ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Posted (4 years 1 month 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 17800 times:
11 Feb 2009
Reason for Trip
Another business trip for me, but not really complaining for this one. I will be heading from Jakarta all the way to the Canary Island off Spain for a product launch. The only pity is that I will only be there for less than 48hrs! As usual, I won’t elaborate on the CGK-KUL-BKK sectors.
Jakarta (CGK) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Malaysia Airlines MH726
Aircraft: B737-400
Registration: 9M-MMW
1st Flight: 9 Jun 1993
ETD: 0655
ETA: 0955
ATD: 0650
ATA: 0945
Seat : 1F (Golden Club Class / Business Class)
Flight Time: 2hr 00min
Ready to receive her passengers
Service: 8/10
Food: 6/10
Aircraft: 7/10
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Bangkok (BKK)
Thai Airways TG416
Aircraft: B777-200ER
Registration: HS-TJV
1st Flight: 13 Sep 2007
ETD: 1310
ETA: 1410
ATD: 1302
ATA:1355
Seat : 11A (Royal Silk Class / Business Class) Gen 2 lie flats
Flight Time: 1hr 45min
One of TG’s newer B772ER waiting to take us on the shop hop to Bangkok
Usually I do not take pics on the KUL-BKK legs, but I will do so here as many people have yet to see the new 2nd generation lie flats on TG’s B772ER and new batch of A333
Since I was already taking pics of the seat and cabin, why not the menu and meals too
Service: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Aircraft: 9/10
Hotel Stay
Westin Sukhumvit Bangkok
Location: 10/10
Room: 9/10 (Deluxe Suite, Starwood Platinum Upgrade)
Service: 9/10
Bangkok (BKK) – Frankfurt (FRA)
Thai Airways TG920
Aircraft: B747-400
Registration: HS-TGL
1st Flight: 22 Nov 1991
ETD: 2340
ETA: 0530
ATD: 2340
ATA: 0458
Seat :3K (Royal First Class)
Flight Time: 11hr 25min
Preflight
This time I decided to go down to the city to have a quick meeting, before coming back to the airport. Main purpose was to try out TG Royal First ground service from the curbside. Usually they are flawless everytime I was in transit. But I must say that their service from car drop off was excellent all the way.
Waiting for my boarding pass at the private and deserted 1st class check in area
Behind the wall was the check in counters for 1st class
Let's just say, besides having my personal porter, I also hardly had to do any walking at all.
After I was dropped off at the lounge, I just had one quick smoke at the 1st class smoking room before proceeding to have my complimentary body massage at the Royal Thai Spa
After a nice and relaxing massage, it was time to have something to eat at the lounge
Inflight
Pretty full up on this flight with 9 out of 10 seats in F taken up.
On board TG’s Royal First Cabin
Amenity Kits
Menu’s were distributed before take off
Service was great as usual, sadly nothing really caught my eye on the avod.
Just watched Eagle Eye and then slept after the meal which was really disappointing though.
The good news is at least I got a real good rest, slept for around 7 hrs straight. But I did wake up in between my sleep as hit really bad turbulence when we neared Russian airspace.
Before you know its breakfast time
Cabin being prepared for arrivals
Service: 9/10
Food: 6/10
Aircraft: 9/10
12 February 2009
Frankfurt (FRA) - Lanzarote (ACE)
Air Berlin AB1002 (Private Charter)
Aircraft: A321-200
Registration: D-ABCA
1st Flight: 12 Nov 2008
ETD: 1115
ETA: 1435
ATD: 1155
ATA: 1502
Seat : 25F (Economy Class)
Flight Time: 3hr 35min
Preflight
Due to the real early arrival at FRA we had so much time to kill. We were practically bored to death. Just sat at Starbucks and then on to McDonalds at Terminal 2.
Our group, having dedicated counters for our private charter with Air Berlin
Landside T2
As this was a charter flight, boarding was called early and no rush whatsoever onto the aircraft. After looking at the tail of this baby, I realised that this is one of Air Berlin's new A321.
Inflight
A real great crew welcomed us onboard and I immedietly smelt that new aircraft smell! Very nice and intoxicating indeed.
The flight itself passed really slow. By this time I was really tired from flying.
When you are bored, what do you do? Take pictures of course
Of course all means and drinks aboard were already catered for.
Start of descend
Also found out that this aircraft will also stay on the ground at Lanzarote for the duration of our stay and then take us back again to Frankfurt in 2 days time. The crew were really happy at this arrangement.
