Thai Airways, the national carrier of Thailand, offers a frequent flyer program called Royal Orchid Plus (ROP). Within this program, Platinum membership is the highest tier, offering exclusive benefits and privileges to its most loyal customers. This article will guide you through what Thai Airways Platinum membership entails, the requirements to achieve it, the benefits it offers, the best ways to attain it, and how to earn points through partner airlines.
What is Thai Airways Platinum Membership?
Thai Airways Platinum membership is the pinnacle of the Royal Orchid Plus program. It is designed for the airline’s most frequent travelers, offering a range of elite benefits that enhance the travel experience. Platinum members enjoy exclusive privileges, including top-tier service, additional baggage allowance, priority check-in, and more.
Requirements to Become a Thai Airways Platinum Member
To achieve Platinum status, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Qualifying Points: Accumulate at least 80,000 Qualifying Miles in one calendar year. Qualifying Miles are earned on eligible flights with Thai Airways or its partner airlines within the Star Alliance network.
- Qualifying Segments: Alternatively, you can qualify by flying 50 international sectors (segments) in a calendar year with Thai Airways or its partners.
- Membership Renewal: Once you achieve Platinum status, you need to maintain the same thresholds (80,000 miles or 50 segments) each year to renew your membership.
Benefits of Thai Airways Platinum Membership
Thai Airways Platinum members enjoy an array of premium benefits designed to make travel smoother and more comfortable:
- Priority Services: Enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, ensuring a more streamlined travel experience.
- Additional Baggage Allowance: Platinum members receive extra baggage allowance on Thai Airways flights.
- Lounge Access: Access to Thai Airways Royal Silk lounges and Star Alliance partner lounges worldwide, regardless of the class of travel.
- Guaranteed Seating: When booking at least 24 hours before departure, Platinum members are guaranteed a seat in Economy Class on fully booked flights.
- Complimentary Upgrades: Enjoy complimentary upgrades to Royal Silk (Business) Class on selected flights, subject to availability.
- Bonus Miles: Earn a 25% mileage bonus on all eligible Thai Airways and Star Alliance partner flights.
- Exclusive Offers: Receive special offers and promotions available only to Platinum members.
Best Ways to Become a Thai Airways Platinum Member
Achieving Platinum status requires strategic planning and frequent travel. Here are some tips:
- Maximize Qualifying Miles: Focus on long-haul flights, as these typically earn more miles. Opt for higher booking classes that offer bonus miles.
- Take Advantage of Star Alliance Partners: When Thai Airways flights aren’t an option, fly with Star Alliance partner airlines to continue earning Qualifying Miles.
- Use Thai Airways Credit Card: If available, a Thai Airways co-branded credit card can help you earn miles faster through everyday spending.
- Plan Business Travel: If you travel for business, prioritize Thai Airways and its partners for your flights to accumulate miles quickly.
Partner Airlines and How to Earn Miles
Thai Airways is a member of the Star Alliance network, which includes 26 airlines worldwide. By flying with any Star Alliance member airline, you can earn Qualifying Miles toward your Platinum status. Here’s how to maximize your earnings:
- Star Alliance Partners: Fly with airlines like Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and ANA to earn miles that count toward your Thai Airways Platinum status.
- Codeshare Flights: Ensure that your flights are booked under a Thai Airways or Star Alliance partner flight number, as this is crucial for earning miles.
- Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Thai Airways has partnerships with several hotels and car rental companies where you can earn miles by staying or renting through them.
Thai Airways Platinum membership offers top-tier benefits for frequent travelers, making it a highly coveted status within the Royal Orchid Plus program. By strategically planning your flights, taking advantage of Star Alliance partners, and optimizing your mileage earnings, you can achieve and maintain Platinum status. The rewards, including priority services, lounge access, and exclusive offers, make every journey more enjoyable and stress-free.