Thai Airways

[mary-j]

We are flying to Thailand in April with Thai Airways and as we have never flown with them before,I wondered if anyone had flown with them recently who could tell me what they are like to fly with? We are booked in their Royal Silk Class which is their equivelant of "Business" class. Apparently our flight from Heathrow is on one of the aircraft which has an upstairsand the seats we have pre-booked are in that upstairs area. I have never been on an aircraft which has an upstairs in it so actually being in one of these seats is going to be a bit of a novelty. Would really like to get some feedbackfrom those who have flown with Thai. Thanks in advance.

[two2go]

Hi Mary,

I have never flown Thai Airways before, but the description of the aircarft sounds like a 747. I am almost sure that they have a business class on the second floor of those airplanes. Did you buy the hotel portion of your trip through LL auctions?

two2go

[mary-j]

No, I booked this holiday way before I found Luxury Link. We are staying in the Banyan Tree Phuket and I don't think it is in the L.L. portfolio.

[claassenam]

Hi Mary J,

Not too much help specifically here but I have heard great things about Thai Airlines (it might not be Singapore, but it is up there in terms of comfort and amenities). I have flown in another airline's Upper Deck business class (in a 747) several times and while I can't comment on the seats, configuration, etc. I can say that is a great way to fly. They can only fit about 12-15 business class seats up there and there's no reason to go downstairs so you really feel like you are in your own little plane. The service can sometimes be better because the flight attendants are helping fewer people and I believe are a little happier to be up there than in the larger business class or economy sections. I always get a little bit of comfort from being able to see the door to the flight deck and get an occasional glimpse of the pilot as well. The one negative to being up there is that when the pilot is using the facilities (which on the planes I flew were right next to the flight deck) the flight attendants guard the space and nobody can use the WC for several minutes.

I hope that this helps a bit, and at the same time I'd love to hear anyone's comments re: Thai specifically as that may be in the cards for us this year.

[mary-j]

Thanks for the info claasenam, yesI think there are only 10 or 12 seats in the upper floor so as you say we should get a good service. I wondered if anyoone knew what type of food they will serve on the plane? Will it be typical Thai food or will there be a choice between Thai and European food? My husband andI both love Thai food but the couple we are going with are not as keen on it as us. They will eat Thai food but they would prefer it if there was a choice. Thank You.

[two2go]

Hi Mary

If your friends don't particularly like thaifoodone solution would be to pre-arrange a meal through either your travel agent or directly with Thai Airways. I'm sure that they would be able to supply them with different meal choices. It would be a good idea to find out a.s.a.p.

two2go

[jashermd]

Hi Mary-J,

I haven't flown Thai myself but my sister has done, and says it had excellent food and very good service (mind you this was back in 2000). In her opinion it was better than any American airline and better than BA as well.

I have flown on the upper deck (with Virgin) and I really liked it -- it's quieter and more peaceful than downstairs, as long as you're not adjacent to the actual stairwell.

Here's a site which will tell you about the meals availabe on Thai (and even provide photos) -- your friends can check it out and look at the special meal options if they don't like the normal ones. In my experience airlines usually have one 'ethnic' meal and one 'continental/European' meal.

http://www.airlinemeals.net

Cheers,
Julian

[cruisinred]

Hi Mary-J



I flew Thai last year on their non-stop (17 hours) flight from NY and quite surprisingly, it was an enjoyable flight even though we were at the back of the bus in coach. Lovely service from the inflight crew, decent meals, including Thai food choices and plenty of inflight entertainment on demand (something like 50+ movies, TV, etc).



I'm sure biz class on Thai will be great!



Can't wait to hear about your trip. When do you leave?



Cruisinred

[mary-j]

Thank you to everyone for all the info. It is very much appreciated.Cruisinred, we fly out on 14th April, just nine weeks to go, cannot wait. Well it sounds as though everyone has good things to say about Thai Airways so that is good news!!I will let everyone know how it all went when we return. Cheers.

[luxuryFan]

I've flown several Asian airlines regularly - Singapore Airlines, Malaysian, Cathay Pacific etc. - and Thai is my favourite. When you're going to a country it's always nice to fly their carrier anyway. Your holiday abroad begins aboard, you get into the spirit of the people, and what great people they are. The upper deck is definitely the place to be, quiet, peaceful. You won't get bothered by all the other passengers filing down to the back, and you'll be first off. I'm sure you'll have a great trip. And the Banyan Tree should be excellent, all their properties are. Lucky you!