Love that factory fresh paint, and true airliner buffs like us, really love using stairs which means, great pics
Service: 8/10
Food: 6/10
Aircraft: 10/10 (not for comfort, but for it being brand new)
Views of the room at the resort we stayed for the event, sorry I forgot the name!!
14 February 2009
Lanzarote (ACE) – Frankfurt (FRA)
Air Berlin AB1003 (Private Charter)
Aircraft: A321-200
Registration: D-ABCA
1st Flight: 12 Nov 2008
ETD: 1200
ETA: 1725
ATD: 1225
ATA: 1740
Seat : 22C(Economy Class)
Flight Time: 4hr 10min
Preflight
After our morning meetings it was straight to the airport to board our chartered flight. She was sitting on the tarmac waiting for us the entire time we were in Lanzarote.
Tarmac and Airport scenes at ACE
Hi Baby!
Inflight
Really couldn't be comfortable the entire flight. The new slimline recaro seats really lack support in the lumbar region. So spent quite some time just walking around and talking to my colleagues. We landed around 10 minutes behind schedule. Inflight catering was also terrible. Sorry I did not take any in cabin pics for this leg as my camera ran out of batteries. But don’t worry, will charge it at the lounge in FRA before the next leg to BKK.
Service: 8/10
Food: 1/10
Ac: 9/10
14 Feb 2009
Frankfurt (FRA) – Bangkok (BKK)
Thai Airways TG923
Aircraft: B747-400
Registration: HS-TGK
1st Flight: 11 Jan 1991
ETD: 2055
ETA: 1305
ATD: 2125
ATA: 1350
Seat : 3K (Royal First Class)
Flight Time: 10hr 20min
Pre Flight
After arrivals, it was a quick connection with the sky train to T1 where all the colleagues split up to various flights back to our own countries, of course most of us from Asia were either flying TG or SQ. After checking in, we decided to head to the Senator lounge which was packed to the max, very degrading and bad for a 1st lounge. I seriously think they need to improve this aspect and maybe make a proper Star Alliance 1st Lounge in FRA T1. I decided to have a meal at McDonald’s before taking a long walk to the gate as this time my TG flight was parked at a different satellite. Had to clear security twice from B to C. And the C gates were terrible and no place to sit or do. I just stood at the boarding doors.
Inflight
Nothing beats being back in the serene environment of TG 1st, really going to miss the B747 when the A380 starts coming online for TG.
Meals for this leg to BKK
Time to turn on the AVOD
Really love caviar, although too much of this stuff can be really overwhelming and fishy too!
Appetizers and great split pea soup
Main Course was pretty good too
This entire flight was really full, FRA is definitely a money earner for TG. After the meals, I just slept all the way till I was woken up for breakfast. But as I was not too hungry, I just decided to have cereal.
Cabin basking in the morning sun
Another terrific flight with TG and can’t wait when I fly them next in July to FRA and MXP.
By the way, back to the flight itself, we were late in pushing back which ultimately caused delay out of FRA and subsequently also 50mins late in our arrival to BKK. I watched a movie on the AVOD during the meal, afterwards I just slept all the way back to BKK. What can I say, TG still is one of the best for First Class service.
Service: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Aircraft: 9/10
15 February 2009
Bangkok (BKK) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Preflight
After arriving I immedietly transfered to Terminal 1 where I checked in. For some reason, this TG flight is not departing from the usual B gates but C. I decided to go to the Senator Lounge in B but it was really full so I had dinner at McDonalds and then chatted with my colleagues whom were taking the later SQ flight. Had to clear security twice from B to C. And the C gates were terrible and no place to sit or do. I just stood at the boarding doors.
Thai Airways TG417
Aircraft: B777-200
Registration: HS-TJG
1st Flight: 22 Oct 1997
ETD: 1640
ETA: 1950
ATD: 1655
ATA: 1945
Seat : 14A (Royal Silk Class / Business Class)
Flight Time: 1hr 50min
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Jakarta (CGK)
Malaysia Airlines MH727
Aircraft: B737-400
Registration: 9M-MMS
1st Flight: 15 March 1993
ETD: 2105
ETA: 2205
ATD: 2100
ATA: 2155
Seat : 1F (Golden Club Class / Business Class)
Flight Time: 2hr 00min
Feb 19: MH J from Jakarta to Perth (waiting to post)
Mar 15: MH J from Jakarta to Perth …again! (waiting to post)
April 20: CX in J to HKG with Dragonair in J to PVG
June 5: KLM in J from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur with KLM’s new B773ER
July: TG F and LH J to Frankfurt, Barcelona and Milan
AT From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 863 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (4 years 1 month 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 17197 times:
Great pics! Thai F class looks wonderful and I agree with you about that "new plane smell". love it too...
