Thai Airways Gold membership, part of the Royal Orchid Plus program, offers elite status within the Star Alliance network. This membership provides travelers with a range of benefits designed to enhance their travel experience, from priority services to extra baggage allowance.
Requirements for Thai Airways Gold Membership
To attain Thai Airways Gold membership, you need to meet specific criteria based on either miles flown or segments completed within a calendar year:
- Miles Requirement: Accumulate 50,000 Qualifying Miles on Thai Airways or Star Alliance flights.
- Segments Requirement: Complete 40 qualifying flight segments.
Once you reach these thresholds, you’ll be upgraded to Gold status, which comes with a host of benefits that make your travels more comfortable and convenient.
Benefits of Thai Airways Gold Membership
Becoming a Thai Airways Gold member unlocks a variety of privileges:
- Priority Services: Enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, ensuring a smoother and more efficient airport experience.
- Lounge Access: Access to Thai Airways Royal Silk lounges and over 1,000 Star Alliance lounges worldwide.
- Extra Baggage Allowance: Receive an additional baggage allowance on Thai Airways and Star Alliance flights.
- Priority Waitlist: Get priority on waitlists and when flying standby.
- Bonus Miles: Earn 25% more miles on eligible flights.
- Special Recognition: Experience preferential treatment and services across the Star Alliance network.
Best Ways to Attain Thai Airways Gold Membership
Achieving Gold status can be accelerated with strategic planning:
- Maximize Star Alliance Flights: Since miles flown on any Star Alliance member airline count towards Gold status, book flights with partner airlines whenever possible.
- Use Co-Branded Credit Cards: Some credit cards offer Royal Orchid Plus miles for every purchase, helping you reach Gold status faster.
- Book Higher Classes: Flights in premium classes like Business or First Class earn more miles, reducing the number of trips needed to achieve Gold status.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: Thai Airways occasionally offers promotions that provide extra miles or faster upgrades to Gold status.
Earning Miles with Partner Airlines
Thai Airways is a member of the Star Alliance, which includes 26 airlines such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines. When flying with any of these partners, you can earn miles that count towards Thai Airways Gold status.
- Booking Codes and Classes: Ensure your ticket is booked in a class eligible for mileage accrual. Different booking codes yield varying mileage percentages.
- Credit Miles Correctly: Always provide your Royal Orchid Plus number when booking flights to ensure miles are credited.
Thai Airways Gold membership is a valuable asset for frequent travelers, offering a range of perks that enhance the flying experience. By understanding the requirements and strategically planning your flights, you can achieve Gold status and enjoy the benefits across the entire Star Alliance network.