Direct Flights to UK (and Amber listed conecting countries)

[Steps]

Hi,

  I am thinking about a trip back to the UK and was wondering if there are direct flights from Bangkok? I did read that Phuket were gonna do 2 per week?

 

The other option is to get, say, a FinAir or other European flight that changes flight in an amber listed country. I am obviously trying to avoid the scandless 1,700 pound detention centers.

[theoldgit]

I was looking during the week, Thai have very limited flights from Bangkok, but we were seriously considering Singapore or Finnair.

 

As you say if you fly via the UAE you would have to quarantine at your own expense at a hotel, any non Brits who may be traveling with you wouldn’t be allowed into the UK if they intended to travel via a red list country.

 

There are rumors circulating that Thailand might be raised to a red zone, but that is just a rumor.

 

Should you qualify for Immigration Detention, rooms in Immigration Removal Centres are free. ????

[Mac Mickmanus]

1 hour ago, Steps said:

The other option is to get, say, a FinAir or other European flight that changes flight in an amber listed country. I am obviously trying to avoid the scandless 1,700 pound detention centers.

 

   Could you clarify : If you are a British national going back to the UK and you stop over in a Red Country , do you have to go into UK quarantine at a cost of 1700 quid ?

[vinny41]

7 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

 

   Could you clarify : If you are a British national going back to the UK and you stop over in a Red Country , do you have to go into UK quarantine at a cost of 1700 quid ?

Transit stops in amber or red list countries

When you arrive in England you need to follow the rules for the highest risk country or territory that you have been in or passed through in the previous 10 days. That can include transit stops.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#transit-stops-in-amber-or-red-list-countries

 

Red country yes  UK quarantine

[Mac Mickmanus]

The red zone list of Countries includes U.A.E , Bahrain , Oman and Qatar . 

   So, need to avoid these Countries when going back to the U.K

[howerde]

Eva air show 1 flight a week (friday)  starting in August, not sure i would count on it though.

[Mac Mickmanus]

Bangkok locally is a red zone whilst Thailand is Amber .

Will the UK authorities regard a flight from BKK to be red or amber ?

[Mac Mickmanus]

What is the best way to proceed regarding negative Covid tests within three days of the flight . 

   Would it be better to have a test and then book a flight ?

If you were to book a flight and for some reason you couldn't get a test or it came back positive , you would lose the flight. 

[theoldgit]

48 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

Bangkok locally is a red zone whilst Thailand is Amber .

Will the UK authorities regard a flight from BKK to be red or amber ?

It’s the country that is graded by the UK Government, not individual cities within that country.

Thailand is currently listed as Amber.

[theoldgit]

42 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

What is the best way to proceed regarding negative Covid tests within three days of the flight . 

   Would it be better to have a test and then book a flight ?

If you were to book a flight and for some reason you couldn't get a test or it came back positive , you would lose the flight. 

I’d probably book a flexible ticket if I were planning to fly at the moment, more expensive but better than losing the whole ticket.

[jojothai]

17 minutes ago, theoldgit said:

I’d probably book a flexible ticket if I were planning to fly at the moment, more expensive but better than losing the whole ticket.

Most flights are flexible now. Check the airlines, however the best to UK when I checked 2 months ago were KLM and LH.
Cheap also, just over 600GBP return to Manchester. No need to pay extra on THAI.
I went KLM and have just returned. Easy to rebook at present. I actually went to Manchester, partially because that was my main destination . Did not want to go to Heathrow because of all the negative stories.
Flights to and from AMS were only about 20% occupied. We all had 3 or 4 seats. I recommend using them. Very good service.
I understand that flights going to europe are getting more people now going to europe but less coming this way.
KLM have the flights daily because they continue to Hong kong, Philippines or South Korea rotated.

If you go to UK read my two posts. See
https://aseannow.com/topic/1222381-return-to-uk-for-vaccination-update/?tab=comments#comment-16613948

 

 

1 hour ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

What is the best way to proceed regarding negative Covid tests within three days of the flight . 

   Would it be better to have a test and then book a flight ?

If you were to book a flight and for some reason you couldn't get a test or it came back positive , you would lose the flight. 

You can book the flight first. Many airlines allow for changing flights if this happens. Check conditions on KLM and LH.
If you want to do the covid test first. Then it may be best to book test with same day result. Book flight after result and fly within two days, must be within the 72 hours limit.

[jojothai]

IMHO if you are thinking of going to UK then get out before Thailand becomes a red zone. The numbers are clearly going up.

Read my posts.
You need a minimum of 6 weeks if you do the 5 day test to release, but you should use 7 weeks.

based on
5 day test to release.

day 6 first dose at pop up / walk in clinic or vaccination center.

