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Why are flights from Bangkok to the US so empty despite high demand?

COVID-19 Travel Impact Flight Availability Airline Capacity Thailand Immigration Visa Concerns US Travel Restrictions Flight Prices Airline Operations

Sep 25, 2020

4 years ago

Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

For all the talk about full flights leaving BKK, my flight on Korean Air to ICN then USA is about 90% empty

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion reveals a notable observation regarding the current state of air travel from Bangkok, particularly flights to the US, which are reported to be significantly underbooked despite numerous claims of full flights. Participants mention experiences on various airlines, highlighting that many flights have low passenger numbers. Comments also touch on issues such as pricing, the impact of COVID-19 on travel and airline operations, and the complexities faced when returning to Thailand due to varying visa and quarantine regulations. Overall, the conversation illustrates the challenges and changes in international air travel amidst ongoing global health concerns.

Andrew ********

same old price I paid. One way from London £450.

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Martin *******

It's a joke really. We will be paying for empty seats that would of been empty anyway forever now

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Antonino *******

I have found the same on the flight Etihad to Abu Dhabi, and then to Milano; the rate crew/passengers was about

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.

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Andrew ********

Leaving Thailand is fairly easy it's coming back that's the problem.

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Andrew ********

I just got back from UK, still in quarantine. Arriving and going through Swampy was quick and easy. The tough bit was arranging all the paperwork, not cheap and highly stressful. The process is quite confusing as embassy gave me the wrong email addresses to send documents. The covid 19 test is another worry as the 72 hour bit makes it a very tight schedule. Trying t get on the repatriation flight was hopeless luckily Emirates put on a few scheduled flights which were

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the price of the repatriation flight.

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Jane ***********

@Andrew *******

Thanks for this update, always interesting to hear experiences of those returning.

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andrew *******

good to hear that, hopefully more airlines will do that in the coming months

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Christopher ******

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andrew *******

isn’t that the truth! Caught a glimpse of what awaits while heading to my departure gate F6

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Christopher ******

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John *******

They can’t fly like that for long.

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

they make up for it with cargo I think

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John *******

@Christopher *****

I hope so. But they can only carry as much cargo as before (they are not removing seats) and the passenger portion is near empty.

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

more weight available and unused luggage space - I heard Korean was using the cabin for flights to BKK but I can’t confirm that.

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Christopher ******

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I can confirm the transit at ICN is very easy, and the lounge is open with food and alcohol, most shops open too - but on the BKK-ICN flight no alcohol.

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Han ********

Buy at duty free, transfer into Ice Oi Ichi Tea bottle bought from the pharmacy. (Comes with free ice tea).

Tell shop attendant you're only going as far as your first flight because otherwise they're going to spend 20 minutes figuring out if duty free items are allowed to transfer.

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Han ********

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Andrew ********

Returning to Thailand from London to Dubai was same A380 with perhaps 100 on board and Dubai Bangkok on a 777 with less than 50.

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Anthony *********

Also the lack of flying hours is hindering pilots from returning to these large carriers. This tidal effect of maintaining a licensed flight record will create a shortage of pilots in the short term.

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Anthony *********

The price gouging will be hard to reverse since airlines are flying at a huge loss. Till passenger confidence and closed border restrictions ease, this will not change. Hopefully they can fast track an instant Covid test that can bypass hotel quarantine.

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Motal ***********

Don't doubt we are on the third world war and nobody want to die.

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Tony ********

Australia has flight caps of32people per flight .and caps on passengers into airport so not economic Qatar may stop going to Aust

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Andrew *******

They need to come up with a way to get people back and stop making bad decisions

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Andrew *******

Whole lot a sleeping room and extra food

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Stéfan ********

These are not regular flights... they load up with Thais coming in and must return to point of departure

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stéfan *******

it’s a regular flight, I just booked online

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Christopher ******

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Love ***************

Wow, did you have to get a transit visa? I thought they weren't allowing American Citizens to pass through.

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Love **************

no need, super easy transit

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Christophe **********

No, they were not allowing thais to come in or transit

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Christophe **********

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Todd *********

Interesting!!Incheon and South Korea in general would be a blast now. Wonder how their visa situation looks for long stay

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Ness *******

This is so sad to see!

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Chris *******

Save on the business class ticket and stretch across 4 seats mate !!!!!!

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I did that! But also upgrade certificates on Delta so Delta One Suites it is!

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Christopher ******

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John ********

Any flight arriving from Hong Kong to BKK

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Martin ********

Qatar yeaterday, 36 passemgers on BKK to Doha flight

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Bill ***********

Are you sure you got on the right flight?

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Cervantes *******

Seems like no one wants to go to the US?

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Billy *******

@Cervantes ******

Ha! It's a shit hole!

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cervantes ******

could be, but this flight is to Seoul, I will take a pic on connecting flight to USA

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Christopher ******

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Kevin *******

etihad the same ,a month ago

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Emirates was checking in about same time, looked also like very few flyers compared to normal

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Christopher ******

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John ********

Price??

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Christopher ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I paid one-way about 28,000 baht, changed fight date for free twice.

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Christopher ******

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