anthonychua527 From Singapore, joined Aug 2012, 39 posts, RR: 0 Posted (8 months 3 weeks 2 days ago) and read 6686 times:
Here is it! The last part of my journey to Thailand! This is the continuation of my first report, and will feature my journey back from BKK-SIN!
I have had an amazing 4 days 3 nights in Thailand! It was mostly shopping with my aunt in Bangkok, but we managed to squeeze in a day-trip to Kanchanaburi on day 2. We visited the death railway, the bridge over the River Kwai, and even took the train to Nam Tok, where we had lunch at a rural restaurant! I won't include the pics of my stay in Thailand here, though. I would concentrate on my flight back to Singapore instead! After all, it's A.net!
After a nice buffet breakfast at Citi Bistro in Pathumwan Princess Hotel where I stayed, we had some last minute shopping at the neighbouring MBK Shopping Mall before heading to check out and waited for our transport to the airport to arrive.
5 Stars for this hotel!
My ride to the airport.
We were not the only ones using the Toyota van that day. After picking us up at Pathumwan Princess, our driver scooted over to Novotel on Siam Square to pick up another 2 passengers, an elderly woman and her daughter. Apparently, as I later found out, we were all bound for Singapore on the same TG flight!
It was a smooth drive to the airport, with no jam at all! Surprising luck in Bangkok! It was a Tuesday afternoon by the way, on 31 Jul 2012.
We soon reached the airport, and quickly checked-in. The lines were ok, and we were done in about 10 minutes, receiving our boarding passes.
The departure drop-off at Suvarnabhumi.
Departure hall.
Rather sparse TG counters.
One of the many exotic sculptures in the airport.
Some parts of the airport were apparently under renovation, and we had to walk some distance to the departure security point. After going through, the security screening was done in a hoarded up area. Immigration was also rather quick that day, as we were airside in 20 minutes.
What a strange name.
The Crown Prince. Happy 60th Birthday!
After some shopping at the King Power Duty Free shops, we headed over to the gate for our flight. We had lunch too at MBK earlier, and since we will be served dinner on the flight later, we didn't have any food in the airport.
When you go to Suvarnabhumi, one of the MUST shoot angles of the architecture has got to be this one. For travellers who have been there, you would be aware that every section of the airport is coded A-E. (or G?) It is built in a systematic way, and the 'entrance' to the every section of gates is always a flight of stairs flanked by a pair of escalators down to the gates. A rather grand entrance, I would say.
Spotting and photography in Suvarnabhumi is a nightmare, with the oddly shaped windows which gives horrible results when you try to take pictures.
Here is another view of the bird.
I am hardly excited seeing SQ in BKK. As we all know, SQ only sends it's oldest 772s to BKK, all day, every day. Sad.
After most passengers have entered the gate lounge, the boarding announcement was made. I LOVE how they do it in both Thai and English in BKK! I find the Thai announcements very catchy and it is a pleasure to hear them!
There was more order on this flight than on the inbound from Singapore, as all of the passengers lined up slowly and were very patient! We were on the plane in no time. This time, I was greeted enthusiastically by 2 Thai stewardesses.
We were seated at the 2nd last row of the loooong B773 today, row 71. I had chosen this row as it offers 2-3-2 seating, due to the narrowing of the fuselage at the rear. There were three such rows in the back. As we didn't want 3 seats, where a stranger would be plopped beside, we obviously went for the 2 seaters. Of course, I had the window seat at 71K!
View from my seat during the boarding process.
A much, much better view of other aircraft on the tarmac!
We have this steward already checking out the special meals name list.
All pax seated.
Doors were closed in quite a while, with all pax seated.
Safety check.
Just before we were pushed back, a TG A330 pulled up beside us! I was thrilled and spammed pictures of it!
HS-TEB coming in!
Our aircraft wing interfering with my pic.
I love doing tail close-ups!
During push-back, the safety video was played, at extremely high volume on this flight. I didn't mind, as I LOVED the Thai music anyway.
On the way to the runway for take-off, I did some spotting again!
Royal Jordanian Airlines A332 ready for take-off!
Another A332! This one probably going to HKG. It was next in line after us.
Take-off!
Is that the Chao Phraya?
Leaving Thailand behind...
