LAX - BKK on Thia Air

[Guest GaySacGuy]

I flew the LAX - BKK direct flight on Saturday evening (17th). It was a great flight and arrived on time. However, it was very empty! I would say less than 30% occupancy. There were several four across seat in the center of the economy section that were completely empty. Nearly all other had only 1 or 2 people, and there were single in most of the two seater window rows. Everyone in economy had plenty of places to stretch out and sleep, as the arms on the seat will raise in economy.

 

I was in premium economy, and most of the three across had only one person (but the seat arms don't raise) and only a couple of window rows had two people. Business class looked about 25% and there were a few in first class.

 

Immigration was a snap...many windows open and few people, and even the baggage arrived quicker than normal.

 

I flew the same flight about one year ago, and it was packed with only a couple of vacant seats anywhere. It is really clear from this one flight that tourism is really down. Also, there were less American looking folks, and more Asian looking folks on the flight this year.

 

It is another bad sign for the economy here and in the US. Also, I would think that this non-stop flight might disappear from the schedule very quickly.

[PattayaMale]

My friend just flew in Nov. 10 on Northwest. He said that the aircraft to Tokyo and from there to Bangkok was "packed". He was in business class, all seats taken. When he walked around the plane he noticed economy was also full. I wonder why the difference?

 

I was surprised that he got thru immigration so fast though. Took him less than 5 minutes.

[Gaybutton]

I wonder why the difference?

 

First, airline terminology lesson number 1: Most people confuse a direct flight with a non-stop flight, thinking both mean the same thing. They don't. A non-stop flight means your flight arrives at your destination without making any intermediate stops. A direct flight also arrives at your destination, but there will be at least one stop along the way. You don't have to change planes, but you're going to be delayed by the stop with disembarking passengers leaving the plane and the next set of passengers boarding. Often, especially on international flights, you may also be required to exit the plane (just about definitely if they're going to refuel), but you'll board the same plane again.

 

End of lesson.

 

I'm guessing GaySacGuy meant "non-stop," even though he said "direct." If so, then I'm also guessing he was on a Thai Airways non-stop flight to Bangkok. That flight is a much more expensive flight, which probably is the reason why his plane was empty and your friend's was full.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

Personally, I prefer that my plane stops. (George Carlin, paraphrased)

[Guest]

Personally, I prefer that my plane stops. (George Carlin, paraphrased)

 

I loved the JFK to BKK nonstop. It was amazingly easy to get to LOS and back and very comfortable. I hope they put it back on.

[Guest laurence]

I'm guessing GaySacGuy meant "non-stop," even though he said "direct." If so, then I'm also guessing he was on a Thai Airways non-stop flight to Bangkok. That flight is a much more expensive flight, which probably is the reason why his plane was empty and your friend's was full.

 

We could use some clarification! I thought all "non stop" flights by Thai Air have been eliminated. Also no premium economy. Have they made changes back to the older non-stop flights? If so, this is good news.

 

[Guest kjun12]

We could use some clarification! I thought all "non stop" flights by Thai Air have been eliminated. Also no premium economy. Have they made changes back to the older non-stop flights? If so, this is good news.

 

 

The Thai Air Los Ageles to BKK & return flights are back but not New York.

[Guest laurence]

The Thai Air Los Ageles to BKK & return flights are back but not New York.

 

Thanks kjun12. Great news.

[Guest fountainhall]

I wonder why the difference?

 

One reason is that THAI does not have a decent feeder service within North America, unlike Northwest. Sure, Star Alliance is supposed to offer seamless connections from United etc. and mileage to your usual airline account. As GB said, though, TG does tend to be more expensive, the more so as the LAX flights continue to be non-stop using the A340-500 aircraft they bought for their non-stop US routes and then tried to sell when they withdrew the JFK non-stops earlier in the year - but apparently were unable to do so.

 

However, the LAX non-stops also seem to be on the way out. Looking at the TG schedules for the beginning of next year, the aircraft is changed to the 777-200 with a stop in Osaka. I guess thereafter the price will come down and load factors increase.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

However, the LAX non-stops also seem to be on the way out. Looking at the TG schedules for the beginning of next year, the aircraft is changed to the 777-200 with a stop in Osaka. I guess thereafter the price will come down and load factors increase.

 

The Thai official at LAX told me that the non-stop would probably remain until after the first of the year, and then would depend on traffic volume.

 

I doubt that they will lower the price, and with the 777 there will again be no premium economy, so you have to do the economy or foot the bill for business class. Also, the schedule will probably change, so that they arrive in BKK about midnight, instead of the 6:30 a.m. of the non-stop flight.

 

Thai is more expensive, but the level of service, and quality of food, etc. makes it worth a little more. I flew United to the US and Thai back to BKK, and definitely feel that I get my money's worth with Thai.

[Guest fountainhall]

The Thai official at LAX told me that the non-stop would probably remain until after the first of the year, and then would depend on traffic volume.

 

According to the TG on-line schedules, the non-stops 'stop' at the end of January.

 

With fuel now 60% below its high, I wonder if TG is now regretting the closure of the JFK route. I have only a basic grasp of airline economics, but considering the investment TG made in the non-stop service (to say nothing of the cost of the A340-500s specially purchased for it and the LAX service) and what I understand were relatively high load factors, perhaps it might now seem a more profitable bet - even though the recession will inevitably affect traffic. Cathay Pacific is still maintaining its 2 non-stops to HKG and Singapore has its all business class non-stop from Newark.