Lounge hopping options at BKK as a QF WP

[MH_fan]

Wasn't quite sure where to post this but I decided this forum seemed appropriate. Anyway, I have almost 11 hours to kill at BKK in a couple of weeks and I don't really fancy leaving the airport. I know that QF directs their own passengers to the Miracle First Class lounges but, as a OWE, I also have access to the JL and CX lounges, and the EK lounge, as part of the alliance that QF have with them.
What do people recommend? I'm arriving in the morning (on AY) and departing on the evening QF flight to SYD. I was thinking of starting off at the JL lounge, then moving to the CX lounge and finishing up at the EK lounge a few hours before the flight departs, skipping the Miracle lounges entirely (or visiting briefly if I need to kill more time in-between).
Any other suggestions or does my lounge hopping plan sound reasonable? I've never lounge-hopped before, so this is why I'm asking...

 

[amaroo]

Ignoring the 11hrs - lounge v enjoying Bangkok.....

We were in the CX lounge a couple of weeks ago - absolute zoo! The EK lounge was the complete opposite.... it gets my vote.

 

[Happy Trails]

Eleven hours is way too long at BKK in my opinion, but if you must stay air-side then your plan looks about right.
The JL lounge closes at 09:45.
I prefer the CX lounge over EK, just for the comfort of the seating, but it does get very busy in waves.
The new Miracle lounge on concourse D is OK, but not something you'd go out of your way for.
Also be aware that you have to be on a QF ticket to use the the EK lounge.
I'd be looking at a day room at the Novotel.

 

[Hvr]

Go into town for a few hours. The train is quick and cheap. No lounges are worth spending 10+ hours in voluntarily.

 

[Eija]

Looks like a good plan. None of the lounges are exceptional.

 

[MH_fan]

Thanks for the opinions. I suppose the Novotel is a good alternative and I can enjoy the pool. I just don't want to be stuck in immigration, which I've heard is a nightmare (unless the express lanes for J passengers work well).

 

[Hvr]

The J express lanes work very well. Just make sure you go to the correct area. They're about 80m past the main area and clearly marked.

Have been through three times this year and longest wait was 10 minutes.

 

[serfty]

...
Also be aware that you have to be on a QF ticket to use the the EK lounge.
...

when you post "QF ticket" does that mean an 081- ticket number?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for the opinions. I suppose the Novotel is a good alternative and I can enjoy the pool. I just don't want to be stuck in immigration, which I've heard is a nightmare (unless the express lanes for J passengers work well).

Express immigration works very well at BKK. Aside from the novotel there are numerous other airport hotels, in about the USD30-40 range. They meet you at the exit from baggage reclaim, drive you to the hotel, and then drive you back two hours before flight departure (or earlier if you want). The hotels are 2-3 star, but provide all the basics. I spent 7 hours in the TG F lounge, probably the best lounge in BKK. I was climbing the walls about 5 hours in. And that was allowing an hour for the massage.

11 hours I think would be too much.

 

[Happy Trails]

when you post "QF ticket" does that mean an 081- ticket number?

That's correct and as advised by tbe EK lounge staff.

 

[serfty]

That's correct and as advised by tbe EK lounge staff.

Thanks ... presumably a QF or EK marketed flight is needed as well.

 

[MH_fan]

It is QF metal and QF flight but I just checked and the ticket starts with 105, so it must be issued by AY even though I'm flying QF out of and back into SYD. Lools like no EK lounge then... The Novotel is looking better...

 

[tea&coffee]

11 hours is way too much. I travel through BKK almost weekly, the CX lounge is the best OW by far but does get quite busy at times. The TG First lounge is the best in the airport.

 

[MH_fan]

Obviously, I can't use the TG F lounge... Are EK very strict on the QF-issued ticket? I'm not on a code-share and I am on QF metal.

 

[Hvr]

Are EK very strict on the QF-issued ticket?

Yes. If you can't show them your ticket they will ring Qantas and get the ticket number. If it's not an 081 ticket number then you will be denied entry.

 

[MH_fan]

Thanks for the confirmation. Well, that's annoying! At least I can now avoid being turned away at the desk...

 

[JohnK]

Thanks for the confirmation. Well, that's annoying! At least I can now avoid being turned away at the desk...

Have you already had the flights? Interesting to know the outcome. Didn't realise ticket number was important.

 

[MH_fan]

Had my flights. Decided not to leave the airport during my long transit in Bangkok. Went to the Japan Air Lines lounge first and had a shower as well as a great breakfast, which did close at 9:45am. It's a great lounge and one I'd happily visit again. Decided to book into the transit hotel for 4 hours so I could have a proper bed to rest in. After that, I spent the remainder of my time in the Cathay Pacific lounge before my flight home.

 

[snabbu]

I spent a fair amount of time in the CX lounge one day recently and quite enjoyed it (other than the fact there are no showers). I was lucky enough to get one of the recliner chairs down the far right side (as you walk in) facing the tarmac, not a bad place to kill a few hours airside.

 

[MH_fan]

I really enjoyed the CX lounge as well. Love the noodle bar and the bar. Had a few coughtails before my flight, which went down rather nicely. I wasn't bothered by the lack of showers.