I saw four engines, but this airplane is in France, not Seattle. Yep, I got TG’d. In plain English, the original aircraft scheduled to make this trip has changed to something else. It could be worse, at least this flight still had a first class cabin (unlike the experience James had). Although the cabin was something designed in a past decade, it was fine for the short trip to Hong Kong.
Thai Airways Royal First Class on the Airbus 340-600
Thai Airways A346 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
My flight to Hong Kong was scheduled to be on a 747. Thai has two configurations for First Class on the 747; an older layout with 10 seats similar to the A346 seat, and a newer version similar to the A380 seat. I had flown on the 747 on this route with an even older recliner configuration before, and I was hoping for the newer seat this time. No such luck. Anyway, the experience was fine.
Thai Airways Royal First Class seats on the Airbus A340-600
Not much privacy in this configuration especially with the 8 seat cabin full. The monitor is small, and not very clear, but exterior camera views are always fun.
bumpy ride and the view on approach into HKG
The in-flight entertainment system was pretty old, and with the small poor qualtiy screen, I didn’t really bother to explore it too much. The power port is somewhat oddly placed, closer to the ottoman.
Despite the old-ish seat, the controls are pretty simple to use, and the it is a pretty comfortable seat for various positions, whether lounging, sitting, or even laying flat.
There are no pajamas or amenity kits on the short flight, but there is a relatively full meal service with menus. Here was the menu. There are options for pre-booking meals, although I didn’t for this flight.
Thai Airways International takes great pleasure in welcoming you on board. Our legendary Royal Orchid Service will make your journey as Smooth as Silk. Our dedicated chefs choose the finest ingredients and add Thai herbs to Thai dishes that are veing served as in-flight meals. Also, only the finest wines from the best vineyards have been selected to accompany your meal.
Bangkok-Hong Kong
Fruit Juice
Fresh Fruits, Yoghurt
Cornflakes or MuesliMain Course
Vegetables, Cheese and Egg Souffle
Grilled Back Bacon
Roesti Potatoes, Panache of Mushroom with Herbs
or
Pork Balls Rice Soup
or
Braised Five Spiced Beef Short Ribs, Tossed Shrimp Roe Noodles
Sauteed Pak-choyRoll, Croissant, Danish Pastry, Butter, Jam and Honey
Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Malt***
Here is the meal:
Table is set with the usual Thai bread basket and starched tablecloth.
First course with yoghurt, muesli, tea and fruit plate
I went with the western main course, with eggs, mushrooms, etc
Breakfast was good, although not on par with some of the best First Class breakfasts in the sky, such as Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa that have freshly prepared eggs available.
Not that I needed to sleep on this short mid-morning flight, but “when in Rome”, so I took advantage of the flat bed and read. I have plenty of flights in Economy, so it was nice to be able to full recline. When in flat bed mode, there is a bit more privacy, with a head shield, as well as a movable divider between the seats in the middle section.
First Class seats on the Thai Airways Airbus 340-600
The lavatory is equipped like a long haul flight, with Bulgari lotions and perfumes and fancy linens.
Thai Airways A346 First Class Lavatory
Approach into Hong Kong
Before too long, we were beginning our descent into Hong Kong. This was a perfectly nice way to take the 2 hour flight. I missed the 747, but this leg was all about the Thai Airways ground experience, which requires a departing flight from Bangkok in First Class.
Thai scheduling is good, sadly we didn’t make up any time in the air.
Once on the ground in Hong Kong, a buggy met us and drove us to immigration. I was transferring to Cathay Pacific, so I walked over to the appropriate area, and got in the security line.
Thai First usually means no walking, even at outstations
This was another fun experience with Thai Airways in First Class. Still the best airport experience on the ground. Not so great in the air, but I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them again, especially to enjoy the Royal First Lounge and spa. Next would be a longer than planned layover in Hong Kong, and the Cathay Pacific lounges there.
Other posts in this series:
- Air Canada to Toronto and The Maple Leaf Lounge
- First Class all to myself: Lufthansa Inaugural Toronto to Munich
- Munich Lufthansa First Class lounge then transiting Frankfurt
- Thai Airways Royal First Class on the Airbus A380 Frankfurt to Bangkok
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Business Class Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur
- My time in Kuala Lumpur and at the Le Meridien
- Malaysia Airlines economy from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap
- The Le Meridien Angkor, my home base in Siem Reap
- A Picture Tour of the Angkor Wat Temples Around Siem Reap
- Best Western Amaranth for a short layover in Bangkok
- Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge and Spa
- Thai Airways Royal First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
- Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounges in Hong Kong
- Cathay Pacific Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
- Hyatt Regency Incheon Airport
- Asiana Airlines First Class Lounge in Seoul
- The only passenger in Asiana Airlines First Class Seoul to Frankfurt
- The best lounge in the world? Back at the Lufthansa First Class Terminal
- Lufthansa First Class with a seat and a bed Frankfurt to Toronto
