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
Jun 13, 2015, 6:42 am
#76
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
No invite to the F lounge as a OWE in J but I spent most of my time at the new Cathay Pacific lounge which is fantastic. The Thai Airways lounge at D is dire in comparison.
Jun 13, 2015, 7:16 am
#77
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,947
How much further a walk was the CX lounge from the QR gate?
Jun 13, 2015, 3:14 pm
#78
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
It's a huge distance actually. Maybe over a kilometre. It took me 10-15 mins, trying to follow the signs. I always find BKK very hard to get around. Don't bother with the TG lounge, it's a complete hole. It has to be the worst 'home airport' lounge I've ever experienced. It's dark, dated, tired, way too long and wholly unappealing.
Edited to add: As you'll be in F then that makes a difference as you won't be experiencing the TG J lounge. I've heard that the F lounge is much better. Still, if you have some time, check out the CX lounge, it's close to where security kicks you out anyway.
Edited to add: As you'll be in F then that makes a difference as you won't be experiencing the TG J lounge. I've heard that the F lounge is much better. Still, if you have some time, check out the CX lounge, it's close to where security kicks you out anyway.
Jun 13, 2015, 4:12 pm
#79
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: QR Plat
Posts: 2,434
In BKK the CX lounge is in the D area, almost at the intersection with E area.
QR depart at wildly differing gates, I've had QR from anywhere on the airport over the dozens of flights I've had. BKK can be a long trek when the lounge and gate doesn't line up, no matter who's lounge it is.
(And yes, the TG lounges, all of them, are not worth the time. Unless I have compelling reasons for anything else I just show up for checkin 1 hour before departure)
-A
QR depart at wildly differing gates, I've had QR from anywhere on the airport over the dozens of flights I've had. BKK can be a long trek when the lounge and gate doesn't line up, no matter who's lounge it is.
(And yes, the TG lounges, all of them, are not worth the time. Unless I have compelling reasons for anything else I just show up for checkin 1 hour before departure)
-A
Jun 13, 2015, 4:30 pm
#80
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: The Embassy
Posts: 677
If you have Uber, I'd take an Uber black in preference to the sky train or local taxis. It'll be ~$20-$30 to central BKK, and then a flat $30ish back. Failing that, if money's no issue, AOT limo (there's a counter before immigration for them) is ~$60. Jatuchak more commonly spelled Chatuchak if you're trying to look it up.
My only concern would be recommending people start heading back to the airport ~3hrs before their flight leaves; you'll probably be sat around for a while, but traffic can get bad, and BKK can get busy.
My only concern would be recommending people start heading back to the airport ~3hrs before their flight leaves; you'll probably be sat around for a while, but traffic can get bad, and BKK can get busy.
Jun 14, 2015, 12:54 am
#81
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: QR Gold, BAEC, Marriott Rewards Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,142
In BKK the CX lounge is in the D area, almost at the intersection with E area.
QR depart at wildly differing gates, I've had QR from anywhere on the airport over the dozens of flights I've had. BKK can be a long trek when the lounge and gate doesn't line up, no matter who's lounge it is.
(And yes, the TG lounges, all of them, are not worth the time. Unless I have compelling reasons for anything else I just show up for checkin 1 hour before departure)
-A
QR depart at wildly differing gates, I've had QR from anywhere on the airport over the dozens of flights I've had. BKK can be a long trek when the lounge and gate doesn't line up, no matter who's lounge it is.
(And yes, the TG lounges, all of them, are not worth the time. Unless I have compelling reasons for anything else I just show up for checkin 1 hour before departure)
-A
There's the main TG lounge at D2, which is a lot closer to C pier, & a much smaller TG lounge at C1, which we relocated to with 30 mins to go. As described above they're not as good as the OW lounges but handy for 15 min break on the way to the C gates & a lot closer.
Jun 14, 2015, 2:19 am
#82
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,947
Thanks all.
I travel monthly to BKK in F, so am used to the TG F Lounge, which is perfectly pleasant.
BKK always involves a mini-marathon, so an extra 1km isn't the worst walk in relation to the rest of the airport!
From memory, I usually depart from C6-C8 because I take the a380 route, which limits the number of possible gates QR can park at.
