Hi. My wife and I will be going to India through BKK. Flying from IAD on United to BKK (and upgrading) and then a separate ticket to BOM. Our plan is to spend a few days in BKK on the way out, since this will be our first time in Thailand. My question is about the return.

We'll likely be flying Thai Airways from BOM-BKK. The flight leaves BOM at 11:00 and arrives at BKK at 4:30 am. The United flight then leaves at 7 am.

Are we better off budgeting a day in BKK on the return? This would (a) break up what will be a long trip; and (b) ensure that we make the United flight.

Specifically, is it more of a hassle to go into town for 24 hours than it's worth?

Also: does anyone know whether the flights from BOM to BKK on Thai are reliable? Since they are partners, we could check our bags all the way through; and 2.5 hours would normally be fine. However, since these are two separate tickets, if we were to miss our United flight, we might end up losing the upgrade, and I'd hate to do the 20-hr flight in coach!

Thanks for any advice anyone might have.