Background
I early 2011 my friend Satchmo and I decided to go on a spotting trip to Asia in late October. We had been planning to visit Singapore and Kuala Lumpur from the very beginning and focused on getting on Qantas' A380 between LHR and SIN. I had flown Qantas before, but I wanted to increase the number of A380 carriers in my log to five. At a later date, we also decided to include Jakarta where we had never been before. Of course we tried to get as many new airlines and interesting types as possible and it took a while to create an exciting itinerary. Finally, we booked 10 flights operated by 8 different carriers (including four new ones) and reserved hotel rooms in Singapore (one night), Kuala Lumpur (one night), Jakarta (two nights) and Bangkok (one night). We exclusively combined one-way flights and one-way combos, so we had eight different flight reservations in the end. Here's what the preliminary itinerary looked like:
Munich-London
London-Singapore
Singapore-Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta
Jakarta-Singapore
Singapore-Phuket
Phuket-Bangkok
Bangkok-Mumbai
Mumbai-London
London-Munich
While Satchmo was planning to use our entire time at Jakarta for taking pictures, I decided to squeeze in a domestic day trip. I found an interesting combo on two new carriers and added three more flights:
Now I was looking forward to 13 flights on 10 different carriers - including 6 new ones - and 4 widebodies (details to follow). At that point of time I couldn't imagine that I would end up on 14 flights, 7 new airlines and 5 widebodies.
After checking out from the Jakarta Airport Hotel (conveniently located at Terminal 2E), we only had to walk a short distance to the Garuda Indonesia check-in area. The whole process took less than 20 minutes, getting seats in the back hadn't been a problem at all. We also quickly passed security and went straight to our departure gate. The Terminal 2 airside layout is similar to the one at Terminal 1, but windows were installed throughout the pavilions and corridors, separating the interior spaces from the gardens. Consequently, it's much cooler in the whole building. Here's our waiting area:
Picture by Satchmo
Our plane was PK-GFC - getting special treatment by the flight crew:
Picture by Satchmo
PK-GFC, delivered factory fresh in July 2010, is one of 53 737-800s in the fleet. Garuda Indonesia chose an advanced interior for the new planes, but there are also 14 used frames (registered PK-GEE to -GER) with basic interiors. Those are almost exclusively used on domestic routes.
Very friendly flight attendants in nice dresses and uniforms welcomed us on board. The tasteful combination of colors in the (spotlessly clean) cabin really impressed us:
Picture by Satchmo
The comfortable new-style seats are equipped with large TV screens:
Legroom was generous…
…and the IFE boxes didn't take away much space:
Welcome screen:
The new-style airshow had already been activated:
In-flight and shopping magazines:
Absolutely correct fleet information:
Safety card and IFE guide:
Parked next to us was sister ship PK-GMF, Lion Air 737-900ER PK-LHQ was about to leave:
Numerous seats remained empty, including the aisle seat in our row. PK-GFC left the gate two minutes ahead of schedule…
…and soon started a powerful takeoff roll. Goodbye Jakarta, I'll be back:
Shortly after takeoff, I had a look at the touchscreen IFE system. I really liked the varying welcome screens:
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
Main menu:
Garuda's audio/video on-demand system offers a choice of 56 movies, 32 TV features, 9 radio channels, 130 music CDs and 25 games - and there's an airshow channel which is the most important feature in my opinion.
The flight attendants soon started serving a hot breakfast. We could choose between an Asian meal with fish and a Western meal with egg, potatoes and sausage. Satchmo ordered fish…
Picture by Satchmo
…while I opted for the alternative:
We really enjoyed these generous and well-presented meals, everything tasted very good. After all meals and drinks had been served, the flight attendants started a second drink run. No doubt, Garuda Indonesia exceeded our expectations on this 76 minute flight.
What a pleasant looking cabin:
Lavatory amenities:
Approach commenced less than an hour after takeoff. Satchmo moved to the empty opposite row so that he could take approach pictures, too:
Picture by Satchmo
Beautiful winglet, isn’t it?
Picture by Satchmo
Nice scenery:
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
Singapore's skyline and countless ships:
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
The famous Marina Bay Sands stands out:
Picture by Satchmo
Tankers, tankers, tankers…
Picture by Satchmo
Densely populated areas:
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
Now let's quickly switch to my side:
Can you see the K-Mile 727?
We touched down after a flying time of 1 hour and 16 minutes…
Picture by Satchmo
…and arrived at our Terminal 3 gate almost exactly on time. Parked next to us was SIA A330-300 9V-STG:
After we had passed immigration and picked up our suitcase, we went straight to Terminal 1 in order to check in for the flight to Phuket. There were only few people waiting in queue and the check-in process itself was quick and easy. We had pre-reserved seats in row 30 (3 SGD = 1.80 EUR per person) and also paid an extra charge for our checked luggage (16 SGD for a regular case up to 15kg and 18 SGD for a medium case up to 20 kg). Well, we were down to one suitcase now, so AirAsia had earned some money without consideration due to the Qantas grounding.
