BA to change Bangkok to London flight times

[bigbamboo]

I can't say the '5PM rush hour' argument holds much water when there's also a 7AM one (once you clear Immigration and Customs). I use the KLM route and find leaving BKK late morning and arriving in ABZ same evening (totally avoiding LHR) is easier.

Its a huge difference if you are heading out of London at 5pm with all the other commuters, at 7am they are heading in the other direction.

I appreciate that the traffic can be worse depending on where you are headed and what time. I would reckon that both ways, both times would be kinda screwed since, with regard the north/south circular, there's them that lives 'inside' and work 'outside' as well as those living 'outside' that work 'inside'? Regardless to say, anyone counting on the M25 is royally...

Do trains get traffic jams too?

In the UK when it's the wrong kind of jam, yes they do.

[Hugh Jarse]

Route restructuring and, as you say, not having onward destinations or 'fly-through' options at BKK, changes the whole game. Air France/KLM totally reworked their global schedules around this time last year to the same effect that BKK is now a turnaround destination and the BKK-CDG and BKK-AMS flights are both daylight flights. Could also be to be more competitive with the mid-east based carriers on certain time slots and get flyers away from those lucrative stopovers that Qatar, Emirates and the others enjoy.

The downside is no more cheap as chips local hops on big, empty planes to Saigon, Phnom Penh or Taipei. Swiss dropped their Singapore hops ages ago and AFAIK, only Ethiopian, Egypt Air (daily), Royal Jordanian and Lufthansa do Kuala Lumpur these days but Turkish (daily) filled the gap when Lufthansa dropped Saigon after they went to 3-days/week FRA-BKK.

TG will be maintaining their 2 London flights for now and next Fall will have the A380 on one of those flights so that should soak up any of the dischuffed BA fliers... unless they are THAI haters of course.

I can't say the '5PM rush hour' argument holds much water when there's also a 7AM one (once you clear Immigration and Customs). I use the KLM route and find leaving BKK late morning and arriving in ABZ same evening (totally avoiding LHR) is easier.

Never flown into London.

But was wondering if the rush hour would still be in effect by the time you collect your baggage and clear customs and immigration?

Yes it is! The tubes (underground trains) are now packed throughout the day in and out of Heathrow as indeed all over the network in London. One of the most unpleasant modes of transport in the UK with poorly designed carriages, little room for baggage and poorly ventilated.Also, poor value for money and watch out you dont arrive at an underground station, such as Victoria,(in central London) where there is not even an escalator to take you (your baggage, prams, wheelchairs etc) up to the main station concourse).

[yoshiwara]

When I used KLM it was the night flight too, (via AMS arriving EDI at around 9 am). I don't know which airline I'll use after BA change. The only option seems to be Lufthansa, as the Middle Eastern flights would mean two stopovers. My drive takes 1 hour, but it's the picking up the hire car etc, and if you have a day flight and want to "enjoy all the facilities" of business class that some suggest are there, I'm glad for them. The sense of a short flight created by sleeping 6-8 hours of it with the aid of a pill seems to me more preferable. "Enjoying the facilities" might tempt one to drink a glass or three of champagne, but not if I'm driving at the other end. When I sleep on a night flight I do so straight after take off, foregoing the "enjoyable facilities" of dinner with wine etc etc. It's never going to be the best dining experience whether your in Business of First Class.

Horses for courses obviously, but the options (night time vs. daytime) from the so-called hub of BKK seem to be limited, and getting more so.

If you want night flights in both directions plus a wide choice of flights out of Bangkok you could try Cathay Pacific and get to utilise your One World points.

[KittenKong]

The press release in the BKK POST states terminal 5, perhaps it's a computer issue for now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As mentioned a few posts up my BA e-ticket for next year states T5 on it, very clearly. The itinerary also states that the plane will be a 777.

Of course this may all change at any time between now and then.

Personally I rather liked the 747-400 I flew on a few weeks ago with BA. I found it very comfortable, and I really liked the flip-down head restraints for sleeping.

[Bangkokhatter]

If they can bring their prices inline with those charged by the Middle Eastern airlines then I won't look to anyone else when it comes time to visit the family.

My recent LHR/BKK/LHR BA ticket at under GBP550 was cheaper than the likes of Qatar and Emirates, and I got a proper Gin and Tonic and some wine before my meal arrived which is more than the Middle Eastern airlines have ever managed to do. In fact I was very pleased with the service on the flight. No dolly birds, just professional people who actually know how to do their job.

My only objection to the new flight times is that I will probably end up going to BKK on the bus the evening before and staying locally rather than having the hassle and unnecessary expense of getting a cab from Pattaya at some ungodly hour of the morning. The idea of a long daytime flight seems generally preferable to a long overnight flight. On the night flights the airlines often black the cabin out for most of that time, even if it is broad daylight outside. I found it annoying to be sitting in the dark for hours, wide awake yet unable to look at the view outside.

eerm what view at 35,000 feet

[Stjohnm]

If they can bring their prices inline with those charged by the Middle Eastern airlines then I won't look to anyone else when it comes time to visit the family.

