Dreamliner v stop off ?

[averageguy1]

We are thinking of trying Thailand for a 50th birthday celebration and looking at flights and the TUI Dreamliner appeals the most because it's direct. ..But we have friends who has done both and thinks the preferred option is a stop off to stretch your legs .

Also having never been before we are considering Phuket and Patong beach area is it really as bad as some people make it out to be ?

We like to get out for a bar drink to watch the world go by but don't want clubs etc

Both BA and Thai fly direct to Bangkok. Would recommend Thai business over BA. The Dreamliner isn't any nicer than a 777 really and I would pay 10x as much not to fly with TUI again. Definitely short haul specialists.

And I've flown long haul with TUI twice. It's a means to an end but I wouldn't do it out of choice again. Enjoy Thailand it's amazing! The smaller islands are especially beautiful

A380 to Singapore and connecting flight from there. The A380 is much quieter and more comfortable than the Dreamliner.

Direct every time for me too

The physical thing of taking off and going down is tiring, regardless of how many hours you fly. Frankly, our bodies aren't designed for it

Plus there's far less chance that your luggage will get lost or you will have other travel problems if you go direct

Direct, especially for a shorter holiday. Landing takes lots of time!

TUI don't have business class or lie flat beds. Their premium cabin is great though, would definitely recommend that depending on your budget. It was only about an extra £100 each for us flying to Mexico, and worth every penny. The upgrade prices seem to fluctuate so if it's too expensive now, keep an eye on it.

Have a look at Khao Lak, about an hours drive from Phuket airport. It's beautiful. Not too big, quite laid back vibe but with some high end hotels. Beautiful beaches.

If only 2 then reserve seats on the upstairs on the dreamliner.

The Dreamliner doesn't have an upstairs. The A380 does but not every airline has economy upstairs.

We've flown both the A380 and Dreamliner a few times and we definitely prefer the Dreamliner. We flew on the A350 long haul last year, (the Airbus version of the Dreamliner) and it was pretty good. Flying the A380 again in a few weeks, as much as we like the Dreamliner I'm not up for a 17 hour direct flight on it.

We have decided to do a 1 stop using Singapore Airlines..having read reviews and the comments on this post about the TUI Dreamliner . Thanks for all the help just need to decide between Patong or Karin now lol

Good choice with Singapore Airlines, one of the best airlines we've flown with. Our upcoming trip is with them. Hope you have a fabulous holiday.

Spoke to a friend who is currently in Thailand and they have mentioned the ban on E cigs..is this ban for using them or selling products? Is it strongly enforced by the authorities ?

Your friend is right, they will take them off you at the airport if they find you have them and if you are caught with one in the street it can be a heavy fine at least. Have a look on Thailand Tripadvisor forum for a better idea.

@averageguy1 - sent you a private message.