Before passing security, we went to the Terminal 1 observation deck for a while:
Then we continued spotting in the gate area where you can find numerous good spots with runway view. Finally, it was time to go to the gate where our aircraft was already being prepared. We immediately noticed that this A320 was wearing non-standard colors:
The plane turned out to be HS-ABD wearing TRULY ASEAN special colors which was a nice surprise! HS-ABD is one of 25 A320s in the Thai AirAsia fleet.
While the exterior was a special one, the interior wasn't different from AirAsia's standard. The black leather seats were fine...
Picture by Satchmo
...but legroom was tight:
How about an insurance?
The female flight attendants - wearing the famous red AirAsia uniforms - were very friendly. And no, they didn't look much less attractive than the girls on the in-flight magazine's cover:
I didn't see any empty seats on this plane, the majority of passengers was consisting of Thais - probably going home - and holiday makers from abroad. The aisle seat was taken by a young Thai, but he was very skinny, so I didn't feel cramped in my middle seat.
HS-ABD left the gate three minutes late and soon took off into rainy skies:
Picture by Satchmo
Shortly after takeoff, a flight attendant showed up and checked our boarding passes to ensure that we were the right ones to receive pre-ordered meals. Of course you can also order meals once on the plane, but it's a bit cheaper to pre-order them - and you get to be served first. Here's the Thai version of AirAsia's BOB menu:
One cannot complain about these prices:
One should be aware that the meals don't look as good in reality as on these pictures:
Very interesting offerings:
AirAsia also sells all kinds of merchandise and collectibles on board, including plane models:
And here are our meals which cost some 2.85 EUR each - Satchmo had ordered basil fried chicken with rice...
Picture by Satchmo
...while I had ordered chicken satay, served with peanut sauce:
Both meals tasted alright, but not as delicious as the pictures in the menu suggest.
The cabin was packed as you can see here:
Picture by Satchmo
There were thick clouds along the route…
Picture by Satchmo
…but it was getting better during descent:
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
Right turn onto final approach:
Picture by Satchmo
The perfect beach for spotters and other plane enthusiasts:
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
Picture by Satchmo
HS-ABD touched down after a flying time of 1 hour and 27 minutes - 13 minutes earlier than originally announced. Nicely located ATC tower:
We arrived at the gate almost on time and spotted Bangkok Airways A320 HS-PGV - a possible candidate for our evening flight to Bangkok:
Last shot of our TRULY ASEAN logojet:
While walking to the immigration counters, we passed a very interesting visitor from Russia - Transaero's Boeing 777-222 EI-UNZ (s/n 013):
Picture by Satchmo
The plane once flew for United Airlines as N770UA - user BA319-131 may still remember well his flights on that bird. N770UA was retired in June 2004 and returned to the skies almost 10 months later as PP-VRJ, operating for Varig. The plane went into storage again 15 months later and it took more than two years until it found a new home in Russia.
Thursday, November 2011
Phuket (HKT) - Bangkok (BKK)
Bangkok Airways PG278
Scheduled times: 19:45-21:10
Actual times: 20:18-21:34
Flight duration: 01:00 (hrs)
Distance: 417 miles
Economy Class (single class), seat 3F
Airbus A320-232
HS-PGW (MSN 2509), named "Samui"
Delivered in 08/2005
We had been planning to spend a few hours on spotting at the beach, but I wasn't feeling good enough for that in the heat after getting sick on the day before. So I decided to stay in the terminal building, while Satchmo headed down to the beach to get some nice pictures. However, he already returned about an hour later because the approach direction had been changed.
There's no observation deck at Phuket Airport, but we found a nice and rather inexpensive restaurant obviously run by Thai Airways' catering division, located on the first floor. We chose a table at the window front and enjoyed great apron views. Here's Orient Thai 737-3T0 HS-BRB, once flying for Continental Airlines as N14324:
Picture by Satchmo
Of course we ordered some food - this is my excellent Thai curry, served on Thai Airways branded porcelain:
We finally returned to the ground floor in order to check in for our Bangkok Airways flight. Unfortunately, long queues had formed in that crowded hall and we had to wait more than 30 minutes until it was our turn. Even though we had reserved seats 28E and 28F earlier in the afternoon (when checking in hadn't been possible yet), the friendly agent suddenly put us in 3E and 3F. We initially complained, but accepted them in the end.
While walking around in the gate area, we discovered a Bangkok Airways "Boutique Lounge" - and we found out that it was open to any Bangkok Airways passenger! I guess that's one of various reasons why the carrier calls itself "Asia's Boutique Airline". Apparently, most of its customers on that day weren't aware of the free lounge access because it never became crowded in that relatively small room. There were comfortable leather chairs and one could use Internet terminals:
Cold and hot drinks as well as small snacks were on offer:
We soon noticed that our departure time had been delayed by 35 minutes to 20:20, but that wasn't a big issue considering that it was our last sector on that day.