My recent LHR/BKK/LHR BA ticket at under GBP550 was cheaper than the likes of Qatar and Emirates, and I got a proper Gin and Tonic and some wine before my meal arrived which is more than the Middle Eastern airlines have ever managed to do. In fact I was very pleased with the service on the flight. No dolly birds, just professional people who actually know how to do their job.

My only objection to the new flight times is that I will probably end up going to BKK on the bus the evening before and staying locally rather than having the hassle and unnecessary expense of getting a cab from Pattaya at some ungodly hour of the morning. The idea of a long daytime flight seems generally preferable to a long overnight flight. On the night flights the airlines often black the cabin out for most of that time, even if it is broad daylight outside. I found it annoying to be sitting in the dark for hours, wide awake yet unable to look at the view outside.

From my point of view, living near On Nut BTS Swampy isn't that far away so departure time isn't that much of a big deal for me, but arriving into LHR first thing, an ungodly hour if someones meeting you having to work through the AM rush-hour isn't nice, at least in the afternoon most of the traffic should be heading in the opposite direction. When they run one of their World offers promotion BA are as competitive as anyone on price, & as long as you fly with them or another One World airline at least once every three years they won't confiscate all your air-miles (unlike many others who have a use them or loose them policy, regardless of loyalty). Although they've been criticised by some, I've never had a bad experience flying with BA & they are always among my first choice when booking.

I'm not a fan of indirect flights, how Qatar can call itself a 5* airline when you have to transit through Doha airport is beyond me.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[apiwan]

On the night flights the airlines often black the cabin out for most of that time, even if it is broad daylight outside. I found it annoying to be sitting in the dark for hours, wide awake yet unable to look at the view outside.

Then you need a dream liner 787.

Yes you can see out .and its dark inside

Flew DOH /LHR may this year

That is one lovely plane . hopefully when all issues fixed

They'll be everywhere

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[sungod]

I can't say the '5PM rush hour' argument holds much water when there's also a 7AM one (once you clear Immigration and Customs). I use the KLM route and find leaving BKK late morning and arriving in ABZ same evening (totally avoiding LHR) is easier.

Its a huge difference if you are heading out of London at 5pm with all the other commuters, at 7am they are heading in the other direction.

I appreciate that the traffic can be worse depending on where you are headed and what time. I would reckon that both ways, both times would be kinda screwed since, with regard the north/south circular, there's them that lives 'inside' and work 'outside' as well as those living 'outside' that work 'inside'? Regardless to say, anyone counting on the M25 is royally...

Do trains get traffic jams too?

Leaves on the track ?

[baboon]

I can't say the '5PM rush hour' argument holds much water when there's also a 7AM one (once you clear Immigration and Customs). I use the KLM route and find leaving BKK late morning and arriving in ABZ same evening (totally avoiding LHR) is easier.

Its a huge difference if you are heading out of London at 5pm with all the other commuters, at 7am they are heading in the other direction.

I appreciate that the traffic can be worse depending on where you are headed and what time. I would reckon that both ways, both times would be kinda screwed since, with regard the north/south circular, there's them that lives 'inside' and work 'outside' as well as those living 'outside' that work 'inside'? Regardless to say, anyone counting on the M25 is royally...

Do trains get traffic jams too?

As a former railwayman, I can assure you they do.

[samtam]

When I used KLM it was the night flight too, (via AMS arriving EDI at around 9 am). I don't know which airline I'll use after BA change. The only option seems to be Lufthansa, as the Middle Eastern flights would mean two stopovers. My drive takes 1 hour, but it's the picking up the hire car etc, and if you have a day flight and want to "enjoy all the facilities" of business class that some suggest are there, I'm glad for them. The sense of a short flight created by sleeping 6-8 hours of it with the aid of a pill seems to me more preferable. "Enjoying the facilities" might tempt one to drink a glass or three of champagne, but not if I'm driving at the other end. When I sleep on a night flight I do so straight after take off, foregoing the "enjoyable facilities" of dinner with wine etc etc. It's never going to be the best dining experience whether your in Business of First Class.

Horses for courses obviously, but the options (night time vs. daytime) from the so-called hub of BKK seem to be limited, and getting more so.

If you want night flights in both directions plus a wide choice of flights out of Bangkok you could try Cathay Pacific and get to utilise your One World points.

Yes, I've done that, but of course it's via Hong Kong, so there are two stopovers, (HKG) and (LHR), and it takes about 24 hours, give or take.

[Rinrada]

Wife goes back on BA in November and we have already been informed of flight/time changes.

When she left it was from Lhr T-3 ..747 and as mentioned new times of arrival around 5-00pm suit us since allowing an hour at "immi" its then onto the Piccadilly line to our gaff in North London with plenty of time for a couple in our local boozer (shuts 12 midnight)

New flight arrives at T-5 ...777 which also suites me since I go via Amsterdam and can connect into London easily in the afternoon.