The A321 of Air Berlin looked very sleek, but I was surprised that it waited 2 days with you at your destination and then brought you back. Isn't that an extraordinarily inefficient use of an airplane?
9MMAR From Malaysia, joined Jul 2006, 2099 posts, RR: 21 Reply 2, posted (4 years 1 month 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 17155 times:
Hi Boss!
Great to read your globe trotting experience as usual, and what an exotic destination it was - Lanzarote.
I find it amusing that you seemed to prefer McDonalds more than the First Class Lounges on several occasions in this trip.
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): After arrivals, it was a quick connection with the sky train to T1 where all the colleagues split up to various flights back to our own countries, of course most of us from Asia were either flying TG or SQ.
Bananaboy From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 1558 posts, RR: 26 Reply 3, posted (4 years 1 month 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 17101 times:
Quoting AT (Reply 1): Isn't that an extraordinarily inefficient use of an airplane?
That would depend on if the aircraft was needed elsewhere. If not, and they weren't able to sell the time in between, the costs would be (comparatively) small.
Great report. Thai F looks very nice indeed.
Mark
All my life, I've been kissing, your top lip 'cause your bottom one's missing
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 5, posted (4 years 1 month 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 16306 times:
Quoting AT (Reply 1): I agree with you about that "new plane smell". love it too...
They can get really addictive right? ahahhaah just like candy to a baby!
Quoting AT (Reply 1): but I was surprised that it waited 2 days with you at your destination and then brought you back. Isn't that an extraordinarily inefficient use of an airplane?
Actually when I spoke to the crew, they were also surprised that they had a long layover in ACE, and they were really happy about the break they get. Really never seen a much happier crew than on that AB flight. I guess AB had access capacity plus it was still the winter season, so not really a peak period for air travel, so I guess its cheaper for AB to leave the aircraft on the ground in ACE, airport parking charges are definitely cheaper than fuel for the aircraft to fly back to Germany and then back to ACE to pick us up.
The A321 was actually stationed in Dusseldorf, it only flew over to FRA to pick us up.
SASDC8 From Norway, joined Mar 2006, 663 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (4 years 1 month 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 15517 times:
Hi Herbert.
First class check in BKK is truly amazing. Porter came up to the hotel limo with a normal baggage cart, but when he saw as was traveling First he changed it for the more appropriate golden one
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): Senator lounge which was packed to the max, very degrading and bad for a 1st lounge. I seriously think they need to improve this aspect and maybe make a proper Star Alliance 1st Lounge in FRA T1
Totally agree! Star seriously need a FCL at FRA, the Senator lounge is a hellhole. I actually preferred the business class lounge at B pier instead. Bigger and much closer to the normal TG gate's.
Nice report again, and after a quick check I see that the menu from BKK-FRA is almost the same as when I traveled in October. How often does TG change their menu?
Debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2098 posts, RR: 4 Reply 7, posted (4 years 1 month 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 15132 times:
Quoting SASDC8 (Reply 6): Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter):
Senator lounge which was packed to the max, very degrading and bad for a 1st lounge. I seriously think they need to improve this aspect and maybe make a proper Star Alliance 1st Lounge in FRA T1
Totally agree! Star seriously need a FCL at FRA, the Senator lounge is a hellhole. I actually preferred the business class lounge at B pier instead. Bigger and much closer to the normal TG gate's.
YEAP, when have you been there last time?!
New Lufthansa Tower Lounge with panoramic view
Lufthansa guests enjoy unique vista at Frankfurt Airport
Lufthansa First and Business-Class passengers as well as customers with Hon Circle, Senator or frequent traveller status will enjoy a unique perspective at the end of March at Frankfurt airport: It comes on stream with the opening of the new Tower Lounge in Departures area A above gate 65.
...In a large comfort area, deep leather armchairs invite lounge visitors to sit back and relax with a view of apron traffic through the huge glass façade....
The new Lufthansa Tower Lounge replaces the existing Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges at gate A51.
SASDC8 From Norway, joined Mar 2006, 663 posts, RR: 1 Reply 8, posted (4 years 1 month 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 14772 times:
Quoting Debonair (Reply 7): Lufthansa First and Business-Class passengers as well as customers with Hon Circle, Senator or frequent traveller status will enjoy a unique perspective at the end of March at Frankfurt airport: It comes on stream with the opening of the new Tower Lounge in Departures area A above gate 65.