Finally our plane arrived - it turned out to be HS-PGW, wearing a beautiful colorscheme like all other planes in the fleet:
HS-PGW was delivered in August 2005 and is one of three A320s in the fleet. While the A320s are equipped with 162 Economy Class seats, there are different A319 configurations (all-Economy and two class cabins).
Friendly ground staff members finally checked our boarding passes and their friendly colleagues in the cabin welcomed us on board. I'm not a fan of the colors in the cabin, but the seats were comfortable...
Picture by Satchmo
...and there was plenty of legroom:
In-flight magazine and safety card:
Excellent fleet information page highlighting three different livery variants:
Btw - there's a mistake in the middle of the page - can you find it?
In-flight shopping magazine and "Boutique Entertainment" guide:
The latter also included a picture of the airline's Business Class product installed on a few A319s:
We left the gate 33 minutes late and soon climbed into the night sky after a powerful takeoff roll. I enjoyed the scenery at night, but it wasn't possible to take a decent picture.
Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants started moving through the cabin with trolleys and I was expecting to get a drink and a snack box or a sandwich - but Bangkok Airways surprised us with such a pretty tray:
While the cheese sandwiches tasted good, I didn't like the ones with cold cuts. The fruit cake with vanilla sauce wasn't bad, though. Hot and cold drinks were available and I tried a kind of fruit punch which was way too sweet. Anyway, it's still impressive to find such a meal service on a 1 hour domestic flight.
After all meals had been distributed, Satchmo walked to the back to take a cabin picture. This evening flight was packed:
Picture by Satchmo
The cabin was equipped with fold-out screens as you can see on the picture above, but only TV features were shown during the entire flight. I'd have preferred a moving map, as usual.
We touched down at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport exactly one hour after takeoff and taxied to a remote parking position. Last picture of HS-PGW:
Unfortunately, it took more than half an hour until the first bags from our flight showed up on the luggage carousel. I'm not sure who is to blame for that delay. Anyway, we quickly went to the pick-up zone and took the shuttle to the Queens Garden Resort (ten minutes from the airport) which turned out to be much worse than described on various websites. Story to be continued...
Conclusion
One day, three different airlines - and three different business models. Full-service network carrier Garuda Indonesia impressed me most: The 737-800 was equipped with comfortable new-style seats and an advanced IFE system and we got a large hot breakfast on the relatively short flight from Jakarta to Singapore. Bangkok Airways - operating as a full-service niche carrier - convinced with lounge access for all passengers, plenty of legroom on the single-class A320 and a decent meal on a 1 hour domestic flight. The self-designation as "boutique airline" is totally justified. Last but not least, even Thai AirAsia left a positive impression. Legroom is tight, but that's common on low-cost carriers. However, AirAsia's additional charges aren't overpriced at all and the quality of meals is alright.
What had all these carriers in common? Booking flights on their websites was easy and convenient, the cabins were clean and in good condition and their staff members were friendly and helpful. In summary, I'd call Garuda Indonesia a quality network carrier, Bangkok Airways a quality niche carrier and Thai AirAsia a quality low-cost carrier.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): this is my excellent Thai curry, served on Thai Airways branded porcelain
I think I have seen this picture before ....
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): we discovered a Bangkok Airways "Boutique Lounge" - and we found out that it was open to any Bangkok Airways passenger!
I read about that once . In my opnion a very nice offering .
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 3, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 14052 times:
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2):
Very nice to see another part of your TR series online . I way very surprised to see your TR online and I started reading it .
Servus Daniel! Many thanks for your feedback!
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2): I think GA is very well known for the very nice uniforms the flight attendants have .
Yes, Suryo just posted a great picture in our FB group. I'm sure he'll soon present some more.
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2): Both of the meals look very tasty .
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2): It looks very nice clean and fresh looking .
Yes, quite different from the usual colors.
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2): And even a possible new entry for your log ?
Yes, one of 15 new registrations at HKT.
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2): I think I have seen this picture before ....
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2): In my opnion a very nice offering .
No doubt about that!
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 2): I enjoyed reading this part of your TR series and I am looking forward to the upcoming parts . Keep up the good work .
Thank you! The final part of this series will be about Jet Airways. And then a new series can be expected...
Quokkas From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 13985 times:
Hi PlaneHunter,
Good to see your Asian adventure throws up some treats.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): but windows were installed throughout the pavilions and corridors, separating the interior spaces from the gardens.
The design is far more attractive than the usual shopping centres favoured everywhere else.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Numerous seats remained empty, including the aisle seat in our row.
Good for your comfort but not so good for the airline.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): No doubt, Garuda Indonesia exceeded our expectations on this 76 minute flight.
GA has made a concerted effort to lift standards and it looks as if they are on the right track.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): One should be aware that the meals don't look as good in reality as on these pictures:
Do they ever? It's the same at the American Embassy.
They sure look smart: were they really comfortable?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): The perfect beach for spotters and other plane enthusiasts:
Nice: who needs to go to SXM ?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): this is my excellent Thai curry, served on Thai Airways branded porcelain:
Now where have I seen that photo before?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): Apparently, most of its customers on that day weren't aware of the free lounge
Passengers are used to the idea that only status or premium passengers get access to lounges. Nice to see this airline extends the courtesy to all its guests.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): Excellent fleet information page highlighting three different livery variants:
Very inventive designs and far removed from euro-white or alliance logos.
