V-Flyer

Have to fly to Bangkok for 4 days (from the UK) for business (working either side of those days) and in absence of a Virgin UC bed, I was wondering which airline people would recommend? Don't particularly want to pay First prices, but need a Business Class bed in which we can get some sleep. Happy to go via somewhere else for a good night's sleep - but have looked into HK and just don't think it is worth the additional time - even though I love that Virgin route and find the night extremely civilised.
Any suggestions welcome.

Swiss fly to Bangcock. Conect to ZRH from LHR or LCY.

Their Business is really good but have not flown that route with them.

I agree about HKG - that's just to much ... if you're after FC miles and TPs then your options are SQ or 9W but both require a stop. SQ gets more TPs but I'd go on Jet in business via Delhi over Singapore, Jet is fabulous in business on their 777s and the service is spot on (love the Dom P for drinks!), in Delhi there's the new international terminal too, and Jet has some good fares to BKK. I wouldn't choose Jet via BOM, the airport is still horrible.

However, Thai is direct and also has some good fares, the same as Jet for Thai First Class ... I would not fly Thai business, the seat is horrible.

Then, there's BA or Qantas?

I flew there with Etihad a few years ago in econ, (Coral). Really good. I know people who have used their Business Class (Pearl). They said it was great. All I remember is that while queing to get off, (bus - no jetway at LHR), I "had a go" in the Pearl seats - full massage functionality!
Plus the fleet is relatively new. Have to stop in Abu Dhabi, which is about half way. Lay over time wasn't too long. Price in Econ was good too. And the people who had flown Business went to Oz and back because it was the cheapest Business at the time.
Worth a look maybe?

I fly this route :LHR-BKK: several times a year and I always use VS via HKG. The connections work out really well (arrive HKG about 18:00 and connect to TG 19:00 arrive BKK about 20:30)

But this is probably not the most economical way to do it. However you get the UC to HKG and also the VS FF benefits.

Via India is not a good idea as I have yet to be on a flight that arrived or left India on time. You will spend hours hanging around plus the JET connections are not good.

If I wanted direct (not bothered about FF benefits) I would choose TG. They do not have the flat bed but it is still pretty good and the 'charming and quirky' service will make up for the lack of flat bed.

EVA