4 weeks to second dose of AZ or 3 weeks for Pfizer. You have to find a vaccination center or GP that will do this, otherwise it is 8 weeks.
1 week minimum to apply for COE, get it preapproved, then get COE after ASQ booking.
Read the steps on the Thai embassy website. Very clear.
Allow say 3 days pre-approval and 3 working days for COE. They say up to 5 days for COE.

Play safe and allow 2 weeks after your second dose for return date. For COE and Important for 2 other reasons.
1. You can only apply for the NHS pass Certificate of vaccination 5 days after your second dose. They say it will take about 5 working days for you to receive it. Mine took 5 working days. ( Thats 7 days of the week).

2. Majority advice is that you should allow at least 2 weeks for the second dose to become effective.
 

Edited July 7, 2021 by jojothai
correction

[Mac Mickmanus]

8 minutes ago, jojothai said:

IMHO if you are thinking of going to UK then get out before Thailand becomes a red zone. The numbers are clearly going up.

 

 

   Thanks, but I only intent going one way and I cannot go until July 31 st . 

   Just to recap , to travel to the UK you have to have a negative Covid test three days before you depart , have to quarantine at home for 14 days and also pre book two tests that will be posted to your home address .

   BTW , if you are quarantining  at home , are you allowed out to the shops to buy some food ?

     

[Kinok Powell]

1 hour ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

What is the best way to proceed regarding negative Covid tests within three days of the flight . 

   Would it be better to have a test and then book a flight ?

If you were to book a flight and for some reason you couldn't get a test or it came back positive , you would lose the flight. 

Flight first and then book your test.Give yourself plenty of time.

[jojothai]

1 hour ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

 

   Thanks, but I only intent going one way and I cannot go until July 31 st . 

   Just to recap , to travel to the UK you have to have a negative Covid test three days before you depart , have to quarantine at home for 14 days and also pre book two tests that will be posted to your home address .

   BTW , if you are quarantining  at home , are you allowed out to the shops to buy some food ?

     

I believe that one way tickets are also very cheap check KLM (via AMS) and LH (via FRA) , as well as others.
 

As I understand it, Negative covid test, the test taken 72 hours prior to departure.

If in Bangkok I recommend Medconsult Clinic sukhumvit 49
In the UK coming from amber zone as below you have to self isolate where you are staying 10 days.
Test at day 2 and day 8 have to pass. You can add 5 day test to release. Pay extra for this, if pass you can leave isolation on day 6., but you still have to do and pass 8 day.

You can leave home to go to a clinic for the tests. Day 2 and day 8, I did postal.

Day 5 I went to local clinic so I can get result next day. 75GBP.

When you arrive you are not supposed to use public transport. However up to you.
You are not supposed to leave where you are staying. They telephone a few times. Also send somebody to check you are home at least once.
Order your groceries to deliver at home. Order take away food to deliver.

Edited July 7, 2021 by jojothai
add info

[Mac Mickmanus]

2 minutes ago, jojothai said:

I believe that one way tickets are also very cheap check KLM (via AMS) and LH (via FRA) , as well as others.
 

As I understand it, Negative covid test, the test taken 72 hours prior to departure.

If in Bangkok I recommend Medconsult Clinic sukhumvit 49
In the UK coming from amber zone as below you have to self isolate where you are staying 10 days.
Test at day 2 and day 8 have to pass. You can add 5 day test to release. Pay extra for this, if pass you can leave isolation on day 6., but you still have to do and pass 8 day.

You can leave home to go to a clinic for the tests. Day 2 and day 8, I did postal.

Day 5 I went to local clinic so I can get result next day. 75GBP.

When you arrive you are not supposed to use public transport. However up to you.
You are not supposed to leave where you are staying. They telephone a few times. Also send somebody to check you are home at least once.
Order your groceries to deliver at home. Order take away food to deliver.

Thanks , I do not have a mobile phone .

Will that cause any issues?

[jojothai]

1 minute ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

Thanks , I do not have a mobile phone .

Will that cause any issues?

Potentially yes.
You are required to download the track and trace app, and need the telephone for hem to call and check.
Best check online for the rules on NHS website.  Try internet query. You have time.
If you have to Call them from here try to do it cheaply. You may have to wait some time for response. I use skype.

[Johnny Mac]

I would love to be going to go to the UK after the 19th....but sadly won't be happening anytime soon for me.

[Mac Mickmanus]

2 minutes ago, jojothai said:

Potentially yes.
You are required to download the track and trace app, and need the telephone for hem to call and check.
Best check online for the rules on NHS website.  

Can I do that on a laptop  computer ?