It has been a pleasure reading your report and seeing Satchmo's photos. You make a good team.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 5, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 13978 times:
Hello PH,
Excellent stuff, a nice daytrip in the (sub)tropics! I’m very positively surprised by the resurrected Garuda: nice planes inside out and a nice set of crew to go with that.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Excellent fleet information page highlighting three different livery variants:
Nice colourful planes, yes. Were you able to spot any?
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): In summary, I'd call Garuda Indonesia a quality network carrier, Bangkok Airways a quality niche carrier and Thai AirAsia a quality low-cost carrier.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): They sure look smart: were they really comfortable?
There are more comfortable seats out there, but AirAsia's aren't bad at all.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): Nice: who needs to go to SXM ?
Good point. But the planes are even lower at SXM.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): Passengers are used to the idea that only status or premium passengers get access to lounges. Nice to see this airline extends the courtesy to all its guests.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): Very inventive designs and far removed from euro-white or alliance logos.
I can only agree.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): Excellent stuff, a nice daytrip in the (sub)tropics!
Hi Nils! Thank you very much for your reply! Good to hear you enjoyed it.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): I’m very positively surprised by the resurrected Garuda: nice planes inside out and a nice set of crew to go with that.
GA isn't the carrier any more it used to be.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): That’s actually a pleasant area it seems. Was it climatized?
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 7, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 13570 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi PH,
nice comparison about the 3 airlines.
The interior of GA looks kind of similar as the one TK uses in their newer birds.
The service was impressive on all three flights ( It definitely is fine to pay under 3 euros for a hot meal..you would hardly get a can of water on FR for that money )
Also nice was the free lounge access.
julio777 From Indonesia, joined Jan 2012, 19 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 13545 times:
Hi PH
It's always very nice and entertaining to read your trip report. Glad to see that you enjoyed your asian airlines adventure. Thanks for posting, looking foward four your next trip reports!
Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 7): The interior of GA looks kind of similar as the one TK uses in their newer birds.
Yes, TK's new narrowbody interiors are impressive, too.
Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 7): It definitely is fine to pay under 3 euros for a hot meal..you would hardly get a can of water on FR for that money
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 8): Hi PH! Nice report as always!
Hi Sveinn, thank you for your feedback!
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 8):
Is the mistake the engine type on the 320 picture? Looks like a CFM to me while the actual planes have IAEs.
Yes, you won the trophy this time!
Quoting SRQKEF (Reply 8): I'd love to get to Phuket! Maybe someday...
I also want to go there again - there's more to see than planes!
Quoting julio777 (Reply 9): It's always very nice and entertaining to read your trip report. Glad to see that you enjoyed your asian airlines adventure.
Hi Julio, many thanks! I'm glad to hear you have been enjoying my reports.
Quoting julio777 (Reply 9): Thanks for posting, looking foward four your next trip reports!
I've just returned from another Asia tour and there will be another one in May. So numerous reports can be expected - I just need to find enough time to write them!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 11, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 13450 times:
Very nice PH! I'm flying CGK-SIN tomorrow moring, although on Lion Air whom I imagine aren't as good as GA. Food on Air Asia looks nice, and with good prices. The shimp shumai....yum!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): We really enjoyed these generous and well-presented meals, everything tasted very good. After all meals and drinks had been served, the flight attendants started a second drink run. No doubt, Garuda Indonesia exceeded our expectations on this 76 minute flight.
Thumbs up GA!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): While walking around in the gate area, we discovered a Bangkok Airways "Boutique Lounge" - and we found out that it was open to any Bangkok Airways passenger! I guess that's one of various reasons why the carrier calls itself "Asia's Boutique Airline". Apparently, most of its customers on that day weren't aware of the free lounge access because it never became crowded in that relatively small room. There were comfortable leather chairs and one could use Internet terminals:
The lounge looks nice. I'd like to fly out of Koh Samui - Bangkok Airways owns the airport and the whole airport is a big lounge.
Interesting travel insurance. For starting 74.90 THB (under 2 EUR), they will pay for a maximum of 15,000 THB if baggage is damaged, 10,000 THB if your flight is delayed.
I have travelled with Bangkok Airways once from BKK-LPQ-BKK and the airline is on my favourite airline list. They offer a very nice full meal service followed by wine on a 2-hour flight.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): While walking around in the gate area, we discovered a Bangkok Airways "Boutique Lounge" - and we found out that it was open to any Bangkok Airways passenger! I guess that's one of various reasons why the carrier calls itself "Asia's Boutique Airline". Apparently, most of its customers on that day weren't aware of the free lounge access because it never became crowded in that relatively small room.
On my trip with PG, at BKK airport, we were told that we could use the lounge upon checking in. However at Luang Prabang airport, we were not made aware of the lounge access. However, we discovered a small PG lounge which only has less than 20 seats and some snacks and no lounge staff.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 14, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day ago) and read 13266 times:
Quoting win1290 (Reply 13): Thank you for this amazing report, always enjoy reading and following your trip reports!
