speed limit - a suggestion. I think it was designed to give forgetful people enough time to go back to their home/hotel to get their passport and get back in time to make the flight.

I thought the 3 hour rule was something that was encouraged after 9/11 due to the new cumbersome security screenings. I think the current recommendation is for 2 hours ahed of time for international flights.

You're probably right. But with the midday lines at Tom Bradley at LAX, I'll be getting there at least 3 hours early. Not only are we blessed with one of of the ugliest international terminals, but we also get the honor of having one of the most jam-packed.

I understand. At least flying back from Bangkok things will be quick. Flying Biz on Thai gets you all kinds of perks. I love the fact that they come out to your car and get your luggage, zip you through check-in and fast track you through passport control (no wait!).

Interesting. I didn't know that. How do they know to come get your luggage? Is there a dedicated drop-off area for Royal Silk at Suvarnabhumi that we'd need to let our taxi driver know about?

The curbside porterage is suppose to be for first class AND Kathie only but sometime they will take care of some business class passenger as well.

FYI: http://www.thaiair.com/Travel_Destin...rt_checkin.htm

lol Hanuman

There is a dedicated drop off area for Royal Silk. Hopefully, they will recognize youn as a Fodorite who deserves first class service.

Better hope that Filmwill does not get the service he deserves. He's hoping for much better.

... so love airline threads with "legs", as now, yours truly, will use the opportunity, to inform you fine forumers that a certain Singaporean airline has a small, sweet BKK Silver Kris Lounge, Level 3, Concourse A. (And yes, open early for those flying SQ971 - a rather fine flight to SIN - occasionally flown by the SQ-forever wife and her lesser half.)

... as noted, two hours more than enough for checking out of The Land of Smiles. (But when I'm flying TG First ex-BKK to either HKG or NRT, it's three hours: I'm hopelessly addicted to those languid, private, full-body massages, showers and baths at the Royal First Spa - and a certain masseuse.)

... (And should any of you be flying TG First NRT-BKK-NRT anytime soon: check out the colour of the "pajamas" given out in F - as of a few weeks back, the same exact periwinkle colour worn by a certain charming lobby hostess at the Peninsula Bangkok. (And one of the TG FAs working 677 F out of NRT is such a stunner, and a comedian to boot. I'll be doing this exact flight/class in a few days; hope it's just as fine.) ...

... (And, as you probably know: flying TG F into BKK, well, you get the airside greeting, the ride in the little yellow electric "golf cart" to the "diplomat" immigration folks, and then, yes, late-night, in-room massage treatments at fine, friendly hotels) ... (If feeling adventurous, check out "macintosh" over on tripadvisor for a more detailed review of TG's sweet BKK F services - can assure you, all the pre-mrs. m naughty posts are long, long, gone, archived forever on bangkoktonight and a few other upscale adult travel sites) ...

... now, this for the OP, filmwill; you mentioned using SPG points: the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, perchance? If so, let me know; I have certain all-time cherished rooms and suites. (Before meeting mrs. m, the SGS was my favourite BKK business travel hotel. Such a joyous, friendly place, at the centre of a certain universe.)

... as always sweet and smooth (SQ/TG) rides to all of you ... (and happy 08.08.08 - yes, one of mrs. m's good "crew" friends is tying the knot today) ...

macintosh


... "you are so kind" ...

(TG BKK Royal First Spa, _ August 2008)

Flimwill- Why are you an "old" 34?? You are still very young and you don't realize!

mr. macintosh, you guessed correct! we've booked a deluxe room although I don't think I'll be partaking of any in-room massages ;) I'll leave those to you.

mango, yes I realize in theory I'm "young" but, honestly, I'm quite boring...really. :)

Many of us are quite boring, really. It's only those rare breeds like AO who live the life of excitement, exotic travels, deluxe to the max... first class all the way...

... "the life of excitement, exotic travels, deluxe to the max... first class all the way..." ...

... (are we talkin' a certain Singapore Girl, or what) ...

... well, seriously (and just between us): I have never once parted with personal funds to fly business, much less first ... (so hope this little professional gig lasts a few more years, for the sake of our mortgages in BKK, SIN, and SFO and anticipated Cost Centres) ... (and, for all of you out there: do manage your miles/alliances carefully; who knows, SQ F for free - with yes, those Girls) ...

... now, back to Will, and your stay at the SGS, the centre of the known universe ... do try to make time for evening drinks in The Living Room, a marvelous venue for jazz. (My all-time favourite: the Randy Cannon Trio, with Khun "Nong Pong" on bass, and the skeletal Chris Sweeney on drums. And it gets better: some of the most gorgeous and gracious waitresses in the world, gliding by, in flowing, full-length, evening gowns. (Including my all-time cherished Bangkok waitress, the one, the only one, who will forever remind me, of the ethereal, Zhang Ziyi.) ... (I will be back at the SGS for a meeting next week, but if you think of it, do send my regards to Khun 'Pat', and yes, Khun 'J'.)

... could go on with more exquisite SGS tips, but perhaps not, on this fine family friendly site ...

... as always, savour your tender Thai times - with Angels...

macintosh (robert)


... "you are my last boyfriend, before I fly to London and get married" ...

(Suite 2___, SGS, November 200_)