Phuket

bayleaf · #1 21-11-2006, 05:46

Hi all,
I've looked up flight ticket prices on't internet for London-Bangkok return and seen that whilst it's possible to get a return on Thai Air for around £436 it's restricted to returning within 30 days.

Has anyone experience of buying such a ticket and then trying to change the return date once in Thailand to more than 30 days, even to return up to several months later?

I'm wondering if they will change it without making a hefty charge or if I just have to pay in the first place for a more expensive ticket that offers a longer return date than 30 days.

Any info greatly appreciated and whether other airlines offer more flexibility at reasonable prices.

Thanks

stevem · #2 21-11-2006, 05:51

You will probably be charged the difference for the next fare level up to a 12 months fare. You used to be able to get away with it by being nice the girl behind the desk, but now some res systems are programmed to restrict certain changes unless a payment is also processed. Not sure about the Thai system though.

If you are planning on being there more than the 30 days, then buy a different fare level ticket. Also keep in mind the visa issue, you may be required to show a visa to allow you stay the longer period.

Here's an idea, ring Thai and ask them

ub2yoo · #3 21-11-2006, 06:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayleaf

Hi all,
I've looked up flight ticket prices on't internet for London-Bangkok return and seen that whilst it's possible to get a return on Thai Air for around £436 it's restricted to returning within 30 days.

Has anyone experience of buying such a ticket and then trying to change the return date once in Thailand to more than 30 days, even to return up to several months later?

I'm wondering if they will change it without making a hefty charge or if I just have to pay in the first place for a more expensive ticket that offers a longer return date than 30 days.

Any info greatly appreciated and whether other airlines offer more flexibility at reasonable prices.

Thanks

To my surprise, Thai Airways has been the most pleasent experience changing return flights so far.

Last week, I've changed my flight back to the UK 2 times without any extra charges ! This was a plain, simple economy ticket booked online.
Thai Airways has a great customer service call center which has been very helpful !

In addition, I've booked a flight for my wife online as well. Due to delays cause of complex UK immigration rules, we had to cancel her flight as well. This ticket was booked online with my credit card. The official rules state that she only can use this ticket in companionship with the card holder who booked the flight. After discussions with their customer services center, we went to the ticket office at the airport to get this somehow changed. At first it was certainly NOT possible to change this. Then the office manager showed up and suddenly all was changed and she now has a ticket which she can use without my presence at a later stage. Good stuff

Overall, Thai Airways is a great airline to work with...that wouldn't be the case with i.e. British Airways as I experienced it so far.

stevem · #4 21-11-2006, 06:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by ub2yoo

Last week, I've changed my flight back to the UK 2 times without any extra charges ! This was a plain, simple economy ticket booked online.
Thai Airways has a great customer service call center which has been very helpful !

Yes but the question being asked here, is did you change the date beyond the validity of the ticket.

ub2yoo · #5 21-11-2006, 06:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevem

Yes but the question being asked here, is did you change the date beyond the validity of the ticket.

This ticket was booked in September, economy & online. Thai Airways told me that the expiration date is Jan'07.

I can not imagine any ticket simpler than that ?

stevem · #6 21-11-2006, 06:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ub2yoo

This ticket was booked in September, economy & online. Thai Airways told me that the expiration date is Jan'07.

I can not imagine any ticket simpler than that ?

OK I give up

ub2yoo · #7 21-11-2006, 06:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevem

OK I give up

Yeah, I gave up to

Flying home alone. But seriously, a simple ticket booked online directly with Thai is easy to swift around for a long time.

As you said, talk to the ppl in a nice way, perhabs you get the desired result.

Tarzan · #8 21-11-2006, 06:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by ub2yoo

Yeah, I gave up to

Flying home alone. But seriously, a simple ticket booked online directly with Thai is easy to swift around for a long time.

As you said, talk to the ppl in a nice way, perhabs you get the desired result.

Klav #2....

MrDK · #9 21-11-2006, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by ub2yoo

This ticket was booked in September, economy & online. Thai Airways told me that the expiration date is Jan'07.

I can not imagine any ticket simpler than that ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevem

OK I give up

It is good that they worked with you on the changes. What Steve was trying to say (I think) was that the ticked rule often includes a "Maximum Stay" clause. If you change your ticket (penalty or not) from September to November the maximum stay rule still apply, calculated from the day of departure. My experience is that airlines are getting very strict with enforcing any rule that can bring in added revenue. There is very little loyalty.

ub2yoo · #10 21-11-2006, 06:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDK

It is good that they worked with you on the changes. What Steve was trying to say (I think) was that the ticked rule often includes a "Maximum Stay" clause. If you change your ticket (penalty or not) from September to November the maximum stay rule still apply, calculated from the day of departure. My experience is that airlines are getting very strict with enforcing any rule that can bring in added revenue. There is very little loyalty.

Hence my surprise as a tourist with Thai. I change a lot of tickets flying for my company and it costs shitloads of penalties. Not in this case.

What's the story with Klav ?

