Nok Air

[Galee]

Thanks for everyones advice on insecure transactions.
Don't worry, there is no way I'd give out any info that might be accessable by anyone.
Cheers anyway,

gary

[albeach]

Have a credit card that provides extra security for internet use. I can set a length of time it is good for, maximum dollar amount, and they generate a new CC card number using a little program on my computer. Anyone else who tries to use the card number is out of luck.

[shortimer]

Thanks Yorkman, I was really concerned about the outbound more than the inbound, didn't feel like sitting in airport all night. As the flight in is first thing in morn I would assume the equipment will be sitting in BKK from the previous nights inbound flights.

[valentine]

Thanks Yorkman, I was really concerned about the outbound more than the inbound, didn't feel like sitting in airport all night. As the flight in is first thing in morn I would assume the equipment will be sitting in BKK from the previous nights inbound flights.

Sorry wrong assumption, it overnights in Singapore and is the early flight from there to Bangkok.

[yorkman]

Thanks Yorkman, I was really concerned about the outbound more than the inbound, didn't feel like sitting in airport all night. As the flight in is first thing in morn I would assume the equipment will be sitting in BKK from the previous nights inbound flights.

Sorry wrong assumption, it overnights in Singapore and is the early flight from there to Bangkok.

That sounds right, the airlines cannot afford to have their aircraft "sitting" anywhere unless under maintenance. In some previous work I worked for an airline, and I understand the average is 12 - 14 flight hours per day or they lose money.

Still...this means it's inbound to Udon from BKK. If its any assurance shortimer, my brother and his wife took the very same flight from Udon last friday (7th April), and it was on time and in fact early into BKK.

[shortimer]

Great, thanks for the info, really appreciate it. As I had said the one time I flew Asia Air about 3 months ago I sat in BKK for hours waiting for a plane to come available to go to Phuket, then 2 flight 10 minutes apart left for Phuket, same airlines. As I have a friend picking me up at airport really didn't want to have them sitting there waiting for me if at all possible. Of course with only a hour long flight maybe I could call them just before loading to let them know what time we are getting off, unless they play the sit on the runway game like they do in the states sometimes. Whatever, once again thanks for the input.

[Miruku]

Why aren't forumites using Thai Airways? My partner and I make use of the very good frequent flier points from Oz to Udon and we get about every 4th return flight free. Do the cheaper domestic airline fares offered by Nok etc make better sense than maximising flights with Thai who are cheap internationally though expensive domestically? I would have thought the savings from Europe and USA to Udon would be an even better proposition utilising the frequent flier points than from Oz.

[yorkman]

Why aren't forumites using Thai Airways?

I do...exactly for the reasons mentioned. And despite the fact that Thai operate a slightly old and ratty fleet, their customer service, attitude and reliability are world class IMHO.

I must have used Thai internationally on 50 or so return international flights now, and the same domestic, and I cannot remember other than very minor problems which were mainly outside their control.

Even if they were more expensive, which in the longer term they are not, for the reasons you give, I would use them.

From a cynic, credit where it is due.....

[Miruku]

Just a little more information about Thai Airways, we also use them to fly to Japan at least once per year. We fly from Melbourne to Bangkok where the inward planes are always a little early or on time, take only carry on luggage and immediately transfer to a flight loading right then for Los Angeles via Tokyo. It takes less than 2 hours longer than a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Tokyo (via Sydney), is A$40 cheaper than the Qantas fare, we can stop off in LOS on the way home without problem, and the extra trip mileage doubles our frequent flier points. We have done this 3 times so far without a single hitch and we've actually been recognised by cabin staff who coincidentally looked after us well on both legs of the return journey.

[arjay]

For my recent trip back to Uk, I flew with EVA on the International legs, - their "Elite" class on new 777's, excellent service, though I found the front edge of the seats hard and uncomfortable. I was however fortunate enough to get an Upgrade to Business (Super Laurel) class on the way out, as they couldn't get my TV to work.

For the Udon- Bangkok legs I flew with Thai Air both ways. I tried to book Nok for the return leg, whilst I was in the UK, but their webpage kept returning "oops" (with a picture of the Nok's head) to all my enquiries. I later deduced that this meant fully booked/no availability. I had of course chosen Songkran week and not pre-booked earlier.

So I booked with Thai again, for the return leg to Udon, - business class, as that was the only seat available last thursday.

Needless to say that served me well, as I was able to while away the hours, lounging, snacking and dozing in their VIP lounge in Bangkok, well away from the crowds of Songkran travellers inundating the rest of the airport. Also, no problems with luggage allowances, and preferential boarding.