After the seat belt sign was switched off, I hopped up and off to the lav! As I came out, I noticed that no one had left their seats! Perfect chance for a cabin shot! I took quite a few shots and was pretty pleased with my luck when one Thai stewardess in pink came running down the aisle with a death stare and with arms crossed, telling me that I cannot take pics of the cabin!
You should have seen her face, she looked like I had just murdered her parents! She was very rude and was close to shouting at me, with a very condescending tone. I was shell-shocked and quickly kept my camera and returned to my seat. I was totally embarrassed, as she was quite loud.
After a while, when my senses came back, I realized that I had done nothing wrong. I am a frequent flyer and I know the rules. The seat belt sign was off and as far as I know, electronic devices other than phones and devices which emitted radio waves are allowed to be used. Cabin shots are fine. Why was she stopping me? I felt so insulted with the tone and body language she had used. What was worse, every time she walked down the aisle, she maintained that DEATH STARE with me as though I ought to be thrown out the door at that moment. It was fortunate that she was serving the opposite aisle, as I definitely did not want to be served dinner by that grumpy old witch. She maintained her stare all the way till landing. I was very offended.
These cabin shots came at a price!
Moments before the witch thundered down the aisle.
Again, there were no drinks till the meal service. I chose the chicken with chili today. It certainly looks good.
The sald this time was great! I loved the chicken strips, and it was dressed with sesame oil! I loved the fragrance!
Also, the dessert was excellent! The mixed berry mousse was so smooth, and sweet enough to my liking. I was craving for more, but decided not to ask anyway.
After my meal, the sun began to set, as we were flying over east Malaysia. I was treated to beautiful views of the clouds all the way till dark.
We soon began descending into Changi Airport. Captain came on only 20 minutes before landing, and on this flight, it was quite special as we started descending in light and eventually touched down in total darkness!
This one is the best shot, IMO.
Spoilers deployed!
Descent was very smooth on this flight, and I was soon treated to the city lights of Singapore. Although coming in from the north, I could still see the lights in central and northern Singapore. It was quite spectacular.
After touching down at SIN, it was announced on the landing announcement that we could collect our bags at carousel number 16. It was a nice touch by TG. However, when I reached the terminal, the belt was 18 instead. Probably they changed the belt last minute.
Overall, this flight was only average. Food was excellent, the aircraft and seat was great. However, the biggest failure was the pink Thai stewardess, who should be sacked in my opinion. It was totally uncalled for, and the way she treated me was probably 'criminal', in the words of Ron Kauffman.
It was again, definitely not one of the good flights I had with TG. The pink woman had to spoil the entire company's image.
I will be uploading trip reports of my other longer trips on TG out to ICN very soon. Some of my best TG flights were flown on these trips. I look forward to your comments on my TR, and thanks for reading!
-Anthony CPC
P.s. I don't know about you guys, but I really love the Thai announcements on board TG flights. I am almost obsessed with them. I have heard them so many times with great concentration that I can now even blabber sections of it. This is one of the reasons why I fly TG again and again. Pretty silly, I guess, but I am an aviation and also language enthusiast. Views on this?
It is totally unacceptable. While different airlines may had differing rules on cabin photography, but the way she reminded you to stop taking pictures was totally rude. She could have just reminded you in a more polite manner.
Apart from the unfortunate encounter with the FA, seems TG has been delivering good Y product and seems you had logged numerous trip with TG.
Will be looking forward for other trip reports from you.
Thanks! Actually, as far as I know, TG does allow cabin photos. I have never been stopped.
The unwritten rule is that you try not to take pics of the crew at work. They don't like it. However, they shouldn't be rude. It is no excuse. What's more, on this flight, I wasn't taking pics of the crew. If I had been, I would gladly stop if asked to. That said, there is no excuse for the extreme rudeness I experienced. Firmness, yes, but not blatant rudeness.
Have you seen my first trip report? All my TG flights are listed at the start. I will strive to cover every flight I took with TG on future reports.
