Flights to come:
Sun-Air (British Airways) Dusseldorf-Billund (DUS-BLL)
Sun-Air (British Airways) Billund-Manchester (BLL-MAN)
British Airways Manchester-London Heathrow (MAN-LHR)
*** Just to warn you, this section has even more photos than normal. Enjoy! ***
Picking up where I left off, I safety arrived at Bangkok Hotel #1. Bangkok is probably the best place in the world to enjoy bargain accommodation. The Thai Baht isn’t terribly strong right now, and the country is excellent value anyway. Combined with a rash of newly built hotels, and a very competitive and high quality market, you’d have to be blind not to find some great hotel deals. For various reasons I ended up staying in 4 hotels over my 5 nights. I know, quite ridiculous, but there we go. (Honestly, there were good reasons for such extensive hotel changing!)
Bangkok Hotel #1, Furama Xclusive Silom. GBP 27/night including breakfast.
Trip Advisor, #151 of 674 hotels in Bangkok
Bangkok Hotel #2, Le Meridien. GBP 83/night
Trip Advisor, #10 of 674 hotels in Bangkok
Nice lobby table
Tasty chocolate in the room
Wonderful views
Outside
Poolside
Bangkok Hotel #3, Feung Nakorn Rooms. GBP 28/night including breakfast
Trip Advisor, #20 of 674 hotels in Bangkok
Bangkok Hotel #4, Baan K residence by Blison. GBP 40/night including breakfast
Trip Advisor, #6 of 674 hotels in Bangkok
After my cycles in Kathmandu and Cox’s Bazar, I was in the mood for a bit more cycling. I was originally planning on doing a 1 night trip out into the country, but in the end settled for 2 day trips (well, a day trip and a night trip). For the night cycle around Chinatown/Royal Palace I used Co Van Kessel Tours. There was just one other person on the tour, a Dutch girl. She was on her second ever night in Asia – I couldn’t imagine being so new to Asia…I did envy her I must say, it must be so amazing your first time out here with all the sights and sounds and smells and food and shopping….(have I sold it to anyone who hasn’t been yet??!)
The other tour was run by Spice Roads, and was a day trip to the Bangkok Jungle (aka Bang Kachao). I had no idea there was a massive swampy green undeveloped area in central Bangkok. It really felt like we were miles from the city. Magical!
We stopped at the floating market too, which had some tasty snacks
Of course there’s more to Bangkok that hotel hopping and cycling. There’s shopping:
Hunting for elephant cushion covers
And eating:
Dodgy clubs:
And some culture in the form of the Reclining Buddha
And not forgetting the tuk tuks
I was also lucky enough to meet up with A.net member Win1290 for a very nice lunch before his flight back to London. Was great to meet you Win!
A few nights before my flight back to Europe, I logged onto the TG wesbite to select my “Book the Cook” for the first meal service. There was an impressive range of some 40 dishes, complete with pictures. Here’s a selection:
Lobster Thermidor
Phad Thai with lobster
Sushi
Duck with noodles
Stir fried beef in black pepper sauce
I had initally selected the duck with noodles (which was reccomened by thaia345), but in the end went with the lobster on the premise that I normally eat duck about five times a year versus my “few times a decade” with lobster. I also wanted compare the SQ and TGs versions.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 1, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 15497 times:
***Just before I pressed “Post” I realised that I haven’t actually mentioned anything about the logic behind my flights since Report #1. Sorry. So, the point of the trip was to visit a friend in Jakarta. Because of the funny way the BD miles work, it was half the price to fly into the Indian sub-continent than the Far East directly. As such, I booked to fly into Calcutta via Singapore. On the way back I wanted something a little different. As Bangladesh (my main sub-Continent destination) is counted as being in the Far East zone, I needed to fly out of somewhere else. After a bit of searching, I decided that my deparutre airport should be Kathmandu.
Thai is the only Star Alliance airline flying from the airport, and obviously they go to Bangkok. As I still had a fair chunk of BD miles left, I wanted to use them for a return flgiht to Europe in First Class. I wanted a daytime flight back to somewhere I wanted to go. The only *A routes with F are CDG, FRA, MUC, LHR and ZRH. After checking the availbilites on the dates I wanted, I plumped with FRA on TG, mainly as they used the leased 77W with private suites in First on the lunchtime flight. As chance would have it, Milesaddict was booked on the same flight in First the day before me – would have been cool to fly together, but it didn’t work out. Now, I didn’t want to go to Frankfurt especially, so where else? I’d always wanted to have a ride on Jetstream (which I had since flown on in the Himalayas). The only easy route I knew of in Europe was operated by British Airways’ Denmark based subsidiary Sun Air. Most of their fleet is Dornier 328s, but they did operate the Jetstream 31 on the Dusseldorf-Billund route. I thought I might as well catch it whilst it was still operating (I don’t think it’ll be around much longer), so booked my connecting flight from Frankfurt to Dusseldorf to join the two.***
On the morning of my departure, I once again decided in favour of a taxi over the train. As you can see from the meter, it was a bit slow going at first (3 minutes to go less than 100m), but in the end the journey wasn’t too bad.
The taxi pulled up outside the terminal at just before 10am, giving me nearly three hours to enjoy the lounges. After reading Abrelosojos’ wonderful report about the Thai First Class service in BKK, I was really looking forward to the airport experience. The first point of contact for First passengers should be the porter service from the curb. Unfortunately, taxis are directed to the outer curb, so I had to do a bit of walking to find a porter (of which I could see none).
