Thai air cutting back in Aus

[bluejets]

Last couple of years noticed the Thai Airways fares from Brisbane Bangkok return were $100.00 more than from Sydney.
Could not get any real answer from them as to why, considering the route is probably some 600 odd klm less.

Going through looking at bookings for this year's trip and cost is up now an extra $170.00 each plus I could not seem to get any dates that coincided with when we were planning to come and go.

Phone call today and it turns out that now only 4 flights in and out of Australia to Brisbane each week.
Wednesday Friday, Sunday and Monday. Overall effect is it cuts one day out of the usual 30 day stay.

Oh well, looks like I'll have to re-schedule the number of beer Leo tallies per day.

[tamada]

Thai Airways International is adding fights to Melbourne effective starting October 27 through to at least the end of March next year.

Flights to Melbourne Australia will increase from 11 to 14 (twice daily) using the 321 seat Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft.

[cjd01]

Just did a trip to Brisbane with Air Asia no frills but bags checked to Brisbane from Udon, Immigration at Udon and bags checked Brisbane to Udon on return, have many ticket options including sleeper seat
was sceptical initially but would do it again

[mickojak]

So you avoided immigration at don muang both ways
mick

[cjd01]

only did it on way out as had to overnight in BKK on way in no connector, so stayed at airport hotel inside Don Muang,
was a long wait in the immigration line maybe next time but 11hrs in transit lounge

[mickojak]

Ok,
I will send PM.
Would like to have a chat with you next week if you are in Thailand.
Mick

[jackspratt]

only did it on way out as had to overnight in BKK on way in no connector, so stayed at airport hotel inside Don Muang,
was a long wait in the immigration line maybe next time but 11hrs in transit lounge

I think more information on this would be of wider interest, as the general understanding (or is it misunderstanding) seems to be that there are no immigration services available at Udon Airport.

[cjd01]

There is no misunderstanding, I just went Udon Thani to Brisbane return arrived back Sunday 4th August 2019
perhaps I'm too stupid to know what happened, 100% immigration done at Udon Airport perhaps you should check before your smart mouth comment

[jackspratt]

Perhaps the misunderstanding is by you, of my question.

I don't doubt your experience. However, as I stated, the general understanding (as I know it) is that Immigration doesn't operate from Udon Airport.

From your experience, obviously it does - hence my request for further information, to dispel the misunderstanding, and to assist others in the future.

A quick google doesn't assist.

[cjd01]

sent you a copy of Udon Immigration stamp, I can only tell what happened also on the way in I saw about 4 people sitting in the transit area (need to stay in there until board plane), In Brisbane coming back was asked if wanted to check bag to Udon and Immigration there but because of long layover declined. I don't know about other carriers but had a couple going to Malaysia when I went out, they were in the transit area with me.

[mickojak]

So, when you got to Bangkok, what happened there?
Did they take you lot aside and put you straight into the international terminal?
Mick

[jackspratt]

Got the stamp - thanks.

Sounds like this is an Air Asia only thing. There was a bit about it here a couple of years ago:

international-flight-through-ticket-dmk-kkc-t44677.html

[cjd01]

Yes Mick
Staff waiting at arrival gate, straight to Xray carry on then into International area
It occurs to me that this clearing Immigration in Udon will be for all Air Asia International connections as the other couple were going to KL
Will do it again as it's very easy only trap don't do Customs until late as nothing in the waiting area.

[mickojak]

Ok, good tip.
Yep, i'll try that later this month

[jackspratt]

If you can find AirAsia flights to suit, sounds worth doing just to avoid the immigration and security queues at Don Muang.

[noosard]

I cleared immigration in Udon when flying to Singapore about 2 years ago
Air Asia connection