I travel monthly to BKK in F, so am used to the TG F Lounge, which is perfectly pleasant.
BKK always involves a mini-marathon, so an extra 1km isn't the worst walk in relation to the rest of the airport!
From memory, I usually depart from C6-C8 because I take the a380 route, which limits the number of possible gates QR can park at.
Jun 14, 2015, 9:35 am
#84
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA - Gold, On Business, Turkish Elite
Posts: 59
1) does anyone know if and where the transfer passenger tour desk is?
2) just in case I want to spend the time in the lounge, how early can they allow me to enter this? I have a boarding pass for onward journey.
3) which lounge do qr business class passengers get to use. Some say it's the Thai royal orchid, but others say it's Silk. Also want to experience Cathay lounge, would they allow me being OWS and travelling on qr business?
Thanks
2) just in case I want to spend the time in the lounge, how early can they allow me to enter this? I have a boarding pass for onward journey.
3) which lounge do qr business class passengers get to use. Some say it's the Thai royal orchid, but others say it's Silk. Also want to experience Cathay lounge, would they allow me being OWS and travelling on qr business?
Thanks
Jun 14, 2015, 9:45 am
#85
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: QR Gold, BAEC, Marriott Rewards Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,142
There's a thread about 5 down from this one entitled "QR lounge in Bangkok". You'll probably find it contains the info & links you require.
Jun 14, 2015, 9:57 am
#86
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA - Gold, On Business, Turkish Elite
Posts: 59
Please for clarification sake - as OWS and QR business class passenger, which lounges am I allowed. Also where can I get a shower and a nap? How early do these guys allow me in as I have a 10 hour layover, but will be having boarding passes.
Thanks
Thanks
Jun 14, 2015, 10:30 am
#87
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA - Gold, On Business, Turkish Elite
Posts: 59
Good grief me too! Obviously I have posted my question since I could not find the specific answer that I'm looking for my query
Jun 14, 2015, 10:52 am
#88
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: QR Gold, BAEC, Marriott Rewards Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,142
Jun 14, 2015, 11:23 am
#89
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA - Gold, On Business, Turkish Elite
Posts: 59
My question was - was it Silk or Royal orchid
The link takes me to:
Thai Airways Royal Orchid/Silk Lounges
Location details: Differs depending on the departure gate. Royal Silk Lounges are located on Level 3 of Concourses C (East and West), D and E (East). The Royal Orchid Lounge is located on level 3 of Concourse E (West).
Opening hours: Daily: 05:00-02:00
Operated by a third party. May be used only by eligible customers when travelling on: Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian
To me this shows that it has not answered my question, unless the link at your end shows up as something different? With regards to CX lounge, I think as OWS I will give it a go as I seem eligible for this.
And I had 2 more queries in my original,post and I would be thankful if any helpful members can answer them.
Jun 14, 2015, 11:30 am
#90
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: QR Gold, BAEC, Marriott Rewards Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,142
My question was - was it Silk or Royal orchid
The link takes me to:
Thai Airways Royal Orchid/Silk Lounges
Location details: Differs depending on the departure gate. Royal Silk Lounges are located on Level 3 of Concourses C (East and West), D and E (East). The Royal Orchid Lounge is located on level 3 of Concourse E (West).
Opening hours: Daily: 05:00-02:00
Operated by a third party. May be used only by eligible customers when travelling on: Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian
To me this shows that it has not answered my question, unless the link at your end shows up as something different? With regards to CX lounge, I think as OWS I will give it a go as I seem eligible for this.
And I had 2 more queries in my original,post and I would be thankful if any helpful members can answer them.
The link takes me to:
Thai Airways Royal Orchid/Silk Lounges
Location details: Differs depending on the departure gate. Royal Silk Lounges are located on Level 3 of Concourses C (East and West), D and E (East). The Royal Orchid Lounge is located on level 3 of Concourse E (West).
Opening hours: Daily: 05:00-02:00
Operated by a third party. May be used only by eligible customers when travelling on: Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian
To me this shows that it has not answered my question, unless the link at your end shows up as something different? With regards to CX lounge, I think as OWS I will give it a go as I seem eligible for this.
And I had 2 more queries in my original,post and I would be thankful if any helpful members can answer them.
I give up.