Originally Posted by
BobBHX
Pre COVID I flew QR ex BHX several times. However, I have concerns for the viability of the new service. Since travel reopened all airlines have put up their J fares but ex UK QR and EK seem to have increased fares the most. For a flight to BKK in J using random dates in Nov EK is £3,900. QR is charging similar levels ex MAN so it is likely BHX fares will be around that level. Why would anyone pay that when TK on the same dates is £2,600? Granted, the onboard product on QR is better (but most definitely not on EK 777s) but I for one will not pay 50% more just to have a nicer seat. If others take the same view as I do then J class loads are likely to be low, putting the viability of the service in doubt.
The issue I've found with the occasional TK flights I've taken from the UK regions in C class is that you may be on a narrowbody with an inferior product to one of the ME carriers. And the shorter flight time to/from IST limits your ability to get meaningful rest if that's what you want.