Connecting to BKK, London or Frankfurt?

[Thighlander]

Those are my choices coming from DC on Star Alliance. Both would be Thai Airways to BKK. Layovers both about 2 hours. Any reason to choose one over the other? It appears the Frankfurt route is about 30 minutes less flight time.

[IsaanUSA]

You would probably get better advice if you asked on FlyerTalk (rules do not permit me to give you a link). I can give you some poor advice though

Frankfurt is a confusing airport to transit in, and when I made the trip my local airport would not ticket me all the way through, so I showed up in Frankfurt without my ticket to my final destination in Asia. TG's desk did not open until an hour or so before the flight. Luckily we flew first class and were able to access the lounge since they could look us up my name in the computer. The lack of complete ticketing did make me nervous.

I believe LHR is more liable to suffer delays.

Also, keep in mind what plane TG will use to fly you from each destination. They may be different. 747 vs A380

I do love Lufthansa

Again, you will find A LOT of information about this over on FlyerTalk

[tingtong]

Frankfurt is lot more traveller friendly...

For me, London (Heathrow) is a disappointment for connecting.

[dddave]

I have transited through Frankfurt many times and though it is large the gates and terminals are well marked. Yes, the walks to your gate can be very long..

The STAR ALLIANCE (Lufthansa) lounge there is one of the best in Europe with very nice shower rooms and a nap room along with very decent food.

There is a strong probability your THAI flight will be a Lufthansa code share.

Economy class on Lufthansa is nothing special. They finally are using new 747-800's on the FRA-BKK route so there are individual screens and power sources but you will still be packed in like a Vienna sausage.

If you are STAR GOLD, upgrades are rare these days as most flights are full but at least you'll be able to board with the first group so you won't have to fight for overhead baggage space.

[cigar7]

I have transited through both LHR and FRA in the last 6 months, coming from IAD bound for BKK using United to cross the Atlantic. The Thai airways aircraft from LHR was a 747 and from FRA a A380. In both flights, I got 3 seats to myself which was great for a little snooze. The A380 was nicer. United IAD to LHR no longer gives free booze in economy.

At LHR I had to switch terminals by bus. In FRA I had to switch terminals too, but it was long walk inside. FRA has better signs than LHR.

Also, I didn't get the BKK boarding pass until I got to the gate in FRA.

The other consideration is duty free. I think the booze prices are lower in BKK than either LHR or FRA, unless you buy the specials, which are sometimes 20-30% lower than the regular duty free price.

I would use FRA because of the A380 and the food in the Luftansa lounge.

[smokie36]

Better through Frankfunrt for sure.

[Thighlander]

I don't think it is a codeshare, as I checked the Lufthansa site, and they have two completely different flights. FRA is a 380 v the 747 at LHR. No free booze on UAL from PEK to IAD, except they will slide you a mini bottle of wine with dinner. Did they have free drinks from IAD to FRA? My passes are only good for the ua club so I'm sol there. I was kind of planning my route to avoid ua as much as possible. If I leave 4 hours earlier I can take Swissair, but the reviews weren't very good on it either. TG has been good to me, but loved Asiana. It appears that going through Japan on ANA is not really an option from IAD anymore, but that was sweet, as well.

And thanks for the suggestions! I'm sure my interests are very similar to yours. Saving money, being comfortable, free drinks, hot flight attendants, and general efficiency to name a few. Unfortunately, UA is one of the most despised companies in America. You can't beat free flights though.

[merijn]

I have transited through Frankfurt many times and though it is large the gates and terminals are well marked. Yes, the walks to your gate can be very long..

The STAR ALLIANCE (Lufthansa) lounge there is one of the best in Europe with very nice shower rooms and a nap room along with very decent food.

There is a strong probability your THAI flight will be a Lufthansa code share.

Economy class on Lufthansa is nothing special. They finally are using new 747-800's on the FRA-BKK route so there are individual screens and power sources but you will still be packed in like a Vienna sausage.

If you are STAR GOLD, upgrades are rare these days as most flights are full but at least you'll be able to board with the first group so you won't have to fight for overhead baggage space.

Do you know for sure that Lufthansa is using the B747-800 for FRA - BKK.

According to the Lufthansa reservation system they are still using the A340-600 during the 2014 season for this trip.

I was planning to book Business Class with Lufthansa but did not do due the A340-600 seats which are old and not really comfortable.

[Thighlander]

I just booked my ticket. 23 hours and 25 minutes. 40.10 usd +32,500 frequent flyer miles.

