Update Dec. 21: Canceled! Thai Airways on Monday called off the New Year’s flight in light of the new COVID-19 outbreak that has infected more than 800 nationwide.
Those of a more spiritual bent planning more than a hangover for the first day of 2021 can book a three-hour lunch in the sky with a famous astrologer to fill both tummy and soul.
In the contrails of its holy flight to 99 sacred venues that sold out in days, Thai Airways is doubling down with what’s pretty much a similar experience to welcome the new year.
Flight TG8999 (lucky number, of course) will depart at 11:30am on Jan 1 from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and fly north, carving a heart-shaped swath around the kingdom before returning to Suvnarnabhumi to land at 2:30pm. Passengers will chant along with Kata Chinnabanchorn, the same astrologer aboard the sacred sites tour, to be blessed with positive energy to begin 2021. They will also be entertained with northern food and musical shows during their time onboard. Gifts such as airline restaurant dining vouchers, Buddha amulets, and books will be handed out as well.
Economy class tickets start at THB6,999 (US$230) and THB12,999 (US$430) for business class. Reservations will be available Nov. 30 to Dec. 28 via 0-2356-1515.
Since declaring bankruptcy in May and failing to win a government bailout, the deeply indebted national carrier has been trying everything from opening pop-up restaurants and renting flight simulators to selling fried treats and cannibalized safety equipment. This month, it rolled out old planes and warehouse items for a giant yard sale.