Hi Win, thanks a lot for your nice comments! I'm glad you have been enjoying my reports!
Quoting win1290 (Reply 13): I was very impressed seeing the picture on Garuda Indonesia airplane, seats look very nice and also very nice IFE screens, with good meals too.
Yes, I was surprised about that high-quality product on that short sector.
Quoting win1290 (Reply 13): Thai Air Asia looks good for a LCC. Food prices on the menu don't look overpriced at all, and menu food pictures look very nice.
I'm not a fan of LCCs in general, but I've always liked AirAsia.
Quoting win1290 (Reply 13): Interesting travel insurance. For starting 74.90 THB (under 2 EUR), they will pay for a maximum of 15,000 THB if baggage is damaged, 10,000 THB if your flight is delayed.
Interesting, doesn't sound bad at all!
Quoting win1290 (Reply 13): I have travelled with Bangkok Airways once from BKK-LPQ-BKK and the airline is on my favourite airline list. They offer a very nice full meal service followed by wine on a 2-hour flight.
That sounds very good. I wouldn't mind trying PG on a longer sector. I guess the Business Class product is great, too.
Quoting win1290 (Reply 13): However at Luang Prabang airport, we were not made aware of the lounge access.
We weren't told about the lounge at HKT either.
Quoting win1290 (Reply 13): However, we discovered a small PG lounge which only has less than 20 seats and some snacks and no lounge staff.
Nice, must have been very similar to the one at HKT.
nipoel123 From Netherlands, joined Jan 2011, 247 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 1 day ago) and read 13222 times:
Hi PH,
After feeling sick for most of the past few days, I suddenly feel a whole lot better! No, I'm kidding, I was gradually feeling better throughout the day. Anyway, another great piece of writing you got there. A nice mix, as you said, of different business models.
For a minute, I thought Satchmo had taken your camera in order to get himself credit for all the pictures in your report. Can't blame him... But his pictures are great!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): And no, they didn't look much less attractive than the girls on the in-flight magazine's cover:
Markus shall be pleased, I can see him going to Thailand for that...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): Btw - there's a mistake in the middle of the page - can you find it?
CFM engines versus IAE on the real thing I guess?
EDIT: just see that Sveinn beat me to it. Damn...
Tripreports on this site have made me want to go to Asia even more, this series of yours in particular. Thanks for sharing,
Nick
[Edited 2012-03-27 11:42:36]
one mile of road leads to nowhere, one mile of runway leads to anywhere
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 16, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 13104 times:
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): After feeling sick for most of the past few days, I suddenly feel a whole lot better! No, I'm kidding, I was gradually feeling better throughout the day.
Good to hear, Nick!
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): Anyway, another great piece of writing you got there. A nice mix, as you said, of different business models.
Thanks a lot for your feedback, always appreciated!
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): I see those flights on them have left an impression...
Oh yes, they have!
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): For a minute, I thought Satchmo had taken your camera in order to get himself credit for all the pictures in your report. Can't blame him... But his pictures are great!
Yes - and he has a much better camera!
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): Markus shall be pleased, I can see him going to Thailand for that...
But the FAs weren't blonde.
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): CFM engines versus IAE on the real thing I guess?
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): EDIT: just see that Sveinn beat me to it. Damn...
Yes, he was bit faster!
Quoting nipoel123 (Reply 15): Tripreports on this site have made me want to go to Asia even more, this series of yours in particular. Thanks for sharing,
Thanks again. I can only recommend to visit Asia, there are so many great places there. I'd love it even more without the heat...
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 17, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 12602 times:
Really nice report, PlaneHunter! I'm impressed by the high level of service you received on GA and Bangkok Airways ...
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Our plane was PK-GFC - getting special treatment by the flight crew:
Very cool shot! The 737-800 looks great by the way with their stylish livery.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter):
The flight attendants soon started serving a hot breakfast. We could choose between an Asian meal with fish and a Western meal with egg, potatoes and sausage. Satchmo ordered fish…
Amazing quality/quantity of food for a short 76 minute flight; food looks almost on level of quantity of our main meal flying back to ORD from CPH on SAS in Y !
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 18, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 12536 times:
Hi PH,
really good to follow your story here on -indeed- 3 very fine carriers. Although such a shame that the Bangkok Airways 717's are long gone. That were very interesting birds in Thailand!
GA is just fantastic isn't it? Lovely interior colours on these new aircraft.... so different to the other 738's in their fleet
Great pics and well written details on the services of all 3 carriers. All very well OK to fly also in my opinion. Only I prefer some more 'special' equipment. It's Asia after all, so widebodes or something bigger is preferred.
Compliments for the nice pix, also to Satchmo!
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
moosecamel88 From Singapore, joined exactly 2 years ago today! , 46 posts, RR: 1 Reply 19, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 12494 times:
Hi PH!
