Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - Domestic Fare change/promotion

THAI announced a new fare structure (or promotion?) in today's Bangkok Post:

THAI cuts local fares to fight budget rivals
(http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/227087/thai-cuts-local-fares-to-fight-budget-rivals)
It'll be interesting to read the Terms and Conditions for this. The article also mentions double miles. I couldn't find them yet on the THAI website.

Also an interesting change of direction. Last year THAI was trying to get rid of a bunch of domestic destinations, and raised domestic fares about 35% on April 1st, only to rescind most of that increase a few months later.

THAI announced a new fare structure (or promotion?) in today's Bangkok Post:

THAI cuts local fares to fight budget rivals
(http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/227087/thai-cuts-local-fares-to-fight-budget-rivals)
It'll be interesting to read the Terms and Conditions for this. The article also mentions double miles. I couldn't find them yet on the THAI website.

Also an interesting change of direction. Last year THAI was trying to get rid of a bunch of domestic destinations, and raised domestic fares about 35% on April 1st, only to rescind most of that increase a few months later.


Yes, it will indeed. Now if it were only double segments it might yet be a cheaper way to achieve *G.

I don't see the reduction on their site. It looks like the fares have actually gone up. A few days ago the one-way fare BKK-CNX was around 2400baht and now its around 2900baht.

BKK-CNX is indeed pricing out as 2970 o/w. On the same dates DD prices out as a promotion of 1290 o/w. This is being competitive?

The current promotion Smile 2010 (expiring March 31st) is only bookable at the promotion web page (not on the normal domestic booking engine.) There is a new promotion on the website now, and these new fares might ultimately be bookable only through that web page:

I Fly THAI Domestic (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/i_fly_dom.htm)


However, it appears that it is not functioning correctly now. It shows an additional column of low fares for travel dates through March 31st (amusingly titled Brand name not yet defined.) And that entire column disappears for travel dates starting with April 1st. On the other hand, that column is appearing now when trying to make bookings using the normal domestic booking engine on the THAI website. So maybe ultimately these fares WILL be bookable without going to a special promotion web page. (I'd think they would want to make these fares easy to find and book if they truly want to capture more market share.)

Perhaps somebody jumped the gun in starting this promotion before it could be fully setup on the website and in the reservations system. I would phone THAI or ask at a ticket office if I needed to fly before they get this straightened out on the website. They also need to get the rest of the details of this promotion (such as T&C) published.

They've been running promotions continuously, though under different program names, for quite some time. Why they only have them linked through the bottom left of the page is beyond me.

I would expect this new program to pick up as of April 1, as you said, because the smile program will end on the 31st of March.

The current program, Smile, wasn't bad for cost, however it was only on Monday-Thursday flights, which often meant booking 2 o/w, since booking a r/t that included a Fri-Sun flight would force all flights into the normal pricing scheme.

I'd really like to fly TG domestically since all flights earn miles on my preferred FFP, however I'm not paying 2x what I can on DD.

As everything with TG, we'll need to wait and see what comes out.

The fares are very good, but what I love is the double mileage

The fares are very good, but what I love is the double mileage

Very good? All I'm seeing is "I fly Thai" and the fares are outrageous.

On top of that there's no explanation of the promotion at all. Am I missing somehting?

The fares are very good, but what I love is the double mileage

I see fares from 2970 to 3990 for CM to BKK in April. Doesn't seem to be any reduction, or even a special promotion. Very strange. And nothing at all about double miles. I guess it takes time to make changes in the website.

[QUOTE=dsquared37;16056340 Am I missing somehting?[/QUOTE]

The fares are current from last Tuesday till Sept 30th, there are also some unbelieveable European premium seat specials out there at the moment.

The fares are very good, but what I love is the double mileage

The fares are rubbish. It is 1000 baht more for CNX/BKK than what I paid this week on the last promotion.

The fares are current from last Tuesday till Sept 30th, there are also some unbelieveable European premium seat specials out there at the moment.

Good lord man, what in world does that have to do with domestic fare promotions? :confused::confused::rolleyes:

As a sci-fi fan, I must say that this thread reminds of a parallel universe stories.

