Feb 19, 2022, 11:47 am
Routing Advice BKK / Southeast Asia to/from USA for UA flyers
May 5, 2019, 9:21 pm
#151
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I think it's obvious that SFO-BKK does not have the premium demand as HKG and SIN, which is why UA routes passengers via NRT and NH (East Coast-NRT-BKK is best routing IMO).
What I find very interesting though is UA thinks it's more profitable to fly to 3x/weekly to CPT from EWR instead of SFO-BKK. .
What I find very interesting though is UA thinks it's more profitable to fly to 3x/weekly to CPT from EWR instead of SFO-BKK. .
May 6, 2019, 7:26 am
#152
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I think it's obvious that SFO-BKK does not have the premium demand as HKG and SIN, which is why UA routes passengers via NRT and NH (East Coast-NRT-BKK is best routing IMO).
What I find very interesting though is UA thinks it's more profitable to fly to 3x/weekly to CPT from EWR instead of SFO-BKK. I say this because it's also leisure-orientated, a longer route, CPT has less connection opportunities, and UA will have to figure out how to route 1.5 787-9s in and out of EWR.
What I find very interesting though is UA thinks it's more profitable to fly to 3x/weekly to CPT from EWR instead of SFO-BKK. I say this because it's also leisure-orientated, a longer route, CPT has less connection opportunities, and UA will have to figure out how to route 1.5 787-9s in and out of EWR.
May 6, 2019, 8:36 am
#153
Join Date: Jul 2005
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There still may be rock-bottom TPAC Y fares offered by the Chinese airlines but that didn't impact UA's 1Q19 results - TPAC was the strongest region from a PRASM perspective and management specifically highlighted strength in the Y cabin.
Great point overall competition vs. Africa though. I didn't appreciate how out of the way connecting in DXB/AUH/DOH is to South Africa.
Great point overall competition vs. Africa though. I didn't appreciate how out of the way connecting in DXB/AUH/DOH is to South Africa.
May 6, 2019, 2:15 pm
#154
Join Date: Oct 2008
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Thanks!
Given those options, UA if you need the PQD; EVA otherwise. Codeshare or not, you wouldn't be able to ticket the TPAC BR flight on a United ticket. I do like the long-haul EVA product a lot.
The SQ A350 is, IMO, the least comfortable lie-flat seat for sleeping that I've ever flown, and that includes the UA 2-4-2 config. (I actually like the UA 787, as long as I can get a center column seat, but I digress). It's a great seat for sitting, but awful for sleeping.
The SQ A350 is, IMO, the least comfortable lie-flat seat for sleeping that I've ever flown, and that includes the UA 2-4-2 config. (I actually like the UA 787, as long as I can get a center column seat, but I digress). It's a great seat for sitting, but awful for sleeping.
I've flown them all in J within the last six months. CX is IMO the best overall option, as they have the best frequency and the best transit at HKG. I would put BR second, slightly lesser frequency and I don't like the TPE transit (lounges suck), but the service and amenities are better than CX. SQ is a less convenient routing and the seat is uncomfortable. SQ food and service are excellent and Changi is a great airport. I put UA last because I HATE the daytime departure/late night arrival, and there is no good option for the return. You basically waste two full days with the UA flights due to the departure/return times.
Between the Cirrus seat (CX, BR) and the Polaris seat I'm ambivalent - Cirrus is more spacious, Polaris is more private if you can get odd-numbered window. UA has the best bedding and the air vents are a nice plus.
If you fly CX or SQ, you can credit to AS and get a boatload of miles. BR doesn't work well from a points crediting perspective.
You might also consider the NRT routing on a UA ticket. You can either fly the UA or NH 77W for the TPAC, and the NH 789/781 for NRT-BKK. I think that's a preferable routing compared to TPE, and NH service is IME the best of them all. One final consideration is, if you put your last flight (back to SFO) on UA, you can use the arrivals lounge.
Between the Cirrus seat (CX, BR) and the Polaris seat I'm ambivalent - Cirrus is more spacious, Polaris is more private if you can get odd-numbered window. UA has the best bedding and the air vents are a nice plus.
