Nov 5, 2015, 10:10 am
Last edit by: Matt4
QR to and from Bangkok
What to expect
A recent trip report for this journey, can be found here:
Photos of the Cabin
You will find photos galore of the J cabin on the A380 and 777 which are some of the aircrafts QR use on the DOH-BKK-DOH route.
You will find photos galore of the F cabin on the A380 here.
Aircraft Layouts
A380: 1-2-1 layout in F and J, 3-4-3 (Lower deck) and 2-4-2 (Upper deck, only accessible for OneWorld status passengers unless the lower deck is full) in Y
787: 1-2-1 layout in J and 3-3-3 in Y
777: 2-2-2 layout in J, 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 (QR834 DOH-BKK-HAN, QR835 HAN-BKK-DOH) in Y
A340-600: 2-2-2 layout in J and 2-4-2 in Y
Which Lounge should I use at BKK?
There are multiple lounges to use in Bangkok, and the best option for you will likely be determined by the time of your flight, and the location of your departure gate.
QR are in the process of opening their own lounge in Bangkok, but as of April 2016, we know very little other than it will be located on Concourse D. Until then, QR recommend J and F passengers use the lounges provided by Thai Airways. These lounges are scattered throughout the airport.
For F passengers, you will get an invitation to use the Thai Airways Royal First Lounge, which is located on Concourse E. It is a small area, but QR no longer have an Agreement to use the larger Thai Airways Royal First Lounge on Concourse D. The small area is roped off, and there is a small menu (no buffet), with a decent drinks selection.
For J passengers, and Y passengers with status (Silver and higher) you will receive an invitation to use the Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge. These are located on Concourse C, Concourse D, and Concourse E. A map of the lounges can be found here.
OneWorld Emerald or Sapphire card holders or F or J passengers have also access to two lounges situated on or near the 3rd floor, Concourse G: the recently-opened (2015) Cathay Pacific Lounge (04:00 to between 18:30 and 01:00), and the Japan Airlines lounge (05:45-09:55, 18:00-00:40). While the CX and JL lounges are quite close together, they can be a distance from the QR gates - so keep an eye on the time!
Connecting from Thai (TG) domestic
Thai will through check-in your bags and facilitate you as a "CIQ" passenger through an airside transfer at BKK. They will do this even if you are travelling to BKK on a completely separate TG ticket, but you will need to show evidence of the QR flight (ticket number or online check-in receipt). This is based on leaving from Chiang Mai, but should work for other Thai airports.
The process is particularly useful in avoiding security queues landside to airside at BKK, and gets neatly around QR's restrictions on check-in opening times at the airport.
CIQ stands for Customs Immigration and Quarantine: nothing to do with Chiquimula airport in Guatamala
Will I be given pyjamas and an amenity kit? Reports vary, but have a look at this thread before flying to prepare your expectations -
What meals are served? This is dependent on the timing of your flight and class of travel, but 1 or 2 full meals are usually offered by QR. Menus can be found via the QR Dashboard. F menus and Y menus are here.
Will I be offered Fast-Track through Immigration?
- Departure from BKK : you will get a Fast-Track (Premium Lane) voucher if travelling in J or F, or travelling in Y with Silver, Gold or Platinum status.
- Arrival to BKK : if you are traveling in J or F, you will be provided with a Fast-Track voucher upon landing in Bangkok. Hold on to your boarding pass as you deplane, as the brown Fast Track vouchers are sometimes given out at the top of the gate rather than on the plane. If you are traveling in Y with Silver, Gold or Platinum status, you have to request the Fast-Track voucher at the QR agent at the gate.
What time does check-in open? Check in opens 3 hours before your departure time. QR police this quite strictly.
What to expect
A recent trip report for this journey, can be found here:
Photos of the Cabin
You will find photos galore of the J cabin on the A380 and 777 which are some of the aircrafts QR use on the DOH-BKK-DOH route.
You will find photos galore of the F cabin on the A380 here.
Aircraft Layouts
A380: 1-2-1 layout in F and J, 3-4-3 (Lower deck) and 2-4-2 (Upper deck, only accessible for OneWorld status passengers unless the lower deck is full) in Y
787: 1-2-1 layout in J and 3-3-3 in Y
777: 2-2-2 layout in J, 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 (QR834 DOH-BKK-HAN, QR835 HAN-BKK-DOH) in Y
A340-600: 2-2-2 layout in J and 2-4-2 in Y
Which Lounge should I use at BKK?
There are multiple lounges to use in Bangkok, and the best option for you will likely be determined by the time of your flight, and the location of your departure gate.
QR are in the process of opening their own lounge in Bangkok, but as of April 2016, we know very little other than it will be located on Concourse D. Until then, QR recommend J and F passengers use the lounges provided by Thai Airways. These lounges are scattered throughout the airport.
For F passengers, you will get an invitation to use the Thai Airways Royal First Lounge, which is located on Concourse E. It is a small area, but QR no longer have an Agreement to use the larger Thai Airways Royal First Lounge on Concourse D. The small area is roped off, and there is a small menu (no buffet), with a decent drinks selection.
