US Dividend Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here.

[Oneworldplus2]

After making a booking and heading over to the TG website to confirm the booking (http://www.thaiairways.com/AWR_PNR/view-trip.jsp) , has anyone the next step further and done the 'book the cook' meals?
The "Lobster" looks enticing. Has anyone pre-ordered meals before? If so, opinions?

 

[bcworld]

After making a booking and heading over to the TG website to confirm the booking (http://www.thaiairways.com/AWR_PNR/view-trip.jsp) , has anyone the next step further and done the 'book the cook' meals?
The "Lobster" looks enticing. Has anyone pre-ordered meals before? If so, opinions?

The lobster has a very bad rep in general! There is a first class pre-ordered meal thread on FT you might want to look at...should be on the first page of the TG forum.

Beware that once selected I don't think you can unselect or change the choice on the website.

Based on what I read on FT I ordered the Fish chuchee...I generally always go for the Thai options on TG. It was pretty bland although they gave me some fresh chillies etc to go with it. Crew were more than happy to offer other options from the regular menu in addition to the pre order meal.

 

[NDiddy]

it means they have gone from a 10F configured 747 to a 14F configuration, still on a 747. old F is still a good problem, comfortable seats and excellent service.

Really? Just checked a paid booking for F on the dates we'll be flying and it's showing 1-2-1 config of 10 seats. But as you said, good problem to have even if this is not the case.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Really? Just checked a paid booking for F on the dates we'll be flying and it's showing 1-2-1 config of 10 seats. But as you said, good problem to have even if this is not the case.

lol, or v.v... they may have gone from a 14F to a 10F either way, they can have an aircraft change with a 747 that required seats changes because the interior is quite different. I don't think there'll be too much seat changing whe the 9F comes in because the seats pretty much map across from the 10F configuration.

 

[NDiddy]

I don't think there'll be too much seat changing whe the 9F comes in because the seats pretty much map across from the 10F configuration.

Is the 9F the suites on the 747 or just updated F?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Is the 9F the suites on the 747 or just updated F?

there are currently 2 747 configs - 'old' 14 F and 'new' 10 F. (although the newest 747 aircraft in terms of age actually have the older seating configuration).

the 14Fs are being refurbished to 9F. But the 9F planes are replacing planes on routes where 10F was deployed. So the mapping across will be pretty simple. So for example BKK-FRA is currently operated by a 10F but will get the new 9F in a couple of months. They're not doing a straight swap from 14F routes to 9F once the 14F planes are refurbished.

the 9F is a version kind of similar to CXs. But the TG seats are narrower.

 

[NDiddy]

there are currently 2 747 configs - 'old' 14 F and 'new' 10 F. (although the newest 747 aircraft in terms of age actually have the older seating configuration).

the 14Fs are being refurbished to 9F. But the 9F planes are replacing planes on routes where 10F was deployed. So the mapping across will be pretty simple. So for example BKK-FRA is currently operated by a 10F but will get the new 9F in a couple of months. They're not doing a straight swap from 14F routes to 9F once the 14F planes are refurbished.

the 9F is a version kind of similar to CXs. But the TG seats are narrower.

Thx MEL_Traveller - I remember there was a thread on FT discussing this so for those interested: TG reveal brand new 747 F class suites - FlyerTalk Forums

Interestingly just did some dummy paid bookings in F for the 3 routes I'm flying with Thai on a 747. Lo and behold SYD-BKK (DEC), MUC-BKK (JAN), BKK-SYD (JAN) are now showing 9F seats maps :O

Another "dummy" booking shows the 10F seat map for HKG-BKK (JAN).

I won't get excited yet but damn those F suites look sweet

 

[Oneworldplus2]

The lobster has a very bad rep in general! There is a first class pre-ordered meal thread on FT you might want to look at...should be on the first page of the TG forum.

Beware that once selected I don't think you can unselect or change the choice on the website.

Based on what I read on FT I ordered the Fish chuchee...I generally always go for the Thai options on TG. It was pretty bland although they gave me some fresh chillies etc to go with it. Crew were more than happy to offer other options from the regular menu in addition to the pre order meal.

Thanks for the tip. l'll head on over the FT and see what they have to say.

