Help please - Royal Jordanian to Bangkok - a good idea?
Apr 13, 2022, 12:42 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2020
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 97
I've just checked the BA Avios calculator and it now shows 80TPs for that route on RJ - it was definitely showing 140TPs on the calculator when I flew late last year so they must have changed it recently...
Apr 13, 2022, 12:43 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: BMA
Programs: SAS Eurobonus Gold Card
Posts: 324
Finnair short haul business is worse than Club Europe. If you can get the A350/A330 on both Finnair legs for LHR-HEL and HEL-LHR then maybe it’s better but otherwise BA CE is the same as Finnair business but with better food. Occasionally BA has used the 788 on ARN too.
Apr 13, 2022, 12:44 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,774
Hello,
Please can you advise me. I want to fly LHR-BKK return in November, in business class. I need a OneWorld carrier as I’ve decided to hang onto my BAEC Gold status. My options are limited. I had intended using Qatar but the World Cup has sent fares sky high. Finnair’s only cheap fare is via Stockholm, meaning a cramped BA Club Europe connection to London, rather than a flat bed. LHR-HEL-BKK is now c£2500+ for decent times - not good value for a rather utilitarian carrier. And this winter there’s no BA- hardly inspiring, but still a modest TP earning option.
This brings me to Royal Jordanian. It has obvious disadvantages, being only a 3 star airline, but it’s cheap, looks reasonably ok on video reviews and, more importantly, earns good Tier Points. I notice the LHR-AMM-BKK route earns 140 + 140 Tier Points each way although BA values LHR-AMM at only 80 TP. This is my point. Can you tell me please? When I try to transfer the tier points to BA, will they give me only 80 for the LHR- AMM leg or will I get 140 because I earned them on a RJ aircraft and on a RJ ticket? Also, are there any major disadvantages in using this airline? I know times have to be coordinated carefully as there are not many flights and that they’re mean with Avios. This fare’s below £1700 on Skyscanner. It’s cheap but am I being a fool? I feel everything’s poor value at the moment so perhaps it’s time to take a punt on a cheapo!
I’d really appreciate your views please. Should I go for Finnair instead! Or any other airline you suggest? Or should I take a totally different strategy and ignore TPS and fly with someone like SQ, ( although it’s Star Alliance) as it’s currently offering a terrific deal and do some separate day trips like LHR-HEL for my tier points instead? It smacks of desperation, I know, but it all depends on how poor the other options are.
Please do comment. Thanks so much.
Please can you advise me. I want to fly LHR-BKK return in November, in business class. I need a OneWorld carrier as I’ve decided to hang onto my BAEC Gold status. My options are limited. I had intended using Qatar but the World Cup has sent fares sky high. Finnair’s only cheap fare is via Stockholm, meaning a cramped BA Club Europe connection to London, rather than a flat bed. LHR-HEL-BKK is now c£2500+ for decent times - not good value for a rather utilitarian carrier. And this winter there’s no BA- hardly inspiring, but still a modest TP earning option.
This brings me to Royal Jordanian. It has obvious disadvantages, being only a 3 star airline, but it’s cheap, looks reasonably ok on video reviews and, more importantly, earns good Tier Points. I notice the LHR-AMM-BKK route earns 140 + 140 Tier Points each way although BA values LHR-AMM at only 80 TP. This is my point. Can you tell me please? When I try to transfer the tier points to BA, will they give me only 80 for the LHR- AMM leg or will I get 140 because I earned them on a RJ aircraft and on a RJ ticket? Also, are there any major disadvantages in using this airline? I know times have to be coordinated carefully as there are not many flights and that they’re mean with Avios. This fare’s below £1700 on Skyscanner. It’s cheap but am I being a fool? I feel everything’s poor value at the moment so perhaps it’s time to take a punt on a cheapo!
I’d really appreciate your views please. Should I go for Finnair instead! Or any other airline you suggest? Or should I take a totally different strategy and ignore TPS and fly with someone like SQ, ( although it’s Star Alliance) as it’s currently offering a terrific deal and do some separate day trips like LHR-HEL for my tier points instead? It smacks of desperation, I know, but it all depends on how poor the other options are.
Please do comment. Thanks so much.
Apr 13, 2022, 12:52 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: BA Gold Hilton Diamond
Posts: 289
I was looking at AY for LHR-HEL-BKK Biz light fare. I assumed my OW status (I'll be BA silver by the time I travel) would grant lounge access, but does status give check in luggage and seat selection?
Apr 13, 2022, 12:56 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2020
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 97
When you book your ticket and enter your BAEC number it does not show up in the confirmation that you have lounge/baggage allowances - but in the small print it notes that if you have status then you will be granted the status privileges for your level. And when going into MMB you will be able to select your seats for free.
Apr 13, 2022, 1:05 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK (currently)
Programs: BA Gold (and many other greater and lesser distinctions)
Posts: 7,212
I have done this a few times, turning a trip to HK into a v cheap TP run. RJ is actually quite fun. The hard product is plenty good enough and there is something about the service which is both professional but quite relaxed. I would not hesitate, esp at the fares they charge.
Also maybe think about a 23 hr stopover in Amman (no extra cost on the ticket. Its an interesting bonus if you have a day to spare.
Also maybe think about a 23 hr stopover in Amman (no extra cost on the ticket. Its an interesting bonus if you have a day to spare.
Apr 13, 2022, 1:35 pm
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 59
Finnair short haul business is worse than Club Europe. If you can get the A350/A330 on both Finnair legs for LHR-HEL and HEL-LHR then maybe it’s better but otherwise BA CE is the same as Finnair business but with better food. Occasionally BA has used the 788 on ARN too.
Apr 13, 2022, 1:52 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 59
Yes, I like SQ very much. I agree they’re in a different class from the One World carriers I mentioned I’m but I don’t get my Tier points and doing separate Tier Point runs seems excessive. LHR is my home airport and I’m using T5 quite a bit at the moment so Gold status is useful for access to the First lounge, which I actually quite like although it’s not a patch on EK’s First Lounge in Dubai or the CX Pier in Hong Kong.
Apr 13, 2022, 1:57 pm
#24
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
I have flown RJ on their 787s a few times between LHR and BKK/HKG with a layover in AMM. Personally I really enjoyed the RJ service. QR is definitely better, but the RJ experience didn’t disappoint.
Apr 13, 2022, 2:04 pm
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 59
Yes - I've just booked an AY business light fare and status benefits still apply. Lounge access, seat selection, luggage etc are all provided.
When you book your ticket and enter your BAEC number it does not show up in the confirmation that you have lounge/baggage allowances - but in the small print it notes that if you have status then you will be granted the status privileges for your level. And when going into MMB you will be able to select your seats for free.
When you book your ticket and enter your BAEC number it does not show up in the confirmation that you have lounge/baggage allowances - but in the small print it notes that if you have status then you will be granted the status privileges for your level. And when going into MMB you will be able to select your seats for free.
Apr 13, 2022, 2:04 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,449
I think considering the Skytrax rating is unwise. RJ are a good solid airline - not QR or SQ but plenty decent. If solo I would have a marginal preference for AY to avoid the horror of a seat mate, if in a pair RJ would be just fine.
Apr 13, 2022, 2:45 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 59
Perhaps you’re right.Skytrax just gives an idea. Alone I would not choose RJ’s seat configuration but there are two of us so it’s fine, as you say.. I still like single pods however but the problem with AY is that it connects with short haul and I’d dread a couple of hours in a cramped short haul cabin after a long flight home.
Apr 13, 2022, 2:46 pm
#30
Join Date: May 2020
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 97