If you fly CX or SQ, you can credit to AS and get a boatload of miles. BR doesn't work well from a points crediting perspective.
You might also consider the NRT routing on a UA ticket. You can either fly the UA or NH 77W for the TPAC, and the NH 789/781 for NRT-BKK. I think that's a preferable routing compared to TPE, and NH service is IME the best of them all. One final consideration is, if you put your last flight (back to SFO) on UA, you can use the arrivals lounge.
I like the UA SFO-TPE route, but I agree UA's flight times are a problem. Not so much for sleeping, but UA makes connections in TPE almost impossible. Flight arrives ~ 7 pm, but is often late, so booking BR TPE-BKK that evening is a roll of the dice. It departs ~ 10:30 am, so you better be prepared to spend the night at TPE. It seems UA only sees this as a O/D route. 
May 19, 2019, 2:24 pm
#155
Join Date: Oct 2008
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SFO-SIN-BKK. BKK-TPE-SFO business class UA, Singapore Air, Eva
Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I took your advice about doing the center row SFO-SIN so that nobody next to me will crawl over me for the bathroom, nor do I have to crawl over someone else. I then am doing SIN-BKK on SQ, BKK-TPE on EVA, and then TPE-SFO on United Polaris. Thanks for the great tips!
www.Instagram.com/sfflyer123
The Routing I took was, SFO-SIN on UA B787 Old Polaris. SIN-BKK SQ A330 old business class. BKK-TPE on Eva B777 new business class, TPE-SFO B777 UA New Polaris. Here are some take away points
--On SFO-SIN, it's 16.5hrs, it is a long flight. There were about 10 open seats in business class by upgrade map on the UA app, so upgrade chances are probably pretty good. Left on a Wednesday, though. Row 1 is close to the galley and bathroom, so I would avoid row 1 despite the larger footwells.
--SIN-BKK on the SQ A330 old business class is still very nice. I highly recommend
--BKK--TPE Eva is outstanding on the B777. Even though it was a 3hr flight, they had nearly the same product as a long-haul. They served an outstanding Bordeaux for a 3 hour flight.
--TPE-SFO, avoid rows 7 and 8 by the windows. It's close to the galley and very noisy. Row 1 is also near the front galley and bathroom so it's bright.
Last edited by SFflyer123; May 19, 2019 at 2:32 pm
Jun 17, 2019, 3:27 pm
#156
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 35
United or Partners IAH to Bangkok
I have a trip coming up at the end of July (7/24 - 7/30) for a run over to Bangkok. I'd like to make the most out of the distance for Premier Qualification and would like to be in a Premium Economy product. I don't think it's possible for IAH to Bangkok on United metal in Premium Plus so happy to fly with a Star Alliance Partner (EVA, Singapore, etc) and earn PQMs as my PQD is doing fine for the year. Anyone fly there and have any suggestions on routing or best way to make the trip on United (or with partners)?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 17, 2019 at 5:23 pm Reason: Moved to exisiting thread
Jun 17, 2019, 4:15 pm
#157
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I have a trip coming up at the end of July (7/24 - 7/30) for a run over to Bangkok. I'd like to make the most out of the distance for Premier Qualification and would like to be in a Premium Economy product. I don't think it's possible for IAH to Bangkok on United metal in Premium Plus so happy to fly with a Star Alliance Partner (EVA, Singapore, etc) and earn PQMs as my PQD is doing fine for the year. Anyone fly there and have any suggestions on routing or best way to make the trip on United (or with partners)?
Edited to add: There is a possibility EVA Air FAs will go on strike soon, but likely that will be resolved by your dates of travel.
Jun 17, 2019, 4:36 pm
#158
Join Date: Nov 2011
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I try to stick to United metal when I can since I am getting closer to million miler.
