Experiences with Thai Royal Orchid Plus

[ChrisFlyer]

I'd be interested to hear of any experiences fellow members have had with the Thai ROP program, specifically, with converting points from credit cards and using them to book flights.

(I'm not too concerned with upgrading or earning Thai points from other sources - am more considering Thai as an option for converting some future AMEX points, given that some of the Thai/Star Alliance redemption rates are more favourable than KrisFlyer on routes of the same length - at least, if I've read the tables correctly.)

Is the ROP call centre usually easy to deal with when it comes to booking Star Alliance flights, and do they accept AMEX for the payment of taxes and fees on reward bookings? I know their Australian website wouldn't accept AMEX for a long while when booking paid tickets, but it seems to be set up again now. Am just hoping the same is true over the phone!

 

[travelislife]

They are very good. One massive advantage is being able to waitlist flights too.

 

[kirawn]

I fly Thai all the time.I am Thai Gold,.
No problem using Amex to buy tickets. Also easy to transfer points on a one to one basis.
I use the Brisbane office if i need assistance. Sometimes difficult to get through but staff are always helpful.
I enjoy the perks that Gold brings including a birthday gift of 50 % points discount on one flight per year. Also can buy an economy ticket and get a free Business class upgrade. I usually use this on Brisbane to London route. Status lasts for two years. Service on aircraft is usually excellent with a 787 Brisbane to Bangkok and A380 Bangkok to London.

 

[bernardblack]

Anyone currently active in Royal Orchid Plus who could answer a couple of questions for me, please? I have an account but can't search or price itineraries online without transferring sufficient points in (and thus locking them into a three-year lifespan).

1. How far in advance does the award calendar open up? If I'm looking for, say, an Air Canada award which they would book for revenue or through Aeroplan at ~355 days out, would I be able to book through ROP then or are they closer to the ~330 days?

2. What are the surcharges like on, say, YVR-SYD (or MEL or BNE) and return, in J, on the AC nonstops? The points for a roundtrip booking are much better than the other Star option to which I can easily transfer points (SQ/KrisFlyer).