Is it worth Joining Thai Airways Frequent Flyer Program

[FBS1960]

Am about to recommence flying both domestically and internationally after a few years firmly grounded.
I currently have QC Membership and lifetime silver (close to Lifetime Gold) as well as a member of Virgin Frequent flyer programme with the lowest level status at present.

I will be travelling for business 3-4 times per year to Bangkok and as I generally prefer direct flights the obvious option would be Thai Airways.

Is there any value in joining the frequent flyer program or a something similar to Qantas club to gain points as well as access to the Thai Airways lounges.

Regards
FBS

 

[jase05]

Have no idea about the program but a work colleague of mine travels to Bangkok 4-6 times a year and has joined Asiana’s program and swears by it. Only 40,000 miles to reach Star Alliance Gold and you have 2 years for qualifying or keeping status. Might be worth looking into?

 

[oh_lol]

If you think you'll easily achieve Gold with Royal Orchid Plus, it'd be the way to go, otherwise go Asiana as jase05 mentioned as you have 2 years to qualify.
The only big difference would be that you'd get a free upgrade once per year with Royal Orchid Plus Gold.

 

[Kerrodt]

Qantas doesn't have its own lounge at BKK, but depending on your OW status or class of travel you might have access to the Cathay lounge which is quite good when its not crowded (and it is often crowded in the times I have been there when it coincides with departing CX flights).

TG lounges in BKK are naturally quite good and sizeable.

If lounge access in BKK is a consideration in your decision, the above may be relevant.

 

[dajop]

TG lounges in BKK are naturally quite good and sizeable.

They are sizeable. But the good thing about star gold in BKK is you can access both the EVA and SQ lounges - which are both excellent lounges, and better than the TG lounges that star golds can access flying economy (and better I think than the TG J lounge as well).

 

[leadman]

I'm with TG SA Gold and i find it very, very good. The two year membership is great and i've still a year to run on the current period + ive already qualified for the next two so having the 3 years "in the back pocket" is better than the yearly run with QF. With a bit of travel the 80,000 every two years is quiet easy to achieve.

Further they give you bonuses each year, one an upgrade and the other a heavily discounted points offer , like 44,000 to Europe in J. Personally I feel TG is far more friendly compared to the business-like QF who just seem to hatching the next plot to cut the programme back. My loyalty for QF is 1,200 SC, no more.........