[KittenKong]

eerm what view at 35,000 feet

Anything that isnt darkness or people nearby counts as a nice view as far as I'm concerned. Even plain sky.

Though in fact if you look downwards you get a very nice view of the ground, assuming that there isnt too much cloud cover.

[Bagwan]

...

Day flights are a pain. What are you supposed to do for 11-12 hours to stay awake, so that you can sleep at the other end?

Huh? Leaving Bangkok in the morning, having a long day airborne and arriving at your destination before bed time? What's wrong with that?

What to do for 12 hours? Watch movies, read, catch up on work, eat and maybe a nap.

I mean, would you sleep all day before a long overnight flight?

What to do to fill in on a 12 hour flight? Ever thought of joining the 5 mile high club?

[KittenKong]

Then you need a dream liner 787.

Yes you can see out .and its dark inside

How does that work then?

I flew on a 787 from the Middle East to LHR also and I didnt notice anything special about the lighting or the windows.

[NanLaew]

Then you need a dream liner 787.

Yes you can see out .and its dark inside

How does that work then?

I flew on a 787 from the Middle East to LHR also and I didnt notice anything special about the lighting or the windows.

Unless Qatar (?) airlines didn't go with the ambient/mood lighting and the high-tech auto-tinting windows, there will be some Boeing engineers (and salesmen) totally gutted that their innovations have been missed by the serious flyer.

[Eneukman]

I suspect that those in favour live in the London area and don't need to catch a connecting flight and then have to travel on by public transport later. In fact, I reckon it would be almost impossible for me to get to where my brother lives on the same day by public transport. Getting back to Edinburgh in the morning would be just as inconvenient.

Alan

...

Day flights are a pain. What are you supposed to do for 11-12 hours to stay awake, so that you can sleep at the other end?

Huh? Leaving Bangkok in the morning, having a long day airborne and arriving at your destination before bed time? What's wrong with that?

What to do for 12 hours? Watch movies, read, catch up on work, eat and maybe a nap.

I mean, would you sleep all day before a long overnight flight?

No, I sleep on the long overnight flight. It sure passes the time. Also, when I arrive in LHR I have to transfer to EDI and then I have to drive to Perthshire. If I've slept, then showered at LHR, my driving is a lot safer, (especially when it's dark).

[Paul888]

You can please all of the people some of the time..........

[Rinrada]

My next whizz...will be Suwanna (leave 2-30am)Royal Orchird Lounge,Abu D Business Lounge ...al ahream,Amsterdam Royal KLM lounge,Heathrow T5...coffee shop,Edinburgh...pick up car and drive to sisters hoose in Kinross.

Might have a quick pint in that wee pub under the bridge...for old time sake.

Its what you make of it.

[samtam]

Ah yes. Life is a journey, not a destination.

[Chivas]

BA used to have 2 flights a day to BKK that mirrored TG.

Most have been a long time ago ?? BA9/10 were my only options from early 90's on staff standby tickets ?

Or were you thinking of Codeshare agreements with Qantas ??

[Lancashirelad]

I guess it doesn't affect many of us here, but BA have also done away with 1st class on the LHR - BKK route.

[gentlebreeze]

I won't be losing any sleep or worrying about this one because they are too expensive for a far inferior service than all the other airlines that supply the same and faster route from LHR, so guys celebrate and fly with ETIHAD or EMIRATES and enjoy the true value and luxury of the sky that British airways cannot equal and fall dismally behind their competitors!

[sungod]

Fail to see how stoping off for an aircraft change in the middle east is faster than a direct flight?

Sent from 2 baked beans cans and a piece of string

[zoza]

a couple of months ago I booked for the first time with B A, and although the flight was ok

it was the lead up after booking that was different. About 24hrs before my flight I received

an email informing me of a change to my flight times, although my flight from the uk was the same

my return flight had been alterd,the bkk to heathrow was ok but my shuttle flight from heathrow to Manchester now gave me just twenty minutes between landing at heathrow and taking off again,

as my last heathrow memories involved the airport closing down and a subsequent worldwide ban on anyone carrying any liquids, my thoughts on managing this feat were not very positive.

so I rang B A customer service and was told if I basically didn't fancy the 20 min dash they could

change my flight to a three hour wait in heathrow.at no time was I advised what was the best course of action, and I felt really let down by B A, and I wont be rushing to book with B A in the future. shame really.

[RabC]

I won't be losing any sleep or worrying about this one because they are too expensive for a far inferior service than all the other airlines that supply the same and faster route from LHR, so guys celebrate and fly with ETIHAD or EMIRATES and enjoy the true value and luxury of the sky that British airways cannot equal and fall dismally behind their competitors!

Mmm I think he doth protest too much, jealous of those that can afford direct flights?