For J passengers, and Y passengers with status (Silver and higher) you will receive an invitation to use the Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge. These are located on Concourse C, Concourse D, and Concourse E. A map of the lounges can be found here.
OneWorld Emerald or Sapphire card holders or F or J passengers have also access to two lounges situated on or near the 3rd floor, Concourse G: the recently-opened (2015) Cathay Pacific Lounge (04:00 to between 18:30 and 01:00), and the Japan Airlines lounge (05:45-09:55, 18:00-00:40). While the CX and JL lounges are quite close together, they can be a distance from the QR gates - so keep an eye on the time!
Connecting from Thai (TG) domestic
Thai will through check-in your bags and facilitate you as a "CIQ" passenger through an airside transfer at BKK. They will do this even if you are travelling to BKK on a completely separate TG ticket, but you will need to show evidence of the QR flight (ticket number or online check-in receipt). This is based on leaving from Chiang Mai, but should work for other Thai airports.
The process is particularly useful in avoiding security queues landside to airside at BKK, and gets neatly around QR's restrictions on check-in opening times at the airport.
CIQ stands for Customs Immigration and Quarantine: nothing to do with Chiquimula airport in Guatamala
Will I be given pyjamas and an amenity kit? Reports vary, but have a look at this thread before flying to prepare your expectations -
What meals are served? This is dependent on the timing of your flight and class of travel, but 1 or 2 full meals are usually offered by QR. Menus can be found via the QR Dashboard. F menus and Y menus are here.
Will I be offered Fast-Track through Immigration?
- Departure from BKK : you will get a Fast-Track (Premium Lane) voucher if travelling in J or F, or travelling in Y with Silver, Gold or Platinum status.
- Arrival to BKK : if you are traveling in J or F, you will be provided with a Fast-Track voucher upon landing in Bangkok. Hold on to your boarding pass as you deplane, as the brown Fast Track vouchers are sometimes given out at the top of the gate rather than on the plane. If you are traveling in Y with Silver, Gold or Platinum status, you have to request the Fast-Track voucher at the QR agent at the gate.
What time does check-in open? Check in opens 3 hours before your departure time. QR police this quite strictly.
QR to and from Bangkok (BKK) - Non Lounge Discussion
Aug 21, 2016, 4:38 pm
#856
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: USA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 812
capin QR need the A380s NOW and not in 2017 or 2018.
Since according to the attachment in your post the first two will first be sold in early 2017 It does not help QR.
The situation will ease with the scheduled December 2016 and January 2017 deliveries of A380s to QR.
Once purchased they will require significant changes so as to bring them to QRs standards at some considerable cost in time and money.
According to one post on this forum it takes six months to fit out an A380 sirframe specifically built to QRs specifications.
The age of the airframes would be another important consideration.
I am no expert in this area but it seems to me that it is just not possible.
Since according to the attachment in your post the first two will first be sold in early 2017 It does not help QR.
The situation will ease with the scheduled December 2016 and January 2017 deliveries of A380s to QR.
Once purchased they will require significant changes so as to bring them to QRs standards at some considerable cost in time and money.
According to one post on this forum it takes six months to fit out an A380 sirframe specifically built to QRs specifications.
The age of the airframes would be another important consideration.
I am no expert in this area but it seems to me that it is just not possible.
The timing would have been ideal but maybe it didn't make business sense or the shortage wasn't foreseen.
Aug 22, 2016, 12:40 am
#857
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 842
A note to add to the BKK A380 discussion.
No sign of progress on QR A380 #8, so the 01/2017 target is not attainable as it takes 6 months from roll out to delivery on average. The schedule posted in the GDS for 01/2017 to 03/2017 is doable with 7 A380s but with very little slack, so I do predict maybe around 2-4 A380 flights a week to be swapped out to create slack and deal with A380 specific IRROPS, with BKK to be the more likely candidate for swaps.
Aug 22, 2016, 7:08 am
#858
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,948
Thanks N1Rotate.
BKK doesnt tend to be too busy in Q1, so I could see this as a sensible decision.
That being said, I wasn't aware that CAN was ever busy! The subsidy to fly the A380 there, must be absolutely phenomenal*!
M
*Total speculation, I just miss the comfort of the F cabin on my BKK flights
BKK doesnt tend to be too busy in Q1, so I could see this as a sensible decision.
That being said, I wasn't aware that CAN was ever busy! The subsidy to fly the A380 there, must be absolutely phenomenal*!
M
*Total speculation, I just miss the comfort of the F cabin on my BKK flights
Aug 22, 2016, 10:17 am
#859
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: BHX
Programs: LH Sen for life; QR Plat; FB Gold; Bonvoy Gold for life
Posts: 370
A quick update on the Lounge Spaces at BKK.
There were 3 spaces 'up for grabs' on D Concourse. All three are adjacent to each other.