Thankfully, just as I was entering the building, I met a porter coming the other way, and commandeered his trolley to take me to check in. What happened next was definitely the most serene check in experience of my life. My bags were wheeled off to a screened off area, whilst I was escorted to a collection of arm chairs. Within a few seconds of sitting down, a beautifully folded cold towel, and some very tasty tea-like drink were placed on the table.
I was then left in peace to enjoy the drink whilst my boarding pass was issued. I say left in peace… I couldn’t actually see anyone at all, which was a nice experience in a busy airport. A few minutes later a lady came from behind the screen, introduced herself, and then proceeded to walk me over to security, which took less than a minute. Next was immigration, where again there was no line, and I was through in seconds. Thankfully since my last trip to Thailand, the departure tax has now been absorbed into the ticket price/tax, so there is no need to hang on to a wad of cash to pay before immigration. I was then shown down an escalator onto a waiting mini golf buggy.
We sped off down a little passageway between the Business lounge and the corridor – I imagine it would be a bit off putting for the C pax sat with their backs to us. Before long we had pulled up to the desk entrance.
I was greeted by name, and escorted to a private room.
Of course, within seconds of sitting down I had some more juice/tea drink, and another cold towel.
A menu was brought, along with my request of a glass of sparkling water.
Being a real fan of massages, obviously I wanted to give the spa a whirl. Of course the number one rule of having a body massage is to not eat beforehand, so I declined any food, and asked for them to book a massage instead.
“When would you like your massage sir?”
“Right now”
“No problem”
I was asked if I wanted to keep my bag in the private room, but I thought I might as well hang onto it (It had my laptop in, and wasn’t terribly heavy). I was escorted out of the lounge, and over to the other side of the corridor.
In the Spa I was greeted again, and invited to take a seat whilst the room was prepared. Once again, I got offered a cold towel and drink
A few minutes later, my masseuse appeared, and lead me to a corridor roped off with a nice “Royal First Passengers only” sign. The massage room was far nicer than I had imagined – very nicely done Thai!
I was asked what massage I wanted. I went with the hour long “Touch of Silk”, the spa’s flagship treatment, and only available to First class passengers.
I won’t bore you with the details, but the massage was an hour of airport luxury! (And no, there was no happy ending). With the massage done, I thanked my masseuse, and enjoyed a shower in the adjacent room, before heading back to the spa’s lounge. There was a little cordoned off area for First class passengers, where I was invited to sit in. I was given a survey to fill in, whilst I had a peppermint tea and some snacks.
Strangely, the lounges have been designed so that the main F and C lounges are facing “inland”, and the only lounge with an airside view is this little bit of the spa.
Feeling very relaxed, but a little hungry, I decided to head over to the restaurant area. There was one couple in there that were just leaving as I sat down.
The lady waiting in the restaurant didn’t give off the same feeling of welcome as the other numerous members of Thai staff I’d come across. Still, she forced out a smile, and give me the menu. I ordered a mojito, as well as a fried rice and some har gau.
The food was very tasty, and was very much appreciated. Unfortunately the lounge was out of mint, so I just went with a glass of water instead of a mojito. There’d be plenty of time for drinking later.
With my pre-lunch snack done, I still had an hour and a half or so before boarding. I still had a small amount of Thai Baht on me, so decided to leave the lounge and find a Bureau de Change. I left my bag at the front desk.
FIDS on the way out of the lounge
I found a change place without too much difficulty. Unfortunately I had to change my Baht into US Dollars as I didn’t have enough for Danish kronor, Euros or Pounds. I had a bit of a walk around the gate area, and managed to get a few photos of my plane for Frankfurt.
As I was walking back to the lounge I caught sight of this:
I had completely forgotten that there might have been other lounges for me to check out. With plenty of time of my hands, I headed down the deserted corridor to see what the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris lounge had in store.
There was an unenthusiastic greeting at the door, and I was shown in.
The buffet:
I got myself a drink, some more dim sum and some ice cream
With my curiosity of the SQ lounge satiated, I wondered back to the TG lounge. I passed the economy class lounge for Bangkok Airways on the way
Back in the First lounge, I had a look at the buffet area. As noted by others, the staff here aren’t very happy with you walking around picking stuff up by yourself. They prefer you to order it and then have it delivered. Whilst I was walking around, there were two staff hovering, both of whom asked if I was “ok”. “Yes, I’m fine thanks, just taking some photos!”.
With my selection, went and found a seat (with the LHR, FRA and MUC flight all going out at the same time, my private room was now occupied). Of course, I was tailed there by a member of staff eager for my drinks order. “Champagne please”.
This is the waiting area….for the bathrooms (which was immaculate, and well stocked)
Twenty minutes before out STD, I was rounded up with two other passengers on the FRA flight, and walked the short distance to our gate.
Not liking being in a pack, I separated when the others were walking down to the departure level by using the stairs, thus losing my guide, but gaining a time advantage. There was a long queue for economy class but no one at the priority lane, so I whizzed through. There was a long stationery line on the jet bridge, but I walked along the side, then down the First Class bridge.
April 2012
Bangkok (BKK) - Frankfurt (FRA)
Thai Airways TG 922
Scheduled: 1245-1900 (11h15m)
Actual: 1316-1908 (10h52m)
Boeing 777-35RER HS-TKH “Darabha” (previously VT-JEB)
First Class (Royal First)
I was welcomed at the door by a beautifully dressed lady, who greeted me by name and showed me to my seat. First impressions…very nice! I had been hoping to try a “Suite” before (actually exactly the same type of seat on TK, but my flight was downgraded, along with me) but hadn’t managed. It was nice to finally get the seat.
