Thai Air to Cancel JFK--BKK?
Jun 10th, 2008, 02:45 PM
#41
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guen
I've got my ticket (on UA) for the 19th of Aug to the 3rd of Sept. I'll be at Adelphi once again. Maybe (if you get to go) we can do lunch some day.
Hope this deal with THAI gets worked out. I know things are stressful for you (you NEED a break) and I hate that your reservations may be in jeopardy.
Carol
I've got my ticket (on UA) for the 19th of Aug to the 3rd of Sept. I'll be at Adelphi once again. Maybe (if you get to go) we can do lunch some day.
Hope this deal with THAI gets worked out. I know things are stressful for you (you NEED a break) and I hate that your reservations may be in jeopardy.
Carol
Jun 11th, 2008, 04:50 PM
#43
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After lots of phone calls, got my USAir miles redeposited - -so sad about not being able to do the JFK-BKK. Rebooked thru NRT using Amex Platinum 2 for 1 business. But of course they only had certain dates available, now we have to stay a few days longer (boo hoo). Late Oct thru late Nov..will be in BKK for Loy Kratong!
Jun 11th, 2008, 06:19 PM
#45
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Filmwill you wrote "Yum lung ree-un pah-sah tai dtair mai poot geng mahk yung. (I'm learning Thai, but I don't speak very good yet.)"
It should be "Gum Lung ree-un pah-sah Thai dtair yung poot mai geng"
Nice try keep it up!
It should be "Gum Lung ree-un pah-sah Thai dtair yung poot mai geng"
Nice try keep it up!
Jun 11th, 2008, 06:52 PM
#47
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Sorry: "yum lung ree-un pah-sah tai..." is what I meant to say. Oops.
Sorry, I got a little too excited to respond in Thai and didn't double check...
Trying my best here to represent pah-sah tai on behalf of the farang (those of us who don't live there.) I suppose I'm not helping the cause by my little slip up.
It was a bold effort, either way.
Best,
Farang Ngong
Sorry, I got a little too excited to respond in Thai and didn't double check...
Trying my best here to represent pah-sah tai on behalf of the farang (those of us who don't live there.) I suppose I'm not helping the cause by my little slip up.
It was a bold effort, either way.
Best,
Farang Ngong
Jun 25th, 2008, 07:07 PM
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I called Thai Air (L.A.) today to cancel my Aug trip...too much going on at home...and it took about 50 minutes on hold. The reservationist was very pleasant as they usually are.
I asked about the Dec/Jan ticket that I bought back in Feb 2008 for Dec 2008/Jan 2009 and in Premium Economy. I asked if I could convert it to regular economy, and be refunded the difference, since there's not supposed to be Premium Economy anymore. I was told that I couldn't do that. I think I'd have to cancel the Premium Economy ticket, be issued a refund, and then rebook to regular economy.
I was also told that the "word" had not been sent down yet as to whether or not there will or will not be Premium Economy and to call back in a month or so.
The problem is that MANY dates after and before the ones I've booked are sold out in regular economy...according to the computer...which is why I was trying to just convert my ticket to regular economy NOW while my dates are still open.
I have no idea what they plan to do with those of us holding Premium Economy tickets. If they wait a month or more to convert them some kind of way, the passengers buying regular economy seats could have already bought up all of the seats. I was told that I could upgrade to Business Class for an extra $2200. I laughed aloud and the reservationist kind of chuckled with me. I mentioned to her that I'd already dished out over $1800. for Premium Economy (due to having to pay an extra $247. when I had to change the departure/arrival dates by 6 days). So, I had absolutely no plan of paying anything extra.
I thought of cancelling the whole thing and going with Singapore Air/ United/ or Delta...but Singapore Air and United are charging $3200-$3300 for regular economy...a real laugh... and Delta around $2300. through Seoul on an inconvenient flight schedule. So, I guess I'll just hold on to the Thai Air ticket and see what happens. A real mess! Happy Travels!
