Bangkok 2022
Dec 30, 2021, 5:44 am
#121
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
Just after some advice / opinions / suggestions please - although have a feeling I might know the outcome!
Long story short - flights to BKK booked in Oct ‘20 - 50% Avios sale + 241 for Jan ‘21, changed to Nov ‘21 then Jan ‘22.
Allowed me to transfer onto QR a few weeks ago (my husband and I for 15/1) and 3 sons for 28/1 - all returning together on 13/2.
So of course my problem is Thailands new restrictions…..my flights are to BKK to where I’m not allowed to enter - my only hope is to fly directly into Phuket ( to which I’m more than happy to spend 7 days in their Sandbox programme, as are my sons).
Qatar have a flight at virtually the same time from Doha to Phuket as my original Doha to BKK but of course I’m not allowed to change.
So my question is - any ideas how to keep this ticket alive and get to Phuket?
I would be happy to drop the 2nd leg DOH-BKK and buy a ticket DOH-HKT but think this will forfeit the rest of my flights?
The thought of having to take a refund and then paying more to fly Y on the same flights makes me want to cry (that and the thought of flying Y to Thailand!)
I am obviously going to wait until 4th January when Thailand is apparently reviewing its policy but unless QR cancel the flight to BkK which I doubt I can’t see any way around this.
Long story short - flights to BKK booked in Oct ‘20 - 50% Avios sale + 241 for Jan ‘21, changed to Nov ‘21 then Jan ‘22.
Allowed me to transfer onto QR a few weeks ago (my husband and I for 15/1) and 3 sons for 28/1 - all returning together on 13/2.
So of course my problem is Thailands new restrictions…..my flights are to BKK to where I’m not allowed to enter - my only hope is to fly directly into Phuket ( to which I’m more than happy to spend 7 days in their Sandbox programme, as are my sons).
Qatar have a flight at virtually the same time from Doha to Phuket as my original Doha to BKK but of course I’m not allowed to change.
So my question is - any ideas how to keep this ticket alive and get to Phuket?
I would be happy to drop the 2nd leg DOH-BKK and buy a ticket DOH-HKT but think this will forfeit the rest of my flights?
The thought of having to take a refund and then paying more to fly Y on the same flights makes me want to cry (that and the thought of flying Y to Thailand!)
I am obviously going to wait until 4th January when Thailand is apparently reviewing its policy but unless QR cancel the flight to BkK which I doubt I can’t see any way around this.
Dec 30, 2021, 5:58 am
#122
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Kent.Uk
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 81
As BA Cancelled your original booking, i'd chance my arm and give them a call and see if they'll change your flight to HKT instead. They'd have certainly had done this at the time when they first re-booked you onto QR, however now it has already been ticketed they may not be so helpful. Explain the situation though and that you can no longer enter via BKK and they may help! We're scheduled to fly out a day before you to BKK on QR after a BA Cancellation and opted to fly back from HKT, fortunately for us we already got our Thailand Passes.
Did think I would try again after 4th if still the same restrictions in place.
Dec 30, 2021, 6:11 am
#123
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
Thank you JackDann - I have already tried calling them but no luck, they just said they only had an obligation to get me to my original destination and if Qatar don’t cancel the BkK flight then I can have a refund - which I obviously don’t want.
Did think I would try again after 4th if still the same restrictions in place.
Did think I would try again after 4th if still the same restrictions in place.
I hope somebody comes up with a good idea for you! I may well find myself in the same boat if they stop me from entering BKK on the 15th.
Dec 30, 2021, 7:09 am
#124
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,985
That's what I have read until now as well. I am due in BKK after the 10th, with a Thailand Pass approval, so if the requirement to arrive by 10th Jan really is a thing, then I have a problem.
Dec 30, 2021, 7:49 am
#125
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
I can confirm it's not. As always with Thailand, it looks like one incorrect source was quoted and this was then re-cycled across multiple media outlets.
