Thai airways

[82rhoads]

Hi. We all know that the cost of flights back to the UK can be be quite pricey but has anyone flown with “Thai Airways” back there? The prices are coming up quite good for return flights around $4000 in sept for 3 adults tickets and a child. Anyone had an issue with them at all? All the other airlines are $5500/ $6500...cheers, Darren

[ali]

Not flown Thai for a number of years - there are some recent reviews on trip adviser

[Bristle]

Flying back to the UK with them next Wednesday, if you can wait I’ll let you know how it goes.

[82rhoads]

That would be great. Thanks very much

[Bristle]

Here is how things went.

Check-in at PERTH Airport was very quick and got through all the security checks easily. There was a delay of 30mins in boarding but no announcements were made and the departures screen said nothing so a bit of confusion but eventually boarded very quickly.

First Flight

Cabin crew were polite and helpful. Snacks and drinks were served early in the flight and then main meal. If wanting wine ask for a couple of glasses as only pour a small measure. OH had booked “bland” option for food and had chicken, mashed potato and green beans for main course. The normal option was chicken curry with rice or beef with potato gratin. Soft drinks were brought around during the flight and alcohol could be asked for.

Entertainment was OK and, although I had seen some of the films, there was plenty to view.

Bangkok Airport transfer

only a short stop but did not enjoy the experience as over 30 degrees and no aircon in the airport. After walking from the plane drop off through to transfer lounge were drenched and felt uncomfortable until we were able to board the second flight.

Second Flight

Again there was a delay in boarding, with no announcements, but we boarded quickly so weren’t too late in leaving. 

Service was the same as first flight so no complaints. First meal “bland” option was salmon with rice. Main options were Chicken Thai green curry or a pork stew. Wine served by half measure again.

Same entertainment as first flight but managed to keep ourselves occupied. Plane was darkened for large part of flight so people could sleep but extra drinks available on request.

Breakfast: Bland option was fish with potato balls, main option was hash brown, pork sausage and omelette.

Heathrow Airport

Disembarked quickly and then reached immigration. Use your UK passport if possible as the non-EU line was horrendous. When we reached the luggage reclaim there were piles of luggage from other flights awaiting collection. They also started to make a pile of luggage awaiting people from our flight.

Overall the trip was not bad and the flight were OK. We saved $600pp on the whole trip so can’t complain. Flight service was good and we have travelled with Emirates and Singapore before. Due to the price saving it was worth it for us (apart from Bangkok Airport). 

Hope this helps.

[82rhoads]

Thanks so much for the detailed reply. This puts our mind at rest as yeah the price is so much lower than the others. We’ve flown Emirates, Qatar, Malaysian, Virgin and Qantas and out of those Malaysian was the better but now Thai is coming up at $4300 which is superb and if the service is good as you say I think we’ll go for it. I’ll remember the passport tip for sure. Thanks Bristle, much appreciated.

[Bristle]

Quick update on the return flights. Service on both legs was again very good. The movies and TV were the same as before (with one or two additions) so I was starting to struggle for something to watch.

Both return flights were below capacity so on the first leg we had a row of four seats to ourselves and the OH was able to lie down to sleep. This also helped when checking in as our bags were slightly overweight (due to my OH deciding that she didn’t have enough shoes and clothes, although she could open a shop with the amount she has, and buying more) but we weren’t charged extra.

 

[82rhoads]

Thanks Bristle, sounds like a good trip all round then. We've got our dates sorted and Thai is still by far the best for price. Although after a UK trip it sounds like you copped a fair cost in shoes! Hopefully I won't!