My first issue with the layout was the lack of storage space. There are no overhead lockers in First. Yes, it makes the cabin very spacious, but there is nowhere to put stuff. Initially, all my stuff ended like this:
I tried to put my (not terribly big) backpack under the leg rest, but it wouldn’t fit all the way. The Lady came over and said I could put it in the locker behind my seat/cabin divider curtain….except that it was already full. The only other space was in the locker in front of seat 1A (so the other side of the cabin). I ended up having to slot it in on top of someone else’s bag. I found the whole thing very awkward. I like being able to get stuff out of the locker when I fancy. Having to walk through the galley, and to the other side of the cabin to get something out of my bag is not what I had in mind for First Class. Still, the bag was now stowed.
Outside. Seats in row 2 only have 3 windows Row 1 get 4 windows. Grrr!
I was invited to choose some reading material that had been nicely set up on the table of suite 1G. Of the 8 seats in First, the four windows were taken by European looking passengers, with one person adjacent to me – I think he worked for TG though.
Hot towels
Pyjamas and slippers. I used the slippers, but the pjs are now in my collection, complete with plastic wrapping.
I found the literature pocket very inconveniently located. You almost had to dislocate your arm to get anything out of it
Sawasdee Magazine
Map
Menus
Drinks
Welcome Champagne. After the gorgeous Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle that was offered on my Swiss F flight, I was really looking forward to some more of the expensive stuff. Thai, however, use Dom Perignon Vintage 2002. Despite retailing at even more than the L.P. (around GBP 115/EUR 145/USD 185/bottle), I didn’t really like it – bit too sweet I think. I think I’ve officially become a champagne snob now. I was quite disappointed. I still had a second glass though
Safety Briefing
Safety card
Seat Computer. This was the only thing that still proudly declared that the plane was Jet Airways
We pushed back around fifteen minutes late, with a bit of an apology from the captain.
Washing bags by TUMI were handed out after take off. The contents were pretty good.
Slippers on
Headset
Map
The View
I had a hunt in my magazine pocket to try and locate the IFE guide. It was nowhere to be found (and neither was the safety card). I stopped the Gentleman serving in First about these. He apologised explaining that as the plane is only leased by Thai, there is no IFE guide. I didn’t follow this logic – surely Thai knows what films are loaded, even if they don’t own the plane? He did fetch me a safety card though. I stopped the Lady a few minutes later and asked her the same thing. She said she’d get me one, and vanished. A few minutes later she came back with the same story. Seemed a bit fishy to me. I hate having to scroll through to see what there is as it takes such a long time.
There was a reasonable selection of films/TV loaded (although without the paper guide I couldn’t tell you how many). I found War Horse, something I’d wanted to see on the previous leg, but it was too long. It was very good – high recommended, even if it is a bit sad.
Hoping that the pre-take off drink had been something cheaper from behind the curtain, I asked the Lady if it was what was on the menu. This confirmed, I asked to try the Rosé champagne instead (Veuve Clicquot Rosé Vintage 2004, retailing at a mere 50 quid a bottle). This one didn’t seem terribly special either. What a shame. On a side note, I think the glassware is hideous. I preferred their Business Class stuff. Of course in First Class, there should be some proper sized champagne flutes used anyway.
Nuts are served too
I like having the long side table. Things did have a tendency to slide a bit though down the varnished wood. Some “sticky” stuff would be good.
Menu – First Meal
About five minutes after the nuts, rice crackers with hot pork dipping sauce was presented. It was tasty and something a bit different.
Another hot towel is presented (how many am I on today? 8?)
Blue skies ahead
With a bit of difficulty, the enormous table is lifted out from under the handy side table.
Table is set….well sort of. Does anyone else see what’s amiss here?
Yes, the cutlery is all rolled up, à la economy class. SQ doesn’t even do this in Business.
Bread is offered
And then comes the famed caviar course, served expertly by my two crew (photo taken with permission).
Note the iced vodka
I’d never had proper caviar before, at least not with all the trimmings. I was not expecting to really like it, but man, it was really good! And yes, I did ask for seconds! Now I’m travelling First Class!
With my second portion of caviar demolished, it’s time for the first course (well, it’s really course #3, but the menu doesn’t seem to count the crackers or caviar as courses). Marinated lobster with smoked tuna. If you check out Abrelosojos’s report, you’ll see a lot of the food is the same, even though the flights are over a year apart. Might get a bit boring for frequent flyers.
Again, very tasty Thai. Thanks!
We’re making progress, flying over the rapidly modernising Burma
Interesting spelling on this map
Next course is my pre-ordered lobster. SQ’s version had a more Oriental take, what with it being served with rice. TG have gone for the most Westernised version with potatoes. There is a lot more lobster in the TG version (which I definitely appreciate), but I think I preferred the taste of the SQ Business class one.
Here’s the SQ one
Next is the cheese and fruit course. Like on the KTM-BKK leg, you can pick and choose.
I got a little glass to port to go with it
Finally dessert is rolled out. Crepe Suzette with vanilla ice cream. The crepe is warm, and the ice cream perfectly soft. This is probably the best dessert I’ve had on a plane.
Phew. After all that food, I’m in the mood for some peppermint tea. I’m a little surprised that it’s just served in a cup….where’s the teapot?
