Review: Thai Airways International Business Class Lounge, Bangkok

Airport layover for business class travelers or those who belong to an airline lounge are normally more pleasant than those who get stuck wondering around terminals trying to find a peaceful place to relax amongst thousands of other travelers. However, flying Thai Airways in Business Class means you get added luxuries that most airlines and airports do not offer, this luxury I am talking about is a massage!

Brad described this tranquil and lavish spa experience in full detail recently, but he explained it from the First Class perspective. I will not go into a lot of details because I don’t want to bore readers of upgrd, however I will say it is an amazing experience and a great way to spend a layover! So, plan accordingly and have a bit of an extended layover which will allow time for a massage! But also note, the Spa is only for international travelers, and is located in the International portion of the airport, it’s not for those flying domestically. Therefore, this means if you’re flying Singapore-Bangkok-Chang Mai, you’ll miss out on this experience, but if you’re flying the same route in reverse you’ll be able to use the Spa.

Upon landing in Bangkok, despite being on a domestic flight, we had already cleared custom in Phuket, so we followed the signs, recleared security and once through the metal detectors we were in the international connection area of BKK airport. We had just over two hours before our flight to Singapore and we hastily walked to the Royal Orchid Spa. We quickly arrived at the Spa and as business class passengers had the option between a 30 minute neck and shoulder massage or a 30 minute foot massage. We both opted for the neck and shoulder massage and we were gracefully led by a Thai lady to the massaging station.

I arrived to where I’d receive my massage; it was a semi private cubical. It was nicer than an office, but overall it was just an overly padded leather chair and ottoman with wooden dividers, yet open to a hallway which lead to a number of other massage stations. The masseuse quickly went to work, drawing out the pain in the knots and as I sat there in great enjoyment: she kneaded my neck, shoulders, and head as if I was dough preparing to be baked for long hours in an oven. I had to fight myself from falling asleep as I honestly became more and more relaxed during the 30 minutes. The massage ended too quickly and I was awoken by a warm towel being gently wrapped around the back of my neck. The 30 minutes of pure bliss was over and I had just received one of the best massages I’ve ever experienced on any of my many trips to Thailand. And to think, this massage was included in the cost of my airfare!

Upon completion of my massage, I was walked into a sitting area where a male attendant greeted me with a sawadee and then offered me an assortment of tea and motioned me to a table full of package snacks and cakes. Not being in the mood for anything processed, I kindly declined and asked for a glass of water and ginger tea. Within moments, he returned with both, bowed again and disappeared back to work. Minutes later, my travel companion joined me, we finished our tea and headed toward the Royal Orchid Business Class lounge.

We walked for about 15 minutes to get to the terminal where our flight would depart from to Singapore and found the business class lounge. There was both a first class lounge and business class lounge, and we of course opted for the business class lounge, for that was the class of service we were booked in. Upon entering, the woman behind the reception desk quickly left her reception area to meet us by the door, bowed and welcomed us to the lounge.

The lounge itself was nothing lavish, but instead a comfortable quiet place to rest up before a flight. Like most international lounges, there was an array of food to choose from, a decent selection of beer, wine, and spirits, and desserts for those with a sweet tooth. The selection of food was vast, ranging from breakfast items or lunch items, including both hot choices like soup, shumai, eggs, breakfast meats, sandwiches, fresh fruit and more. No matter your mood or appetite, one could easily find something to satisfy their desire. I sampled a number of items and each thing I had was full of flavor! Unlike the China Southern airline lounge, both the local food and western food was edible! This was a pleasant surprise!

The lounge had a plenty of room for travelers to kick back and plane watch, a private meeting room, a private movie room (which was locked for an unknown reason), showers, bathrooms, and a business center. The only problem with the lounge was a lack of outlets, but thankfully during my stay there were few people in the lounge so this did not pose an issue.

A layover at BKK is unlike most airports. Only a few others can offer this level of comfort or service. When flying through Southeast Asia, I will forever look at Thai Airways first now, for I know the level of comfort and service is unsurpassed by no other! If you’re looking to burn some miles, or have some extra cash to spend, this airline is highly recommended every step of the way, from the group service to in the air, Thai Airways knows what’s going on!

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About Rocky Horan