I would probably not use a charter, prefer scheduled, unless the charter was a bargain price , I actually love landing in Bangkok . One thing I would love to happen though is a direct manchester - bangkok service I just hope there is one soon as it would be so convenient for us northerners.

Hi Sunbear,
I don't think that I would consider charter, unless the standard was of a very high quality.

Already refuse to fly BA, because of economy legroom and stupid price of Premium economy.

Thai, at least give decent legroom in economy - have preferred EVA evergreen until our last experience on 777 and their new 'elite' class. EVA will still be a consideration because at least you get 38" legroom for a reasonable price.

Don't like staging through middle east - length of journey and the airports make this unpleasant. Will try China Airlines Dynasty via AMS next visit.

I also like Bangkok, for a few days stopover, just like ShirleyV.

Phuket is also easily done via Singapore - so more options can be opened up - Singapore Airlines if you want economy seats. ShirleyV, this can be done from MAN for about £450 pp plus taxes.

Personally I believe that too many charter flights will ruin Thailand (which has changed almost beyond recognition in the last 3 or 4 years). Samui for me is already getting like Ibiza or Gran Canaria.

Just my thoughts - I await the flak...............

Peter

Funny you should mention Samui being ruined Pete as I have just been there for the 4th time in 6 years and it is changing beyond all recognition - years ago I visited Phuket and said I liked it but it was too commercialised in comparson with Samui, I am now wondering if Samui has eclipsed Phuket and become the most commercialised island in Thailand?
Maybe someone who has visited both recently could comment on that.

Back to airlines - I love Thai airways and I love Emirates too but feel the 3 hour stop in Dubai makes the journey almost unbearably long.

PeteB,
I agree. I remember going to Kata in 2002 and thinking this place is getting like the Canaries. Then visiting Ao Nang and marvelling at how it had changed so much from when I had visited three years earlier.

I remember seeing a charter for Airtours coming to Phuket back in 1999, people hoiking cases to the bus and thinking to myself I hope we don't get too many charters going or the place will just end like most other resorts...mind you I was almost tempted myself when I was seeing prices of £300 for a Thai holiday being advertised. I was more impressed by the French charter group I saw...they had flown in on Concorde which was sitting on the apron as we taxied past.

Price wise I'm unsure that you save a great deal by using a charter, especially by the time you add in the cost of reserving seats paying for your drinks...plus I don't think the kind of planes they use (often the 767) is the best to use for such a long distance route..they seem a bit more claustrophobic compared to the 747,777 and Airbus 330/340's used by the scheduled carriers.

We caught a MyTravel charter from Manchester to Phuket on a good deal once. I think it had 29" legroom. Never ever again.
On the way back we stopped to refuel twice (due to US aircraft carriers clocking the normal approach to Bahrain), took about 17 hours.