Yes, agreed that TG has a good Y product. Food is their strong point. Service wise, much room for improvement. That said, some crew were really impressive. However, hardware wise they need to hasten the refurbishment of older aircraft. I have just been lucky that almost all my flights were with new cabins.
airbusmango From Singapore, joined Apr 2012, 61 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 6407 times:
Quoting anthonychua527 (Thread starter): After the seat belt sign was switched off, I hopped up and off to the lav! As I came out, I noticed that no one had left their seats! Perfect chance for a cabin shot! I took quite a few shots and was pretty pleased with my luck when one Thai stewardess in pink came running down the aisle with a death stare and with arms crossed, telling me that I cannot take pics of the cabin!
You should have seen her face, she looked like I had just murdered her parents! She was very rude and was close to shouting at me, with a very condescending tone. I was shell-shocked and quickly kept my camera and returned to my seat. I was totally embarrassed, as she was quite loud.
After a while, when my senses came back, I realized that I had done nothing wrong. I am a frequent flyer and I know the rules. The seat belt sign was off and as far as I know, electronic devices other than phones and devices which emitted radio waves are allowed to be used. Cabin shots are fine. Why was she stopping me? I felt so insulted with the tone and body language she had used. What was worse, every time she walked down the aisle, she maintained that DEATH STARE with me as though I ought to be thrown out the door at that moment. It was fortunate that she was serving the opposite aisle, as I definitely did not want to be served dinner by that grumpy old witch. She maintained her stare all the way till landing. I was very offended.
HAHA.. looks like Ms Pink Krung Thep NEEDS to meet up and be BFFs with Ms Green Kebaya from SQ 865 HKG-SIN! Looks like both of our favorite ladies seemed to have swallowed loudhailers at some point of time in their lives, no? But lucky you, Ms Pink Krung Thep did not serve your aisle! I had no such luck with Ms Green Kebaya
I have never flown on TG before, but it seems like they offer a decent regional product. I guess I'll fly SIN-BKK-SIN on TG 414/413 some day (because it is operated by A346s duh~) and see how they match up against dear old SQ. But if I do, I hope that I'll NEVER bump into your favorite pink woman onboard!
Hi airbusmango!!! You are back! So nice to see you have read my report!
Haha yes! Ms Pink Krung Thep serving the opposite aisle on the same cabin was bad enough...she could still give me the death stare. Oh, I can't believe how she actually defines customer service.
Oh, you must pray hard when you fly TG, because they change plane types without warning! TG414/413 was changed without warning on quite a number of occasions to old A333s like HS-TEF and even A300s like HS-TAX before! For some, A300s may be 'exotic', but if you are planning on trying the nice A346s, you could be seriouslt depressed.
I want to fly HS-TKK, the spanking new B77W! Seems like it is doing TG642/643 EVERY day! I don't think I can fly on that route though.
Oh ya, just some info. All TG flights to NRT are now operated by the latest aircraft! TG640/641 is operated daily.by HS-TGY, a newly refurbished B744 with economy class seats that no other TG aircraft has. It is a one of a kind design, probably will be fitted on all their B744s soon. TG642/643 has got HS-TKK flying it daily, the spanking new B77W. TG676/677 is flown by the fleet of B77Ws leased from Jet Airways. I am seriously envious of the passengers on BKK-NRT and back! Any flight they go on they get the best of TG!
Thanks for the compliment and I will strive to do better on future TRs!
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38508 posts, RR: 80 Reply 5, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 6274 times:
Quoting anthonychua527 (Thread starter): we managed to squeeze in a day-trip to Kanchanaburi on day 2. We visited the death railway, the bridge over the River Kwai, and even took the train to Nam Tok, where we had lunch at a rural restaurant!
Beautiful country up there. Especially up in the mountains around Sai Yok.
A friend of mines has a house up there. We had a wonderful, quiet weekend up there on the house boats on the lake.
That's what I love about flying TG as well as Singapore and Cathay Pacific. Quick & easy check in counters.
The only problem is with the cheap LCC such as Air Asia, Tiger, Silk and Dragon. I try to avoid those as much as possible. It's always long lines.
Quoting anthonychua527 (Thread starter): Spotting and photography in Suvarnabhumi is a nightmare, with the oddly shaped windows which gives horrible results when you try to take pictures.
Quoting anthonychua527 (Thread starter): my luck when one Thai stewardess in pink came running down the aisle with a death stare and with arms crossed, telling me that I cannot take pics of the cabin!