Jan 3, 2022, 11:12 am
#126
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: BAEC Gold, Onyx Platinum
Posts: 154
Just after some advice / opinions / suggestions please - although have a feeling I might know the outcome!
Long story short - flights to BKK booked in Oct ‘20 - 50% Avios sale + 241 for Jan ‘21, changed to Nov ‘21 then Jan ‘22.
Allowed me to transfer onto QR a few weeks ago (my husband and I for 15/1) and 3 sons for 28/1 - all returning together on 13/2.
So of course my problem is Thailands new restrictions…..my flights are to BKK to where I’m not allowed to enter - my only hope is to fly directly into Phuket ( to which I’m more than happy to spend 7 days in their Sandbox programme, as are my sons).
Qatar have a flight at virtually the same time from Doha to Phuket as my original Doha to BKK but of course I’m not allowed to change.
So my question is - any ideas how to keep this ticket alive and get to Phuket?
I would be happy to drop the 2nd leg DOH-BKK and buy a ticket DOH-HKT but think this will forfeit the rest of my flights?
The thought of having to take a refund and then paying more to fly Y on the same flights makes me want to cry (that and the thought of flying Y to Thailand!)
I am obviously going to wait until 4th January when Thailand is apparently reviewing its policy but unless QR cancel the flight to BkK which I doubt I can’t see any way around this.
Long story short - flights to BKK booked in Oct ‘20 - 50% Avios sale + 241 for Jan ‘21, changed to Nov ‘21 then Jan ‘22.
Allowed me to transfer onto QR a few weeks ago (my husband and I for 15/1) and 3 sons for 28/1 - all returning together on 13/2.
So of course my problem is Thailands new restrictions…..my flights are to BKK to where I’m not allowed to enter - my only hope is to fly directly into Phuket ( to which I’m more than happy to spend 7 days in their Sandbox programme, as are my sons).
Qatar have a flight at virtually the same time from Doha to Phuket as my original Doha to BKK but of course I’m not allowed to change.
So my question is - any ideas how to keep this ticket alive and get to Phuket?
I would be happy to drop the 2nd leg DOH-BKK and buy a ticket DOH-HKT but think this will forfeit the rest of my flights?
The thought of having to take a refund and then paying more to fly Y on the same flights makes me want to cry (that and the thought of flying Y to Thailand!)
I am obviously going to wait until 4th January when Thailand is apparently reviewing its policy but unless QR cancel the flight to BkK which I doubt I can’t see any way around this.
Our flights BKK return in J booked last September for a snip £4260.
BA9/10 cancelled and rebooked on QR leaving 16/01.
After the latest cancellation of Test and Go for BKK, I can't wait for the inevitable announcement tomorrow confirming the extention of the postponing. I persevered and got through on the Gold Line and changed my out bound leg to LHR/DOH/HKT at no cost. Therfore just having to go through the Phuket Sandbox scheme but returning still from BKK. I had to move a day as there was no availability on the 16th. but so bloody relieved we are going again.
Unless of course the tomorrows announcement is even more draconian.
I suggest to try again and good luck.
Jan 7, 2022, 3:52 am
#127
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Kent.Uk
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 81
I am not sure if this helps GBT.
Our flights BKK return in J booked last September for a snip £4260.
BA9/10 cancelled and rebooked on QR leaving 16/01.
After the latest cancellation of Test and Go for BKK, I can't wait for the inevitable announcement tomorrow confirming the extention of the postponing. I persevered and got through on the Gold Line and changed my out bound leg to LHR/DOH/HKT at no cost. Therfore just having to go through the Phuket Sandbox scheme but returning still from BKK. I had to move a day as there was no availability on the 16th. but so bloody relieved we are going again.
Unless of course the tomorrows announcement is even more draconian.
I suggest to try again and good luck.
Our flights BKK return in J booked last September for a snip £4260.
BA9/10 cancelled and rebooked on QR leaving 16/01.