For this routing I'd likely do IAH-NRT on United and then NRT-BKK on on ANA/Air Japan. The flight leaves at a decent time in IAH (10:40am), gives 3 hours in NRT which is plenty of time in the event of minor delays, or time to enjoy the NRT lounge if not, and arrives in BKK at 9:40 PM, so perfect time to get to the hotel and crash before midnight and start the next day fresh.
If you're really gunning for Premium Plus, another option would be IAH-SFO, SFO-NRT (PP on United), and NRT-BKK on Air Japan. Other midway connection stops to get premium plus could be IAH-SFO-HKG-BKK or even IAH-EWR-HKG-BKK.
For this routing I'd likely do IAH-NRT on United and then NRT-BKK on on ANA/Air Japan. The flight leaves at a decent time in IAH (10:40am), gives 3 hours in NRT which is plenty of time in the event of minor delays, or time to enjoy the NRT lounge if not, and arrives in BKK at 9:40 PM, so perfect time to get to the hotel and crash before midnight and start the next day fresh.
If you're really gunning for Premium Plus, another option would be IAH-SFO, SFO-NRT (PP on United), and NRT-BKK on Air Japan. Other midway connection stops to get premium plus could be IAH-SFO-HKG-BKK or even IAH-EWR-HKG-BKK.
Jun 17, 2019, 4:57 pm
#159
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For this routing I'd likely do IAH-NRT on United and then NRT-BKK on on ANA/Air Japan. The flight leaves at a decent time in IAH (10:40am), gives 3 hours in NRT which is plenty of time in the event of minor delays, or time to enjoy the NRT lounge if not, and arrives in BKK at 9:40 PM, so perfect time to get to the hotel and crash before midnight and start the next day fresh.
From IAH, BR via TPE would IMO be the best *A option in terms of timing and comfort. The earnings are not very good. I would also seriously consider going out of alliance on EK or QR.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 17, 2019 at 5:24 pm Reason: clean-up after move; thanks for the link
Jun 17, 2019, 6:04 pm
#160
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YMMV, but I really dislike that timing. I can never sleep after a late night arrival in Asia. I find the late night departure from the US works much better.
From IAH, BR via TPE would IMO be the best *A option in terms of timing and comfort. The earnings are not very good. I would also seriously consider going out of alliance on EK or QR.
From IAH, BR via TPE would IMO be the best *A option in terms of timing and comfort. The earnings are not very good. I would also seriously consider going out of alliance on EK or QR.
* Earning PQM, PQS and PQD when you fly
Jun 17, 2019, 7:12 pm
#161
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 35
You are correct, UA does not fly to Bangkok. You may wish to consider EVA AIR (BR), who provide an excellent service in PE. BR IAH-TPE-BKK return would be $1583 in PE, I notice for your dates, and earns 100% miles minimum.
Edited to add: There is a possibility EVA Air FAs will go on strike soon, but likely that will be resolved by your dates of travel.
Edited to add: There is a possibility EVA Air FAs will go on strike soon, but likely that will be resolved by your dates of travel.
Jun 17, 2019, 8:14 pm
#162
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Yes I read that. I'm suggesting OP consider other options, because the ROI of airline loyalty is really not all that great these days. Not to mention that OP does not seem to care about PQD, since he's looking at SQ.
Last edited by Kacee; Jun 17, 2019 at 8:20 pm
Jun 28, 2019, 6:28 pm
#163
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 774
Out of curiosity, why can't UA do a JV with TG from HKG to BKK in light of this development?
Or from NRT/KIX to BKK for that matter? The NH segment is driving fare to BKK crazy — with the only other option being to connect somewhere in the mainland China.
Is that because TG's management still lives in the 90s or something?
Or from NRT/KIX to BKK for that matter? The NH segment is driving fare to BKK crazy — with the only other option being to connect somewhere in the mainland China.
Is that because TG's management still lives in the 90s or something?
Jun 28, 2019, 6:46 pm
#164
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Jun 28, 2019, 8:01 pm
#165
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Though last time I did BKK-HKG on a UA-issued ticket connecting to UA back to the US (with BKK-HKG on CX), TG didn’t have a flight early enough to connect to either the ORD or EWR UA flights. I checked.