Phuket Thailand

ThaiLearner · #1 20-08-2007, 18:53

Hi

I am unsure who to travel with both have a similar price to Bangkok but Thai are offering a cheap rate for Phuket. I have travelled with Eva back in March/April 2007 and had no problems I like video on demand as never can sleep well on a plane and yes I will be in cattle class.

Eva LHR-BKK & Budget airline BKK-HKT

OR

Thai LHR-BKK-HKT

Any advice would be great

Thanks

erik1 · #2 20-08-2007, 19:03

i would have a look at the times as the two really do not matter in cattle

luggage schecking through to Phuket may be the big benefit. Are you FF with anyone? as the miles might just make the decision.

Nanook · #3 20-08-2007, 19:13

If I had to make the choice for myself, I would probably fly Thai for 3 reasons.
1. You can label through your luggage all the way to Phuket and most probably get both your boarding passes at your airport of departure.
2. In my case I could add Krisflyer miles (SQ), since Thai is also member of Star Alliance.
3. They may have better connection times to Phuket.

I never flew with EVA, but I heard from a close friend that they are quite good especially on their Evergreen De Luxe. I flew with Thai a few times and have only good experiences.

Success with your choice.

n cee · #4 20-08-2007, 19:19

Went with Thai Air last time LHR-BKK.Plane looked well past it's best.I think EVA is a better option.

ThaiLearner · #5 20-08-2007, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by erik1

i would have a look at the times as the two really do not matter in cattle

luggage schecking through to Phuket may be the big benefit. Are you FF with anyone? as the miles might just make the decision.

Times do not bother me as I am flexible and i not a frequent flyer with anyone .

LivinLOS · #6 20-08-2007, 19:41

EVA the better planes and entertainment.. Thai probably has the edge on transfer and baggage..

I would probably take EVA or the cheapest..

ThaiLearner · #7 20-08-2007, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by n cee

Went with Thai Air last time LHR-BKK.Plane looked well past it's best.I think EVA is a better option.

If I had to make the choice for myself, I would probably fly Thai for 3 reasons.
1. You can label through your luggage all the way to Phuket and most probably get both your boarding passes at your airport of departure.
2. In my case I could add Krisflyer miles (SQ), since Thai is also member of Star Alliance.
3. They may have better connection times to Phuket.

I never flew with EVA, but I heard from a close friend that they are quite good especially on their Evergreen De Luxe. I flew with Thai a few times and have only good experiences.

Success with your choice.

You both make good points I don't sleep very well on flights so i like the entertainment but i also like having to transfer in shortest time possible

ThaiLearner · #8 20-08-2007, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

EVA the better planes and entertainment.. Thai probably has the edge on transfer and baggage..

I would probably take EVA or the cheapest..

Do you think i can check my luggage through from eva to a budget airline?

I know last time I checked through from BA to Thai but not sure if I would be able to do it this time

LivinLOS · #9 20-08-2007, 19:51

I dont think you can check any baggage that is not Thai onto Thai (maybe any star alliance ??) Almost positive you cant to a budget..

ThaiLearner · #10 20-08-2007, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I dont think you can check any baggage that is not Thai onto Thai (maybe any star alliance ??) Almost positive you cant to a budget..

i did last time Ba-Thai no problems it helped no end as i had a knee problem and when using a walking stick too

Dodger · #11 20-08-2007, 20:15

I've flown with both and had good experiences with both, so nothing to choose there.

I'd plump for Thai as the through luggage is a big advantage. Thai fly to Hkt on the hour almost every hour so you will have the best check in time and if your first plane was for any reason delayed you would be put on the next available flight to HKT, which with a budget could be the next day or hours later.

Also and the least important, i always liked flying Thai because I felt my holiday started at Heathrow, with the Thai air stewardesses and thai food on the flight.

Icebox · #12 20-08-2007, 20:23

i liked eva only 10 hrs from LHR and very good seats service videos cant complain , never flown thai so cant compare but evas good

wylos · #13 20-08-2007, 20:30

EVA EVA EVA!

entertainment system is a lot better,service is similar,only minor problems with staff,no biggie,but i was with the tumbler,so,understandable.

recomend elite class(was evergreen deluxe)a little more comfortable for your longer journeys.
but im a fat b@stard and i have ne probs in cattle class.

sishow · #14 20-08-2007, 23:10

If the price is really an issue I would go for EVA too. As others have said the new 777's (I think) are very nice, comfortable planes, and better than the same class in the Thai!

As for connections, through baggage etc. When I have flown them, I have had no problem getting both the eaxctly the same as Thai airways. Just tell the booking-in staff at LHR you are going on to phuket, or just show them the ticket, and your baggage will be checked right through.

