For the subsequent portion of my Allegris around the world journey, I flew Thai Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER firstclass on the 5hr30min flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (NRT). My gosh, what an unimaginable flight this was, because it was so good to be again on Thai Airways, experiencing the provider’s “new” firstclass.
To be sincere, Thai Airways’ 777 firstclass onerous product leaves a bit to be desired. The seats don’t have a lot privateness, for causes I can’t fairly work out, and the cabin additionally isn’t being maintained effectively, despite being only some years outdated.
Nonetheless, the whole lot else in regards to the expertise was actually distinctive. The service from the flight attendants working firstclass exemplified Thai hospitality, the meals was scrumptious, and the facilities have been wonderful. The mushy product greater than made up for the simply okay onerous product right here, and I can’t wait to fly this product once more.
How I booked my Thai Airways firstclass ticket
Thai Airways belongs to the Star Alliance, so you may redeem miles from quite a lot of Star Alliance applications for journey on the airline. Nonetheless, the airline is quirky in terms of making award seats accessible, and infrequently the airline solely makes one award seat accessible per flight, and does so means prematurely.
So after I deliberate this journey, sadly Thai Airways didn’t have award availability on the flight I used to be . Nonetheless, for a world firstclass ticket, the fare wasn’t that terrible. The one-way firstclass ticket price $1,881. Reasonably than outright paying money, I used Amex Pay With Factors, so since I’ve the Amex Enterprise Platinum, this ended up costing me 122,265 Amex Membership Rewards factors.
Particularly, I booked the next flight:
5/05 TG676 Bangkok to Tokyo Narita departing 7:35AM arriving 3:45PM
Like I stated, it’s most undoubtedly not the best worth on earth, but it surely allowed me to evaluate this expertise with a really handy schedule, so I used to be pleased with it ultimately.
Thai Airways firstclass lounge & boarding
I’ve already reviewed the Thai Airways First Lounge, which is the provider’s most premium lounge. Boarding was scheduled to start out at 6:55AM, 40 minutes earlier than departure, from gate D2.
Thai Airways ordinarily escorts firstclass passengers to the airplane, although I elected to stroll myself to the gate early, so I may board forward of different firstclass passengers, and get some good cabin photos.
Boarding ended up being delayed by about 20 minutes. Lastly at 7:15AM boarding started, with premium passengers being invited to board first.
Thai Airways 777 firstclass cabin & seats
I boarded by way of the second set of doorways, the place I used to be greeted by the fabulously pleasant crew, and was escorted left into the primary class cabin. This required first strolling by way of the small mini enterprise class cabin, consisting of simply two rows of seats in a staggered, 1-2-1 configuration.
Thai Airways’ 777 firstclass cabin consists of a complete of eight seats, additionally in two rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration. On the floor, it is a fairly standard-looking firstclass cabin, with open suites that provide plenty of private area.
I instantly seen that the cabin had a little bit of pizzaz. Reasonably than the whole cabin being beige and gray (as is the case on so many airways), the cabin had a number of tones of yellow and gold, plus a cute orchid sample on the rear bulkhead. It’s an attention-grabbing distinction to the heavy use of purple in enterprise class.
These touring with somebody will most likely wish to choose one of many heart pairs of seats, in an effort to benefit from the flight collectively. There’s a partition between seats that may be raised or lowered, relying on whether or not you’re touring with somebody or not.
Solo vacationers will choose the window seats, which offer you entry to the home windows and the aisle. I chosen seat 2K, the window seat on the correct aspect within the second row.
I need to say, I do discover it fairly unusual how Thai Airways elected to not set up doorways in firstclass on these 777s. The seats don’t have a lot privateness in any respect, as there’s merely a small protect by the aspect of the seat that may be prolonged possibly a bit over a foot.
Every seat does have a small wardrobe, which extends out from the aspect of the seat, to retailer a jacket or garment bag. I suppose you may use this as a door, very similar to in SWISS’ 777 firstclass, however I didn’t discover that to be essential.
So far as seat options go, every seat has a 24″ HD monitor. That’s a reasonably modestly sized display screen in comparison with another firstclass merchandise (just like the 43″ displays you’ll discover in Japan Airways’ A350 firstclass), but it surely was ample, I assumed.
Every seat additionally has an ottoman that doubles as a buddy seat, do you have to wish to dine head to head with somebody. There’s additionally a storage compartment beneath the seat, which is kind of giant.
Within the entrance nook of the seat, there’s a smaller storage compartment, the place lots of the facilities have been positioned throughout boarding.
Additional again within the seat is the desk, which is one big tray, so it’s fairly a job to take it out and retailer it once more.
Then you could have the precise a part of the suite you sit in, which contains a padded seat, and there’s a storage compartment to the aspect of that.
The seat controls are on a panel to the aspect of the seat, and are simple to make use of. There are each pre-set buttons, plus a display screen that permits you to customise the seat to a larger extent.
Close to that, you’ll discover the leisure controller, which may be prolonged for simpler use, due to a retractable wire.