As a sci-fi fan, I must say that this thread reminds of a parallel universe stories.

Oh, no no, that's just BKKROP being himself.

FINALLY, there is some information about the I Fly domestic deal. It's still only in Thai on the site, but that's an improvement, I guess. From what I can decipher, it does give double (1000) miles on flights. Now all we need is a quick translation by a Thai-speaking member.

Perhaps a bit off-topic, but does anyone has an experience of changing non-changeable ticket (per rules) for earlier flight on the day of departure as standby on domestic route?

I just booked before CNX-BKK for evening on the promotion but then later figured out that I could already leave in the afternoon.

FINALLY, there is some information about the I Fly domestic deal. It's still only in Thai on the site, but that's an improvement, I guess. From what I can decipher, it does give double (1000) miles on flights. Now all we need is a quick translation by a Thai-speaking member.

I can make out some of it... but i do love when English words are transliterated into Thai.

If no one posts before, I'll ask my better half to give me a hand this afternoon.

BTW: the domestic prices are still outrageously expensive. 2970B to CNX, 3460 to CEI, 3405B to KBV etc. Those are o/w.:td::td::td:

BTW: the domestic prices are still outrageously expensive. 2970B to CNX, 3460 to CEI, 3405B to KBV etc. Those are o/w.:td::td::td:

So the prices actually went up for this promo. Great :confused:

So the prices actually went up for this promo. Great :confused:

We have a winner. Well, we actually seem to lose alot. All of us. :td::td:

These o/w prices are eerily reminiscent of the r/t, 30 day advance, prices of the about-to-be-gone Smile fare.

There is a full English translation in today's BKK Post.

There is a full English translation in today's BKK Post.

Do you have a link? Not able to find it online.

They are good aren't they - announcing a pricing change to become more competitive with Air Asia and getting market share back, by putting UP the prices!

Do you have a link? Not able to find it online.

It's an advertisement that takes up about two-thirds of page 5.

It's an advertisement that takes up about two-thirds of page 5.

I'm not aware of any way to find advertisements online for the Bangkok Post.

Here is the basics of what the Thai online ad says:

Flying Thai is easy, you'll get 1000 miles per flight, checked bags can be 20kg, carryon 10kg, TG's planes are very safe, you'll get food and drink and great service.

The end.

And all this for the very special price of a 25% increase in prices.

I'd scan the ad and post it here, but I'm not sure if that is a no-no. I see there is now a Thai version of the ad visible when you click the "I Fly Thai Domestic" promo box on their website.

•These fares are booking into V class, and can be booked from the regular domestic booking area. They don't have to be specially booked from the promotion area like the current "Smile 2010" fares are.

•The prices are certainly a disappointment compared to the current "Smile 2010" promotion; as an example, Khon Kaen-Bangkok goes from 1835 OW to 2595 OW, an increase of 41%. To be fair though, these new fares are available any day, while the Smile 2010 fares are only available Monday-Thursday.

•Also to be fair, I'm not sure how much seasonality comes into play on the domestic routes? At any rate, the prices on this promotion are still certainly better than what THAI did last April 1st, when they had an average 36% price increase and had no promotions. In my case, that pushed the Khon Kaen fare up to 3150 OW.

•From the wording in the ad, it sounds like they might be doing double miles on all domestic flights (at any fare?). The ad states: "Minimum 1,000 miles are earned by Royal Orchid Plus members on each THAI domestic flight during 15 APR 2011 - 30 Jun 2011." Note that those dates do not match the dates of the "I Fly THAI Domestic" promotion, which is from 1st APR 2011 to 30 SEP 2011.

•I would certainly say that the article in the Bangkok Post did not present an accurate description of the whole situation. It used wording such as "bold move," "lower fares," and said "The new fares, effective from March 15 to Sept 30, are 15% lower than the airline's current rates and will be competitive with those of budget airlines, said Pandit Chanapai, executive vice-president for commercial affairs."

I'd scan the ad and post it here, but I'm not sure if that is a no-no. I see there is now a Thai version of the ad visible when you click the "I Fly Thai Domestic" promo box on their website.

