win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 15841 times:
Hello and welcome to my trip report on Thai Airway’s first A380 flight to Hong Kong. I will split the report into two parts: the first part will cover the A380 flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong and the second part will cover the return flight.
Here are the details of the flight,
Date: 6 October 2012
Airline: Thai Airways International
Flight: TG600
Route: BKK – HKG
Class: Economy
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
Registration: HS-TUA
Originally, Thai Airways A380 inaugural flight was planned towards the end of October 2012. But about two months before this date, Thai Airways announced that it would move its first A380 service by some weeks to the 6th of October. As soon as I heard the new date, I booked the flight through a travel agency. I chose to have a window seat on the Economy class section on the upper deck for the outbound, and on the return flight I selected the first row of the Economy’s main deck. However, about a week prior to the travel date, I got a call from our travel agency that Thai Airways has moved my seats: the outbound seat became the bulkhead seat on the main deck, and on the return flight my seat has been moved a few rows back. So I called TG and asked, and the response I got was that Economy class of the upper deck was blocked. So I stick with the seat TG changed me to.
I arrived at the airport around 5:15 am, around 2 hours and 45 minutes before the departure time.
I went to Thai Airways Economy class check-in zone
Then I went to Star Alliance gold check-in area
There was a few groups check-in at the *G area, so I headed back, and proceeded to a self service machine. But I already checked in online the day before, the machine didn’t allow me to change seat or print another boarding pass, it only told me to process to a counter. So I did, I asked the agent about booking Economy class upper deck on the A380. Apparently, I was told that TG doesn’t allow passengers to book the Economy section on the upper deck. This section will be blocked unless the Economy seats on the lower deck are sold out.
Once I got my boarding pass, I headed straight to the x-ray machine and passport control. All this was done very fast in around 5 minutes. Perhaps too fast, as I would soon realise the mistake I made.
Airside, pictures taken along the way to the boarding gate C3
Aircraft already parked at the gate, but not really a great view
I went to use the Royal Silk lounge in concourse C, which was just opened and I was the first on to enter. Of course, there is another TG lounge on the opposite, which opened since 5am.
Seating area in the lounge
Food selection
Dim sum and chicken congee
About one hour before the flight, I planned to go to the gate. As I was about to go, I grabbed my bag and it felt conspicuously light! Not a great sign. I unzipped the bag, and realise my laptop was missing! Instantly I knew I forgot it at the x-ray machine since I usually don’t take my laptop with me when flying, and perhaps, I was quite excited about taking this flight haha. So, I went to the lounge agent, and explained the story. She was trying to help me by finding the contact number for the specific location of the check point I went in. After a few moments, she was still trying to find the contact detail, so I figured I should walked back to the security check now. I thanked the agent and, as fast as I could, walked back.
Another problem I saw was that the security x-ray was located before the passport check. I approached the first immigration officer I saw, who was actually at the ‘overstayed visa’ counter. This lady was very kind and very quickly walked me to the relevant officer, who gave me a permit to go back to security point, but I had to leave my passport with him. Once I got back to the security point I was in earlier, and got pass x-ray machine once more, I was directed to the lost and found area, where I was happy to see my laptop still there. The officer in charge there was particularly nice. She was very professional indeed, knowing that I was in a hurry, she very quickly helped me filled out the form for claiming the item while I was putting my belt, shoes etc on. And I took over as soon as I am done. She was also quite friendly and asked me the time and gate for my flight to make sure I wouldn’t miss the flight. After I exchange the permit and got my passport back. I walked straight to the gate C3.
Walking to the gate, I noticed a few camera crews
THAI’s first A380
When I got my boarding pass checked to enter the boarding gate, I got given a TG A380 bag tag and a key chain
More pictures of the aircraft
Seat map
A lot of people were taking their photos with this A380 poster
Business and First Class passengers boarded directly to the door on the upper deck
Nearly there
At the aircraft door, I was greeted by friendly crew members who directed me to the correct aisle for my seat.
The first economy sector on the lower deck
My seat: already on the seat was a pillow and Thai Airways and Rolls Royce’s branded cap.
The cabin
Leg room
When everyone was seated, a blanket was given out, but I didn’t take one. Then safety demonstration video was played. I noticed this is a new version.
Looking outside
Pushed back
Passing our gate, notice a team of ground agent and the management waved us off!