I asked about the Dec/Jan ticket that I bought back in Feb 2008 for Dec 2008/Jan 2009 and in Premium Economy. I asked if I could convert it to regular economy, and be refunded the difference, since there's not supposed to be Premium Economy anymore. I was told that I couldn't do that. I think I'd have to cancel the Premium Economy ticket, be issued a refund, and then rebook to regular economy.
I was also told that the "word" had not been sent down yet as to whether or not there will or will not be Premium Economy and to call back in a month or so.
The problem is that MANY dates after and before the ones I've booked are sold out in regular economy...according to the computer...which is why I was trying to just convert my ticket to regular economy NOW while my dates are still open.
I have no idea what they plan to do with those of us holding Premium Economy tickets. If they wait a month or more to convert them some kind of way, the passengers buying regular economy seats could have already bought up all of the seats. I was told that I could upgrade to Business Class for an extra $2200. I laughed aloud and the reservationist kind of chuckled with me. I mentioned to her that I'd already dished out over $1800. for Premium Economy (due to having to pay an extra $247. when I had to change the departure/arrival dates by 6 days). So, I had absolutely no plan of paying anything extra.
I thought of cancelling the whole thing and going with Singapore Air/ United/ or Delta...but Singapore Air and United are charging $3200-$3300 for regular economy...a real laugh... and Delta around $2300. through Seoul on an inconvenient flight schedule. So, I guess I'll just hold on to the Thai Air ticket and see what happens. A real mess! Happy Travels!
Jun 26th, 2008, 04:02 AM
#53
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A little off-topic, maybe, but seeing the prices of an economy ticket that goes just from LA to BKK and back makes me appreciate even more round-the-world tickets.
I just bought a RTW in business class for $6090 +tax. I'll start in Tokyo (using FF ticket to get there), then stop in Chengdu, Beijing, Munich, Salzburg, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Boston, and back to Tokyo (using the back half of the FF ticket to get back to Boston). Complete freedom to change dates/times without extra charge, and the [relative] comfort of business class instead of coach. No extra charge for using business class on ANA, Lufthansa, or SWISS instead of United, and I build up lots of miles. (Using LH's FF program, for example, I get 2x the actual mileage when flying business class.)
I just bought a RTW in business class for $6090 +tax. I'll start in Tokyo (using FF ticket to get there), then stop in Chengdu, Beijing, Munich, Salzburg, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Boston, and back to Tokyo (using the back half of the FF ticket to get back to Boston). Complete freedom to change dates/times without extra charge, and the [relative] comfort of business class instead of coach. No extra charge for using business class on ANA, Lufthansa, or SWISS instead of United, and I build up lots of miles. (Using LH's FF program, for example, I get 2x the actual mileage when flying business class.)
Jun 26th, 2008, 05:04 AM
#54
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It's too early to get good fares for Dec/Jan, in my opinion, for most airlines. I think late August will be about time.
As long as you're leaving on or after Christmas, it should cost less than what you're seeing. If you're leaving mid-Dec, then all bets are off.
As long as you're leaving on or after Christmas, it should cost less than what you're seeing. If you're leaving mid-Dec, then all bets are off.
Jun 26th, 2008, 05:51 AM
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guen
So sorry you've had to cancel your August trip! I'll miss you. I hope everything works out OK for December. That's a real bummer about Thai. What's with getting rid of premium economy????
I'm glad I've already got my UA ticket (Ord-Bkk via NRT) for mid-December to early January. It was costly, but NOT the prices I'm currently seeing on UA site. My travel agent went through a consolidator for the cheaper fare.
Rizzuto, how do you book your RTW tickets? That's a really great price you got, and in business class! I'd love to do the same.
rkkwan: I've got a question for you. DH needs to get a reasonable ticket from ZRH to BKK from early December to early January. He would love to pay about $1000, but I don't see that happening. I see the lowest prices right now ($1500)on Qatar and Emirites. Do you really think he might get a better deal in August? Thai and Swiss are already showing business class seats only, as economy is fully booked on at least one of his dates. I have a friend in Germany asking his TA for good fares. Wondering if they are any cheaper if purchased in Europe.