One space, which will likely be operated by CIP, is already being worked on. A hoarding is up, and the builders are in.
The other two spaces, were opened up and shown to me - but both are still in relative shell condition. When I asked the Employee I was with whether QR would be taking one of the spaces, she smiled and said 'Maybe'.
M
There were 3 spaces 'up for grabs' on D Concourse. All three are adjacent to each other.
One space, which will likely be operated by CIP, is already being worked on. A hoarding is up, and the builders are in.
The other two spaces, were opened up and shown to me - but both are still in relative shell condition. When I asked the Employee I was with whether QR would be taking one of the spaces, she smiled and said 'Maybe'.
M
Aug 22, 2016, 10:20 am
#860
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,948
In terms of BKK, AoT are even slower than QR, so the timing is ultimately up to them.
M
Last edited by msm2000uk; Aug 22, 2016 at 10:48 am
Aug 24, 2016, 9:14 am
#862
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: England
Programs: Many but loyal to none
Posts: 141
After the disappointment of having my first A380 experience being dashed I'm pleased to say that QR have in part made up for this by changing the MAN-DOH legs of my BKK flight to the 787 from the A330. : ^
I just hope it doesn't change again before we fly, unless of course it's the BKK legs back to the A380.
I just hope it doesn't change again before we fly, unless of course it's the BKK legs back to the A380.
Aug 24, 2016, 9:54 am
#863
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,589
Recently travelled DOH - TXL on an A330 in J. Daytime flight, and the seat next to me was free - but it still felt quite uncomfortable and a very tight squeeze.
Aug 24, 2016, 11:36 am
#864
Join Date: May 2003
Location: London
Posts: 1,666
PG/ TG Interline With QR
Do PG and/or TG still interline to/from QR on separate PNRs?
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
Top OW and * status, none on PG, if relevant, which I doubt.
Many thanks!
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
Top OW and * status, none on PG, if relevant, which I doubt.
Many thanks!
Aug 25, 2016, 3:56 am
#865
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
Do PG and/or TG still interline to/from QR on separate PNRs?
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
Top OW and * status, none on PG, if relevant, which I doubt.
Many thanks!
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
Top OW and * status, none on PG, if relevant, which I doubt.
Many thanks!
(I'm guessing you mean an airside connection rather than a landside one).
Aug 25, 2016, 4:03 am
#866
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,357
Do PG and/or TG still interline to/from QR on separate PNRs?
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
Top OW and * status, none on PG, if relevant, which I doubt.
Many thanks!
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
Top OW and * status, none on PG, if relevant, which I doubt.
Many thanks!
Aug 25, 2016, 4:50 am
#867
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (and other non-status plastic)
Posts: 1,889
Do PG and/or TG still interline to/from QR on separate PNRs?
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
I'm currently in USM, need to connect with QR from BKK and PG is the obvious choice, but TG also possible. Do either or both through-check baggage on separate tickets and facilitate a landside transfer at BKK? The latter would be helpful, to avoid QR's 3hr check-in restriction.
PG used to do so as a matter of course, but now explicitly refuses and I've not successfully been able to get them to do so, while TG has no published policy, but is certainly not obliged to, so YMMV
Suvarnabhumi is not the worst airport to kill some time in - there are plenty of places to eat and sit landside. And if you have no bags and no printer, you can use the mobile boarding pass to get airside, even though the QR website does not list BKK as a mobile-enabled airport
Aug 25, 2016, 7:47 am
#868
Join Date: May 2003
Location: London
Posts: 1,666
Thanks, kt74 - that's really helpful. ^
We have a lot of luggage - family holiday, diving - so mobile is not an option. I'll book an earlier flight than I would have if confident of through check-in, probably on PG, and try some charm with them at USM. Assuming that fails (
, we'll take our time in BKK and arrive at the QR counters as close to 3hrs before as possible.
Thanks again.
We have a lot of luggage - family holiday, diving - so mobile is not an option. I'll book an earlier flight than I would have if confident of through check-in, probably on PG, and try some charm with them at USM. Assuming that fails (
, we'll take our time in BKK and arrive at the QR counters as close to 3hrs before as possible.Thanks again.
Both PG and TG interline bags with QR. However, they are not obliged to check through bags on separate tickets
PG used to do so as a matter of course, but now explicitly refuses and I've not successfully been able to get them to do so, while TG has no published policy, but is certainly not obliged to, so YMMV
Suvarnabhumi is not the worst airport to kill some time in - there are plenty of places to eat and sit landside. And if you have no bags and no printer, you can use the mobile boarding pass to get airside, even though the QR website does not list BKK as a mobile-enabled airport
PG used to do so as a matter of course, but now explicitly refuses and I've not successfully been able to get them to do so, while TG has no published policy, but is certainly not obliged to, so YMMV
Suvarnabhumi is not the worst airport to kill some time in - there are plenty of places to eat and sit landside. And if you have no bags and no printer, you can use the mobile boarding pass to get airside, even though the QR website does not list BKK as a mobile-enabled airport