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
Aug 30, 2016, 5:16 pm
#886
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: Privilege Gold
Posts: 33
After the disappointment of having my first A380 experience being dashed I'm pleased to say that QR have in part made up for this by changing the MAN-DOH legs of my BKK flight to the 787 from the A330. : ^
I just hope it doesn't change again before we fly, unless of course it's the BKK legs back to the A380.
I just hope it doesn't change again before we fly, unless of course it's the BKK legs back to the A380.
Bit disappointed to have lost the A380 to and from BKK on my next trip, but considering the cost of my flights from MAN-BKK came in under £400 I'll suffer the 777 into and out of BKK.
Sep 23, 2016, 3:42 am
#887
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Lisboa, PT
Programs: QRPC Silver, BA Silver
Posts: 243
All
I think i've spent an hour on this thread now so apologies if i've missed this answer, my eyes have about turned square!
Im flying HKT-BKK (Thai) with a 3h40 connection to QR -DOH-LHR. Im in J with QR, Y with Thai. Also OWE through QR.
I understand from the wiki i can check bags all the way through with Thai to LHR. But would anyone suggest doing that given I've got the time in BKK, to just check HKT-BKK and then repeat process there for BKK-LHR. Thinking this as i doubt Thai will fast track me immigration at HKT (urghh!)but i will get at BKK, or give me lounge access obviously, and i wouldn't get the lounge card at BKK as i wouldn't technically be passing through check in (although I'm guessing the J ticket is enough!). Would Thai issue me my QR J tickets too?
Thanks for all your help regular Thailanders!
Ox
I think i've spent an hour on this thread now so apologies if i've missed this answer, my eyes have about turned square!
Im flying HKT-BKK (Thai) with a 3h40 connection to QR -DOH-LHR. Im in J with QR, Y with Thai. Also OWE through QR.
I understand from the wiki i can check bags all the way through with Thai to LHR. But would anyone suggest doing that given I've got the time in BKK, to just check HKT-BKK and then repeat process there for BKK-LHR. Thinking this as i doubt Thai will fast track me immigration at HKT (urghh!)but i will get at BKK, or give me lounge access obviously, and i wouldn't get the lounge card at BKK as i wouldn't technically be passing through check in (although I'm guessing the J ticket is enough!). Would Thai issue me my QR J tickets too?
Thanks for all your help regular Thailanders!
Ox
Sep 23, 2016, 4:11 am
#888
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: UK
Programs: Etihad Gold, Qatar Gold, flying Blue, Falcon, Lufthansa, Eva
Posts: 1,428
If you can check your bags through then why would you wish to waste time queuing to enter thailand , queuing to check in and then again queuing to exit just to collect your bags when you could be enjoying the lounge
If you bags can be checked through then you will be issued with your boarding passes as well.
The thing you do not tell us and is crucial is will you be traveling on one ticket HKK-LHR or on two separate tickets on to BKK and one from BKK
If you bags can be checked through then you will be issued with your boarding passes as well.
The thing you do not tell us and is crucial is will you be traveling on one ticket HKK-LHR or on two separate tickets on to BKK and one from BKK
Sep 23, 2016, 5:42 am
#889
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Lisboa, PT
Programs: QRPC Silver, BA Silver
Posts: 243
amnicoll
Perhaps I should be clearer! If I'm in HKT (Thailand!) and flying to BKK i'm not going to need to queue to 'enter thailand' at any point. I will have to queue at HKT no matter what, and J check-in as Plat at BKK - easy. However if i clear immigration at HKT and transit BKK i will have to stand in a very large queue HKT vs a fast track card at BKK.
Two tickets - 1 Thai and 1 QR.
My q's below are aimed at anyone with any experiences/views on what they did in this scenario whether from HKT or other Thai airport!
Thank you!
Perhaps I should be clearer! If I'm in HKT (Thailand!) and flying to BKK i'm not going to need to queue to 'enter thailand' at any point. I will have to queue at HKT no matter what, and J check-in as Plat at BKK - easy. However if i clear immigration at HKT and transit BKK i will have to stand in a very large queue HKT vs a fast track card at BKK.
Two tickets - 1 Thai and 1 QR.
My q's below are aimed at anyone with any experiences/views on what they did in this scenario whether from HKT or other Thai airport!
Thank you!
Sep 23, 2016, 6:49 am
#890
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 795
In similar circumstances I always treat the flight to BKK as domestic and then check in again. You're straight out at BKK, it kills a bit of the 3-4 hour connection time, I often get a drink or bite to eat landside, and I quite like the hustle and bustle in the main areas at BKK. That's just my personal preference though! I like stretching out the time at my destination, whether for work or pleasure.
If the domestic flight was running very late I'd probably check through instead, hasn't happened so far though....
If the domestic flight was running very late I'd probably check through instead, hasn't happened so far though....
Sep 23, 2016, 7:13 am
#891
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (and other non-status plastic)
Posts: 1,889
If you are patient enough to queue at HKT (there's not much else to do at the airport, so why not pass through immigration if you can), it will save you having to walk the length of the terminal at Suvarnabhumi to exit and get to the main check in area and back again - by comparison, the domestic to international transfer point is close to the domestic gates and deposits you close to the TG (QR appointed) lounge
Also, YMMV, but QR sometimes only opens check in at BKK 3 hours before check in
Finally, if there are any delays out of HKT, I would rather the bags were in TG's hands for the transfer at BKK, rather than having to wait to pick up and take upstairs myself
Sep 23, 2016, 7:24 am
#892
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Lisboa, PT
Programs: QRPC Silver, BA Silver
Posts: 243
kt74 johnnieboy
Good advice from both - thank you! Great to get your perspectives.
