LIFESTYLE

With many flights being grounded since the onset of the pandemic, airlines are pulling out all the stops to survive. Many airlines have even touted the idea of “flight to nowhere” packages, akin to a “flightcation”, to lure passengers back. This time, Thai Airways is the next airline to launch its “flight to nowhere” package, albeit with a unique twist.

Departing from and landing back at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai Airway’s “flight to nowhere”, dubbed the “THAI Magical Flying Experience Campaign”, comes with a spiritual twist, with passengers flying over 99 holy sites across 31 provinces, with passengers reciting mantras along the way.

Taking off at around 1.30pm on 30 November, the flight will be airborne for three hours and will pass over sites in Chon Buri, Rayong, Surat Thani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima, among others.

“There will be no landing during the flight and passengers will receive positive energy from chanting while onboard,” said Wiwat Piyawiroj, Thai Airways’ EVP of commercial operations.

On board, Dr. Khata Chinbunchon, a celebrity fortune teller and religion history expert, will lead the in-flight chanting of Buddhist mantras. The flight will also provide passengers with sacred souvenirs, including a prayer book and a Buddha amulet.

This unique “flightcation” comes as Thailand is desperately trying to resuscitate its ailing tourism sector that has been ravaged by the COVID-19. Wiwat Piyawiroj, a vice president at Thai Airways, said in a statement that the flight falls under the Thai government’s plan to boost domestic tourism in the country.

For those in Thailand who would like to partake in this special flight and be inspired by positive spiritual forces at work, the fares will start at 6,000 THB for economy and rise to 10,000 THB for business class seats.