After the latest cancellation of Test and Go for BKK, I can't wait for the inevitable announcement tomorrow confirming the extention of the postponing. I persevered and got through on the Gold Line and changed my out bound leg to LHR/DOH/HKT at no cost. Therfore just having to go through the Phuket Sandbox scheme but returning still from BKK. I had to move a day as there was no availability on the 16th. but so bloody relieved we are going again.
Unless of course the tomorrows announcement is even more draconian.
I suggest to try again and good luck.
I did try Gold line again 2 days ago and still same response of take an FTV or cancel for £35 pp.
Although weirdly I was given a different Ref no for my booking when it was changed to QR and the lady insisted my booking for 15/1 was a commercial revenue booking - and that I needed to phone back as she only dealt with Avios bookings ! She said there was no sign of any Avios etc used - I gave her the old Ref no and she then could see the correct trail but couldn’t understand how this has occurred.
I have waited until today for latest entry announcements which don’t help me as still no transit in BKK as far as I can work out - she did say if any of my flights were cancelled I could rebook up until 15/1/23 which unfortunately is looking highly unlikely.
Will try again today…… and tomorrow……..and…….
Jan 7, 2022, 4:11 am
#128
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
My situation is one of my own doing - I have a Thai Pass valid for Arrival into BKK on the 15th. I jumped the gun into thinking that Test and Go would be suspended from the 10th, so moved my flight to Phuket with the thinking that I would participate in Sandbox instead. Today the official announcement came out that Test & Go into Bangkok will be valid on the 15th.
I've now got 3 options
- Move my flight back to Bangkok (If they are willing to do so!)
- Try and find some way (somehow!) of my Thai Pass allowing arrival into Phuket
- Re-Apply for Thai Pass for Phuket Sandbox
This is a trip I usually plan a Year in advance, i'm 7 days away and still none the wiser what i'm doing haha
Anyway - One thing is now certain, this time next week i'll be in the be enjoying my Maiden visit to the Concorde Room.
I've now got 3 options
- Move my flight back to Bangkok (If they are willing to do so!)
- Try and find some way (somehow!) of my Thai Pass allowing arrival into Phuket
- Re-Apply for Thai Pass for Phuket Sandbox
This is a trip I usually plan a Year in advance, i'm 7 days away and still none the wiser what i'm doing haha
Anyway - One thing is now certain, this time next week i'll be in the be enjoying my Maiden visit to the Concorde Room.
Jan 7, 2022, 4:27 am
#129
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,201
Purely subjective, but I'd stay in Phuket in the Sandbox, as there's less chance of being caught by restrictions that they are likely to introduce as Omicron kicks off (which it now looks like doing, a month or so behind the UK).
Jan 7, 2022, 4:34 am
#130
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
I've got to travel and see a family member in the North before heading to Khao Lak, so can't really do Sandbox. I'd agree with you though for anyone else thinking of going, Sandbox is the safest option and you may have to resign yourself to a beach holiday with a majority of your time spent in the hotel!
Jan 7, 2022, 5:51 am
#131
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: BAEC Gold, Onyx Platinum
Posts: 154
The roller coaster that is travel now to Thailand:
Booked to BKK, BA9 then cancelled.
Rebook on QR - nice, almost like a free upgrade.
The termoil of obtaining a 60 day Thai visa.
However just one day Test and Go in BKK.
Test and Go scrapped. Can't be banged up in BKK for 7 days.
Change out bound leg to HKT. At no cost other than fly the next day.
Wait for Thai Gov. announcement 04.01.
Book SHA hotel.
Compulsory Thai trip insurance and 2 day tests etc.. A snip at £500!
Book Thai pass yesterday 3-7 days they say. Flying in 10 days to then read 3-7 working days.
Book Fit to Fly test and cross your fingers.
The time spent, the anxiety, the unknown....
And we used to moan about the 15 minute queues at Fast Track in Suvarnabhumi.
Booked to BKK, BA9 then cancelled.
Rebook on QR - nice, almost like a free upgrade.
The termoil of obtaining a 60 day Thai visa.
However just one day Test and Go in BKK.