Final Q - if i do check through from HKT, would my bags be priority tagged, and would I be able to go straight to lounge in BKK (even though likely 3+ hrs before flight!)? Thanks for the info gents!
Good advice from both - thank you! Great to get your perspectives.
Final Q - if i do check through from HKT, would my bags be priority tagged, and would I be able to go straight to lounge in BKK (even though likely 3+ hrs before flight!)? Thanks for the info gents!
Last edited by theox; Sep 23, 2016 at 7:27 am Reason: formatting
Sep 23, 2016, 10:55 am
#893
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (and other non-status plastic)
Posts: 1,889
Definitely can use any/all of the BKK lounges any time before the flight. If you check in for your QR flight online, just save the pdf boarding pass to your phone (or print preferably), and you can access any of the TG or CX/JL lounges subject to opening hours
Sep 23, 2016, 2:39 pm
#894
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: QR Platinum, WY Gold, Shangri-la Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,151
If you particularly want a lounge invite though, just head to the QR transit desk (concourse E if I recall correctly) and they'll print you a TG one there. However, the CX lounge is far better in my opinion anyway, so I would just head straight there.
Sep 23, 2016, 6:48 pm
#895
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Lisboa, PT
Programs: QRPC Silver, BA Silver
Posts: 243
purple1addict kt74
Spot on - thank you. Unfortunately the CX lounge closes early on the day I'm flying so i'm planning to nip in there quickly before it does, and then head to one of the others!
Thanks again both.
Spot on - thank you. Unfortunately the CX lounge closes early on the day I'm flying so i'm planning to nip in there quickly before it does, and then head to one of the others!
Thanks again both.
Sep 24, 2016, 3:51 am
#896
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: UK
Programs: Etihad Gold, Qatar Gold, flying Blue, Falcon, Lufthansa, Eva
Posts: 1,428
Sorry I misread the start point as Hong Kong and not as a domestic flight
I would certainly eat in the CX lounge the food was great but for my flight it was a good 15-20 minutes from the gate although after eating I went to the Thai lounge nearer my gate as CX had no shower
I would certainly eat in the CX lounge the food was great but for my flight it was a good 15-20 minutes from the gate although after eating I went to the Thai lounge nearer my gate as CX had no shower
Sep 28, 2016, 7:29 am
#897
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Ek Blue, BAEC Bronze, SQ Silver, HH Gold
Posts: 56
I'm not sure if it's been posted before but flying out of Bangkok tonight, flight is leaving from e gates, since the cathay lounge is closed I spent a nice hour in the Japan airlines lounge and then went to go to the Thai royal silk lounge in concourse e an hour before boarding.
The receptionist said I could use the orchid lounge opposite and when I queried that as I've been in there before and its not as good as the royal silk lounge she said as I'm one world emerald I can use the 1st class section. She even phoned over to confirm, anyhow it's roped off towards the rear of the reception desk and I've been the only one in here so far, there is table service in here and a menu you can choose from as well as self service food and drinks.
Waitress has confirmed I'm the only passenger whose been in here this evening.
Still not sure if it's a mistake or not but I'm not complaining and I wish I had skipped the jal lounge now altogether
The receptionist said I could use the orchid lounge opposite and when I queried that as I've been in there before and its not as good as the royal silk lounge she said as I'm one world emerald I can use the 1st class section. She even phoned over to confirm, anyhow it's roped off towards the rear of the reception desk and I've been the only one in here so far, there is table service in here and a menu you can choose from as well as self service food and drinks.
Waitress has confirmed I'm the only passenger whose been in here this evening.
Still not sure if it's a mistake or not but I'm not complaining and I wish I had skipped the jal lounge now altogether
Last edited by ams2174; Sep 28, 2016 at 7:31 am Reason: Misspelt
Sep 28, 2016, 7:56 am
#898
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: USA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 812
I'm not sure if it's been posted before but flying out of Bangkok tonight, flight is leaving from e gates, since the cathay lounge is closed I spent a nice hour in the Japan airlines lounge and then went to go to the Thai royal silk lounge in concourse e an hour before boarding.
The receptionist said I could use the orchid lounge opposite and when I queried that as I've been in there before and its not as good as the royal silk lounge she said as I'm one world emerald I can use the 1st class section. She even phoned over to confirm, anyhow it's roped off towards the rear of the reception desk and I've been the only one in here so far, there is table service in here and a menu you can choose from as well as self service food and drinks.
Waitress has confirmed I'm the only passenger whose been in here this evening.
Still not sure if it's a mistake or not but I'm not complaining and I wish I had skipped the jal lounge now altogether
The receptionist said I could use the orchid lounge opposite and when I queried that as I've been in there before and its not as good as the royal silk lounge she said as I'm one world emerald I can use the 1st class section. She even phoned over to confirm, anyhow it's roped off towards the rear of the reception desk and I've been the only one in here so far, there is table service in here and a menu you can choose from as well as self service food and drinks.
Waitress has confirmed I'm the only passenger whose been in here this evening.
Still not sure if it's a mistake or not but I'm not complaining and I wish I had skipped the jal lounge now altogether
Sep 28, 2016, 3:42 pm
#899
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (and other non-status plastic)
Posts: 1,889
And, as mentioned above, the most recent time I was in BKK, the CX lounge was closed, but I enjoyed the food in the JL lounge before going to the TG lounge just before boarding
Sep 28, 2016, 10:00 pm
#900
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: The Embassy
Posts: 677