Thai Airways A330-300 (Config. 1) Royal Silk (business class)

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  • Anonymous
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    croomes30
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    CHECK-IN: I had managed to check in online along with my international flight from LHR-BKK and collected my boarding card from the airport. We were processed in a most efficient and friendly manner, with time being taken to check our passports, visas and labels being attached to the luggage; I was pleased to see this as our last experience through T3 was not good, with British Airways losing one of our bags. We were issued with our boarding passes for both legs or our journey and on our way within 10 minutes.

    THE LOUNGE: On arrival at Bangkok the crew allowed all First class passengers off the aircraft first and at the end of the air bridge Thai ground staff were awaiting us with name boards ready to whisk us off in our various directions depending upon where we were going. We were whisked by golf buggy, which went at a mind bending speed through the terminal, through to transfers and escorted through a quick security check and straight to the Royal First Class Lounge where we were met by the lounge staff and escorted further to one of the private rooms.

    The Royal First Class lounge is at the hub of concourses D and A, B & C, along with one Royal Silk lounge and the Royal Orchid Spa. We didn’t have time to try the Spa but this will feature in a latter review on our way home, but my husband availed himself of the shower facilities and freshened up whilst I was offer an a la carte breakfast dining option, buffet and whatever drinks we fancied, all of which were delivered by attentive staff there for your every whim.

    BOARDING: The flights weren’t called in the lounge to ensure you have maximum peace and quiet, and we knew our flight was a very, very long walk from the lounge (the whole length of concourse D), so we set off about 5-10mins before boarding was due to start. By the time we reached the gate, they called business class passengers and we went straight through and onto the aircraft.

    There was a little confusion as I walked through the door as all the staff were having their photo taken in the business class cabin (for Songkran) and we were asked to wait a minute whilst they sorted some lighting issues out in the aircraft. After a short wait they allowed us to board, apologising profusely for the confusion.

    THE SEAT: This particular route uses the oldest of the A330 fleet and hence the oldest business class seat of the old cradle type. Whilst very comfy for sitting they are not ideal for sleeping, although on a 2 hour flight it was nothing to worry about really. The cabin is laid out 2-2-2 and the seat pitch is massive with plenty of room between you and the seat in front and behind you.

    There are main entertainment screens at the front of the cabin which play the moving map, plus fold out screens in the arms of the seats. The tray tables are also concealed in the arms.

    WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? No seats have any benefit really unless you want to be first on the aircraft (sit at the front) or first off the aircraft (sit at the rear if landing away from Bangkok).

    THE FLIGHT: We departed from the gate on time and had a slightly shorter flight time than advertised. We made a rapid climb to our cruising altitude and the morning meal of fried rice was served quickly and with a smile, along with our choice of drinks.

    Again, we had pre-ordered our meal before leaving the UK and had the BBQ Duck Fried Rice and this was served as part of the tray meal we were offered; again very tasty if not a little spicy for a 8am flight!

    VERDICT: A fantastic smooth transfer from the international flight, as to be expected from Thai Airways ground services, straight to the lounge. The only let down I felt was the rather old and dated cabin of the A330, it would have been nicer to have the slightly more up to date version of their business class even if it is the angle-lie flat beds. Couldn’t fault the in flight service, landing was earlier than advertised, all our bags came through from London and we were through immigration and waiting for our hotel transfer within 30 minutes.

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