Thai Smile Becomes Star Alliance Connecting Partner

Will I be able to book itineraries that include Thai Smile segments using miles? For example, HND-BKK on Thai, connecting BKK-UTH on Thai Smile? I need to go check on the buffalo I bought for my girlfriend’s family.

I have flown on Thai Smile multiple times and I have received Star Alliance Silver status benefits every-time I have flown, namely an extra 10 kg of checked-in baggage weight. However I have status with Thai Airways and this may not be the case for someone who has status with another Star Alliance Airline.

Anmol +1 to what you just said. I just had a flight with EVA’s regional subsidiary UNI airways connecting from a long haul EVA flight and was really sad to find out that my star gold benefits (through UA, not EVA) didn’t allow me any EVA lounge in tpe or Zone 1 boarding prior to the UNI Air flight. Wish all of these regional connectors had the same perks as the mainlines

Good news, since I'm going to Thailand and Laos in Jan 2020, and will fly to Chiang Rai, Krabi, etc. By the way, what's the deal with United Airlines continuing to block premium cabin availability on Singapore Airlines and Thai on award flights from Bangkok? I was planning on flying Thai or Singapore First from BKK to AKL in Feb 2020, but still no availability

UA does not block premium cabins on Thai Airways. I booked BKK-HND in F yesterday.

Thai Smile is a scam.

Their service is slightly above lowcost carrier but charges a full TG level fares.

Think of WN service on AA 737MAX charging DL fares.

Big big scam, shame on Thai Airways.

Eskimo, book through THai Smile's website and it's cheaper than the same flight on TG. I did that just yesterday for a BKK-CEI domestic hop.
If you are elite on Thai Airways' Royal Orchid Plus, you get all the perks on a standalone ticket, but not for any other Star Alliance elites.
I'm based in HKG and I wonder why there is one flight per day to BKK on Thai Smile, and the rest on TG. More specifically, I wonder who on earth decides to take that particular flight, when it's not significantly cheaper than the other half dozen TG flights in a day.

@Bim

ROP is among the least favorable Star Alliance program (unless you are captive to Thailand) . Since it is a very short hop for BKK-CEI, you still get better value flying AirAsia and paying all the fees. More frequency less delays. TG benefits only to connect from International if say I wanted to fly HKG-BKK-CEI and get what I paid for on BKK-CEI not a low cost scam.

And you asked it yourself, who would take the only HKG flight? Well I have an answer for you. Those who GOT SCAMMED BY THAI AIRWAYS.

@Jack I think you are allowed to redeem Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus miles for flights on Thai-Smile but not sure if other Star alliance airlines do the same.

I am not interested Thai Smile since they don't have business or first class. Just like I am not interested in Southwest for the same reason.
We do fly to BKK and KUL every year so I would interested if they had better service.

While ThaiSmile doesn't have a business class, they have something called 'Thai Smile Plus'...You get a vacant middle seat, separate cabin, meal and drinks service and 2 inches extra leg room(which is better than Eurobusiness). Plus lounge access, higher luggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding. Everything for $150 one way on domestic flights...

I just had my first experience with Thai UNSmile! I was flying from BKK to Siem Reap to visit the temples with my gf. I had a choice of low cost carriers, but chose to go with Thai Airways and pay the extra fees so I could use the lounge (I am gold for 10 yrs). I booked the flight on Thaiairways.com and got a Thaiairways email confirming flight TG2590 . Note that it clearly states that the flight is operated by Thai UNSmile, just like it does when code sharing with United or other Star alliance partners.

When i arrived at the airport, the Thai Airways counter directed me to Thai UNSmile counter for my ticket. Upon getting my ticket, I asked about my lounge pass at which point I was informed that my status is not honored and too bad. Their attitude was that "I should know better!" At that point I lost it and said with 2 Million miles of flying in my life - I know as much as anyone should ever know. After 20 minutes of back and forth trying to convince them that their experience to a knowledgeable customer is wrong, the unpleasant supervisor called the airport police - who after listening to both sides, laughed at how they handled it and apologized for them and showed me how to file a complaint.

Bottom line: Airlines have the ability to issue a lounge pass at their discretion for various reasons... I have received many over the years. I was a loyal Star Alliance traveler and paid and extra $200 for the lounge service that I get all the time. Thai UNSmile uses the Thai Logo in their name to get the benefits of the brand and fool loyal customers.

I don't expect anything to ever happen, other than them having to fire an employee or two due to the lack of income they will ever receive from me in the future.