A bottle of Evian is also handed out
With the food and drink over, it’s time to shut the doors to my suite and relax with the film. Despite the plane not being very old, the doors were a pain to open and close. They got stuck basically every time you wanted to move them, and occasionally needed coercion from two people simultaneously. Having said that, it was nice to be able to shut the world out. Privacy and space, after all, is the most sought after thing on a plane, is it not?
Some nice views over Northern India
Seat in “relax” mode
The dimmed cabin
From the IFE
Flying over Lucknow
Once War Horse finished, I switched over to Trollied
A can of Perrier to pass the time. Staff always arrived within about 15 seconds of pressing the call button – very good.
Ah, this is the life
Once Trollied is over, I have a search for something else to watch. I select Dream House, but it’s a bit too Beautiful Mind/Shutter Island for my liking.
Looking for something a bit lighter, and I end up on Suburgatory. It’s pretty awful, but strangely compelling viewing.
I thought I’d try the seat the other way round for a bit
About to enter Pakistani airspace
Needing a break from Suburgatory, I decide to take a walk down to the back.
Bathroom amenities
The business class bar
Business Class was pretty full – I saw two empty seats
From Business I continued all the way to the back of economy. I didn’t see a single empty seat. Thai must be doing something right.
Economy galley. I had a nice chat with this lady about the flight. She said that the Frankfurt flights were always busy. I like the wood effect floor.
Economy “bar”
Time for another cup of tea
Amazing landscape of Afghanistan
After about 5 episodes of Subrgatory, I switch over to Tower Heist, which was ok
I was getting a little peckish though. The menu mentioned “sandwiches” as being on request. I took a stroll up to the galley and requested some, which were brought to my seat a few minutes later along with a gin and tonic. The sandwiches were nice, if not a little boring. No other snack seemed to be on offer, other than some peanuts, which was a shame.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 3, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 15371 times:
Azerbaijan
I heard good things about Tinker Tailor Solider Spy – it was a bit too heavy for me though, so switched off after a while
Still hungry, I ask a passing steward if I could get another sandwich. I’m brought a selection from First and Economy
Entering Ukraine
Less than 3 hours to run
I took a short (not very good) video mid-flight which can be found here.
Hot towels are passed out
The menu
The canapés are interesting
I switch back to the expensive champagne
Not being a fan of terrine or poached pears, I don’t eat much of the first course
Bread basket
I did enjoy the Tom Yam Soup though – very tasty
Unfortunately you can only pre-order one meal (why?), so I have to choose from the menu for the main course. I go with the salmon in black bean sauce with noodles. Very tasty they are too.
The walnut and date cake for dessert is also pretty tasty
By the time the meal is finished, we’re over Poland
IFE controller
The clouds of the Czech Republic
The cabin before the lights came up
My closet
There was this sign on the wall – unfortunately is was very tempting to store stuff there, and the crew didn’t seem to care
My slippers
So as to be sure that I wouldn’t be stuck without my bag upon arrival, I went to fetch my bag from the locker.
The crew come through the cabin and tidy everything up
And we’re down. Once again we land on the new distant runway. I can’t remember the last time I landed on one of the old runways
Nice exotic line-up
Are baggage loaders etc specially vetted to work with El Al aircraft? Are there actually any real dangers posed on the tarmac? Is the armoured truck really necessary?
Looks like the Oryx has engine trouble
We finally pull onto stand half an hour behind schedule
Well, my time in First has come to the end. With some reluctance, I packed up my stuff, thanked the Lady and Gentlemen that had looked after me. I was the first out of the plane and up the air bridge. I was met in the terminal with a lady in a Thai uniform with my name, and that of one other First passenger on it. She greeted me, and checked that I was connecting onto the flight to Dusseldorf. With that confirmed, we headed off on a long and winding journey from the B gates where we arrived to the A gates. In total, plane to lounge it took 30 minutes…way too long to connect especially given that my guide got us fast tracked both at immigration and security, and we were walking fast.
FRA as we power walk by
FIDS – I arrived on the first flight, least on the last flight
Being a *A First class passenger, logic would dictate that I should be allowed into the Lufthansa First Class lounge. Unfortunately, LH is much like SQ in that they don’t like customers from other airlines. Research concluded that only LH/LX First/HON pax could use the First Class lounge. I should have access to the Senator lounge (Star Gold). I duly headed over where I was told that I could only use the lesser Business Lounge. I was only slightly annoyed. Whilst the Senator lounge is nicer than the Business lounge, all things being relative, it’s hardly paradise on earth. When I last used this Senator lounge with The Finn in October, I was been quite disappointed. By this stage in the day, I was tired, and a bit drunk. All I wanted was some water to rehydrate after the hike from the B gates, and a shower. The Business lounge was perfectly adequate on both counts. The showers were busy when I first arrived, so I was given a bleeper.
The lounge was extremely busy and it took a minute or two to find a seat. Eventually I did, and thankfully it was a window seat.
I decided to check in for my Jetstream flight the next day…nice small cabin to choose a seat in
After a shorter than predicted wait, I’m given a shower room
By the time I emerge from the shower, it’s approaching boarding time. I leave the “comfort” of the lounge, and make the short walk to the gate.
When I arrive passengers are still disembarking from the previous flight…clearly boarding will be late. Rather than walk back to the lounge, I just get myself a free coffee from the machine hidden near the gate.
