Thai Airways International Introduces Royal e-Service

Mr. Pichate Satirachaval, Deputy Minister of Transport, presided over the official launch of Thai Airways International’s Royal e-Service last night at Lert Wanalai Ballroom, Hilton Bangkok Hotel. Present to welcome the Deputy Minister of Transport was Mr. Kanok Abhiradee, THAI’s President. 

Mr. Kanok said progress in service development has always been a chief concern to THAI and the Royal e-Service, involving electronic system and Information Technology (IT), marks a further step at enhancing service efficiency. It represents a ‘One Stop Service’ for passengers, Mr Kanok commented.

Royal e-Service is the new evolution of air travel that allows greater flexibility and speedy check-in procedures for passengers flying with THAI. Passengers are able to make their own reservation arrangements, flight and departure date selection, ticket and boarding pass issuance, according to passengers’  preferences. 

Royal e-Service offers 3 main functions for passengers

1. Royal e-Booking - THAI’s flight reservation is an on-line service over the internet called ‘Royal e-Booking’. THAI’s fares and travel arrangement including reservation for both THAI domestic and international flights are serviceable online via THAI's website, www.thaiairways.com.  Passengers can simply click “Booking” to book seats on all classes, get information concerning the journey and check ticket prices of every TG flight. Reservations can be made at least 72 hours and not more than 11 months prior to departure time.

2. Royal e-Ticket (electronic ticket) - Passengers can purchase E-Tickets either by booking via the Internet or making reservations directly with THAI's reservations office at Tel: (662) 628-2000. Passengers may pay with credit cards for E- ticket travel and to ensure a high level of security passengers are requested to inform staff of their telephone number for verification if needed and credit card number with its expiration date. THAI staff will make the reservations, inform clients of the final cost of  the ticket and debit the cost from the credit card. On the day of travel, passengers can simply check in at the check-in counter or at the kiosk using the credit card and identification card (passport for international routes). The E-Ticket service helps safeguard against potential ticket loss.

3. Royal e-Check in is readily available for domestic passengers who have already made reservations and purchased domestic tickets can perform the self check-in. THAI has installed automated self-service kiosks at  domestic airports throughout Thailand namely Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, and Phitsanulok. The automated system enables passengers to do 2 main functions.

- Check in - Travellers holding paper or electronic tickets can quickly get their boarding pass issued at the kiosk by swiping their credit card or Royal Orchid Plus membership card (for ROP members only) through the card reader slot for self identification. Passengers can choose seat preference and accrue mileage by simply entering their membership number.

- Ticketing and Check in offer a speedy service for passengers who does not already have a ticket or reservation and wish to travel within 5 hours prior to departure time. They can simply swipe their credit cards to select available destinations, flights, seats and price. At the end of the process, passengers are required to reconfirm their reservation and ticket purchase. The data will  be processed and forwarded for bank approval prior to check in process. When the transaction is approved, a receipt and boarding pass will be issued.

Between 1 March – 31 May 2003, THAI’s ROP members will earn 100 bonus miles per sector when using Royal e-Check in service. Moreover, during 14 February-31 May 2003, passengers who make reservations on domestic routes via Royal e-Booking service will be able to get 3 per cent discount on normal air fares (both business and economy class).