I was looking at the Thai website and it indicated that the 380s do not have the upgraded entertainment systems, anyone know about that? They did clearly state free drinks in economy.

It is freezin' fookin' cold here, I can't wait!

[Upnotover]

I just booked my ticket. 23 hours and 25 minutes. 40.10 usd +32,500 frequent flyer miles.

I was looking at the Thai website and it indicated that the 380s do not have the upgraded entertainment systems, anyone know about that? They did clearly state free drinks in economy.

It is freezin' fookin' cold here, I can't wait!

I think you'll find the reason the 380's don't have upgraded entertainment systems is because the planes are brand new and didn't need upgrading!

[smokie36]

German beer is great.

[cigar7]

Another consideration of LHR versus FRA is the security fee. The fee in LHR is higher, so even if you fly using miles, the fee is still payable.

Thai A380 entertainment is modern, no complaints. Thai airline international flights have free booze in economy. The luftansa lounge in FRA has 24 hours free booze too.

I am heading back to BKK starting on 06JAN, but this time via CLE, SFO and NRT, but maybe I'll be delayed due to the snow forecast in CLE. Just too cold here in YYZ, -35c with the wind chill.

[Thighlander]

yes, understood about the 380. Is it better to be on the upper deck? Is there a power outlet? And I love german beer. Does UA or TG have it? BTW, FRA route is about 11 us cheaper on the taxes/fees. NRT has very good cigar selection. I gotta mention that PEK had 1dollar cans of beer at the giftshop, it was nice to walk around and do a few beers before the 12 hours of misery on UA.

[IsaanUSA]

Confusing thread. So ticket is booked...what did you end up booking?

[Pattayastyle]

FRA is more reliable then LHR. Germans handle Your luggage more efficient then LHR.

LHR is World famous for mishandling luggage. And LHR is total mess for transfer.

Just my opinion.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[Thighlander]

Confusing thread. So ticket is booked...what did you end up booking?

IAD-FRA-BKK-CNX

[IsaanUSA]

Confusing thread. So ticket is booked...what did you end up booking?

IAD-FRA-BKK-CNX

What airlines? LH then TG? How long is the layover in FRA? Coach or business or first?

Just curious. I kind of want to try the Dreamliner from Denver to Tokyo, but have heard mostly negative reviews (mostly about the seats being narrower)

[wileycoyote]

Recently used Star Alliance LH-TG,no problems at Frankfurt-Currently gets my Vote

[Thighlander]

Confusing thread. So ticket is booked...what did you end up booking?

IAD-FRA-BKK-CNX

What airlines? LH then TG? How long is the layover in FRA? Coach or business or first?

Just curious. I kind of want to try the Dreamliner from Denver to Tokyo, but have heard mostly negative reviews (mostly about the seats being narrower)

United on first segment to Frankfurt, then Thai Airways. 2 hour and 25 minute layover in Frankfurt, but a half hour less flight time to BKK, then about an 1:40 layover in BKK, and that one is least important as they have lots of flights to CNX.

[IsaanUSA]

sounds good. Keep in mind that United does not give free booze on their flights if you are in economy or economy plus.

Have a safe trip!

[Thighlander]

sounds good. Keep in mind that United does not give free booze on their flights if you are in economy or economy plus.

Have a safe trip!

I did get a few mini bottles of wine with "dinner" on United for free. Seems to be a bit unknown. I recommend not referring to the flight attendants as "grandma" even though there may be striking resemblances.

[dddave]

I have transited through Frankfurt many times and though it is large the gates and terminals are well marked. Yes, the walks to your gate can be very long..

The STAR ALLIANCE (Lufthansa) lounge there is one of the best in Europe with very nice shower rooms and a nap room along with very decent food.

There is a strong probability your THAI flight will be a Lufthansa code share.

Economy class on Lufthansa is nothing special. They finally are using new 747-800's on the FRA-BKK route so there are individual screens and power sources but you will still be packed in like a Vienna sausage.

If you are STAR GOLD, upgrades are rare these days as most flights are full but at least you'll be able to board with the first group so you won't have to fight for overhead baggage space.

Do you know for sure that Lufthansa is using the B747-800 for FRA - BKK.

According to the Lufthansa reservation system they are still using the A340-600 during the 2014 season for this trip.

My Error, just checked my boarding passes...it was a 340/600 BKK-FRA. My FRA-MEX leg was on the 747/800. Apologies for the mis-information.

I was planning to book Business Class with Lufthansa but did not do due the A340-600 seats which are old and not really comfortable.