D-ABXM tonight. Delivered in August 1987, this is the second oldest plane in the LH fleet
Zoning in and out of consciousness, I’m delighted after a 20 minute wait, the gates are unlocked. Boarding in Frankfurt (and Munich) is really where LH falls down. They have done away with human operated gates, so now everyone has to scan their own boarding pass. As I mentioned in my December report in Munich, this doesn’t work well. There was an announcement for Business/*G etc, but of course everyone just swamped the gate. I guess the last to board would be families with small children, and the elderly. In addition, a lot of people had issues scanning their boarding passes (the guy in front was scanning his the wrong way up), so it took even longer to get on board.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 4, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 15361 times:
April 2012
Frankfurt (FRA) – Dusseldorf (DUS)
Lufthansa LH 88
Scheduled: 2120-2210 (0h50m)
Actual: 2128-2201 (0h33m)
Boeing 737-330 D-ABXM “Herford”
Business Class
On the few MUC-FRA flights I’ve done, chocolate bars are handed out by the crew upon boarding, so as to reduce the workload during the short flight. I was fully expecting the same on this flight, however, it didn’t happen. There’s already someone in the aisle seat, so I excuse myself and slide in. Despite the plane being a veteran in the fleet, the interior is spotless. Credit where credit is due, Lufthansa, you look after your planes well (although I still don’t fancy a flight in the back of one of your B744 without PTV). Legroom was fine for this 117 mile flight.
Magazine
Story on the new Berlin Airport, which is now delayed indefinitely
And the new Business Class
Alas, I miss the retro-jet again
With the plane boarded (loads in C looked around 70%), the doors are shut, and safety demo done. The take-off only a few minute behind schedule.
Not feeling terribly hungry, I was looking forward to the meal service more out of curiosity than need. For EUR 318, I guess this isn’t too bad! Quite nice actually. Fruit cake thing, salad, ham, bread roll.
Served with some white wine and sparkling water
And concluded with chocolates
All three cabin crew were working in business class. I thought that a little strange. As CrimsonNL showed us there is no service at all in economy on this leg. No water, no chocolate
With my meal barely finished, the trays were collected, and the cabin secured for landing.
Welcome to Dusseldorf! Despite leaving late, we arrived early.
Walking to baggage reclaim
Arrivals
Baggage Hall
Despite my First Class tags, my bags came out #8 and #20 respectively. I went to get some money from an ATM, then headed out to the train station. My last shreds of faith in German efficiency were shattered when I tried to buy a ticket. The ATM gave me 20s and 50s. The ticket machine (the humans had all gone home) accepted only 5s and 10s, coins or some sort of local cards. Um, what am I supposed to do now? All the shops around there were close, so I couldn’t get any change. I ended up going up to strangers begging for change. Thankfully eventually someone helped me change a 20 for 2 tens. I was not impressed at all. I wasn’t the only one stuck either. The least they could do would be to put in a change machine. With my 20 minute ticket ordeal over, I got on a train, and in just a few minutes, was at my hotel.
So herein ends what is probably my longest ever report (487 photos and videos, and over 6,000 words). I hope you liked it!
But what did I think? The ground service in Bangkok was wonderful. Having a very good 1 hour massage for free was brilliant. If you were on a layover from Europe to Australia or something, it would be perfect. The personnel in the lounge too were top notch.
The 77W was very comfortable. After seeing so many pictures of suites, it was great to be able to finally fly on one long-haul on a good airline. Having your own private suite is the closest you can get to decadence on a plane without having a private jet I’m sure. The seat was very comfy, together with the duvet and pillows. The catering too was excellent in most regards. A more extensive snack basket (i.e. more than just sandwiches) would have been appreciated. The one thing that lacked sparkle for me, however, was the staff. Sure they did everything by the book, and were polite and helpful, but they lacked a certain ‘je ne sais quois’. I must have got through 6 or 7 cans of water during the flights, mostly between meals, but not once was I proactively offered a can. Despite only having 5 passengers in F, there was no proactive offer of extra drinks and snacks during the flight either. Compared to the Swiss F staff coming back from DAR to ZRH, whom I built a rapport with very quickly, or even the SQ business crew, I got off the plane in FRA without having interacted properly with the staff at all, something I do enjoy on a long-haul premium flight. Like I said there was nothing wrong with the crew in terms of what they did, just the “read between the lines” sort of stuff that was missing. Not having the option of “dine on demand” as offered my many other First Classes was not a disappointment, just a bit of a surprise, much like the mystery of the missing teapot.
Transferring in Frankfurt was a right pain, and something even an airport fanatic would get a headache over. 30 minutes of walking and queuing is not acceptable. People may lambast LHR, but the last time I transferred there, it was less than 10 minutes from plane to lounge, including security and immigration. Having the Thai PA was useful, but a car transfer would have been a lot better! And the issue with lounge access did annoy me. I’m pretty sure that I should have been allowed access to the Senator lounge.
Finally, the short LH hop to Dusseldorf. For a business class passenger, I got everything I could want. A tasty light meal, a glass of wine, and an early arrival. Dusseldorf Airport, however, left me with a sour taste in my mouth – not user friendly.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 5, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 14972 times:
Hi Gabriel,
very nice report, TG's F Class product is certainly impressive. However, I don't like the Jet Airways F Class seats, they don't look exclusive at all IMO.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Bangkok Hotel #2, Le Meridien. GBP 83/night
Trip Advisor, #10 of 674 hotels in Bangkok
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): My first issue with the layout was the lack of storage space. There are no overhead lockers in First. Yes, it makes the cabin very spacious, but there is nowhere to put stuff. Initially, all my stuff ended like this:
There's no point to get rid of the lockers on the 777 because the cabin looks spacious anyway.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): This was the only thing that still proudly declared that the plane was Jet Airways
Nice.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I had a hunt in my magazine pocket to try and locate the IFE guide. It was nowhere to be found (and neither was the safety card). I stopped the Gentleman serving in First about these. He apologised explaining that as the plane is only leased by Thai, there is no IFE guide. I didn’t follow this logic – surely Thai knows what films are loaded, even if they don’t own the plane?
