Picking the right Thai flight in business

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expat aussie

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Just about to book SYD-BKK-LHR business with Thai. After years of enjoying corporate trips, paying with my own hard earned having recently set up a business.

Have read the many reviews that describe the new Thai fleet (summary v. good) and the comparison with the old fleet (summary average at best). Does anyone know what percentage of the fleet has been refurbished and/or what the best day to fly from SYD would be to maximise chance of getting the shiny new fleet.

Also considering trying first class, for same price as Cathay et al

Any experiences, advice hugely welcome. [/b]
 
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Welcome to AFF expat aussie :)

I suggest you visit Flyer Talk's Thai forum to get the lowdown on what aircraft to look for, what seat, etc.

Be aware, however, that Thai is notorious for last minute aircraft changes.
 
Changes

Kiwi Flyer said:
Be aware, however, that Thai is notorious for last minute aircraft changes.
I have to agree, although the last time this happened to me it was to my advantage. On Xmas Day I expected an "old" refurbished aircraft for a Business Class seat. That is, there were be an in-seat video but not video-on-demand. I had checked with Thai the week or so before and been pre-assigned the last row in Business Class (26). You can tell the style of aircraft quite simply - if the last row in Business is 27 then it's not refurbished, if it's 26 it's "old" refurbished and if it's 25 it's "new" refurbished. I checked in and was assigned a seat in Row 25. It was, indeed a "new" refurbished aircraft
 
expat aussie said:
Also considering trying first class, for same price as Cathay et al
Just so you know, it's possible with TG to purchase an upgrade at the airport. Search AFF & FT forums and the Thai website & you'll get more information. Then do the math and see which option represents best value. For e.g. you could pay for business and purchase an upgrade to First at the airport if it's the new style aircraft. This also acts as a kind of "insurance" in case TG switches a/c at the last moment, which as Kiwi Flyer noted is unfortunately not that uncommon. Good luck and welcome to AFF :D .
 
Good suggestion. From what I have seen and heard the $ to pay for upgrade are ridiculously cheap.
 
The afternoon flight from MEL-BKK that operates four times a week is usually operated by the brand spanking new A340-600. (Bad landing issues aside that made the aircraft US for a little while and meant the reintroduction of the MD11 to the route - I think temporarily)

Now that ain't going to help you much unless you fly down to MEL from SYD.
 
If the TG fare is the same cost as CX, I'd be flying with CX. Difficult to beat the service and on-board facilities.
 
I suspect TG first class is about the same as CX business class. From NZ, it is actually cheaper to go Thai first than almost all airlines' business class.
 
I flew out on the TG flight at 5pm on 21st Dec. Before I got my Op Upgrade (as discussed in another thread) I was considering the cost of paying for the upgrade. Mel - Bkk = US$550. Bkk - LHR = $US650. In the end I decided against it as the flight was on an old MD-11 - No personal video, just large screen at end of cabin section. The Service agent warned me against paying for the Upgrade, reminding me that the Plane was NOT an A330. Very kind of her. And then she gave me the Op Upgrade.

I see that the MD-11 have now gone from the schedule for 2006. I will chekc to see where they have ended up - probably flying in Africa no doubt.
 
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