OH BinSabai and Creole spirit, you are a wealth of knowledge, I appreciate your kind response.
First, we are aware of the two different "styles" on the 747, we aren't too worried about that. We have our own little inside jokes about if we walk up and it's the Star Alliance plane
. We've been monitoring
this thread and have our fingers crossed, but won't be disappointed in the least. This entire trip is all about the experience on Thai Airways. We go to Thailand often, but never fly Thai as we are in the U.S. The last time we flew Thai Metal was back in 2005, when Thai had the non-stop from LAX - BKK - HKT. That was all in Coach! We usually go from BKK - HKT on Bangkok air or Thai Smile. So as you can see, we are extremely excited to have the full Thai experience.
Thank you for pointing out the flights and seats. For us, it's an hour flight and aren't that picky. True the 10am flight is the 747, but I doubt we'd get a FC seat on that flight as it's not sold on United as F/C, but who knows?!? It's not a deal breaker and to be honest an extra few hours in Phuket would be better as suggested by Creole Spirit.
Thanks for the advice, I'm off to call United now to change to the 13:05 flight. Hopefully we'll get the old recliners !?! HAHA!
One more quick question, have either of you heard if they will be bringing back the Thai Flight Simulator Experience? Seems they aren't offering it, but will it come back?
Thanks!
Originally Posted by
BinSabai
4 hours 50 is certainly plenty of time for the lounge experience; massage is not so busy in the afternoon (as opposite to the evening as Creole Spirit pointed out).
Whether you would like to take earlier or later flight from Phuket, I would also check the aircraft type
the 1000 flight is a 747, which has F seats
the 1055 a 777 200/300 with angle flat J seats
the 1305 a A330 with similar angle flat J seats (but there are still two aircrafts with very old recliners in J); so if you are unlucky....
(this is status for August)
Not sure why you assume that domestic will be a bus gate? those wide body aircrafts can dock at the domestic terminals A and B; you will have to check in at Phuket in international terminal, check through the bags, get a sticker and you can go through transit security; that is usually very fast if you come out of the plane early! F lounge is just around the corner from transit security
For the return of course you can check your bags only to BKK and recheck in in the morning. It is a bit tight to get the 1 hour massage but for 30 minutes should be ok; try to book at check in! also the F lounge does not open before 0500
Originally Posted by
Creole Spirit
The Lounge is very busy in the night.
In the morning much fewer TG-flights leave BKK offering F-class (to TYO, HKG and sometimes SYD)...thus the lounge is not as frequented as during night.
You should switch your PHUKE-BKK-Flight to 1pm - it's much more relaxing also concerning your (pre-)travel on Phuket island and at the airport (less busy).
be aware: the F-cabins on the various B744 to/from SYD are not "harmonized" - it can be a suit like on the A380 but it can also be a traditional seat like in the old times....