That looks better than what most long-haul carriers offer in Y Class.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Unfortunately you can only pre-order one meal (why?), so I have to choose from the menu for the main course.
Were you planning to pre-order two meals?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Are baggage loaders etc specially vetted to work with El Al aircraft?
You can be sure about that.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Are there actually any real dangers posed on the tarmac? Is the armoured truck really necessary?
It's a nice show, common on German airports.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Being a *A First class passenger, logic would dictate that I should be allowed into the Lufthansa First Class lounge. Unfortunately, LH is much like SQ in that they don’t like customers from other airlines. Research concluded that only LH/LX First/HON pax could use the First Class lounge.
There's nothing wrong about keeping it exclusive considering the large number of Star Alliance members. It's a selling point for LH.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): By this stage in the day, I was tired, and a bit drunk. All I wanted was some water to rehydrate after the hike from the B gates, and a shower.
Well, you cannot blame anyone else but yourself for being drunk.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): TG's F Class product is certainly impressive. However, I don't like the Jet Airways F Class seats, they don't look exclusive at all IMO.
I think the seats are pretty exclusive... I mean just 8 seats, all with privacy doors....
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): There's no point to get rid of the lockers on the 777 because the cabin looks spacious anyway.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): Were you planning to pre-order two meals?
If that was an option, then yes. It makes sense in terms of reducing waste on a flight like that as well as offereing customers more choice.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): There's nothing wrong about keeping it exclusive considering the large number of Star Alliance members. It's a selling point for LH.
I know thats' how they like to do it. It would be nice if they called it something different (aka The Concorde Lounge in LHR/JFK which is only for F BA pax, whislt Gold can use the First Class Lounge) so as to reduce confusion of entitlement.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): Well, you cannot blame anyone else but yourself for being drunk.
I wasn't blaming anyone (including myself) for being drunk! I understand the principles between drinking alcohol and being drunk...I am British afterall!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 6): If that was an option, then yes. It makes sense in terms of reducing waste on a flight like that as well as offereing customers more choice.
Good point. But how are you able to eat all that?
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 6):
I wasn't blaming anyone (including myself) for being drunk! I understand the principles between drinking alcohol and being drunk...I am British afterall!
Well, I can only really compare with Swiss in First. I think the seat was a bit better on Thai (because of the doors), but the service and food were better on LX.
caleb1 From United States of America, joined Nov 2008, 320 posts, RR: 3 Reply 11, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 14084 times:
When I grow up, I think I want to be you. Thank you for taking the time to painstakingly document your travels. It really does inspire me to see more of this world. I also hope that one day before I leave this earth, I too will have the pleasure of traveling in such unabashed luxury....just once. Again, thank you for posting this gem of a report.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 12, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 13914 times:
Quoting caleb1 (Reply 11): When I grow up, I think I want to be you
Awh, thanks Caleb - what a nice thing to say!
Quoting caleb1 (Reply 11): Thank you for taking the time to painstakingly document your travels
No problem, glad you liked it!
Quoting caleb1 (Reply 11): It really does inspire me to see more of this world. I also hope that one day before I leave this earth, I too will have the pleasure of traveling in such unabashed luxury....just once. Again, thank you for posting this gem of a report.
I like inspiring people! I hope you're collecting your airmiles? Large chunks of mine come from credit card offers....so easy to do!
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1410 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 13837 times:
Hi Gabriel
Nice report. You're a brave man to get on a bike and ride through Bangkok! From my last visit there I remember the traffic is something nasty! As with all your other reports in this series, what I like here is that you throw in a few shots of the places you visited as well.
The TG/9W suite looks nice. But I'm not really too sure about the food on Thai.
nethkt From Thailand, joined Apr 2001, 985 posts, RR: 3 Reply 14, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 13831 times:
This is such a very detailed trip report I've seen in a long while. Great stuff! Really enjoy it!
Are there any reasons behind regarding moving from one hotel to another in BKK?
I'd be super tired moving around BKK changing hotel through the traffic, even on a taxi
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Welcome Champagne. After the gorgeous Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle that was offered on my Swiss F flight, I was really looking forward to some more of the expensive stuff. Thai, however, use Dom Perignon Vintage 2002. Despite retailing at even more than the L.P. (around GBP 115/EUR 145/USD 185/bottle), I didn’t really like it – bit too sweet I think. I think I’ve officially become a champagne snob now. I was quite disappointed. I still had a second glass though
These are all confusing to me. You looked for a more expensive champagne, you got it. However, you didn't like it in the end. Then, however, you still ask for more.....??? WTF??
But it's still fun and put a smile on my face (without faking)
Many thanks for sharing your experience on THAI F service, one of the best out there still.
Don't be annoyed knowing the passengers around you are non-revs and op-upgraders, be grateful for them. Life is beautifu
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): You're a brave man to get on a bike and ride through Bangkok! From my last visit there I remember the traffic is something nasty
Well, I was a bit cautious at first, but the routes were well chosen, and traffic was not much of a problem at all
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): As with all your other reports in this series, what I like here is that you throw in a few shots of the places you visited as well.
More than a few photos! But yeah, I like to out my trips in context
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): The TG/9W suite looks nice. But I'm not really too sure about the food on Thai.
