MH: BKK-MEL/SYD return in J for under $1400

[Austman]

I went through there last week, not connecting though, and it was the worst arrival experience I can recall. Was waiting for 1.5 hours at immigration, queue snaked through duty free 21.30 arrival. Departures wasn't much better, had to queue to get bag xrayed before being able to check in, pretty standard in Thailand but 30 min there then 20 min in the priority line just to check in with HLO was a bit rich.
The personal escort through customs and security all the way to the lounge was a nice touch though

Can't recall seeing any transfer signage in response to your question, sorry.

eek!

Noticed a report here:

Terminal confusion, immigration delays strike at new coughet international airport | Coconuts Bangkok

“We have only 13 computers that are working with 13 to 14 officers on rotation at the counters,” the officer said.
“Some stations still have no computers set up yet. In three months, we hope to get new computers for these stations and extra officers will help out by next week,” the officer said.

 

[Oxy]

Yeah i guess the good news is there was less than half the desks staffed. So should halve the wait time to less than an hour

 

[annielee]

another alternative... fly from SIN ..fares also under $1400..

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Been flying on these fares a lot lately and it's been really interesting flying with MH – a new carrier for me and starting to get a feel for the airline.

To be honest, I've actually been quite impressed. I had low expectations.

Food is all a bit average, but the 737 regional J seats are fine for what they are and I can get a very good night's sleep on the A330s to/from MEL.

Crews have been a mixed bag but just had a really good run from BKK-KUL-MEL with all lovely and very kind service. Reminds me of some of the better SQ crew members. I think its biggest issue is inconsistency.

The ISM/CSM (not sure what they call it) on my BKK-KUL flight yesterday was absolutely wonderful. Went around and greeted every J pax individually with a handshake and some quick conversation on how their time in Bangkok was. Truly memorable. Can't remember the last time I had that on SQ. The KUL-MEL flight always seems to have good crews too, particularly CSM/ISM who seems to alway try and accommodate a quick drink or snack for me after waking, even if only an hour or less flying time left. Always proactive.

On arrival into MEL this morning I found my baggage had been delayed, which amazingly is a first for me. MEL handlers are delivering it home today or tomorrow. Fairly painless process (though it's not in my possession just yet). Apparently a 60-minute connection at KUL isn't enough for some pieces of baggage...

Anyway, for what I've been paying for these fares I'm really very pleased. The airline is solid. Just a few gripes.

— Really unimpressed with the J lounge at KUL. BKK has been good because of the beautiful CX lounge. MEL is dreadful, but then I blame the awful location of all the lounges for that. The situation is helped by the QF lounge (which is still somewhat grim) but is at least a little cosy.
— Meal service on the medium-haul is super slow. Took almost 2 hours to finish supper service last night, which means a ~7 hour flight only leaves ~4 hours to sleep. Kind of annoying on a red-eye.

Still have one more with MH J for now: CMB-MEL-CMB which bridges two trips taking me to the end of the year. Incredibly, I can say that at the moment I pretty much only fly (self) paid J internationally which seems totally insane, but with these kinds of CMB/BKK fares on MH/QR, I'm getting worryingly used to it!

 

[prozac]

This fare is back and I reckon it's pretty good! Just booked it for myself – two trips to SE Asia sorted.

For example: https://www.google.com/flights/?cur...5-KULSYD0MH123,SYDKUL0MH122-KULBKK0MH796;sc=b

Thanks for the link mrsmart. I was not aware of the google search tool. Pretty snappy.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Been flying on these fares a lot lately and it's been really interesting flying with MH

What FF programme do you credit flights to?

 

[Fiches Mouser]

What FF programme do you credit flights to?

It's all CX MPC/AM now.

 

[Austman]

My recent arrival and departure at HKT international went smoothly.

On arrival there were no queues at all. I think we were the only plane in at 20:00.

On departure, the MH J class escort service by-passed any queues and took me straight to the Coral "First Class" lounge.

It's a pleasant enough small lounge I suppose. Some food and soft drink offerings. I think beer is the only alcoholic beveridge, although they have what looks like a bar.

 

[Austman]

My second arrival went fast too. A Qatar 777 (I think) had just landed a few mins before my flight. So one large and one small plane. Maybe just lucky. Let's see what my next departure brings.

 

[Austman]

The next departure was even quicker!

It seems it's the Coral Lounge that provides the escort service. The check-in agent gives them a call and a rep shows up. The Coral Lounge has a counter on the check-in level, so I suspect you could pay for it if not included in your ticket.

Today, the lines were short anyway.

I'm the only person in the 1st class Coral Lounge at the moment. I took some food this time and a free head and shoulder massage is offered. I didn't have that but it has been offered in each of my visits. Here is a photo:

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The next departure was even quicker!

It seems it's the Coral Lounge that provides the escort service. The check-in agent gives them a call and a rep shows up. The Coral Lounge has a counter on the check-in level, so I suspect you could pay for it if not included in your ticket.

Today, the lines were short anyway.

I'm the only person in the 1st class Coral Lounge at the moment. I took some food this time and a free head and shoulder massage is offered. I didn't have that but it has been offered in each of my visits. Here is a photo:

View attachment 85298

The head and shoulder massage is very vigorous.
Not recommended for the faint hearted.
Or anyone with a functional nervous system.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

I start my MH sale fares in J next week. I booked QF for SYD-BKK return then MH kicks in with;

BKK-KUL-LHR return (LHR leg on 388 upper deck)
Three weeks in Europe
Than back in BKK I do BKK-KUL-MNL return for warm island relief after northern christmas!

The price was really impressive with the LHR J flight under AU$2k return and the MNL return J flight under $300. Funny when you price up SYD-LHR its 5 x the price and even KUL-LHR is 3 x the price.

I will be looking for more of these next year - being self funded I have no issue flying MH on these fares and so far have had no major issues with MH -and the service being very good (even when the service is average its still miles better than QF with MH staff who seem genuine when they ask 'can I assist you?' as opposed to the QF bark of most senior crew)

 

[prozac]

...
BKK-KUL-LHR return (LHR leg on 388 upper deck)
Three weeks in Europe
Than back in BKK I do BKK-KUL-MNL return for warm island relief after northern christmas!

The price was really impressive with the LHR J flight under AU$2k return and the MNL return J flight under $300. Funny when you price up SYD-LHR its 5 x the price and even KUL-LHR is 3 x the price.
...

Well done.
Sub $2k BKK-KUL-LHR J return... So you booked separately QF SYD-BKK-SYD, through QF or MH? J or whY?
Seems funny it is cheaper to backtrack.

How far out out did you need to book?

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Well done.
Sub $2k BKK-KUL-LHR J return... So you booked separately QF SYD-BKK-SYD, through QF or MH? J or whY?

Yes booked QF separately in whY as no airline was showing value for departures next week (MH was more expensive SYD-KUL-BKK than QF direct).

How far out out did you need to book?

Booked early August - this thread has many of the sale fares that were available at the time and I am hoping for more in 2017!