Here's one tip if you want to fly business class for (almost) economy prices. US Air Dividend Miles currently has a promotion where you can buy miles and they double up the amount of miles you bought, up to 50k extra. That effectively reduces the price per mile to 1.375 cents plus tax. You can use those miles on any Star Alliance airline. The catch is that you will have to find availability (to find out how many miles a round-trip flight to Thailand would cost in business (or even first class)), check the US Air award chart). There are certain tools out there to check that. You could even put in a stopover in Europe or so. I recommend doing a search on Flyertalk and if you take the time, you can get all the info there.
well, that's hard to do since i'm going to thailand. i do want to see Dubai even if it's just a layover, but spreading out during the whole flight sounds nice too.
I have done the flight to Thailand through DXB with Emirates (and have generally flown Emirates a few times). It is usually completely full, which is annoying during security and boarding. I was lucky once and they upgraded me to business class (sign up for their frequent flyer program in any case to collect the miles, plus, while it will 99 % not help much because people with status will be upgraded before you, it at least puts you on a higher upgrade priority than people with no membership at all). But on the way back, for some reason, my suitcase was too heavy or something, and I had to pay a lot of money. Since I have the highest status on Lufthansa and usually fly Star Alliance and have a much higher baggage allowance there, I wasn't prepared for that. Totally negated the lower fare I had on EK. So I would recommend to watch out for that. If you want to chill a bit at the airport, consider getting a priority pass card, they have a lounge in DXB. There is also the airport hotel to get a few hours sleep which I have used before, but it is expensive. The airport in DXB is extremely busy, like a huge shopping mall with gates attached to it. It used to be more of a high street shopping place, but nowadays I feel the whole airport is like a big zoo, just too busy and chaotic, and people on layovers lying all over the place sleeping. I guess it could be interesting if you see it the first time.
I make the trip East a few times every year. I've always felt Emirates has the nicest planes and the most space in the economy seats. If they place you overnight in Dubai, they will provide you with a free hotel. Qatar Airways has the nicest food. But not the nicest planes. They were setting up WIFI on their planes the last time I checked, so that might me something to consider. Singapore Airlines has the nicest air hostesses and the whole trip is very pleasant. I've flown on Cathay Pacific a long time back but I can't remember anything of note. Also if you are flying in economy class, do yourself a favour and buy one of those travel neck pillows. You will thank me 16 hours later when you arrive in Thailand. As to Thailand itself, Bangkok is very congested. Expect to sit in traffic for a few hours each day. Check out Pattaya Beach as well. Lot's of great stuff to do for the discriminating gentleman!
Check www.seatguru.com for the best seats on your plane before you make that selection. Try to avoid middle seats.
I've flown to Thailand on Singapore / silk, and it was a great experience for the most part---other than a stop in Moscow where they made us get off of the plane. Singapore air was awesome, and we made the trip with an eleven month old. I felt like royalty.