Really, I loved the food
Quoting nethkt (Reply 14): This is such a very detailed trip report I've seen in a long while. Great stuff! Really enjoy it!
Thanks!
Quoting nethkt (Reply 14):
Are there any reasons behind regarding moving from one hotel to another in BKK?
I'd be super tired moving around BKK changing hotel through the traffic, even on a taxi
Well, I was planning on spending some time on the beach in the middle, so had already booked the first and last night. When I decided to stay the entire time in BKK, I had to pick hotels to fill in the middle, but wanted somewhere a bit nicer....
Quoting nethkt (Reply 14): These are all confusing to me. You looked for a more expensive champagne, you got it. However, you didn't like it in the end. Then, however, you still ask for more.....??? WTF??
I was hoping for something as nice as the LX F champagne. The stuff on TG was more expensive, but didn't taste as nice. I wasn't saying I didn't like it though!
win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Reply 16, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 13466 times:
Hi Gabriel,
Thanks a lot for the very nice trip report. From your pictures in Bangkok, you have seen more of Bangkok during your visit than me and I live in Bangkok . Its very nice to see THAI F service on the ground and in the air. LH Business class food offering looks good on a short flight. I would have thought that with a *A First class boarding pass, you would be able to access Senator lounge, but strange.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I was also lucky enough to meet up with A.net member Win1290 for a very nice lunch before his flight back to London. Was great to meet you Win!
I was very lucky to meet you Gabriel . I really enjoy the meet.
This looks very much similar to the dish I pre-ordered in F from BKK-LHR in 2006 (before I found out about my food allergy). But the presentation looks a lot better on yours. Also, back in 2006, around 20 options of meal were available to choose, and its very nice to know that there are even more options now.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): We sped off down a little passageway between the Business lounge and the corridor %u2013 I imagine it would be a bit off putting for the C pax sat with their backs to us. Before long we had pulled up to the desk entrance.
The buggy is a convenient way to get to the F lounge. Unfortunately, it can't seat more then 2. A few years ago, when we travelled in a group of 4, we were escorted to the First Class lounge on foot which was a bit of a walk. But after the lounge visit, we were driven to the aircraft in a larger golf car.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I had a hunt in my magazine pocket to try and locate the IFE guide. It was nowhere to be found (and neither was the safety card). I stopped the Gentleman serving in First about these. He apologised explaining that as the plane is only leased by Thai, there is no IFE guide. I didn%u2019t follow this logic %u2013 surely Thai knows what films are loaded, even if they don%u2019t own the plane? He did fetch me a safety card though. I stopped the Lady a few minutes later and asked her the same thing. She said she%u2019d get me one, and vanished. A few minutes later she came back with the same story. Seemed a bit fishy to me. I hate having to scroll through to see what there is as it takes such a long time.
That doesn't sound right. I was in the very same aircraft (HS-TKH) from BKK-NRT. The IFE guide (Thai Vision) was available in my seat pocket in Y, and so was the safety card.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 17, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 13418 times:
Quoting win1290 (Reply 16):
Thanks a lot for the very nice trip report
Thanks Win
Quoting win1290 (Reply 16): From your pictures in Bangkok, you have seen more of Bangkok during your visit than me and I live in Bangkok .
Ha, you should go cycling the next time you're home!
Quoting win1290 (Reply 16): I was very lucky to meet you Gabriel . I really enjoy the meet.
Was great to meet you too! let me know the next time you're in London
Quoting win1290 (Reply 16): This looks very much similar to the dish I pre-ordered in F from BKK-LHR in 2006 (before I found out about my food allergy). But the presentation looks a lot better on yours. Also, back in 2006, around 20 options of meal were available to choose, and its very nice to know that there are even more options now.
You're right, mine does look a lot better. Good that they have increased their pre-order selection. I noticed a lot of the choices were very similar though (e.g. phad thai with prawns/phad thai with chicken/ eg phad thai etc)
Quoting win1290 (Reply 16): That doesn't sound right. I was in the very same aircraft (HS-TKH) from BKK-NRT. The IFE guide (Thai Vision) was available in my seat pocket in Y, and so was the safety card.
Well, it didn't make sense to me which is why I asked both cabin crew.....very odd
Quoting win1290 (Reply 16): Thanks a lot, really enjoyed reading it.
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 472 posts, RR: 4 Reply 18, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 13358 times:
Gab,
Sometimes I wonder whether I'm reading your trip reports for the aviation-related stuff or the food . Superb stuff on both fronts and what a nice way to return back to Europe with TG. It all looked pretty impressive to me.
I loved your hotel views. Especially at night. These are the views I expect when I stay in any downtown hotel of any metropolis. And the prices were quite good too.
I loved the photo of the airline-logo amenity bags in Bangkok! I want one. Maybe an Aeroflot one. They look awfully cool.
Too bad for the trouble you had to go through in FRA and DUS. That's very unusual for a german airport and very un-German in general.
Now looking forward to the conclusion (?) of this epic trip.
WBodyroga
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
Sometimes I wonder whether I'm reading your trip reports for the aviation-related stuff or the food .
Ha, the food I'm sure!
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 18): Superb stuff on both fronts and what a nice way to return back to Europe with TG. It all looked pretty impressive to me
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 18): I loved your hotel views. Especially at night. These are the views I expect when I stay in any downtown hotel of any metropolis. And the prices were quite good too.
Wonderful views indeed
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 18): I loved the photo of the airline-logo amenity bags in Bangkok! I want one. Maybe an Aeroflot one. They look awfully cool.