 

[shane2603]

Wont the A380 replace the 747 on BKK-FRA? The other flight per day is the 77w I think.My flight in two weeks shows the 10F map

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Wont the A380 replace the 747 on BKK-FRA? The other flight per day is the 77w I think.My flight in two weeks shows the 10F map

indeed the A380 is scheduled to operate to FRA. At least from October the 9F version is supposed to be operating.

 

[Flashback]

If they were able to find your name on a particular flight then they must also be able to find the ticket number You simply have to ask - 'do you have a ticket number against this booking' - if they are not sure what you're talking about then you say 'it begins with 037'. (you are not asking them to 'do' anything per se)

Seat allocations mean little. Sometimes you change a seat allocation but the original seat still shows on US airways.

That being said - there haven't really been any reported problems with CA bookings. I have had problems with SQ (so has one of my friends). And some people have had problems with TG (but this seems to be around the current renumbering of flights from TG to Thai Smiles - but these are mainly regional flights exBKK).

The main thing you want to do with a ticket number is confirm the booking has been, well, ticketed! With CA's strict 'immediate ticketing' rule, if that ticket number isn't in there then the whole thing may not be good for travel (but unlikely )

So a 037 ticket number on a TK and an LH booking should be OK?

Here's my post from FT:
Recently booked 2 flights for me + SWMBO. TK doing LGW-IST(stop)-NRT(dest)
LH doing NRT-FRA-LGW.

Received a US Airways PNR, which brings up the booking fine, also received a TK and LH PNR, which both bring up the relevant flights.

The e-ticket number however shows as being the same for both the TK and LH flights. 037-xx_xx_xx_x. Does this look right? It's different also to the e-ticket number that shows on US Airways website when I plug in the reference. That being said, both 037 ticket references (US one and TK/LH one) that I have, bring up the same US Airways PNR.

Strangely, if I plug the TK PNR into the TK website, it shows the 2 TK flights.

If I plug the LH PNR into the LH website, it shows the 2 LH flights but also the IST-NRT TK flight.

Should I be worried? Should I actually have an e-ticket number on 235 stock for the TK flights?

The other thing I wasn't sure about was that I was quoted a certain amount for taxes etc. for the two of us, but seem to have been charged a bit less, so not sure whether maybe the booking has been messed up?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

So a 037 ticket number on a TK and an LH booking should be OK?

Here's my post from FT:
Recently booked 2 flights for me + SWMBO. TK doing LGW-IST(stop)-NRT(dest)
LH doing NRT-FRA-LGW.

Received a US Airways PNR, which brings up the booking fine, also received a TK and LH PNR, which both bring up the relevant flights.

The e-ticket number however shows as being the same for both the TK and LH flights. 037-xx_xx_xx_x. Does this look right? It's different also to the e-ticket number that shows on US Airways website when I plug in the reference. That being said, both 037 ticket references (US one and TK/LH one) that I have, bring up the same US Airways PNR.

Strangely, if I plug the TK PNR into the TK website, it shows the 2 TK flights.

If I plug the LH PNR into the LH website, it shows the 2 LH flights but also the IST-NRT TK flight.

Should I be worried? Should I actually have an e-ticket number on 235 stock for the TK flights?

The other thing I wasn't sure about was that I was quoted a certain amount for taxes etc. for the two of us, but seem to have been charged a bit less, so not sure whether maybe the booking has been messed up?

US issues a ticket on its ticket stock for the entire itinerary. so it will be on 037 ticket stock.

Just the same as if you redeem a QF award for travel on AA or CX, its still issued on QF ticket stock.

When you pull up your itinerary on each airline, it is usual for that airline to only show the flights it is actually performing PLUS an immediate incoming and post flight sector.

It shows the incoming flight so they know what's happening to you if you're late. They show the later flights so they know how far to tag your bags at check-in.

 

[Flashback]

US issues a ticket on its ticket stock for the entire itinerary. so it will be on 037 ticket stock.

Just the same as if you redeem a QF award for travel on AA or CX, its still issued on QF ticket stock.

When you pull up your itinerary on each airline, it is usual for that airline to only show the flights it is actually performing PLUS an immediate incoming and post flight sector.