You should have seen her face, she looked like I had just murdered her parents! She was very rude and was close to shouting at me, with a very condescending tone. I was shell-shocked and quickly kept my camera and returned to my seat. I was totally embarrassed, as she was quite loud.
anthonychua527 From Singapore, joined Aug 2012, 39 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 5646 times:
Quoting Superfly (Reply 5): Nice hotel with a great Korean restaurant.
Hmm, I had dinner buffet there, and it wasn't really impressive. Overall, it was only satisfactory. Somehow, it wasn't really authentic. Probably their a la carte would have been better?
Quoting Superfly (Reply 5): Did you check out Toy Studio model planes store?
It's a must for all aviation enthusiast
Oh yes I did. However, I have since stopped collecting aircraft models. I have 3 at home, a CX B773, KE B787 and SQ A380.
Quoting Superfly (Reply 5): That's what I love about flying TG as well as Singapore and Cathay Pacific. Quick & easy check in counters.
The only problem is with the cheap LCC such as Air Asia, Tiger, Silk and Dragon. I try to avoid those as much as possible. It's always long lines.
EVERYTHING about budget airlines are crap. I will never fly budget ever again.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 6): Are these one of the new 777's with 2 class config?
This is the B773 with 2 class config. It was refurbished some time ago, with 2-3-2 business class and new AVOD seats.
All TG 777s with the exception of the 77Ws are in 2 class config.
Superfly From Thailand, joined May 2000, 38508 posts, RR: 80 Reply 8, posted (8 months 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 5345 times:
Quoting anthonychua527 (Reply 7): Hmm, I had dinner buffet there, and it wasn't really impressive. Overall, it was only satisfactory. Somehow, it wasn't really authentic. Probably their a la carte would have been better?
Silly me.
I wasn't judging by their food. I was basing it off their cute waitresses - at least when I was there. I hope they weren't mean to you like the TG flight attendant.
Last year when I was there, a guy from Singapore noticed me and called me out. It was funny to be in a model plane shop and hear someone shout out; "Superfly!"
He wasn an A.net reader and had recognized me.
ohsopc From Thailand, joined Jul 2006, 107 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (8 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 3547 times:
Quoting anthonychua527 (Reply 4): Oh ya, just some info. All TG flights to NRT are now operated by the latest aircraft! TG640/641 is operated daily.by HS-TGY, a newly refurbished B744 with economy class seats that no other TG aircraft has. It is a one of a kind design, probably will be fitted on all their B744s soon. TG642/643 has got HS-TKK flying it daily, the spanking new B77W. TG676/677 is flown by the fleet of B77Ws leased from Jet Airways. I am seriously envious of the passengers on BKK-NRT and back! Any flight they go on they get the best of TG!
Just some more info for you:
HS-TGY is one of six 747-400s currently undergoing retrofit that includes new F, J (lie flat tho), and new Y with the new entertainment system (Panasonic Ex2). (see link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHhdDQ9A2_w). This retrofit will be completed by mid 2013. (with the current 5 aircraft having a really old F, J and Y seats)
There is another batch of 6 747-400s with the current F and J, while Y has AVOD (but its the version you see in A340 and B777s). This retrofit has been completed already this year.
The last batch of 6 747-400s have the current F and J, and Y without PTV. These will be phased out by next year. (2 have already been converted freigther)
Also, yes I agree with you on the NRT routes. Also TG 676/677 will also get the new A380s. However, TG 642/643 won't get the 77Ws anymore as those will be put on the BKK-ICN-LAX runs this winter.
anthonychua527 From Singapore, joined Aug 2012, 39 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (7 months 1 week 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 2168 times:
Quoting ohsopc (Reply 12): HS-TGY is one of six 747-400s currently undergoing retrofit that includes new F, J (lie flat tho), and new Y with the new entertainment system (Panasonic Ex2). (see link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHhdDQ9A2_w). This retrofit will be completed by mid 2013. (with the current 5 aircraft having a really old F, J and Y seats)
What are their registrations? For reference
Quoting ohsopc (Reply 12): There is another batch of 6 747-400s with the current F and J, while Y has AVOD (but its the version you see in A340 and B777s). This retrofit has been completed already this year.
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