eyebee Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 I was on a short holiday to visit robaus in Australia, and was due to return yesterday (28th). I had a confirmed flight from Perth to KL on Air Asia, and from KL to Bangkok, again on Air Asia. When I got to KL and presented my ticket, they told me that I couldn't go to BKK (obviously), but said they could put me on a plane anywhere else. After toying with the idea of Ulaan Bataar, I decided on Phuket, figuring I might get the Bangkok Air flight to U-Tapao. I get to Phuket about 1:30 and go to the Bangkok Airways desk. I ask about flights to U-Tapao. "Last flight today at 2:45 but all flights full until December 3rd", I am told. "Can I go on the stndby list for today?", I ask. "OK, but must pay first, and four people already on standby." I pay for the ticket (3,800 baht), and wait. The plane is delayed until 3:10 - but finally I am told I have a seat. Whew! We get to U-Tapao about 4:45, and it is packed! 4 jumbos were diverted from Suvarnabhumi, arriving at about the same time, and they have 2 customs officers on duty! Still, I forgive them as U-Tapao is not used to this, and those of us from Phuket were guided through unhindered(as it was a domestic flight). More was to come however. U-Tapao has just one luggage carousel. If you've ever been to a British Pub on a Saturday night, when people are queueing up five-deep at the bar - that's what it felt like. I couldn't even see the belt, let alone get to my luggage. However, Bangkok Air arranged for our luggage to be brought out through a side door, so we got it sooner than those on the jumbos! Once outside the airport, there was more chaos. Masses of tour busses, taxis, private cars and people everywhere. I managed to find the Bangkok Air bus to Pattaya (cost 250 baht), and finally arrived home at 6:30. Only 5 hours late! My question is: can I claim my extra costs of 4,000 baht from PAD? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torneyboy Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 Well done !! You could go and ask them for the 4000...i think i know the answer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTO Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 Smart man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WorldFun Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 yeah very constructive action coupled with a bit of luck. I wasn't really aware of this route, but based on this Phuket would be the best gateway to BKK currently as e.g. Chaing Mai doesn't have any pattaya links as far as I know? OK officially the waiting list is rather long on utapao flights & the the price seem steep too, but in practice it seems worth a shot for the ones complaning about being stuck overseas? Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drogon Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 I am stuck overseas but I don't have holidays to travel...someone willing to sell me some of his holidays? Saw that some chartered flights to Phuket from EU are still not full. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USVirgin Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 Good thinking on your part. Also sounds like Bangkok Air did a nice job of keeping you from the unfortunate herds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.