What should I expect when arriving in Phuket under the Sandbox program?

Mar 4, 2022
3 years ago
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Arrived in Phuket under the Sandbox today (the 2nd PCR will be refunded).

Flew from LHR to Phuket via Doha with Qatar. A380 seemed pretty full, although paying for an exit isle seat in economy gives unlimited legroom. I am sure there was a plane change to an A330 on the 2nd leg (I haven't looked yet) but as I had an empty seat next to me (seemed 80% full) it was fine.

I had a 2 hour 20 minute layover, and as the LHR flight took off an hour late there was no issue. Doha seemed a bit chaotic but no actual issues.

Phuket Airport was a very well organised military operation, and I was in and out in around 30 mins, although we seemed to be the only flight in town.

The driving style of my driver was interesting, and as we know 'lane discipline' doesn't translate into Thai.

Many thank to everyone on here (Stuart and James Miller to name two). Waiting for my PCR result now, so who knows.

Stay safe everyone๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A traveler shared their experience arriving in Phuket under the Sandbox program, noting a smooth transit process including a timely PCR test and organized airport procedures. They discussed their flight on Qatar Airways from London to Phuket with a layover in Doha, emphasizing the efficiency of Phuket Airport and reflecting on the unique driving style in Thailand. Comments from other users included experiences and thoughts on PCR test refunds.
Gary ******
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Negative result...in about 6 hours. Freedom....๐Ÿ˜
Sarah ***************
Ooh Iโ€™m doing that flight on Sunday. Good to know ๐Ÿ‘

What was your baggage weight allowance?
Piet ***********
@Ricky *****
me and my Girl flying the same route next week. Good to know how it goes
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Piet **********
Qatar called two days before the flight to say arrive 4 hours early as some people had missed flights due to long security queues at LHR.

I was advised on here to check in online (from 48 before) and print boarding pass beforehand.

I arrived 5 hours before, no wait to drop off my bag and through security in 30 mins. No forveveryone but suits me๐Ÿ˜ƒps Strangely no security before 2nd flight๐Ÿค”
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sarah **************
I'm not sure (maybe 23kg) as I only take about 18kg anyway, a smallish back sack, and a man bag for passports, valuables etc.

I am sure you know, but have prints of all your proofs (x 2 as a minimum, but x 4 to be safe).

Have a great trip. If there's anyone around in Patong over the next week might be nice to say hello over a coffee during the day๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Mel ********
Don't hold your breath about 2nd pcr being refunded. They are not obliged to do so. Thai government said that.
Maarten ****
@Mel *******
I got email from my hotel that's it's all refund for 5th night
Ricky ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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