Thank you for a wonderfully written TR! I enjoyed reading it!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Very friendly flight attendants in nice dresses and uniforms welcomed us on board. The tasteful combination of colors in the (spotlessly clean) cabin really impressed us
Yes! I share the same sentiments when I boarded GA last year
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Numerous seats remained empty, including the aisle seat in our row.
It's really great isn't it when there are not many passengers around. I love that feeling too
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter):
Shortly after takeoff, I had a look at the touchscreen IFE system. I really liked the varying welcome screens
Me too! I took photos of each individual welcome screens, both in English language and Bahasa Indonesia.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): While walking to the immigration counters, we passed a very interesting visitor from Russia - Transaero's Boeing 777-222 EI-UNZ (s/n 013)
The plane must have been packed with holiday goes from Russia wanting to grab as much sunlight as they can in Phuket! haha!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): While walking around in the gate area, we discovered a Bangkok Airways "Boutique Lounge" - and we found out that it was open to any Bangkok Airways passenger! I guess that's one of various reasons why the carrier calls itself "Asia's Boutique Airline". Apparently, most of its customers on that day weren't aware of the free lounge access because it never became crowded in that relatively small room. There were comfortable leather chairs and one could use Internet terminals:
Cool! I didn't know that too! To a certain extend, it's good that not many people know about it. Otherwise the lounge will be packed.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Shortly after takeoff, the flight attendants started moving through the cabin with trolleys and I was expecting to get a drink and a snack box or a sandwich - but Bangkok Airways surprised us with such a pretty tray
That's an awesome surprise!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): What had all these carriers in common? Booking flights on their websites was easy and convenient, the cabins were clean and in good condition and their staff members were friendly and helpful. In summary, I'd call Garuda Indonesia a quality network carrier, Bangkok Airways a quality niche carrier and Thai AirAsia a quality low-cost carrier.
Thai744 From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 249 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 12451 times:
Hi Plane Hunter - thanks for the report.
Just interested - why do you prefer to sit at the rear of the plane? I've noticed this in your reports.
Whenever I fly Air Asia, I always pay the extra $5 or so and reserve a HOTSEAT in the first 5 rows - much more legroom, therefore more comfortable.
yes, the FA's on FD are gorgeous. Very "Asian" employing them for looks and glamour alone - not sure how'd they'd be in a real emergency despite their training! They might be worried about breaking a nail or something... LOL
The lounge for PG is certainly open to everyone, but not many know this. Check-in staff don't seem to go out of their way to inform people either. Great little airline, great product, although usually quite expensive. You get what you pay for, I guess.They were rumoured to be starting long-haul to Australia and Europe a while back, and supposedly were going to order some A330's for this, but it never happened.
Anyway, thanks again and looking forward to your next instalment.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 17): The 737-800 looks great by the way with their stylish livery.
Garuda's new livery looks good on any type IMO. However, they could have added some more blue to the fuselage.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 17): Amazing quality/quantity of food for a short 76 minute flight; food looks almost on level of quantity of our main meal flying back to ORD from CPH on SAS in Y !
Yes, that meal was larger than long-haul meals on various carriers.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 18): really good to follow your story here on -indeed- 3 very fine carriers.
Hoi Eric, thanks a lot for replying!
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 18): Although such a shame that the Bangkok Airways 717's are long gone. That were very interesting birds in Thailand!
That's true, good old times!
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 18): GA is just fantastic isn't it? Lovely interior colours on these new aircraft.... so different to the other 738's in their fleet
Hopefully they will refurbish the used planes.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 18): Great pics and well written details on the services of all 3 carriers.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 18): Only I prefer some more 'special' equipment. It's Asia after all, so widebodes or something bigger is preferred.
Sure, I also prefer widebodies or rare aircraft types, but my focus is on new airlines. Sometimes it's nearly impossible to get both new airlines and special types. Thai Airways operates all kinds of widebodies between BKK and HKT, but we had already flown TG before. What I also noticed is that short intra-Asia widebody flights have decreased due to the LCCs' growth.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 18): Compliments for the nice pix, also to Satchmo!
Thanks!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Reply 19): Thank you for a wonderfully written TR! I enjoyed reading it!
Hi Mustafa, many thanks for your feedback!
Quoting moosecamel88 (Reply 19): It's really great isn't it when there are not many passengers around. I love that feeling too
Yes, good for passengers, but not so good for the airline.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Reply 19): Me too! I took photos of each individual welcome screens, both in English language and Bahasa Indonesia.
Nice. I'm wondering how many different versions they have.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Reply 19): The plane must have been packed with holiday goes from Russia wanting to grab as much sunlight as they can in Phuket!
Most likely, yes. There were also Nordwind Airlines flights on that day.
Quoting moosecamel88 (Reply 19): To a certain extend, it's good that not many people know about it. Otherwise the lounge will be packed.
Quoting fiscal (Reply 20): Nice to see you are still mobile and no more airline groundings.
Hi fiscal, thanks for your comments! Yes, no more trouble after the initial problems, fortunately.