If you are using someone like Westeast travel or airline network to get your flights through, then the chances are your BKK-HKT leg will be a Thai Airways jet anyway. If you have to book it yourself then there are numerous cheap carriers in Asia. Or I think Thai airways have a special on domestic flights at the mo!

Well thats my opinion and im sticking to it!

Caerphilly · #15 21-08-2007, 00:49

If your just having a transfer in BKK and going straight through to Phuket surely its gotta be THAI as you get

1 baggage transfer
2 better service if any leg of your journey is delayed
3 don't have to clear customs at Bkk

If your breaking the journey try EVA as they are just slightly cheaper and new planes/entertainment spec

sting · #16 21-08-2007, 01:13

i bookt on Star Alliance today sas from norway to danmark thai from dk to bkk
and thai bkk phuket
arive patong 28.08 and stay to 28.09 i paid in total for all flights 5900 nok(ca34,000THB) that is the best price i have had for years

ThaiLearner · #17 21-08-2007, 01:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caerphilly

If your just having a transfer in BKK and going straight through to Phuket surely its gotta be THAI as you get

1 baggage transfer
2 better service if any leg of your journey is delayed
3 don't have to clear customs at Bkk

If your breaking the journey try EVA as they are just slightly cheaper and new planes/entertainment spec

I think I may go with Thai total price £463 LHR-BKK-HKT RTN

EVA price £424 LHR-BKK RTN plus £40approx BKK-HKT RTN

I would like to go straight to Phuket as soon as I land in Bangkok. I hope they will give me same price as I only want to spend about 5 days there before heading to Pattaya.

cybernator_uk · #18 21-08-2007, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I dont think you can check any baggage that is not Thai onto Thai (maybe any star alliance ??) Almost positive you cant to a budget..

Star alliance carriers no problem. I checked my bags through from Frankfurt/Phuket in May. Flew Lufthansa to Bangkok and then Thai to Phuket. Got the boarding card in Frankfurt for the BKK-HKT leg of the trip.

ThaiLearner - I would personally fly Thai... Even after that god-dam landing in Bangkok. Apart from that 1 time I have never had a problem, and it means you can check your luggage straight through to Phuket.

Another option would be to get to Bangkok, spend the night there, have a great night out and fly to Phuket the next day. Something for you to consider.

cybernator_uk · #19 21-08-2007, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by sishow

If the price is really an issue I would go for EVA too. As others have said the new 777's (I think) are very nice, comfortable planes, and better than the same class in the Thai!

As for connections, through baggage etc. When I have flown them, I have had no problem getting both the eaxctly the same as Thai airways. Just tell the booking-in staff at LHR you are going on to phuket, or just show them the ticket, and your baggage will be checked right through.

If you are using someone like Westeast travel or airline network to get your flights through, then the chances are your BKK-HKT leg will be a Thai Airways jet anyway. If you have to book it yourself then there are numerous cheap carriers in Asia. Or I think Thai airways have a special on domestic flights at the mo!
Well thats my opinion and im sticking to it!

As off a few weeks ago they did. I managed to get a flight from Phuket - Bangkok for 2000 baht... Was more on the internet iirc.

ThaiLearner · #20 21-08-2007, 02:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybernator_uk

Star alliance carriers no problem. I checked my bags through from Frankfurt/Phuket in May. Flew Lufthansa to Bangkok and then Thai to Phuket. Got the boarding card in Frankfurt for the BKK-HKT leg of the trip.

ThaiLearner - I would personally fly Thai... Even after that god-dam landing in Bangkok. Apart from that 1 time I have never had a problem, and it means you can check your luggage straight through to Phuket.

Another option would be to get to Bangkok, spend the night there, have a great night out and fly to Phuket the next day. Something for you to consider.

I went to Bangkok on my last trip it was ok, so I'll just go straight to Phuket.

Thanks anyway

Marky P · #21 21-08-2007, 03:35

Think I'd fly EVA, flew with them last year, brand new plane, no problems & then Bangkok Airways to Phuket

MrDK · #22 21-08-2007, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaiLearner

I think I may go with Thai total price £463 LHR-BKK-HKT RTN

EVA price £424 LHR-BKK RTN plus £40approx BKK-HKT RTN

I agree with your choice. Convenience has a value (luggage checked through, all boarding passes at first check-in and "no loss" if connection is missed).

xxmikexx · #23 21-08-2007, 10:51

I have used Thai from LHR a few times and the In Flight Entertainment (IFE) is poor. Old 747's & no individual screens and just 1 movie I think. Food & drink & service were fine. Leg room was OK. Flights have always been full, so no chance of empty seat next to me. I have often used Th