So far as charging on the seat goes, there are USB-A and AC energy retailers contained in the slender storage compartment subsequent to the seat. I discover this to be such a wierd place to put that, because it’s deep in there, and it takes some effort to make use of (except you could have actually small arms).
There’s a second USB-A outlet that’s a bit simpler to entry, together with the headphone jack.
The overhead console options studying lights, however sadly doesn’t have any particular person air nozzles.
The onerous product was completely comfy, although not leading edge, particularly when you think about that this was launched only a few years in the past. I used to be shocked that there have been no doorways at seats, because you’d assume that may be fairly customary these days.
What stood out to me most in regards to the cabin, although, was how beat up it was. Photos don’t do justice to it, however there have been stains in all places, many of the storage compartments didn’t latch correctly and have been unfastened, cords have been held collectively by tape, the seat squeaked when moved, and many others. Heck, as I walked in, two mechanics have been fixing one of many firstclass seats.
Did Thai Airways simply select actually low cost supplies and finishes, is the airline not sustaining the seats, or what? This was disappointing, although in the end didn’t detract from a stunning flight.
Thai Airways firstclass facilities
Ready at every seat upon boarding have been two pillows, which have been later complemented by extra bedding (positioned within the storage locker beneath the ottoman).
Additionally at every seat have been an excellent pair of noise canceling headphones from AKG.
Then there was a wonderful amenity package “case” from Porsche Design, stocked with PAYOT merchandise. The gadgets included socks, eyeshades, earplugs, a dental package, a brush, lip balm, facial mist, perfume, and physique cream.
There was additionally a bottle of Acqua Panna water ready at every seat, in addition to a pair of slippers.
Inside a second of settling in, the cabin supervisor and two firstclass flight attendants all got here as much as me on the identical time to introduce themselves and welcome me onboard. On and Bond, the 2 firstclass flight attendants, have been absolute rockstars. Oh my gosh, they have been so form, so hospitable, and so enjoyable.
I used to be supplied a pre-departure drink to get the flight began. I chosen a glass of champagne, and for the time being Thai Airways is pouring Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle. The airline used to serve Dom Perignon, however Emirates now has the unique rights to that.
The champagne was served in a correct flute, and was introduced with a heat towel and a field of sweets.
A second later, I used to be given the pajamas for the flight, which have been from Boggi Milano, and have been comfy, with airline branding. It’s good to obtain pajamas on a reasonably quick daytime flight!
Subsequent up, I used to be introduced the menu in a leather-based binder.
Final however not least, I used to be given a card with the code without cost Wi-Fi, which is a function of firstclass.
Discuss some superb facilities for a 5hr30min daytime flight! What a distinction to my Kuwait Airways firstclass flight, which was longer and flew effectively into the night time.
Thai Airways firstclass leisure & Wi-Fi
As you’d anticipate, Thai Airways presents on demand leisure in firstclass. I discovered the leisure system to be fairly simple to make use of. The leisure choice wasn’t dangerous, but additionally wasn’t nice.
There have been simply over 150 films, and just below 150 TV exhibits, plus a collection of music. The variability was okay — it was respectable sufficient so that you shouldn’t be bored, however there are significantly better airways for inflight leisure.
As at all times, my favourite a part of the leisure system was the map function.
Thai Airways additionally presents Wi-Fi on its Boeing 777s, which is free in firstclass.
For individuals who don’t obtain Wi-Fi without cost, the pricing is as follows:
- $7.99 for a vast chatting go
- $24.99 for a vast browsing go
- $39.99 for a vast streaming go
The speeds have been respectable, however didn’t examine to one thing like Viasat. The Wi-Fi pricing is on the steep aspect, and I’m at all times suspicious of airways that promote packages that particularly embody streaming, since that’s merely usually not a practical promise.
For what it’s value, the free Wi-Fi go that firstclass passengers get is the mid-tier browsing go, and never the top-tier streaming go.
Thai Airways 777 departure from Bangkok
Throughout boarding, I had the whole firstclass cabin to myself for round 20 minutes, till the 5 different firstclass passengers have been escorted onboard (there have been two empty seats). Everybody else in firstclass appeared to be both Japanese or Thai.
At 7:40AM the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 5hr30min, and our anticipated on-time arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport. 10 minutes later, the principle cabin door closed, at which level we instantly started our pushback, and the protection video was screened.
One factor I discovered attention-grabbing is that I’m fairly certain we have been towed many of the approach to the runway. Is that attainable and/or widespread on the airport? I do know generally pilots will solely taxi with one engine at first to save lots of gasoline, however I’m fairly certain there have been no engines used for fairly a while.
A couple of minutes after our engines began up, at 8:05AM, we have been cleared for takeoff on runway 19R.
Our climb out was easy, and the seatbelt signal was turned off round 5 minutes after takeoff.
Thai Airways firstclass breakfast service
On this quick 5hr30min flight, breakfast was served shortly after takeoff, after which one other snack was served earlier than touchdown. You could find the Thai Airways firstclass breakfast menu beneath.
You could find the Thai Airways firstclass drink record beneath.