Test and Go scrapped. Can't be banged up in BKK for 7 days.
Change out bound leg to HKT. At no cost other than fly the next day.
Wait for Thai Gov. announcement 04.01.
Book SHA hotel.
Compulsory Thai trip insurance and 2 day tests etc.. A snip at £500!
Book Thai pass yesterday 3-7 days they say. Flying in 10 days to then read 3-7 working days.
Book Fit to Fly test and cross your fingers.
The time spent, the anxiety, the unknown....
And we used to moan about the 15 minute queues at Fast Track in Suvarnabhumi.
Jan 7, 2022, 7:32 am
#132
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
The current Lufthansa sale to BKK is very tempting and is only £200 more expensive than using the Gold Upgrade Voucher on BA. (Can only get PE on the way out but business back)
I'm looking at December and want to spend a night in BKK then fly on to AKL (most likely in QF economy). On the way back we'll have 7-10 nights in Thailand before heading back to London.
So two separate tickets In this scenario. Each of them in non refundable but changeable. We need to be in both AKL and BKK.
But December. Surely we're back to normal or pretty close to it by then, right?
Am I mad considering this? Is there a more sensible option?
I'm looking at December and want to spend a night in BKK then fly on to AKL (most likely in QF economy). On the way back we'll have 7-10 nights in Thailand before heading back to London.
So two separate tickets In this scenario. Each of them in non refundable but changeable. We need to be in both AKL and BKK.
But December. Surely we're back to normal or pretty close to it by then, right?
Am I mad considering this? Is there a more sensible option?
Jan 8, 2022, 5:57 pm
#133
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Kent.Uk
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 81
Thank you for your help - I think the big difference is my booking is with Avios with a 241 for my flight on 15/1 and Avios for my 3 x sons on 28/1 all from 50% sale.
I did try Gold line again 2 days ago and still same response of take an FTV or cancel for £35 pp.
Although weirdly I was given a different Ref no for my booking when it was changed to QR and the lady insisted my booking for 15/1 was a commercial revenue booking - and that I needed to phone back as she only dealt with Avios bookings ! She said there was no sign of any Avios etc used - I gave her the old Ref no and she then could see the correct trail but couldn’t understand how this has occurred.
I have waited until today for latest entry announcements which don’t help me as still no transit in BKK as far as I can work out - she did say if any of my flights were cancelled I could rebook up until 15/1/23 which unfortunately is looking highly unlikely.
Will try again today…… and tomorrow……..and…….
I did try Gold line again 2 days ago and still same response of take an FTV or cancel for £35 pp.
Although weirdly I was given a different Ref no for my booking when it was changed to QR and the lady insisted my booking for 15/1 was a commercial revenue booking - and that I needed to phone back as she only dealt with Avios bookings ! She said there was no sign of any Avios etc used - I gave her the old Ref no and she then could see the correct trail but couldn’t understand how this has occurred.
I have waited until today for latest entry announcements which don’t help me as still no transit in BKK as far as I can work out - she did say if any of my flights were cancelled I could rebook up until 15/1/23 which unfortunately is looking highly unlikely.
Will try again today…… and tomorrow……..and…….
Jan 10, 2022, 10:23 am
#134
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: London
Posts: 670
Folks - I am in a similar boat, I had BA tickets on a 2-4-1 to BKK due to leave in a few weeks. I asked to swap to a QR flight in October and the chap on the chat has said I can only move it as far out as end of April 'due to the agreement between BA and QR'. I don't think that's correct... my 2-4-1 remains within validity and its a standard avios redemption. Is there any truth to this or should I just try someone else?
Jan 10, 2022, 10:44 am
#135
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,575
Folks - I am in a similar boat, I had BA tickets on a 2-4-1 to BKK due to leave in a few weeks. I asked to swap to a QR flight in October and the chap on the chat has said I can only move it as far out as end of April 'due to the agreement between BA and QR'. I don't think that's correct... my 2-4-1 remains within validity and its a standard avios redemption. Is there any truth to this or should I just try someone else?