. . .

•From the wording in the ad, it sounds like they might be doing double miles on all domestic flights (at any fare?). The ad states: "Minimum 1,000 miles are earned by Royal Orchid Plus members on each THAI domestic flight during 15 APR 2011 - 30 Jun 2011." Note that those dates do not match the dates of the "I Fly THAI Domestic" promotion, which is from 1st APR 2011 to 30 SEP 2011.
. . .


Why does the double miles deal begin 15 days later than the rest of the promotion? Because Thai didn't want to give it to the people flying for Songkran. Of course this takes away one reason why people would choose Thai over the discount airlines during that period. Looks like the Einsteins at 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd have done it again!!!

Why does the double miles deal begin 15 days later than the rest of the promotion? Because Thai didn't want to give it to the people flying for Songkran. Of course this takes away one reason why people would choose Thai over the discount airlines during that period. Looks like the Einsteins at 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd have done it again!!!

And how can thye claim to lower prices when this is patently not true.

As for Songkran, your reasoning only covers the outbound flight. Everyone coming back to BKK will be doing so on the 16th and 17th.

Let's hope that once April 1 rolls around that the prices will actually lower. Otherwise I'll buy my domestic tix on Bangkok Airways.

Let's hope that once April 1 rolls around that the prices will actually lower. Otherwise I'll buy my domestic tix on Bangkok Airways.

Or DD for places PG doesn't fly to.

Or DD for places PG doesn't fly to.

I use FD more than either of them, Suvarnabhumi is more convenient to me than DMK and FD has better frequencies. I would use PG if the price and time is right though.

I use FD more than either of them, Suvarnabhumi is more convenient to me than DMK and FD has better frequencies. I would use PG if the price and time is right though.

I rarely use PG domestically... i jsut don't usually go where they fly. :D

As for DD vs FD I do prefer the former. They often have the same or lower prices, free bag, and will give you something to drink. I'll use the latter if connecting in BKK.

The highway stretch south from DMK also has the highest toll fee in Bangkok: 60B. :mad:

Just got off the phone with TG. After taking care of what needed to be dealt with I inquired about a random date in late April, o/w to CNX and was told the cheapest fare is 3055B. This is about 80B more expensive than online.

So, unless something changes, not only have fares risen 20% over prices through the end of March, but they are not cheaper on the phone.

Same between BKK and HKT.

1.700 W incl. ( fare 1.060 + 650 Taxes and fees ) Cooloing Summer 2009

2.525 W incl. Taxes and fees smile 2010 promo

3.540 V incl. Taxes and fees cheapest normal fares since Apr. 2010

To decrease costs, we now many times book H class discover Thailand fares, minimum 3 max. max 6 coupons 92 USD = 2760 THB +100 taxes = 2.860 THB per flight. @ least for the more expensive destinations as Phuket, that's not that bad now, thought these fares also rebookable for free ( change date ).
But for reservations one has to have an international ticketnumber with any airline !

Same between BKK and HKT.

1.700 W incl. ( fare 1.060 + 650 Taxes and fees ) Cooloing Summer 2009

2.525 W incl. Taxes and fees smile 2010 promo

3.540 V incl. Taxes and fees cheapest normal fares since Apr. 2010

To decrease costs, we now many times book H class discover Thailand fares, minimum 3 max. max 6 coupons 92 USD = 2760 THB +100 taxes = 2.860 THB per flight. @ least for the more expensive destinations as Phuket, that's not that bad now, thought these fares also rebookable for free ( change date ).
But for reservations one has to have an international ticketnumber with any airline !

It's beyond comprehension why prices would rise to this extent for low season.... and after TG is claiming they want to win back some of the pax who left for the LCC's.

As for the Discover Thailand fares, I challenge you to find a domestic segment on TG that's cheaper than 3000B.

I'll look into this after my next intercontinental trip in a few weeks. Thanks.

CORRECTION --
HEADLINE SHOULD READ:
A Joke - BIZ is $40US MORE

I checked out the domestic "fare sale" and I see that their economy RT BKK to Chiang Mai comes out $40 less than buying outright a BIZ(!) class seat on the same flights.

