Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus - JFK-BKK When to buy?

We are travelling to Bangkok in June 2006. 4 people (2 premium economy and 2 regular economy-our teens will just have to suffer). I see huge price fluctuation from April to June. Right now June is $1314 plus tax. Any suggestions on when to buy?

I too am wondering the same thing. I plan on traveling JFK-BKK in mid August and the price seems to drop dramatically the 2nd week in August. For some reason, June and July are the most expensive months of the year for that route. Perhaps because it is the low season, they need to bump up the rates due to lower passenger loads.

I too am wondering the same thing. I plan on traveling JFK-BKK in mid August and the price seems to drop dramatically the 2nd week in August. For some reason, June and July are the most expensive months of the year for that route. Perhaps because it is the low season, they need to bump up the rates due to lower passenger loads.

Welcome to FT.

I believe the reason is the opposite - the loads are high, and it is peak season (one of the busiest seasons of the year) in Asia, school starts again in August, so that's why fares drop in August.

When the loads are low - they drop prices in order to fill more seats

Cheers

if you buy from ex-bkk you can get 1 year open tickets for i believe less than 1500 dollars with tax included

Welcome to FT.

I believe the reason is the opposite - the loads are high, and it is peak season (one of the busiest seasons of the year) in Asia, school starts again in August, so that's why fares drop in August.

When the loads are low - they drop prices in order to fill more seats

Cheers


I though peak season to travel to Thailand was Nov-Mar? Jun-Aug is incredibly hot in Thailand and Sep-Oct is the rainy season. I understand that people in Asia may be traveling since school is out but from JFK-BKK, that does not make sense.

I though peak season to travel to Thailand was Nov-Mar? Jun-Aug is incredibly hot in Thailand and Sep-Oct is the rainy season. I understand that people in Asia may be traveling since school is out but from JFK-BKK, that does not make sense.

Nov-Mar is peak season in Thailand. If you go to the right place in Thailand, it is not so bad in the summer. Sept-Oct is generally off peak and travel is light.

What I meant to say was that the Summer is generally peak season for all flights because schools all over the world are off.

Cheers

Last year, after TG opened their flight JFK-BKK, I looked for a good price on Premium Y (flying anytime the last 2 weeks of June), but never found anything available--of course, the US telephone staff in LA is completely useless, but anyway it was always over $1600, and regular Y was completely sold out!
Then I heard TG cut some of their flights on this route due to poor bookings... I will say that was NOT the case in June (though maybe yields were poor in J class?)

Thanks everyone. I think we will be buying shortly as it does not look like fares are dropping anytime soon. The concensus seems to be that PE is a good investment. I am looking forward to the short (?) flight. The last time our flight was at least 24 hours and very tiring.

A few weeks ago, I just made reservations for April (the hottest time of year, oh well). JFK-BKK. I watched prices for a long time. They never changed until a few days after I booked. Then prices went up only by about $50/ticket. Total for four of us (incl 2 kids) was $3,900, non-stop. Certain days of the week and flights with connections were more expensive. Good luck.

hi, what is the difference in service and seats and everything else in thaiairways premium cocah or premium econonmy and regular economy or regular coach? thank you.

hi, what is the difference in service and seats and everything else in thaiairways premium cocah or premium econonmy and regular economy or regular coach? thank you.


I am looking at taking the JFK>BKK flight in April myself, and will likely go with Premium Economy. As I understand it, the differences are:


A slightly wider seat (think individual arm rests, not shared) as there are only 7 seats per row (in a 2-3-2 configuration) rather than 8 seats per row in economy with a 2-4-2 configuration.
The seat pitch in Premium Economy is greater, 42 inches, rather than 36 inches in coach. More leg room, ease in getting out of your seat without forcing the guy next to you to get up, etc.
I believe there is some type of a leg rest on these too. I'm not sure how they compare to Singapore Airlines, which I've heard cut off at mid calf and become painful after a few minutes.


Can anybody else comment, who's actually been on this flight?

4 people (2 premium economy and 2 regular economy - our teens will just have to suffer).
This could be interesting... ;)

I once had a friend do that with his kids - his two teenagers (17 and 18) ended up being upgraded from regular economy to business. Im still trying to figure out the details, premium economy was filled to the brim!

I can only imagine the look on your face if that happens :D

This could be interesting... ;)

I once had a friend do that with his kids - his two teenagers (17 and 18) ended up being upgraded from regular economy to business. Im still trying to figure out the details, premium economy was filled to the brim!

I can only imagine the look on your face if that happens :D

What's really interesting is this ridiculous upgrading practice from the airline (was this TG?). Surely common sense would suggest to upgrade J to F, Y+ to J and Y to Y+, no? This would make everybody happy and more business sense IMHO.

What's really interesting is this ridiculous upgrading practice from the airline (was this TG?). Surely common sense would suggest to upgrade J to F, Y+ to J and Y to Y+, no? This would make everybody happy and more business sense IMHO.

I agree. However this would take time and effort. If you are an agent, and have a completely full flight and 1 last economy class passenger shows up: but there are no seats except in business - it is just sooooo convienent to put them in business without having to bump someone from Y+ to J first.

I have seen it too.

Cheers

I agree. However this would take time and effort. If you are an agent, and have a completely full flight and 1 last economy class passenger shows up: but there are no seats except in business - it is just sooooo convienent to put them in business without having to bump someone from Y+ to J first.

I have seen it too.

Cheers

You're most probably right. So does this simply re-inforce the theory that checking in as late as possible increases your chances for an op-up?!

You're most probably right. So does this simply re-inforce the theory that checking in as late as possible increases your chances for an op-up?!
If you are flying on the non-stop flight and the Economy "Plus" section is full, then the answer is - YES.

I really don't understand why anyone would leave their kids in a seperate cabin. My parents always flew in coach with my brother and I, and were very much against the seperation of family members.

I should also mention that the "teenagers" are well behaved 17 & 18 year olds who will be perfectly happy in coach. They are looking forward to the IFE.