Quoting fiscal (Reply 20): I found the Air Asia satay sticks to be one of their better meals, and will order them in preference these days.
I once had Nasi Lemak on AK some years ago - I definitely prefer satay!
Quoting fiscal (Reply 20): Can't wait to hear about your resort experience - You ended your TR like any good serial - leaving us eagerly waiting for the next installment.
Good to hear - I've just started working on the final part.
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): Hi Plane Hunter - thanks for the report.
Thanks for leaving a reply, Lachlan!
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): Just interested - why do you prefer to sit at the rear of the plane? I've noticed this in your reports.
Yes, that's my preference when flying in Y Class.
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): Whenever I fly Air Asia, I always pay the extra $5 or so and reserve a HOTSEAT in the first 5 rows - much more legroom, therefore more comfortable.
Sounds reasonable, it's certainly nice on longer sectors.
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): yes, the FA's on FD are gorgeous. Very "Asian" employing them for looks and glamour alone - not sure how'd they'd be in a real emergency despite their training! They might be worried about breaking a nail or something... LOL
Well, hopefully they wouldn't be worried about their nails in such a case!
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): Check-in staff don't seem to go out of their way to inform people either.
They didn't tell us about it.
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): Great little airline, great product, although usually quite expensive.
I have only checked the HKT-BKK route, PG's fares were similar to TG's - but much more expensive than FD, of course.
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): They were rumoured to be starting long-haul to Australia and Europe a while back, and supposedly were going to order some A330's for this, but it never happened.
Yes, too bad the long-haul plans were abandoned.
Quoting Thai744 (Reply 21): Anyway, thanks again and looking forward to your next instalment.
byronicle6 From New Zealand, joined Oct 2011, 262 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 12206 times:
Hi Planehunter!
Really like the seats, and fantastic to see Seat back entertainment on GA on their short-haul aircraft!
GA has had huge changes for the better in the last 10 years or so.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter):
Parked next to us was sister ship PK-GMF, Lion Air 737-900ER PK-LHQ was about to leave:
CGK looks like a great airport for spotting! I'll be in Bali in October but might have to make a daytrip domestic hop to CGK to spot!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): We really enjoyed these generous and well-presented meals, everything tasted very good.
Have flown this route a few times, a couple of them with FD aswell
Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Before passing security, we went to the Terminal 1 observation deck for a while:
Love the T1 observation deck! Spent a few hours up there last year waiting for check in for my flight to open. Plenty of variation to keep the plane enthusiast happy
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 24, posted (1 year 1 month 4 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 12143 times:
Quoting byronicle6 (Reply 23): Fantastic report, and i'll look forward to the follow on installment
Hi byronicle6, many thanks for your comments!
Quoting byronicle6 (Reply 23): Really like the seats, and fantastic to see Seat back entertainment on GA on their short-haul aircraft!
GA has had huge changes for the better in the last 10 years or so.
GA has indeed changed a lot. I cannot wait for the 77Ws.
Quoting byronicle6 (Reply 23): CGK looks like a great airport for spotting! I'll be in Bali in October but might have to make a daytrip domestic hop to CGK to spot!
CGK is indeed great for spotting. You should really make a daytrip - how about Garuda and Sriwijaya?
Quoting byronicle6 (Reply 23): Love the T1 observation deck! Spent a few hours up there last year waiting for check in for my flight to open. Plenty of variation to keep the plane enthusiast happy
Quoting byronicle6 (Reply 23): Nice looking small lounge, cant complain when its complementary for all PG passengers!
PH
Nothing's worse than flying the same reg twice!
25 OA260: Hey Udo , Great report and photos. Garuda really have come along way and I didnt expect their Y class interiors to be so nice and up market looking. I
26 PlaneHunter: Thank you, Philip! I can only agree - 9W's 738 interior is nice, too (report to follow), but GA is still ahead. That's true - the question is how lon
27 lufthansa747: Great report PH as usual. GA is definitely great on the new aircraft. As for that Air Asia comment above, the pitch is the same in all rows apart from
28 MSS658: Hi Planehunter Great report and pictures! I'm really impressed by Garuda, especially compared to what they where just a few years ago. Impressed by th
29 PlaneHunter: Hi Lari, many thanks for leaving a comment! Do the charges vary depending on the length of the flight? Thanks for replying, Marc! Yes, that looked re
30 FLIEGER67: Hi, PH, very good to follow you´re actual installment of you´re Asia series. Especially in comparison to my latest trip to BKK and SIN, really inter
31 PlaneHunter: Servus Markus, many thanks for your comments! It wasn't too bad due to medication, but it was still a bit annoying. Get prepared for some lovely hote
32 The777Man: Hi PlaneHunter! Thanks for yet another wonderful report with fantastic pictures ! GA looks amazing for a narrow body on such a short flight! From what
