Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - Bangkok-Athens by TG: Interesting Facts

I am looking at booking a trip from Bangkok to Athens next July. TG's website indicates the aircraft used for this sector is A340-500 both ways, which has business, premium economy and economy classes seats. When I checked online, no premium economy seats were available, which I figured must have been an error with TG's online booking system. I subsequently phoned TG and requested a price for a premium economy seat and was informed that these seats are not used for this sector and that they are only used for the long-haul LAX sector. I found this very strange that TG would not be willing to sell all seats available on an aircraft - surely this can not be viable long term !!! :confused: Do you think that using these aircraft to Athens is a short-term move only?

I would be interested to hear other comments about this sector if anyone has travelled to from Bangkok to Athens (or vica versa) recently.

just because they don't sell premium economy does not mean they don't sell the seats. they will be sold as economy and most likely given to *G's or ROP members.

besides that, the equipment could change at a moment's notice

just because they don't sell premium economy does not mean they don't sell the seats. they will be sold as economy and most likely given to *G's or ROP members.

besides that, the equipment could change at a moment's notice

Similar things happen on the BKK-SIN route. I've had Y tickets but been sitting in J seats with Y service. I was a happy camper for sure!

The aircraft used for this sector SHOULD BE A340-500 both ways.
However, this is not the case yet. Up to now the aircraft has been a 777-200, sometimes ER. The Athens office does not know when or if the change will be made to the A340.
So they do not give seat reservations for the A340, even though this is the aircradt that turns up on a web search.
Would be glad to know if you have any news as I fly ATH-BKK on 16th Nov.

Thanks all for your help. Yogini55, your response makes perfect sense. There is probably some uncertainty whether the A345 will actually operate on this sector next year and accordingly, TG are not selling premium economy seats yet. I might give TG a call and check whether they would allow me to purchase an economy seat but be seated in premium economy - its a long shot but worth a try.