I used to be amazed by the tempo at which the crew sprung into motion to start the service after takeoff. Orders had already been taken on the bottom, and fewer than quarter-hour after takeoff I had my first spherical of drinks. Okay, I can’t say my drink choice was terribly cohesive, however I ordered a glass of champagne plus a Thai iced tea with grass jelly, as one does.
A couple of minutes later, the desk was set for breakfast, and what a feast it was! I appreciated how there have been Thai, Japanese, and Western choices. I made a decision on the Japanese possibility (I’d have completed the Thai possibility, however I don’t eat pork).
To start out, I used to be served a contemporary fruit plate, a bread basket, and Thai-style Chinese language crullers with pandan custard and condensed milk. Yum, yum, yum, and the way lovely is that fruit plate?
That was adopted by muesli, with the selection of fruit toppings.
Then there was the principle course, which was comprised of a Japanese bento set with appetizers, grilled sea bass, steamed rice, and miso soup.
I can’t say sufficient good issues about how tasty this meal was, and in addition how pleasant and environment friendly the service was. The meal was completed lower than an hour after takeoff, which I used to be glad about, as I desperately wanted a nap.
Thai Airways 777 firstclass bathrooms
On the conclusion of the meal, I requested to have my mattress made, and on the identical time I checked out the bathrooms. There have been two bathrooms on the entrance of the primary class cabin by the cockpit, with one being barely larger than the opposite (the beneath photos are of the larger one).
The bathroom wasn’t too thrilling, but it surely did have correct hand towels, plus some facilities, like dental kits. The crew did a superb job protecting the bathroom refreshed.
Thai Airways 777 firstclass mattress
As soon as again at my seat, it was time to get some relaxation. I requested the crew to wake me for the pre-landing snack (not as a result of I’d be hungry a few hours later, however as a result of I wished to evaluate it). The mattress was spacious and fairly comfy.
I discovered the pillows to be wonderful, whereas I assumed the mattress pad may have been a bit thicker, however that’s a private choice (and I do know in Asia, many choose a more durable mattress).
I fell asleep with just below 4hr30min remaining to Narita Airport…
…and I wakened simply over 2.5 hours later, as we have been 1hr45min from arriving at Narita Airport. Whereas it wasn’t an extended sleep, the standard was wonderful, and boy did I really feel refreshed!
Thai Airways firstclass pre-landing snack
All too quickly, it was time to eat once more. You could find the Thai Airways firstclass pre-landing snack menu beneath.
To drink, I first ordered the “Violet Bliss,” which is Thai’s signature drink, and is a butterfly pea limeade.
To eat, I chosen the Thai rice vermicelli noodles with prawn and peanut sauce and that was served with an assortment of Thai sweets for dessert.
Bond defined to me that the dish was created in partnership with a Michelin restaurant. As I used to be served this, he shaved some bergamote on the dish for aroma. What a pleasant element!
Each the principle course and dessert have been delicious — specifically, I’m a sucker for Asian desserts — and I used to be glad that they weren’t too heavy.
Thai Airways firstclass service
A terrific crew could make or break a flight, and On and Bond undoubtedly made this flight. They have been so genuinely hospitable, that they couldn’t assist however make me have a really favorable impression of this expertise, regardless of the areas during which the Thai onerous product leaves a bit to be desired.
The factor is, it’s not simply that they have been pleasant, however they have been additionally actually polished. They supplied among the most element oriented service that I’ve had in a very long time. Simply to present one minor instance, each occasions that I used the bathroom briefly, I returned to my seat to seek out my blanket completely folded. That’s consideration to element.
Each upon boarding and deplaning, the cabin supervisor and two flight attendants got here round collectively to thank every passenger for flying with the airline. On the finish of the flight, they introduced every passenger with a field of sweets.
Thai Airways 777 arrival in Tokyo Narita
At 2:55PM Tokyo time, the captain introduced that we’d be beginning our descent quickly, and can be touchdown in about 35 minutes. We began our descent round 5 minutes later, after which the seatbelt signal got here on round 10 minutes later.
It was a beautiful afternoon approaching Tokyo Narita Airport, so my eyes have been glued out the window all through the descent.
We touched down at Narita Airport at 3:30PM. From there we had a roughly 10 minute taxi to our arrival stand, the place the seatbelt signal was turned off round 3:40PM.
I cleared safety, after which ready for my United 777 enterprise class flight to San Francisco.
Backside line
My flight in Thai Airways’ 777 firstclass was phenomenal, regardless of some shortcomings with the onerous product.
To start out with the unfavorable, Thai Airways’ firstclass seats aren’t probably the most personal. A lot worse, the cabin wasn’t in any respect effectively maintained, which actually shocked me, given how new these planes are.
Thankfully the whole lot else in regards to the expertise delighted, from the proper service, to the scrumptious meals and drinks, to the countless facilities. I’d like to fly Thai Airways firstclass on the longer route, to London, particularly if I may have a crew pretty much as good as On and Bond.
What’s your tackle Thai Airways’ 777 firstclass?