[Galee]

I've booked my next trip with EVA.
I think I've made a BIG mistake.
I enquired about bringing my golf clubs and would there be a surcharge.
"For golf clubs we only charge you 6kgs excess laggage sir" I was told.
"OK", I replied, "How much is a Kg"
"Only ฃ35 sir"
My next reply was "******** ******* * ****** ******* * *** ฃ200"
So to bring my golf clubs with me EVA want to charge me ฃ400 return.
I only spent ฃ410 for my ticket.
Needless to say, I'm not a happy bunny.

[yorkman]

I've booked my next trip with EVA.
I think I've made a BIG mistake.
I enquired about bringing my golf clubs and would there be a surcharge.
"For golf clubs we only charge you 6kgs excess laggage sir" I was told.
"OK", I replied, "How much is a Kg"
"Only ฃ35 sir"
My next reply was "******** ******* * ****** ******* * *** ฃ200"
So to bring my golf clubs with me EVA want to charge me ฃ400 return.
I only spent ฃ410 for my ticket.
Needless to say, I'm not a happy bunny.

Not doing Golf I don't know the costs, but isn't it perhaps cheaper just to buy a set of golf bats in Udon?. Saves you lugging the things around as well...

[Stevo]

I've booked my next trip with EVA.
I think I've made a BIG mistake.
I enquired about bringing my golf clubs and would there be a surcharge.
"For golf clubs we only charge you 6kgs excess laggage sir" I was told.
"OK", I replied, "How much is a Kg"
"Only ฃ35 sir"
My next reply was "******** ******* * ****** ******* * *** ฃ200"
So to bring my golf clubs with me EVA want to charge me ฃ400 return.
I only spent ฃ410 for my ticket.
Needless to say, I'm not a happy bunny.

Gary,
If you have an address in Udon that could accept delivery, it might work out a lot cheaper to send them UPS or TNT I think.

p.s. (As a non-golfer) I would rate EVA amongst the best, even better than Thai Airways... just my opinion

[arjay]

Yes BL, with the upgrade I just played it slowly, Thai style - jai yen. I kept politely pointing out that it was still not working, despite their repeated resetting of the computer. It took an hour or more, as she kept returning and testing my TV. Then she said she would talk to the Purser. A few minutes later, she returned and asked me to accompany her.... through the hallowed curtains.

[arjay]

You have to remember I was in the Elite/Evergreen de-luxe class cabin in the first place anyway, which is their "super-econmy" class, so I was not in amongst the total riff-raff. But then to be upgraded from there, was indeed exalting. The chap they sat me next to, eyed me up and down for a moment or two, but I had combed my hair and was reasonably attired, so I seemed to be accepted.

I think he had been issued better slippers than I and a better toothbrush kit! The menu was much enhanced and drinks of your choice, whenever. But no monkeying about, or eggs on the Menu, there!

The seats reclined flat, but not quite horizontal, so I kept sliding down. Maybe I'll have to ask for compensation!

[Galee]

Steve/Yorky,

Thanks for the advice, but I think I have a cunning plan to get over my problem.

I can get my golf equipment down to 10kg and if I pack my suitcase light I can get that down to about 12kg. I will then stuff my hand luggage with as much as I can get away with.

If at check-in they still insist on me paying excess, I'm going back to my car and leave my golf gear there.

Playing golf around BKK is no problem. I can hire clubs at the courses I want to play.

The problem is around Udon. If I'm going to re-locate in the Udon area in the future, I want to try out the golf courses. None of the golf course in the Udon area hire out left handed golf clubs.!

[arjay]

Galee, It maybe worth asking the question again, about your Golf Clubs. Maybe they misunderstood you.

Also, if you flew "Elite" class, you would have a higher baggage allowance, I believe 30kgs.

And, is it possible the figure of #35 pounds related to total excess baggage cost, rather than the cost per Kg?

[Galee]

Pretty sure there was no misunderstanding. I said I would be better off cancelling the flight for ฃ140 fee and booking with Qatar, with whom I'm a Silver Club member. To my surprise the girl said "yes, that would be best" .lol.

I have made a follow up call to Eva at Heathrow. They told me that as long as I'm not trying to take advantage by filling the golf bag full of clothes, they tend to turn a blind eye to golf clubs. Of course, I don't have that in writing.

My biggest concern is going home. Eva at BKK may insist on the excess luggage fine.

[arjay]

If it helps your thinking, EVA seemed very easy with me over baggage and weights, in either direction... They never even looked at my hand baggage, let alone wanted to weigh it, which consisted of a fairly full and heavy holdall (coming back about 15kgs+) and a small shoulder bag. The holdall did meet the size limitations.

[Galee]

Cheers Arjay,

If the worse comes to the worse, it's only money..lol.