It shows the incoming flight so they know what's happening to you if you're late. They show the later flights so they know how far to tag your bags at check-in.

Thanks! The only strange thing now is the US PNR shows a slightly earlier in sequence ticket number for both of us. I wonder if that's why I've been undercharged, they stuffed something up on their end? Given I have e-ticket numbers that seem to show confirmed bookings on TK/LH then I shouldn't worry?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks! The only strange thing now is the US PNR shows a slightly earlier in sequence ticket number for both of us. I wonder if that's why I've been undercharged, they stuffed something up on their end? Given I have e-ticket numbers that seem to show confirmed bookings on TK/LH then I shouldn't worry?

the last number of the ticket number are actually the coupon number (or sequence number). So each leg will have a different coupon number (1/2/3 or 4).

Have you followed the exact advice on these threads and called the airline carrying you and asking if they have ticket numbers against your booking? that is the best advice anyone can give you. If the airline itself confirms they can see a ticket number then you are good to go.

You should still review your itinerary weekly to check if there have been schedule changes or cancellations. you should do this on the airline websites concerned - not just by looking at your itinerary on US airways. Do not rely on US to contact you if there has been a cancellation or schedule change. If you do not pick up the change, and your flights are cancelled then you may not get them reissued if there is no award availability.

 

[Flashback]

the last number of the ticket number are actually the coupon number (or sequence number). So each leg will have a different coupon number (1/2/3 or 4).

Have you followed the exact advice on these threads and called the airline carrying you and asking if they have ticket numbers against your booking? that is the best advice anyone can give you. If the airline itself confirms they can see a ticket number then you are good to go.

You should still review your itinerary weekly to check if there have been schedule changes or cancellations. you should do this on the airline websites concerned - not just by looking at your itinerary on US airways. Do not rely on US to contact you if there has been a cancellation or schedule change. If you do not pick up the change, and your flights are cancelled then you may not get them reissued if there is no award availability.

Shall do when I am back in London

 

[Stephen65]

TG in particular has frequent aircraft changes so you should certainly keep a constant eye on your bookings because you may need to change your seat requests if the aircraft type changes. You can use the TG website and your TG PNR to check your itinerary online. Seat requests and special requests like children's meals have to be done over the phone by ringing up TG. Once you have the TG PNR and confirmation from them that they are holding a ticket for you (the ticket number will start with 037...) then you can ignore the US Airways PNRs.

 

[hummel]

Sitting in the LH FCT with a 18yr single malt with our flight due in around 15 minutesWhat a blast this trip has been and couldn't imagine doing it any other way! Time to sit back, relax and enjoy the flight

 

[*A Flyer]

Sitting in the LH FCT with a 18yr single malt with our flight due in around 15 minutesWhat a blast this trip has been and couldn't imagine doing it any other way! Time to sit back, relax and enjoy the flight

Sounds great. I absolutely love the LH First Class ground facilities. The quality of the fit out, catering and staff is just great.

 

[hummel]

Sounds great. I absolutely love the LH First Class ground facilities. The quality of the fit out, catering and staff is just great.

And I'm home.... Left Friday 6pm Frankfurt time and finally have walked in the door at home now. A long journey but very very comfortable.

I'll endeavour to do a mini trip report and put it up over the next few weeks... I at least need to give something back for the this forum essentially providing the best trip imaginable.

 

[laffer]

Just completed the booking of my first DM trip.

A fairly basic literary.

SYD-ICN-LHR(Destination)-LHR-ICN(Stop)-SYD

Getting slugged with the LHR taxes but as I am flying with an infant SWMBO wanted a direct routing and the LHR flights worked out really well.

All flights on OZ.

Taxes were $497.92 (USD) each.

Funny story was that I had a brilliant agent. I paid both the taxes on the adult fare. Was waiting to pay for the infant fare and then skype dropped out. Lucky I had a PNR. I called back and tried to be put through to her again but they would not let me. The new agent wanted to recreate the wheel (by telling me I was 7,000 miles short which I denied). Anyway, it worked out well in the end.

For those who have dealt with OZ, how can I confirm that the booking is in there system? I got there reference number and the 037 number from US. Do I just call or can I do it on the web?

Thanks to one and all for the excellent advice.