TanMan · #11 21-11-2006, 07:06

The Thai Airways price is fully refundable. No further explanation needed.

The TanMan

stevem · #12 21-11-2006, 07:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by TanMan

The Thai Airways price is fully refundable. No further explanation needed.

The TanMan

A rather sweeping statement, not all fare levels are refundable. It appears only one other person has read the OP properly and understood the question being asked.

Oh well, over and out, wilco, 10 4 good buddy.

MrDK · #13 21-11-2006, 07:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by TanMan

The Thai Airways price is fully refundable. No further explanation needed.

The TanMan

Isn't that only domestic flights? The last trip I booked from JFK to BKK was non-refundable with a $75 change fee.

TanMan · #14 21-11-2006, 07:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevem

A rather sweeping statement, not all fare levels are refundable. It appears only one other person has read the OP properly and understood the question being asked.

Oh well, over and out, wilco, 10 4 good buddy.

OK, purchasing from the United States of America on Thai Airways....... I have never had a problem changing dates, or places, times. etc.. No $75 change crap.

Btw, do you ever have anything positive to say?

The TanMan

stevem · #15 21-11-2006, 07:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by TanMan

OK, purchasing from the United States of America on Thai Airways....... I have never had a problem changing dates, or places, times. etc.. No $75 change crap.

Right so we still havnt answered the original question posed, can he change a return date after departure to beyond the validity of his ticket with Thai.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TanMan

Btw, do you ever have anything positive to say?

The TanMan

Sure do, when not having to correct info posted. The problem is people read this stuff and take it as gospel, rather foolish of them but anyway, so we do need to at least attempt to get it right. And where a specific question has been asked, I try to ensure the poster gets a valid answer and not some long OT repsonse.

bayleaf · #16 21-11-2006, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayleaf

Hi all,
I've looked up flight ticket prices on't internet for London-Bangkok return and seen that whilst it's possible to get a return on Thai Air for around £436 it's restricted to returning within 30 days.

Has anyone experience of buying such a ticket and then trying to change the return date once in Thailand to more than 30 days, even to return up to several months later?

I'm wondering if they will change it without making a hefty charge or if I just have to pay in the first place for a more expensive ticket that offers a longer return date than 30 days.

Any info greatly appreciated and whether other airlines offer more flexibility at reasonable prices.

Thanks

Thanks for some useful info so far but still wondering if anyone knows?!

kjo2 · #17 21-11-2006, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayleaf

Thanks for some useful info so far but still wondering if anyone knows?!

Bayleaf

rules applies to a specific airfare - as we don't have this info - there is no way we could have an opinion on the subject.

If you submitted a scanned picture of the ticket or E-ticket some might have the knowledge to decifer the codes. i.e FARE BASIS BOX and ENDORCEMENT BOX.

If not - read the small print in your purchased ticket.

The rules are then one thing - and what the airline staff do for you - is another thing. So in short - ask the staff and see what the answer is.

the board cannot help you.

--------
KJO2

ub2yoo · #18 21-11-2006, 15:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevem

Right so we still havnt answered the original question posed, can he change a return date after departure to beyond the validity of his ticket with Thai.

Sure do, when not having to correct info posted. The problem is people read this stuff and take it as gospel, rather foolish of them but anyway, so we do need to at least attempt to get it right. And where a specific question has been asked, I try to ensure the poster gets a valid answer and not some long OT repsonse.

You know, I would say any input and real life experience can be helpful to anyone reading it. Not always has everyone the EXACT situation, but the OT stuff around it is very often helpful as I read in many other posts and food for a discussion board.

Now, if Bayleaf really wants to have the EXACT answer to his question, why doesn't he frickin call the airline rather then posting on a board for help ?

ub2yoo · #19 21-11-2006, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayleaf

Thanks for some useful info so far but still wondering if anyone knows?!

Okay, so why don't you get up now, make some phone calls and tell us the outcome.

Or are you going to rely on board info, print out the answers and demand a ticket at check-in based on those papers

LivinLOS · #20 21-11-2006, 15:22

What a thread !!!

My 2 satang is if a fare specifically is offered (and presumably its cheaper than a 90 day or 180 day open return) for only 30 days.. and you wish to change it.. I would expect there to be a penalty..

I know I may be in a minority but I book tickets that fit my travel plans.. If I expect to be longer than 30 days then I wouldnt book a 30 day max stay ticket unless somone senior gave me in writing that it could be changed and if there would be a penalty how much.

I would ask Thai Air..

If your looking for UK flights and if your not too fussy about super direct only then my mates are currently singing Ethiads praises.. You have a stop over in ME (Abu Dabi ??) but very competative prices being offered and good seats and entertainments. Worth checking.

steve w · #21 21-11-2006, 15:47

just came over with them,they are about as good as emirates.same good ent.system etc.only thing that got a

was the food which was crap.
as for the original question i think they would charge you full price, you cannot expect to buy a cut price ticket and get the full benefit of a proper one, innit.