33 PlaneHunter: Hi Lars, thanks a lot for your comments! Do you know when the first delivery is planned? Not even a year mentioned on ATDB. Did you also see the regi
34 The777Man: October this year according to a friend here on A.net. They are only getting one this year. Keep in mind that any delivery over six months away is po
35 lukeyboy95: HI Udo, Well done on this latest instalment. I am going to stop complimenting you on your layout from now on... but it always impresses me. GA is the
36 PlaneHunter: Very good news! It's about time. Nice! Good to hear! Hi Luke, thanks a lot! I'm glad you like it. Yes, I can only recommend GA! I can only hope that
37 roberts87: Great report again! We really must have been close to eachother, back in November. I was flying all around the BKK-KUL-SIN-CGK area early November too
38 mxp: Hey PH another great part of your holiday. Thanx In fact i had the some problem last year on my day trip to Phuket from Bangkok the approach was not f
39 PlaneHunter: Hi Robert, thanks a lot for your feedback! Nice! Different seats, no PTVs. And there may be different layouts. That's too bad. Well, they changed the
40 mxp: yes i stayed in the same hotel but practically i saw nothing because in 2 hours only 6 airplanes landed from the right side and all the others on the
41 irelayer: Great TR! Any idea why they have an Oakland Raiders painted A340? That seems VERY random and out of place. -IR
42 PlaneHunter: It was similar when we were there. Really? I didn't try it. Thanks, IR! Yes, that was a surprising move. Here's an article about it: http://www.busin
43 ba724: Hi PH thoroughly informative TR,those departure gates at CGK look amazing,a nice relaxing way to await your bird.I love the winglets and interior deco
44 PlaneHunter: Hi Dave, thanks for your comments! Good to hear you liked it! But it's definitely less relaxing in Terminal 1. Absolutely, you should give them a try
45 infodesk: Hi PH, 3 new airlines in one day, what a treat. It seems they can teach some of the european carriers a thing or two about inflight catering. That mea
46 irelayer: Wow that's certainly some forward "out of the box" thinking as they say. -IR
47 PlaneHunter: Hi Hannah! Thanks for your feedback! Yes, I was glad to get 3 new airlines in one day. And everything worked out this time... Absolutely! Yes, I agre
48 deltamartin: Hi PH! Great report as usual, yours and Satchmo's pictures are great too! Seems like you had three good flights in southeastern Asia. Sure seem to be
49 CaptainRed: Hi PlaneHunter, what an interesting continuation of your Asian trip, very nice. Good choice on the airlines, and I am actually pretty impressed by all
50 PlaneHunter: Hi Martin, many thanks for your comments! I'm glad you liked it. Yes, the system looked nice. Unfortunately, I couldn't fully explore it. Hi CaptainR
51 The777Man: There was a similar one at Don Muang, the old BKK airport. It was great for spotting as it had a great view of the runway and taxiways. Great food, i
52 FlyingFinn76: Hi PH, Another great episode of your Asian adventures. I don't know whether you did so on purpose or accidentally but you managed to combine three com
53 PlaneHunter: Sounds great! I'm wondering if it still exists. Hi P., many thanks for your feedback! Always highly appreciated! Well, we tried to find as many new c
54 FlyingFinn76: Hi again, Naah, not really shocked - it seems nothing shocks me anymore these days. I guess I have become too cynical and jaded. I'm sorry for those p
55 717Flyer: Hi PH, thanks for this great and exotic report! And sorry for my late reply... A very nice eyecatcher image - and I think it sums up things quite nice
56 LXM83: Hello PlaneHunter Thanks for this interesting comparison of these 3 airlines. I'm impressed by GA, too, after reading your report. They've come a long
57 parton87: Hello PH Thanks for another report from you! Some really nice pictures! Especially the ones from the approach to Phuket! GA looks good. Better then I
58 akhmad: Hello my friend PH, I am sorry for my late reply. I just wanted to save the best for last while catching up with my backlog of replying. But, I could
59 initious: Hi PH, I am always interested in a GA trip report, whether from the past or current. They have improved tremendously over the past 5 years and I hope
60 LH4116: Hello Plane Hunter, Once again an interesting and informative read, giving a very good insight in the airline offerings aside SQ and TG in Asia. Reall
61 abrelosojos: Finally got a chance to read the report, and totally worth the wait ... and difficulty in actually searching for it ... pretty impressive reports you
62 dkdaviator: Hello PlaneHunter, What a nice report on this segment of a journey that includes so many overall destinations, carriers, and types. Impressive! Now I
63 ba319-131: Great read PH, glad I found the time to get around to this. - Wow, never realised the fleet had go so big already! - Nice looking interior. - Very imp
64 PlaneHunter: Hi 717Flyer, many thanks for your comments! Sorry for my late reply! I'm sure you'd have enjoyed the report even more if the Bangkok Air flight had b
65 akhmad: Herman enjoyed his. I do not know when I will be publishing my report, but all I can say, it has been a memorable flight.
66 HOONS90: Hi PH! Really enjoyed reading this excellent trip report, and glad you had a great experience with all of the airlines! Incredible that Bangkok Airway
67 PlaneHunter: Good to hear! Great! Take your time. Hi HOONS90, many thanks for your comments! I'm glad you liked it. Nice, I didn't know that. PH
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