Review: Thai Airways Business Class, Bangkok to Phuket

Two days in Bangkok was not enough time to experience the city for everything its worth, but it was enough time to show my partner around and then get away before things went sour or get out of hand. Despite not having time to show my partner everything Bangkok has to offer (I’ve been there at least 7 times), it was probably for the best because we saw the major tourists sites and the things we didn’t see were available to us in Pa Tong Phuket. So we headed to the airport to board our next flight to Phuket.

Since we were flying Thai airways and not Air Asia or any oth er LCC, we flew out of Suvarnabhumi, which was perfect because there is easy access to the international airport from the city via the city train line that takes just over 30 minutes and costs less than $2 a person. We arrived at the airport and walked over to the segregated business class, Royal Silk check-in. It appeared to be no different that the regular check-in area and not nearly as fancy as the 1^st class area, however we were quickly turned away and was informed that Business Class “Royal Silk” check-in for domestic flights took place in a different area. This check-in area was no different than regular check in, but nonetheless efficient.

After check in, we headed to the Royal Silk Lounge for some R&R before our short one hour flight to Phuket. Feel free to read all about the Domestic Thai Airways Lounge, but do not expect anything over the top. After our stop in the lounge, we headed to the boarding area and arrived about 5 minutes before scheduled boarding time.

Boarding was chaotic to say the least, but I later learned that this is typical for flights at BKK on Thai Airways. There are no gate monitors at each individual gates displaying information, but instead, Thai Airways depends on archaic print outs and then tapes them to cardboard boxes TG displays flight information and hand held signed which announces who they are boarding. However, I will warn you, the minute the airline calls pre-boarding, everyone rushes to the gate and since the airline checks boarding passes at the entrance of the boarding gate instead of the jetbridge, it’s impossible for them to control the influx of people pushing their way to the boarding area.

Once on board, my partner and I worked our way up the stairs and found ourselves in the business class cabin of the upperdeck. The upperdeck on TG reminds of me of the old Delta 747 reconfigured in a 2×2 setting with angle flat business seats. The seats were more than comfortable for the short 1 hour flight and in some cases a bit over the top. However, I cannot complain about this extra level of luxury and was enjoying the TG experience again!

Shortly after boarding, a strict and serious FA came through the cabin with drink options: orange juice, water, or a purple juice that was lime flavored. I decided to be adventurous and chose the purple lime juice. It was quite interesting, and not like any lime juice I’ve slurped before, but I definitely enjoyed it. Shortly after, hot towel service was provided and within minutes the entire plane was boarded and we were on our way to Phuket.

Being a very short flight, I noticed the FAs were in the cabin within minutes after takeoff. Although, this only came after a 20 minute ground delay because the plane before us happened to encounter a flock of birds and the runway had to be cleared of bird debris (gross!). Despite this, minutes after takeoff FAs were in the cabin with carts prepared to serve a full meal! For only a short flight I was more than surprise to find dinner service being offered, but was not going to complain about free food! Service that was offered was the same three drinks options as pre-departure and then a small portion of fish. It wasn’t anything over the top, but more than anyone would expect for a flight of such short length.

Soon after our meal trays were collected, we were preparing for arrival in Phuket and our flight was ending. The flight was extremely short, but nonetheless comfortable and service was brief but sufficient. What was more surprising was the fact that not only did biz class receive a meal, but even those in economy somehow were fed and tended to! Those Thai Airways FA really know how to work an airplane! There was no inflight entertainment, despite being equipped with personal TVs in business class, however the IFE was locked down to either the pilot view camera or the moving map. Either way, it was an hour flight and getting in some time for some reading and trip planning was better than only experiencing part of a movie!

Now a quick recap:

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Seats: The Seats on the B747 is configured the same as for international business class. The seats are angled flat and have a massage function. It’s a bit over the top for an hour flight, but who I am to complain about anything being too nice! Honestly a nice luxury for such a short flight!

IFE: Limted to know, however it’s an hour flight and it’s 2012! Who doesn’t own a book or a tablet or a cell phone with games. I think this is more than adequate for such a short flight!

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Service: FAs were a bit rough around the edges but I think they were just stressed about getting the service done in such a short amount of time. Not to mention they still feed the entire cabin, keep the passengers watered, and clean up in less than an hour!

Food & Beverage: Lacking options, but let’s be honest, it’s an hour flight! The fish was good while the juice and water served its purpose! And being fed on a 60 minute flight! WOW!