I was very tempted to buy one, but they weren't very good quality
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 18): Too bad for the trouble you had to go through in FRA and DUS. That's very unusual for a german airport and very un-German in general.
Yeah, right pain in the a**
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 18): Now looking forward to the conclusion (?) of this epic trip.
byronicle6 From New Zealand, joined Oct 2011, 262 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (1 year 1 week 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 12811 times:
Hi Gabriel!
What a great showcase of the Thai F product!
Bangkok is a fantastic city! and one of the cheapest major cities in the world.
The Royal First lounge at BKK looks impressive to me as does the inflight service and catering, especially the "book the cook" lobster and the Salmon Black Bean
25 yapple: Hi Gabriel, Very nice report as usual! Don't usually read reports on First Class, but... 11 parts, and still not done yet! Nice to see you stay at 4 d
26 MSS658: Hi Gabriel Nice trip report, thanks for sharing it with us! BKK is high on my to-do list. TG F looks very impressing as well, but indeed. The seat is
27 gabrielchew: Thanks for the comments! Thanks The Lounge is amazing, certainly the best I've used. The food, too, was great Thanks! Nearly done, just one more to go
28 767747: What a great report, Gabrielchew! TG looks amazing in F, especially the check-in process and the massage before takeoff. How unique from other airline
29 gabrielchew: Thanks Matthew! yes, it was the ultimate way to start a trip (well, apart from being helicoptered in) - best airport experience ever! Yeah, there was
30 FlyingFinn76: Hi Gabs, Oh yes, here's the grand prize! Congratulations on another perfect episode and welcome back to the Old Continent! Thai First looked excellent
31 kdhurst380: Nice pictures, so sorry to hear though, that you had to unroll your own cutlery. Anyone would think you weren't alive and well enough to do it yoursel
32 gabrielchew: Wow, that was a long reply P! Goes well with the length of the report I guess! Thanks! Good idea, I was going to suggest something along those lines N
33 abrelosojos: Perfect report. Thanks for sharing it with us - TG's ex-BKK F experience remains my favorite in the world. And, I am going to have Thai food after see
34 gabrielchew: Thanks Alex! Yes, it;s a pretty good operation there Bon Appétit!
35 The777Man: Hi Gabriel! Very nice report with very nice pictures! It seems that the ground experience in Bangkok is unrivaled anywhere on any airline from what I
36 agrflyer: Hi Gabriel, Loved to read your reports about your trip to SE Asia. This one reminds me of my last trip (FCO-BKK-HKG-BKK-MXP) I took in February on TG
37 gabrielchew: Thanks! yes, I think it's probably one of the best Worldwide Completely agree! Very annoying not having anywhere to store your bag near your seat Gla
38 Sultanils: Hello Gab, Thanks for taking the time to fully document this nice piece of flying, eating, drinking,... The undergone experience looks top notch to me
39 gabrielchew: No problem Yes, it was Yeah, it's a great way to start a flight Yes, you can pre-book a meal in advance. There's no chef onboard, they just arrange i
40 Quokkas: Hi once again, Gabriel. After trudging through mud, clipping the edges of mountains, mistaking gates for toilets, how nice to see a completely differe
41 gabrielchew: Hi Roy, Yes, this certainlyis the way to travel! Yes, the map was in English, Thai and German Yes, it's the little things that make with worth spendin
42 RTWFlyer: Hi Gabriel, I have greatly enjoyed all your installments of this great trip. Really amazing and so interesting. Thanks for taking the time to let us a
43 FLIEGER67: Hi, Gabriel. superb well done. Such a high number of quality pictures and you´re story. Really good. I especially like also your BKK hotel comparison
44 gabrielchew: Thanks, glad you liked it! Best room: Meridien Best bed/sleep: Baan K Best breakafast: Furama The Baan K was good, but lacked the facilites of a big
45 lukeyboy95: Hi Gabriel. Superb report and (almost) finish to your adventure. Did you say you were away for 6 weeks in total? Anyway... by sheer volume of deliciou
46 gabrielchew: Thanks Luke! Yes, about 6 weeks Good to hear everything is going well out there. I'm sure your liver is happy! Yes, very brilliant It was delicious,
47 adamspotter: Hi Gabriel, Another excellent report with great pictures! TG F looks pretty good! Like the pictures from Bangkok too! Nice hotels, and not at all pric
48 gabrielchew: Thanks Brendan Yes, one of the few redeeming feature - it's got a lot of interesting airlines I don't know why they had it such a mess. LH used to be
49 ba319-131: Great read GC, most enjoyable! - Indeed, seems quite a pain to me..... - I should hope so, I suspect points related? - Hmm, not keen on the lack of st
50 roberts87: Great report Gabriel! Thanks for the time and efforts! The more pictures the better Ah, I used them too! Brings back some memories! Indeed. I had my f
51 deltamartin: Hello Gabriel! Again a very nice report! TG's service at BKK seemed very impressive from a F-passengers point of view. Very nice with a 1-hour massage
52 gabrielchew: Thanks Robert No problem! It's such a great place to travel! yes. Rather overpriced! Great views indeed Thanks Martin Yes, it's a very nice First Cla
53 Initious: Hey Gabriel, This must be one hell of a series for you! I love that you introduce different hotels to us in BKK. I'll definitely consider some of them
54 gabrielchew: Yes, it was quite the marathon! I saw them for sale in quite a few places - I didn't think the quality was very good though Yes, the TG F flight was
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. Superb stuff on both fronts and what a nice way to return back to Europe with TG. It all looked pretty impressive to me. 
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