Carol
Carol
So sorry you've had to cancel your August trip! I'll miss you. I hope everything works out OK for December. That's a real bummer about Thai. What's with getting rid of premium economy????
I'm glad I've already got my UA ticket (Ord-Bkk via NRT) for mid-December to early January. It was costly, but NOT the prices I'm currently seeing on UA site. My travel agent went through a consolidator for the cheaper fare.
Rizzuto, how do you book your RTW tickets? That's a really great price you got, and in business class! I'd love to do the same.
rkkwan: I've got a question for you. DH needs to get a reasonable ticket from ZRH to BKK from early December to early January. He would love to pay about $1000, but I don't see that happening. I see the lowest prices right now ($1500)on Qatar and Emirites. Do you really think he might get a better deal in August? Thai and Swiss are already showing business class seats only, as economy is fully booked on at least one of his dates. I have a friend in Germany asking his TA for good fares. Wondering if they are any cheaper if purchased in Europe.
Carol
Carol
Jun 26th, 2008, 07:29 AM
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Booking the RTW is a piece of cake, thanks to a recent rule change that allows you to purchase the ticket in one country for a trip that begins in a different country. So, I just called United w/my itinerary, they gave me a price, and I bought the ticket over the phone.
However, to get the benefit of a RTW ticket that begins in Japan, you must actually take the first flight from Japan. No, you cannot skip the first flight. And actually, some countries such as Korea and Cambodia are even less expensive than Japan.
The real work comes in figuring out an itinerary and ensuring that it adheres to the rules. For that, you need to do your own homework. Flyertalk.com is that place to start, where you'll find pointers and information in the Alliances section.
However, to get the benefit of a RTW ticket that begins in Japan, you must actually take the first flight from Japan. No, you cannot skip the first flight. And actually, some countries such as Korea and Cambodia are even less expensive than Japan.
The real work comes in figuring out an itinerary and ensuring that it adheres to the rules. For that, you need to do your own homework. Flyertalk.com is that place to start, where you'll find pointers and information in the Alliances section.
Jun 26th, 2008, 07:29 AM
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Carol - Definitely ask a European TA to do ZRH-BKK. It's not going to be cheap, as that's peak season for vacationing Europeans looking for the sun. And right now US$1,000 is only worth like 635EUR.
But there are also plenty of seats on airlines like Emirates, Qatar, Gulf, Etihad, or maybe even Ethiopia, Kenya, plus the Indian ones, that have one-connection service between Europe and BKK, but not necessarily from ZRH.
If one's budget really tight, he needs to be creative. Like going to an different European airport to start his trip, and connecting in "exotic" places.
But there are also plenty of seats on airlines like Emirates, Qatar, Gulf, Etihad, or maybe even Ethiopia, Kenya, plus the Indian ones, that have one-connection service between Europe and BKK, but not necessarily from ZRH.
If one's budget really tight, he needs to be creative. Like going to an different European airport to start his trip, and connecting in "exotic" places.
Jun 26th, 2008, 08:49 AM
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rkkwan
Thanks for the quick reply. He will be in ZRH, but has said that he can take the train to another departure point (such as FRA) if that makes a difference. I have looked on kayak at the different one stop options. They seem to be the least expensive on Qatar and Emirites. The budget isn't "tight" it's just that my DH hates to pay too much (!!!!!) and he forgets that prices for tickets are rising, and yes, it's peak season for BKK.
This Dec/Jan trip would make a normal person's head spin. DH, DS and I are all meeting up in BKK, but coming in on different days, and in some cases, from different places. The good news is, we all come home to ORD on the same day, and only about 2 hours apart!!! Yippeeeee... We can all drive home together at the same time. It's a 3 hour drive, so best to make it only once.
Another question: I see that JUST TODAY I have schedule changes on my two BKK trips (Aug and Dec). I've contacted UA by phone to get things ironed out. The ORD/NRT legs are now on a 747, not 777's anymore. I think it is the "old style" 747 rather than the reconfigured ones for flat beds in business class. Is there any way to verify that?