(also edited to take out unnecessary sarcastic comment about TG's business model)

CORRECTION --
HEADLINE SHOULD READ:
A Joke - BIZ is $40US MORE

I checked out the domestic "fare sale" and I see that their economy RT BKK to Chiang Mai comes out $40 less than buying outright a BIZ(!) class seat on the same flights.

(also edited to take out unnecessary sarcastic comment about TG's business model)

They have a business model? I think you're being too generous.

It's beyond comprehension why prices would rise to this extent for low season.... and after TG is claiming they want to win back some of the pax who left for the LCC's.

As for the Discover Thailand fares, I challenge you to find a domestic segment on TG that's cheaper than 3000B.

I'll look into this after my next intercontinental trip in a few weeks. Thanks.
Flying back tomorrow from CDG to BKK ( of course "O" class ), we also use a last coupon "H" BKK-HKT, while 3 days later 31.st march I booked smile 2010 back to BKK. And returning back to HKT mid april we will wait, if them open a new promo, or book a new "H" dicover Thailand pass.

[QUOTE=davevi;16104837]CORRECTION --
HEADLINE SHOULD READ:
A Joke - BIZ is $40US MORE

I checked out the domestic "fare sale" and I see that their economy RT BKK to Chiang Mai comes out $40 less than buying outright a BIZ(!) class seat on the same flights.

Another "fun" feature is that domestic business class does not give you more miles than economy. This was true both under 500 mile minimum and the new 1000 mile minimum deal. Go figure!

Another "fun" feature is that domestic business class does not give you more miles than economy. This was true both under 500 mile minimum and the new 1000 mile minimum deal. Go figure!

Yes, that's always been a quirk of ROP. On flights shorter than 400 miles, a business class fare does not yield any extra miles (because they apply the 125% to actual mileage, not the 500 mile minimum. Most other carriers apply any bonuses (such as class of service) to the minimum mileage figure (500 miles in ROP's case.)

BKK-HKT is long enough that you do get a few extra miles, but most domestic segments are under 400 miles and do not yield anything extra.

The site (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/i_fly_dom.htm) has been updated into English, but the prices have not changed. In the T&Cs it refers to "above prices" but there aren't any listed.

The site (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/i_fly_dom.htm) has been updated into English, but the prices have not changed. In the T&Cs it refers to "above prices" but there aren't any listed.

Perhaps they meant the new prices are considerable above the older prices. :D:D

THAI cuts local fares to fight budget rivals (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/227087/thai-cuts-local-fares-to-fight-budget-rivals)

From the Bangkok Post story linked above:
Thai Airways International yesterday introduced a new fare structure for domestic tickets in a bold move to reclaim market share lost to low-cost carriers.

The lower fares, complemented by double mileage points, are intended to lift the flag carrier's share in the domestic air travel market above 50%, from about 35% now.

The new fares, effective from March 15 to Sept 30, are 15% lower than the airline's current rates and will be competitive with those of budget airlines, said Pandit Chanapai, executive vice-president for commercial affairs.


I don't know if most of the fault lies with THAI, or the Bangkok Post? But this promotion certainly does not seem to be as it is characterized in the first three sentences of the article.

Special Songkran fares:

http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/songkran_en.htm

The promotion was released for ticketing on March 30 but I just noticed it. Highly doubt there anything good left to be found unless you're flying from the provinces to BKK for songkran.

Special Songkran fares:

http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/songkran_en.htm

The promotion was released for ticketing on March 30 but I just noticed it. Highly doubt there anything good left to be found unless you're flying from the provinces to BKK for songkran.

It would be nice if the domestic promo was on par with the Songkran promo.

It would be nice if the domestic promo was on par with the Songkran promo.

I'd be happy with the middle ground.

Buying a PG ticket today CNX-BKK. A full point earning ticket on this route is 1955B. Which is 1000B cheaper than TG.

I'd be happy with the middle ground.

