Its cheaper to buy in LOS than the UK if you shop around.

The least expensive open return BKK to LHR was 39000bht travelling Biman and before you say more, I found the service OK except for the delay at Dhaka on the return leg. Food was good and beer and wine flowed freely. The Dhaka Business class lounge is a disgrace but at BKK and LHR its very nice.Flight times were very convenient.

I haven't tried Egypt Air as they seem to be the next least expensive.

Travelling business class does take the strain out of the flight and particularly if you have a larger frame.

Departure and arrival times are very important to link in with travel to the airports in LOS and the UK.Its no use arriving in the UK after 20.00hrs if you want to travel into London and catch a train to the provinces.

Anyone have any other experiences?

I flew Qatar business last month and have a new booking oct/nov.

Price now is 67.000 baht out of bkk. I fly to Paris and don't know what business class you can get for 40k baht, but Qatar is a treat. Almost no jet lag and good sleeping the next nights is priceless.

I fly out of bkk at 20.45 and arrive Paris CDG 07.15 ideal for further travel into France.

Considering tier 1 airlines return fares are around 1k euro economy and 2500 business 67k is not too bad.

I flew Qatar business last month and have a new booking oct/nov.

Price now is 67.000 baht out of bkk. I fly to Paris and don't know what business class you can get for 40k baht, but Qatar is a treat. Almost no jet lag and good sleeping the next nights is priceless.

I fly out of bkk at 20.45 and arrive Paris CDG 07.15 ideal for further travel into France.

Considering tier 1 airlines return fares are around 1k euro economy and 2500 business 67k is not too bad.

I agree Qatar is very good value, Their business class on the A330's is on comparison with most apart from the flat bed offerings - its near flatbed same seats as Lufthansa's and new SAS business.

Wines are good, in flight movies on demand etc. food is good and service is very attentive.

I have flown them twice from bkk now once to Manchester and once to Frankfurt and back both business class. Price I paid both times was 60,000 baht. Best place to book in BKK seems to get them a little bit cheaper than anywhere else is tv.booking in emporium.

Oh and fly them twice business you get enough miles to take you to gold member in the airmiles club and enough points for a economy-business upgrade next time from bkk on one of the sectors or a free economy ticket.

Only thing is the couple of A300-600 they have left used on doha-fra are a bit long on the tooth now with inferior seating and no seat back tv's in business........portable dvd players on request......terrible.

Lounge in DOH (While new one is built) for business class is VERY small and can get very crowded - but the first class lounge is much more relaxing once you get the airmiles u can travel business and use the first facilities.

But if its the A330's (is on BKK-DOHA and DOHA-MAN) enjoy.

Having said that the nutter that managed to get into the UNLOCKED flight deck this week has made me thing twice about their security procedures........I have a feeling heads will roll at QATAR flight ops this week

Connection times can be a bit short in DOH which can be a good thing and a bad thing.

Edited August 12, 200619 yr by dekka007

Aeroflot are a decent enough outfit.I have used them several times and never really had any problems. If you miss your connection in Moscow, they put you up in a hotel. The only problem there is you will not be allowed to leave your floor as you have no Russian visa, but far better than a night at the airport.However....

"Vodka with your meal?"

"Aach, go on then."

"Another vodka, sir?"

"Aach, go on then."

"ANOTHER vodka, sir?"

"Aachgoonthen."

"Look mate, just keep the bottle."

Edited August 12, 200619 yr by baboon

I was interested in using some of the cheaper business class routes mentioned, but also from the point of view of taking a planned i night stopover. We have a 2 year old that makes the long hauls a bit of a grind and it would be better to do two six/seven hour flights. I was wondering if anyone knows whether the two leg tickets can have a stopover built in to them without a huge hike in price.

I was interested in using some of the cheaper business class routes mentioned, but also from the point of view of taking a planned i night stopover. We have a 2 year old that makes the long hauls a bit of a grind and it would be better to do two six/seven hour flights. I was wondering if anyone knows whether the two leg tickets can have a stopover built in to them without a huge hike in price.

At the risk of being boring, Aeroflot I believe can organize this. However it takes about 9 hours to Moscow and 3 and a half to London so I dont know of that will be any use to you.

I was interested in using some of the cheaper business class routes mentioned, but also from the point of view of taking a planned i night stopover. We have a 2 year old that makes the long hauls a bit of a grind and it would be better to do two six/seven hour flights. I was wondering if anyone knows whether the two leg tickets can have a stopover built in to them without a huge hike in price.

At the risk of being boring, Aeroflot I believe can organize this. However it takes about 9 hours to Moscow and 3 and a half to London so I dont know of that will be any use to you.

Yeah, the nine hours is stretching it a bit. I guess I am looking for an even split that gives the shortest legs. If you went as the crows flies from LHR to BKK and stopped exactly half way, you would end up on the borders of Kazakstan and Uzbekistan! Not sure many operators running that route!

That's why I like Qatar and the likes, 2x7 hours to europe.

I can't stand 12 hours flights any more at my age...It's a nice break to relax in the business lounge when you have a FF card. (2 eco returns in year, 20k miles)

And yes Dekka I will probably book 2 business returns next FF year to get gold. I transited in Qatar last july and the airport was greatly improved sine the opening of new gates.

baboon

How much was your Aeroflot return business class flight and at what time of year?

Was it an open return or 3 month etc...

Who did you book it through.

Charma

Uzbekistan fly Bkk/LHR via Tashkent which must be nearest to half way!

I still have an open return with them.

They lost my luggage having sent it to India not BKK from LHR

Its a long story but I was not very happy.

No complaints about the flight and service otherwise

Business class is quiet and would suit children.

They use Boeing 767 wide jets.

Try Skytrax.com to get another opinion.

Sept and November are usually cheaper and quieter times to fly BKK/LHRor other UK airports.

Without meaning to promote<I contacted "Jane" at www.saveflights.com

Tel Bangkok 29327112 or 25396106

Good service should be noted and additional advice re booking the return flight in the UK was very helpful.

tartempion

I've done Qatar both to BKK and CMB (Colombo)

You may find Royal Jordanian less expensive.

With all these airlines its the promotion flights to search for,whether economy or business class.

Kuwait can be very cheap but "dry". Gulf Air are another possibility.Unless its direct flight and you are in a hurry there seems point in paying over the odds.

One point is always to check the flight/journey times whether its direct or indirect.

Etihad 5*stay overnight in Abu Dhabi is worth the experience too. You can include a visit into the city on the hotel bus.

I have to return to the UK in September so will post best offers or you can email me.

Not Business Class but EVA Air Evergreen Class (Economy Deluxe) at Baht 40,000 return is great value. New planes, big seats, with individual interactive multi media.

baboon

How much was your Aeroflot return business class flight and at what time of year?

Was it an open return or 3 month etc...

Who did you book it through.

Charma

I dont remember the exact price, but it was a one month return ticket in November.It cost about 150 U.K. Pounds more than Economy on B.A. or Thai.

The wait in Moscow for U.K. passengers was only 2-3 hours each way but I do not know if this is still the case.

Hope this is of some help.