I'm in economy, but would try to bump up to a flat bed, perhaps...?
Seatguru only shows reconfigured 747's, and in two versions, for UA. Neither version matches up with the seating configuration when I got into "seat assignments" to look at what is available. Right now I'm taking the window at the exit row at about row 45/46 (I can't remember exactly which it is) as that seems to have the most leg room.
Thoughts??
Carol
Thanks for the quick reply. He will be in ZRH, but has said that he can take the train to another departure point (such as FRA) if that makes a difference. I have looked on kayak at the different one stop options. They seem to be the least expensive on Qatar and Emirites. The budget isn't "tight" it's just that my DH hates to pay too much (!!!!!) and he forgets that prices for tickets are rising, and yes, it's peak season for BKK.
This Dec/Jan trip would make a normal person's head spin. DH, DS and I are all meeting up in BKK, but coming in on different days, and in some cases, from different places. The good news is, we all come home to ORD on the same day, and only about 2 hours apart!!! Yippeeeee... We can all drive home together at the same time. It's a 3 hour drive, so best to make it only once.
Another question: I see that JUST TODAY I have schedule changes on my two BKK trips (Aug and Dec). I've contacted UA by phone to get things ironed out. The ORD/NRT legs are now on a 747, not 777's anymore. I think it is the "old style" 747 rather than the reconfigured ones for flat beds in business class. Is there any way to verify that?
I'm in economy, but would try to bump up to a flat bed, perhaps...?
Seatguru only shows reconfigured 747's, and in two versions, for UA. Neither version matches up with the seating configuration when I got into "seat assignments" to look at what is available. Right now I'm taking the window at the exit row at about row 45/46 (I can't remember exactly which it is) as that seems to have the most leg room.
Thoughts??
Carol
Jun 26th, 2008, 10:22 AM
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I am not that familiar with UA, but their new business class conversion on the 744 is going pretty slow. And reading the thread on Flyertalk.com, the reconfigured ones haven't been put on Asian routes yet.
Jun 26th, 2008, 10:56 AM
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rkkwan
I've been reading on flyertalk and have changed my economy+ seat to 35A for the NRT-ORD long haul flights.
But I'm going to ask at check-in if I can pay for an upgrade to business class (even if it isn't the new flat bed seat). I think I paid about $800 the last time I did this. It's only for ORD-NRT. I'll be OK from NRT to BKK on the 777, row 17.
I usually do NOT sleep in the economy seats (and that includes econ+). They don't recline like they used to. I'm exhausted by the time I arrive at my destination.
But, that said, on the UA 777 flights I took in econ+ to BKK in April/May, I managed to get good seats with lots of legroom; and from NRT to ORD I had an entire row of 5 across the middle, so I flipped up all the armrests and slept all the way home!!! That was heavenly! Can't do that on a 747.. too many people, especially now that it would seem they've combined 882 and 884 into one flight on a 747 after September 1.
The 747 used to be my favorite plane, but now I guess I like the 777 better.
Carol
I've been reading on flyertalk and have changed my economy+ seat to 35A for the NRT-ORD long haul flights.
But I'm going to ask at check-in if I can pay for an upgrade to business class (even if it isn't the new flat bed seat). I think I paid about $800 the last time I did this. It's only for ORD-NRT. I'll be OK from NRT to BKK on the 777, row 17.
I usually do NOT sleep in the economy seats (and that includes econ+). They don't recline like they used to. I'm exhausted by the time I arrive at my destination.
But, that said, on the UA 777 flights I took in econ+ to BKK in April/May, I managed to get good seats with lots of legroom; and from NRT to ORD I had an entire row of 5 across the middle, so I flipped up all the armrests and slept all the way home!!! That was heavenly! Can't do that on a 747.. too many people, especially now that it would seem they've combined 882 and 884 into one flight on a 747 after September 1.
The 747 used to be my favorite plane, but now I guess I like the 777 better.
Carol