That is great news
Last time was in October 2008 and the Senator lounge was of course packed to max. With TG leaving from B45 the business lounge was perfect. The Senator lounge was/is good, compared to other *G lounges, but it does not come close to TG's own First class lounges.
Freeman300 From Sweden, joined Jul 2008, 32 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (4 years 1 month 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 14740 times:
This was very nice to read.
There is a TG going from Stockholm - BKK 3 times a week . I have been on it in Economy 4-5 times and two of the rides I asked how many there was in First. The reply both times: 0. I wish I could have made that into a 1.
VHSMM From Australia, joined Jul 2008, 131 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (4 years 1 month 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 14279 times:
Nice trip report.
I can't believe Thai still use that purple print in their premium menus, to my eye, it looks cheap and nasty, not the image I would want for the premium cabins.
CptRegionalJet From Germany, joined Oct 2007, 121 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (4 years 1 month 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 13971 times:
Hi there,
Very nice report of an unsual buisness trip routing.I bet you must have felt tired on those last four hours to ACE.I was right on the next island (Fuerteventura) during your visit taking a 2 week vacation.
By the way-did you meet a pretty blonde girl called Eve at the driving event?
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 12, posted (4 years 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 13466 times:
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 2): I find it amusing that you seemed to prefer McDonalds more than the First Class Lounges on several occasions in this trip.
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 2): None of them flying MH from FRA? Reality hurts!
Hi Boss!!! Well, unlike lounges in Asia, the FCL lounges in Europe really suck in terms of food!
The reason why even the Malaysian colleagues fly with SQ and TG to FRA is beacuse of the frequency of flights. SQ and TG both have 2 daily rotations while MH only has 1 rotation and on 5 days a week. As FRA is a business destination, the airlines with the most frequency usually wins.
By the way, even my German colleagues who are based in Singapore also fly SQ and not LH, their company policy requires them to only fly LH, but the top up with their own $$ to fly SQ eheheh
Quoting Bananaboy (Reply 3): Great report. Thai F looks very nice indeed.
Thanks for taking the time to read my TR
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 4): Flying to ACE from CGK for two days only, well not the usual routine trip,
but exactly my style!.
Hi Markus! Great to know you enjoyed my TR. Well, we are the kind of guys that travel for the sake of not exploring a new destination but to explore the transport that takes us across the clear blue skies of this planet ehehehehhe
I just got back from PVG. Used CX in J. On the way up was lucky to be seated in the F cabin of a 3 class (sold as 2 class) A333 and on the way back got the brand new A333 with new J seats in herringbone layout. Will post that soon!!
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 15, posted (4 years 3 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 12744 times:
Quoting SASDC8 (Reply 6): First he changed it for the more appropriate golden one
Hey Stein! Well, i did not manage to see that, coz, I only had hand baggage, thus, no carts were necessary! Next time I will travel with more luggage so that I can experience the golden cart a
Quoting SASDC8 (Reply 6): How often does TG change their menu?
Got no idea, although I travel the route every 3 mths, I do think the food does roughly stay the same!
Quoting Debonair (Reply 7): Lufthansa First and Business-Class passengers as well as customers with Hon Circle, Senator or frequent traveller status will enjoy a unique perspective at the end of March at Frankfurt airport: It comes on stream with the opening of the new Tower Lounge in Departures area A above gate 65.
Cant wait to try it out on my next trip to FRA
Quoting SASDC8 (Reply 8): The Senator lounge was/is good, compared to other *G lounges, but it does not come close to TG's own First class lounges.
Actually all premium lounges in Europe or US (except for Virgin lounge in Heathrow) really are pale in comparision to lounges in Asia
Quoting Freeman300 (Reply 9): I have been on it in Economy 4-5 times and two of the rides I asked how many there was in First. The reply both times: 0.
I thought TG sold the seats as J on the Scandinavian routes?
Quoting VHSMM (Reply 10): I can't believe Thai still use that purple print in their premium menus, to my eye, it looks cheap and nasty, not the image I would want for the premium cabins.
Well, I guess they will be there for some time to come!! As purple is their corporate identity
Quoting CptRegionalJet (Reply 11): By the way-did you meet a pretty blonde girl called Eve at the driving event?
Eve is actually the host for all our events She has been with us for the last oooo 5-6 years
SASDC8 From Norway, joined Mar 2006, 663 posts, RR: 1 Reply 17, posted (4 years 3 weeks 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 12493 times:
Quoting ThaiA345 (Reply 15): I thought TG sold the seats as J on the Scandinavian routes?
They do. Old First seats are sold as business class on ARN and CPH flights so there will be no one in First, but full (or close to that, only 14 seats) in business class
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