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
Jul 23, 2019, 4:39 am
#1771
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
Right. I was just pointing out that the decision was not QR's.
Jul 25, 2019, 2:17 am
#1772
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: QR Platinum, WY Gold, Shangri-la Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,151
Oh, that's sad...
I fondly remember my first ever flight with QR as a no-status-nobody. I was travelling BKK-HAN in Economy and I was given a fast-track pass at check-in.
That pretty much set the tone for the flight and I was completely wowed from then on
I fondly remember my first ever flight with QR as a no-status-nobody. I was travelling BKK-HAN in Economy and I was given a fast-track pass at check-in.
That pretty much set the tone for the flight and I was completely wowed from then on
Jul 25, 2019, 2:49 am
#1773
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: QR Platinum, Star Alliance Gold (LH Sen)
Posts: 764
That times are now the past....
Jul 25, 2019, 11:56 am
#1774
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Programs: Emirates Skywards, KLM Flying blue, Qatar Airways Privilege club, GHA Discovery
Posts: 67
Today I arrived in Bangkok, coming from Doha (8AM flight).
Flying in J doesn’t give you the premium lane voucher anymore, a lady sitting in front of the premium lane is checking the boardingpasses themselves...
When flying business I was able to use the premium lane (it took me 2 minutes to pass customs).
Flying in J doesn’t give you the premium lane voucher anymore, a lady sitting in front of the premium lane is checking the boardingpasses themselves...
When flying business I was able to use the premium lane (it took me 2 minutes to pass customs).
Jul 25, 2019, 9:36 pm
#1775
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
Jul 26, 2019, 1:39 am
#1776
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
Do you mean immigration? Customs is normally a walk through IME, but could become interesting if all bags are to be X-rayed before the luggage belts, with these facilities due to be in place this year. Personally I don't expect them all to be staffed at all times but it could cause issues.
Jul 26, 2019, 6:43 am
#1777
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Programs: Emirates Skywards, KLM Flying blue, Qatar Airways Privilege club, GHA Discovery
Posts: 67
Do you mean immigration? Customs is normally a walk through IME, but could become interesting if all bags are to be X-rayed before the luggage belts, with these facilities due to be in place this year. Personally I don't expect them all to be staffed at all times but it could cause issues.
Exactly, in my 23 previous visits I was never halted by customs in BKK...
Jul 30, 2019, 5:49 am
#1778
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
Sorry for not reading the whole thread, but will I be able to check in for the 2:10 am flight to DOH (837) around 7 pm the previous evening? It seems like check in will be open for one of the other flights to DOH that night and flying business if it matters. We would be then leaving the airport to get dinner/drinks and returning around 11 or 12.
Jul 30, 2019, 8:59 am
#1779
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: LON
Programs: BA Gold, LH SEN , A3*G & others less exciting that don't fit in my wallet
Posts: 1,657
( I think there used to be a Bangkok specific thread, but I can't find one other than for the lounges .. if there is one please merge )
Arriving in on a Friday evening into BKK on QR832 in business .. it's due in at 1900 .. Is it plausible to try to connect on the last flight to SIN that evening which is at 2110 ( Singapore Airlines) or 2120 ( Jetstar Asia ) ... I believe fast track immigration vouchers will be given out to Business passengers , I'll have luggage so will need to exit and recheck ( travelling LHR-DOH-BKK and first leg is on BA and the connection would be a separate ticket so not even worth asking I don't think on through checking the luggage )
Or if anyone has any other good ideas for how to get to Semarang in Indonesia ( no direct flights from BKK, but there are from SIN or KUL .. but KUL has no late flights at all from BKK - obviously it would have been a better idea to fly not into BKK in the first place, but too late for that ! )
Arriving in on a Friday evening into BKK on QR832 in business .. it's due in at 1900 .. Is it plausible to try to connect on the last flight to SIN that evening which is at 2110 ( Singapore Airlines) or 2120 ( Jetstar Asia ) ... I believe fast track immigration vouchers will be given out to Business passengers , I'll have luggage so will need to exit and recheck ( travelling LHR-DOH-BKK and first leg is on BA and the connection would be a separate ticket so not even worth asking I don't think on through checking the luggage )
Or if anyone has any other good ideas for how to get to Semarang in Indonesia ( no direct flights from BKK, but there are from SIN or KUL .. but KUL has no late flights at all from BKK - obviously it would have been a better idea to fly not into BKK in the first place, but too late for that ! )
Jul 30, 2019, 10:18 am
#1780
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,915
Today I arrived in Bangkok, coming from Doha (8AM flight).
Flying in J doesn’t give you the premium lane voucher anymore, a lady sitting in front of the premium lane is checking the boardingpasses themselves...
When flying business I was able to use the premium lane (it took me 2 minutes to pass customs).
Flying in J doesn’t give you the premium lane voucher anymore, a lady sitting in front of the premium lane is checking the boardingpasses themselves...
When flying business I was able to use the premium lane (it took me 2 minutes to pass customs).
Jul 30, 2019, 11:41 am
#1781
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Programs: Emirates Skywards, KLM Flying blue, Qatar Airways Privilege club, GHA Discovery
Posts: 67
Jul 30, 2019, 10:16 pm
#1783
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bangkok and Bristol
Programs: EY, QR Platinum, BA Gold
Posts: 108
Last week going out and returning yesterday they just looked at the boarding passes before entering the premium lane but they have no scanners. They now do finger print scans (both hands four fingers and thumbs) which took a few minutes going out but once your in the system it's quicker as when I entered last night I only put 4 fingers down and it showed me in the system so was waved right through after stamping passport.
Jul 31, 2019, 1:21 am
#1784
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,915
Personally not. Seems like a very typical low-tech Thai solution to something. But thinking about this, tippex is so last century, I guess someone with a few hours to waste on a flight in economy might be able to upgrade a copy of their mobile boarding pass with an image editor...
Jul 31, 2019, 7:30 am
#1785
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
Sorry for not reading the whole thread, but will I be able to check in for the 2:10 am flight to DOH (837) around 7 pm the previous evening? It seems like check in will be open for one of the other flights to DOH that night and flying business if it matters. We would be then leaving the airport to get dinner/drinks and returning around 11 or 12.