Buying a PG ticket today CNX-BKK. A full point earning ticket on this route is 1955B. Which is 1000B cheaper than TG.

I just checked and the BKK-CNX flights are now about 2610B, which is still a joke and not at all competitive with PG with their 1700B fares on the same route.

I just checked and the BKK-CNX flights are now about 2610B, which is still a joke and not at all competitive with PG with their 1700B fares on the same route.

Since I have a stash of PG points to begin with I have no problem spending 200B extra (1955) for 10 pts rather than 5 pts (1755B). But you're right, either way and it makes any decision easy.

I've also noticed that there were 'Super deals' to CNX a few days ago from CNX as well. So there are seats going unsold.

EDIT: These fares are listed as 'Hot Deal', a level underneath the previously lowest 'saver' fare.

I have to admit I was totally turned off by PG (Bangkok) Airways years ago and didn't bother to pay much attention to them. I know the whole marketing campaign with "Boutique" and such seemed to bill it as a full-service premium carrier. Have they changed their strategy lately, seeing how they are undercutting THAI by so much on the fares quoted above?

Do they still turn the screws to their customers with fares on the Samui route? I remember several years ago there was an uproar by the locals on Samui because their fares were hitting 10,000 baht (RT) to Bangkok. If I recall correctly, their answer was to make some relatively obscure method of booking known to the locals in order to give them discounts and shut them up, while keeping their pricing strategy intact for the masses.

I have to admit I was totally turned off by PG (Bangkok) Airways years ago and didn't bother to pay much attention to them. I know the whole marketing campaign with "Boutique" and such seemed to bill it as a full-service premium carrier. Have they changed their strategy lately, seeing how they are undercutting THAI by so much on the fares quoted above?

Do they still turn the screws to their customers with fares on the Samui route? I remember several years ago there was an uproar by the locals on Samui because their fares were hitting 10,000 baht (RT) to Bangkok. If I recall correctly, their answer was to make some relatively obscure method of booking known to the locals in order to give them discounts and shut them up, while keeping their pricing strategy intact for the masses.

Well, considering that TG's lowest price BKK-USM is 5040B while PG is 3655B.....

On my regular PNH-BKK-PNH route I actually prefer PG and they have Leo on the plane. :D However, with no alcohol/shower in the lounge it rather turns me off. If I didn't have *G I'd never fly TG on this route.

Their FlyerBonus FFP is rather worthless as well.

Well, considering that TG's lowest price BKK-USM is 5040B .

Might I suggest an alternative, why not buy a PNH-BKK-USM-BKK-PNH, and if you do this haul on a regular basis, use two tickets, one commencing in PNH, the other in USM

Might I suggest an alternative, why not buy a PNH-BKK-USM-BKK-PNH, and if you do this haul on a regular basis, use two tickets, one commencing in PNH, the other in USM

You're taking my statement completely out of context. I was answering a query, not entertaining ideas of heading to USM.

Anyway, it's cheaper buying the PNH-BKK and BKK-dom segments separately. Purchasing in the fashion gives savings each and every time I've searched.

...marketing campaign with "Boutique" and such seemed to bill it as a full-service premium carrier. Have they changed their strategy lately, seeing how they are undercutting THAI by so much on the fares quoted above?


Bangkok Air is awesome. I think they realized that they were being too exclusive and miscalculated how price sensitive consumers are. For the last few years they have matched or lowered their prices compared to TG. They still have all the benefits of the 'boutique' airline, at prices often lower than TG & Air Asia.

With PG, you get online-check-in, free seating choice, generous baggage allowance with interline ability, lounge access for every passenger, ability to change dates on some fares and even up-fare on non-refundables, in flight snack and beverage, etc. Now they are not really the same boutique airline that they started out with, but more of an airline that offers a whole lot more for the same price or cheaper.


Do they still turn the screws to their customers with fares on the Samui route?


Yes, but this is the same issue that people have with TG. This whole thread is about TG screws hitting TG customers. Samui rates are too expensive, because the airport is private, owned by Bangkok Airways owners IIRC.
But, they offer much cheaper rates on many other routes.

