Thai Airways is renowned for its high level of service and excellent business class cabin. I’ve flown to and from Bangkok a few times on previous occasions so thought it was about time I reviewed my most recent trip. I’m trying to get better at takings photos on flights to include them in these reviews, so please bear with me while I get used to snapping pics!
Flight Details:
Airline: Thai Airways
Route: London Heathrow (LHR) – Bangkok (BKK)
Flight: TG911
Aircraft: A380
Class: Business
Depart: 11:50
Arrive: 06:15 +1 day
Duration: 11 hours 25 minutes
Krisflyer Miles Earned: 8,927
Flight Review:
I started my journey in my favourite Star Alliance lounge – the United Club at Heathrow T2. I enjoyed a complimentary cocktail at the bar and then had a quick shower with their lovely Cowshed toiletries before it was time to board as I’d had an early start to get to the airport. The lounge is light and airy with brilliant views looking out over the planes, and the complimentary food is always decent with great hot food options.
Thai Airways’ business class is called Royal Silk, and in Royal Silk the configuration is staggered 1-2-1, meaning each seat has aisle access. The cabin is very purple, with lilac seat surrounds and dark purple seats in keeping with Thai Airways’ brand colours.
The seats lay flat, although the majority of my flight was during the day so I was sat upright for much of it. When upright you have a nice footrest area, as well as a little work station table directly next to the aisle that provides a nice element of privacy, and a cute purple orchid flower resting on it. A bigger table sits against the back of the seat in-front that flips down for mealtimes.
It’s worth noting that not all window seats have that privacy, as the workstation is next to the window rather than the aisle, so be careful when choosing your seat. The two middle seats are quite close together so I would suggest knowing your seatmate or instead choosing a window seat.
There’s also plenty of storage space to hang a coat and store shoes and bags etc. The Samsonite amenity kit however was nothing to write home about. Each seat comes with a seat-back television equipped with hundreds of films, television shows, audio channels and games, as well as an AC power port (mine didn’t work though) and two USB outlets. The television isn’t the biggest I’ve seen in a business class cabin, but it does the job and the selection of films and television shows is okay.
Before takeoff we were offered a hot towel and a glass of Veuve Cliquot champagne, which I gladly accepted. We were also given a little gold cardboard box with a couple of small chocolates inside, which was much appreciated. After takeoff the lunch service started, but sadly it started off dreadfully.
I chose the pork dish for my starter, however when it arrived my pork was actually completely frozen and not only inedible but downright dangerous. I spoke with the staff and they said they would heat it up, although when they brought it back it was still half frozen, so I sent it back again and just asked for the main course to be served.
Thankfully the main course was more successful. I went for the very safe option (although not if this was also frozen) of chicken breast with vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy. It was satisfactory but nothing special, although I did enjoy the little bread selection basket (two wholemeal rolls and two artisan crisp breads) and salted butter in a little dish.
During the flight I watched a few films, and then in the evening got a couple of hours sleep after the cabin crew turned my seat into the flat bed. One great thing though is the slow massage function in the seat – very relaxing!
For breakfast I chose the pancakes with dried fruits, which was a welcome change from the usual airline breakfast of an omelette or croissant. The two pancakes were lovely and fluffy, and I enjoyed having the whipped cream, maple syrup, and dried fruits with it.
At the end of the flight each hostess came around to every individual person in the cabin and thanked us for flying with them and wished us a wonderful stay in Bangkok. Being British and awkward I find this a bit OTT, but it’s a nice touch and made the flight more personal.