Thai airlines

[Blackandwhite]

I am flyingThai soon first time with them. Last time I flew with Eva and was able to upgrade for £85 to first class. Anybody done the same with Thai and how much did it cost. Also anybody know any cheeky ways of doing it, Eg; Getting there early or dressing very smart and telling the your PA should have made a first class booking rather than economy.

[sirusman]

Simon i think you find Thai will only upgrade if you pay the full difference between Economy and Business.

[pnustedt]

Or use airmiles if you have them (Star Alliance)

[Jade]

Thai very rarely issue upgrades at no cost, unless they have double booked your seat. I was upgraded to business class on a flight between Sydney and Bangkok where this occured.

[Larry]

Thai Gold Card status includes one complimentary upgrade.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

For 85 pounds to first class...would there be anybody at all up the back ?

[SeaVisionBurma]

There was an ongoing promotion until recently - Royal Orchid members could pay a nominal amount (depending on distance/zone traveled) and upgrade their economy ticket to Royal Orchid/Business class or first class.

Great promotion, I used it a number of times between Phuket/Bangkok and Yangon, and they even gave me the extra miles for travelling up the pointy end.

Plus - travelling with some mates from Rangoon to Bangkok last month, TG had the lucky draw promotion going, so we duly filled out our entries.  Being early in the morning, I was on my 3rd glass of wine when the cabin crew asked me if I would mind drawing the winner?  No problems, and I ambled down to the economy section, stuck my hand in the bag...

AND DREW MY OWN ENTRY   \o/

Don't remember any of the other passengers being terribly amused, and I tried to give it back out of principle - but they would only accept the 1st correct entry!!

Don't worry - karma got me when we landed - they lost my baggage for a few hours.  Great fun that trip  

[phazey]

Jeez SVB, you got to Pimp your winning ticket and flasshy badge everywhere eh ?

Bet you wont post the link to the online photo......

./P

[Axel]

Or use airmiles if you have them (Star Alliance)

Last time, a few years ago, I tried for an upgrade as Royal Orchid - member, they told me, the mileage needed for upgrading would be the same as for a free ticket business-class, because, "we don't want you to buy a cheap Y-ticket and upgrade." (BKK-SHA-BKK)

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Once you make it to a Gold Card with TG Axel, they give you a free upgrade certificate every two years, if you can still retain gold. One round ticket anywhere you want to go. Buy economy, go business, or buy business, go first.

[Axel]

I think the time for cards is running out. Too many members and not enough seats for free tickets or upgrades. Before I kept CX Gold card updated until they changed the system and I lost over 1 million km which I collected for the 2 million-target as life time member. System cancelled, thank you for your past performance....

Today, I keep the lowest member-ship level on TG, CX and AF.

CX allows lounge access and gives me lots of upgradings on short hops (2-3 hours). TG is always good for 10-12 kgs extra luggage, which I need. AF sends promotions for Europe trips. My travel agent alway attaches a free voucher to Louis Tavern lounge in BKK, even for a eco-ticket.

Anyway, oneworld and Star-alliance is all you need combined with a decent credit card to move points, just in time.

Baht 25 spent gives you 15 miles free flights or roughly one beer 45 miles. No wonder I have to work so hard for more mileage.

[SeaVisionBurma]

Axel,

Which credit card rewards you with Thai miles?  What bank and how to apply?

regards

SVB

[dr_Pat_Pong]

SVB  an Australian Amex Card accumulates points that don't expire...when you are ready, you just transfer the points to Thai Inter. I think Amex Thailand does the same.

[aryanation]

yeah i am shallow and sexists but i judge an airline on its hostess and thai do esnt rate never fails to dissapiont so thats where the old elephants go too die

on the other hand MAS I WAS GEE ED UP the whole flight

mad sorts

had go straight from do muang to nana

[Axel]

Axel,

Which credit card rewards you with Thai miles?  What bank and how to apply?

regards

SVB

Hi SVB,

InThailand I use American Express, direct account with them in Baht. You have to enroll for the Freq. Travellers' Choice, here a link:

http//www24.americanexpress.com/thailand/en/personal/cards/rewards/mr_structure.asp

I know in HKG you can get Cathay Pacific Visa or Master, connected to a local bank there. I have an acc. with HCBC in HKG and can instruct them to transfer my points to an airline.

Saw in Thailand ads for TG-cards, believe Diners and Visa but not sure anymore. So much for the effect of commercials.

Believe all card companies have a system, AMEX - points, as an example gives you a choice under their own catalogues to exchange for goods in Thai-shops or to transfer to TG or CX or ??? One airline mile equals 1.5 AMEX-points, which comes to 25 Baht per km or roughly 15 miles.

When transferring points, can be done by phone, they warn you, TG takes 1 week, CX 14 days. Actual experience 2 resp. 5 days. Once the points show up in the airline (personal) web site just shoot off an request, which will be taken care of with n 24 hours.