Now, do not confuse my love for PG as anything other than what it really is. I like TG and PG equally. I love the airlines that meet my flying needs (which change over time). I will start singing TG praises the minute they bring me good prices and value. Bottom line is that...

Airlines that save me money get my business. ^

Any update ? new offer ? for domestic fares ?
May be the anouncement in BP was an april-joke. ( bad one )
need 5 seats BKK-HKT 19th April
comparing
TG cheapest on website 3195
TG discover tailand 2860 ( but full flexible H class )
air asia 1870

As we have luggage a lot, I think I opt for the discover TH fare, will be aprox 700 THB more if I calculate incl. luaggage, and the time I can fly 4 pm is more covenient than FD's 8 pm flight. And last but not least, we can use TG's lounge.
** The songkran fare was not bad for 1890 but finished 18th.

I just bough and flew BKK-HKT on PG for 1825 tax in, V fare.

I saw another print ad today at the bottom of page 1 in the Bangkok Post.

I also booked a round trip between Khon Kaen and BKK today online. There were two fares that came up online priced lower than the price quoted in the ad (about 5,400 baht RT.) I booked a W class "Hot Deals" fare for 4,600 RT.

This promotion is bizarre. Who are they trying to fool?

I saw another print ad today at the bottom of page 1 in the Bangkok Post.

I also booked a round trip between Khon Kaen and BKK today online. There were two fares that came up online priced lower than the price quoted in the ad (about 5,400 baht RT.) I booked a W class "Hot Deals" fare for 4,600 RT.

This promotion is bizarre. Who are they trying to fool?

Yes, I spotted that one quickly, it was right under the article about all the problems with the Airport Link.

What confuses me is the list of reasons they give to fly TG seems to be in comparison to FD, but then ad goes further and talks about 'Greater value with exclusive services'. CNX at 3055. KKC 2720. KBV 3505. URT 3355.

Greater value my a$$. :td::td:

After the April 1 rollout of this ridiculous promotion TG snuck in some cheaper fares, like the one you purchased, and even had some great, but very limited selection, for a Songkran promotion.

With fares as they are I've switched my domestic flying to PG where possible.

Not sure if this is a perfect fit but reasonable enough so as not to start a new thread. In perusing TG's special fares page I found two things of note.

1. Inspiring Thailand 2013 (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/inspiring_en.htm) domestic discount fares through March 31. What struck me immediately is the absence of V/W fares to UTH, UBP, USM and URT. I don't remember ever having domestic airports left off the list.

Also HDY has a price discrepancy with the first two flights of the day cheaper than the afternoon flights.

2. A new multi-coupon domestic package called Thailand Special Apex Fares 2013 (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/thailand_special_apex_fares_2013.htm) which appears to parallel the Discover Thailand pass with several notable exceptions.

A. The new pass books into Q (rather than H)
B. The first 3 coupons (min) cost $147 (rather than $280)
C. Additional coupons (max 6) cost $49 (rather than $94, max 8)
D. CNX-HKT v.v is $98 (rather than $188)
E. For both passes the CNX-HKT segment can only be the purchased as the 4th,5th or 6th coupons.
F. Apex 2013 fares are valid for 1 month (rather than 3 months)

Both passes are issued in conjunction with an international ticket into Thailand but that ticket can be on any airline.

A catch on the new pass would be the exclusion of BKK-USM v.v as I am not currently seeing any Q fares being sold. Also the APEX pass requires reservations to be made at least 21 days in advance while I don't see any such language in the Discover Thailand pass.

Both passes are issued in conjunction with an international ticket into Thailand but that ticket can be on any airline.


I tried to book the Apex deal, but was denied because the international ticket must be issued by TG.

I tried to book the Apex deal, but was denied because the international ticket must be issued by TG.

This is patently untrue. If you go here (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/thailand_special_apex_fares_2013.htm) you will clearly see:

Only in conjunction with International travel to/from/via Thailand. Passenger must be able to show the connected international tickets on demand.

Note:International tickets/flights may be via any carrier. Ticketing for this Thailand Special APEX fare must be issued on THAI(217) plate/ stock.

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