[Johnny Mac]

What a strange world we now live in where so many have just accepted all this red tape and nonsense as normal, makes me despair.

 

I wonder when we will be able to travel freely again. like before the world practically ended, without all these headaches?

[Mac Mickmanus]

7 minutes ago, Johnny Mac said:

What a strange world we now live in where so many have just accepted all this red tape and nonsense as normal, makes me despair.

 

I wonder when we will be able to travel freely again. like before the world practically ended, without all these headaches?

I am not given a choice as to whether I want to accept the red tape or not . 

   Either comply or get refused to board the flight or get a 1400 quid hotel 14 day quarantine when you arrive 

[Johnny Mac]

3 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

I am not given a choice as to whether I want to accept the red tape or not . 

   Either comply or get refused to board the flight or get a 1400 quid hotel 14 day quarantine when you arrive 

My post wasn't aimed at you fella, believe me. I was waffling generally.

[theoldgit]

17 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

I am not given a choice as to whether I want to accept the red tape or not . 

   Either comply or get refused to board the flight or get a 1400 quid hotel 14 day quarantine when you arrive 

The fourteen days quarantine in a Government hotel, guarded by G4S or the like, is for Brits who’ve travelled from, passed through, or been in a red zone ten days previously.

 

For those traveling from an Amber zone they must self isolate for ten days at their own home, with friends or at a privately booked hotel. As previously advised you can test and release after five days, but you still need to do the two and eight day tests

[Surelynot]

3 minutes ago, theoldgit said:

or at a privately booked hotel.

Not say that is wrong......I have no idea......but it seems mental that people who may have contracted covid from an Amber zone are allowed to quarantine in a hotel????

[Upnotover]

3 minutes ago, Surelynot said:

Not say that is wrong......I have no idea......but it seems mental that people who may have contracted covid from an Amber zone are allowed to quarantine in a hotel????

It's just fine, gov.uk has it all covered in their advice;

 

If you’re staying in a hotel or guest house, you must stay away from others who did not travel with you. You must not use shared areas such as bars, restaurants, health clubs and sports facilities.

Stay 2 metres apart from other people staying there at all times.

 

 

[Surelynot]

9 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

It's just fine, gov.uk has it all covered in their advice;

 

If you’re staying in a hotel or guest house, you must stay away from others who did not travel with you. You must not use shared areas such as bars, restaurants, health clubs and sports facilities.

Stay 2 metres apart from other people staying there at all times.

 

 

....and of course everyone will do that........problem solved.....!

[Mac Mickmanus]

1 hour ago, theoldgit said:

The fourteen days quarantine in a Government hotel, guarded by G4S or the like, is for Brits who’ve travelled from, passed through, or been in a red zone ten days previously.

 

For those traveling from an Amber zone they must self isolate for ten days at their own home, with friends or at a privately booked hotel. As previously advised you can test and release after five days, but you still need to do the two and eight day tests

 

  I was just stating what would happen if you just ignored all the red tape and just jumped on a flight without prior tests and form filling in, they would likely stick you in quarantine even if you arrived from an amber zone 

[Upnotover]

1 minute ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

 

  I was just stating what would happen if you just ignored all the red tape and just jumped on a flight without prior tests and form filling in, they would likely stick you in quarantine even if you arrived from an amber zone 

I suspect your problem might be jumping on the flight, never mind arriving in the UK.

[sapson]

31 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

  I was just stating what would happen if you just ignored all the red tape and just jumped on a flight without prior tests and form filling in, they would likely stick you in quarantine even if you arrived from an amber zone 

In the same boat as you planning to return, researched a bit seems you cannot ignore the red tape.

 

Coming from Thailand you will need a 72hr pre flight neg covid test to check in, and a passenger locator form filled out with booking ref no. for prepaid day 2 and 8 covid tests......yet these covid tests kits are available free at Uk pharmacies.

 

My biggest concern is packing up ready to go flight booked then heading to Bkk and getting tested at a lab ....and finding I am asymptomatic but positive .....then what would happen ? possibly escorted to a field hospital, not sure how the authorities would handle it?

 

 

[Mac Mickmanus]

5 minutes ago, sapson said:

In the same boat as you planning to return, researched a bit seems you cannot ignore the red tape.

 

Coming from Thailand you will need a 72hr pre flight neg covid test to check in, and a passenger locator form filled out with booking ref no. for prepaid day 2 and 8 covid tests......yet these covid tests kits are available free at Uk pharmacies.

 

My biggest concern is packing up ready to go flight booked then heading to Bkk and getting tested at a lab ....and finding I am asymptomatic but positive .....then what would happen ? possibly escorted to a field hospital, not sure how the authorities would handle it?

 

 

You need to pay 170 quid for the two tests .