ask
Search
Ask
Answered6 years ago

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

Christopher ******
asked Sep 25, 2020
9.9k
views
40
replies
151
likes
For all the talk about full flights leaving BKK, my flight on Korean Air to ICN then USA is about 90% empty
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.
40 repliesnewest first
23

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Andrew ********
Andrew ********
same old price I paid. One way from London £450.
Martin *******
Martin *******
It's a joke really. We will be paying for empty seats that would of been empty anyway forever now
Antonino *******
Antonino *******
I have found the same on the flight Etihad to Abu Dhabi, and then to Milano; the rate crew/passengers was about
***
.
Andrew ********
Andrew ********
Leaving Thailand is fairly easy it's coming back that's the problem.
Andrew ********
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
***
the price of the repatriation flight.
Jane ***********
Jane ***********
@Andrew *******
Thanks for this update, always interesting to hear experiences of those returning.
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@Andrew *******
good to hear that, hopefully more airlines will do that in the coming months
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@Andrew *******
isn’t that the truth! Caught a glimpse of what awaits while heading to my departure gate F6
John *******
John *******
They can’t fly like that for long.
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@John ******
they make up for it with cargo I think
John *******
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.
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@John ******
more weight available and unused luggage space - I heard Korean was using the cabin for flights to BKK but I can’t confirm that.
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
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.
Han ********
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.
Andrew ********
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.
Anthony *********
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.
Anthony *********
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.
Motal ***********
Motal ***********
Don't doubt we are on the third world war and nobody want to die.
Tony ********
Tony ********
Australia has flight caps of32people per flight .and caps on passengers into airport so not economic Qatar may stop going to Aust
Andrew *******
Andrew *******
They need to come up with a way to get people back and stop making bad decisions
Andrew *******
Andrew *******
Whole lot a sleeping room and extra food
Stéfan ********
Stéfan ********
These are not regular flights... they load up with Thais coming in and must return to point of departure
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@Stéfan *******
it’s a regular flight, I just booked online
Love ***************
Love ***************
Wow, did you have to get a transit visa? I thought they weren't allowing American Citizens to pass through.
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@Love **************
no need, super easy transit
Christophe **********
Christophe **********
No, they were not allowing thais to come in or transit
Todd *********
Todd *********
Interesting!!Incheon and South Korea in general would be a blast now. Wonder how their visa situation looks for long stay
Ness *******
Ness *******
This is so sad to see!
Chris *******
Chris *******
Save on the business class ticket and stretch across 4 seats mate !!!!!!
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@Chris ******
I did that! But also upgrade certificates on Delta so Delta One Suites it is!
John ********
John ********
Any flight arriving from Hong Kong to BKK
Martin ********
Martin ********
Qatar yeaterday, 36 passemgers on BKK to Doha flight
Bill ***********
Bill ***********
Are you sure you got on the right flight?
Cervantes *******
Cervantes *******
Seems like no one wants to go to the US?
Billy *******
Billy *******
@Cervantes ******
Ha! It's a shit hole!
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@Cervantes ******
could be, but this flight is to Seoul, I will take a pic on connecting flight to USA
Kevin *******
Kevin *******
etihad the same ,a month ago
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@Kevin ******
Emirates was checking in about same time, looked also like very few flyers compared to normal
John ********
John ********
Price??
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
OP
@John *******
I paid one-way about 28,000 baht, changed fight date for free twice.

Activity

23 joined
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
23
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
Why is it easier to open a bank account in Pattaya than in Bangkok?
3.3k27392mo
Is it safe to cross into Laos by land and then fly to Thailand for immigration purposes?
927874mo
Will having a return ticket after the 60 days be an issue for my visit to Thailand?
5.8k241306mo
What are my options for leaving Thailand before my visa expires given the difficulties with my travel plans?
7.3k69657mo
Why was my DTV visa application denied despite submitting all required documents?
4.6k49239mo
What are the requirements and experiences for doing a same-day border run from Samui to Singapore on a DTV visa?
1.8k14169mo
Do I need a return flight ticket when entering Thailand with a Non-Immigration ‘O’ Visa?
3.4k17221y
Why are Thai immigration authorities enforcing onward travel requirements more strictly now?
6.3k47721y
Why are Bangkok Bank and AIS apps locking foreigners out of their accounts?
15.3k961601y
What is the process and timeline for obtaining a Long-Term Residency (LTR) visa as a wealthy pensioner in Thailand?
1.8k1372y
Can I obtain a DTV Visa in Thailand as a cryptocurrency trader?
3.9k28412y
Will not receiving an entry stamp after using auto gates cause problems re-entering Thailand?
3.9k26222y
How long can I stay in Thailand with a border bounce before my flight on March 15th?
1.6k12134y
What are the current options for changing my visa in Thailand, and how can I avoid quarantine upon re-entry?
1.2k935y
What are the current rules and recommendations for doing a visa run from Thailand, especially after a long stay?
4k38205y
What are the current travel restrictions and COVID-19 testing requirements for Thailand?
3.7k17645y
What are the latest updates regarding visa extensions in Thailand, especially concerning COVID-related regulations?
4.1k33385y
How did you successfully obtain a 60 Day COVID visa from a Bangkok temporary immigration office?
2.6k24145y
What are the current options for obtaining a tourist visa to Thailand from South Africa?
1.1k696y
Will Thai Airways operate flights without passengers for financial reasons?
4.9k33666y
How can I obtain a 30-day visa extension in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic?
4.7k39427y
What are the current requirements for returning to Thailand on an OA visa regarding health insurance?
1.5k9147y
Should I be Concerned About Too Many Visits to Thailand on a Tourist Visa?
2k15177y
Do I need an outbound ticket for a 60-day tourist visa to Thailand from Penang?
2.2k2098y
What can I do to help my Thai girlfriend obtain a Schengen Visa for Spain after two refusals?
2.5k18239y

Resources

Need help with your Thai visa?