View from the tail camera
Taxied to the runway
On the runway
Took off
When the seatbelt sign was switched off, The captain came on PA to welcome passengers on board TG first A380 flight, and he also said briefly about the superiority of the aircraft. Then cabin crew came to distribute more souvenirs for the inaugural flight. First she gave this bag!
With this size of the bag, I would have thought that the next thing(s) she is handing out would be of substantial size to fill in the bag. But no, next she handed out a pack of cards.
For the inflight entertainment, there is the new interface which I think it looks nicer than the one we’ve seen previously. This aircraft (also the newly delivered A333 and B777-300ER) is equipped with Wifi capability. However the service is not yet provided as Thai Airways is pending the approval from Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.
First thing I looked was the flight map
The main menu
Then orange/apply/tomato juice and water was offered. I took orange juice
Looking outside
Some moments later, cabin crew came to offer breakfast. Options were crepe fill with scrambled eggs and pork sausage, chicken noodle, pork congee. I chose the crepe
Inside the box was two very nice chocolate
When I finished the meal, I went for a lavatory visit. Not very clean, I’d say.
win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 15804 times:
Safety card
Shorting before descending, the captain once again announced that we would be arriving in Hong Kong on time, although we departed over 30 minutes late.
Descending to Hong Kong
Landed
As we were taxing to parking position, some people already stood up and start getting things from the overhead bin. The FA then walked over and told everyone to be seated in Thai, English and Chinese.
A China Southern A380 taxied behind us
Then came and park next to us
After the aircraft came to a complete stop, we waited for some moments until we could disembark
Some more pictures of the cabin
Two FA stood at the galley to thank passengers. I asked the female FA if I could visit the upper deck, without hesitant she replied ‘of course’ but I would have to wait for a bit. Certainly not a problem for me. She then came back to be and said that I could go to the upper deck but I would have to be quick because the some of the crew were preparing the cabin for the return flight to Hong Kong. So I took some photos of Royal First and Royal Silk:
First Class
Lounge area for First Class passengers
Royal Silk
At the aircraft door, the captain came to greet the passengers off the airplane. A glimpse of the cocktpit
Inside the terminal
We need to get the train to clear immigration. The queue was very long, but the line moved fast, so it took around 10 minutes to clear. And when I arrived the baggage belt. My bag was already on it.
To get to my hotel, I took an express train to Hong Kong Central station which costed 180 HKG for a return ticket (or 100 HKD for a single journey). I then took a taxi from the central station to my hotel
My room at the Holiday Inn Express Causeway Bay
View from my room on the 28th floor
Lastly, these are all the goodies I had from the flight
My favourite one
This would be the end of the first part. I hope you enjoyed reading it. All comments/questions are very welcome and appreciated. Thank you very much for reading.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 2, posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 15720 times:
Hi Win,
great report with many nice pictures! I was looking forward to this one after seeing your picture on FB. Congratulations on securing a seat on that inaugural flight! And congratulations on being the first one to present a report about TG's A380 here!
Isn't it great to be a passenger on the first commercial flight of a brand new A380? I thorougly enjoyed my flight on LH's brand new D-AIMB in July 2010.
But why didn't you get a water canon salute at HKG?
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): My seat: already on the seat was a pillow and Thai Airways and Rolls Royce%u2019s branded cap.
Cool stuff!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter):
When the seatbelt sign was switched off, The captain came on PA to welcome passengers on board TG first A380 flight, and he also said briefly about the superiority of the aircraft. Then cabin crew came to distribute more souvenirs for the inaugural flight. First she gave this bag!
Well, that "lounge" area looks a bit basic. First Class looks fine and I like the Business Class layout - but the purple color has been used too intensively IMO. Y Class looks okay.
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 3, posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 15597 times:
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Hello and welcome to my trip report on Thai Airway’s first A380 flight to Hong Kong.
Hey Win, I guess no one else than the Thai Airways man himself to put up this first trip report on the Airbus A380!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Thai Airways announced that it would move its first A380 service by some weeks to the 6th of October. As soon as I heard the new date, I booked the flight through a travel agency
Glad you were able to seize the opportunity
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): I chose to have a window seat on the Economy class section on the upper deck for the outbound, and on the return flight I selected the first row of the Economy’s main deck. However, about a week prior to the travel date, I got a call from our travel agency that Thai Airways has moved my seats: the outbound seat became the bulkhead seat on the main deck, and on the return flight my seat has been moved a few rows back
At least you still got to keep your window seats
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): I arrived at the airport around 5:15 am, around 2 hours and 45 minutes before the departure time.
Interesting that the flight to Tokyo will depart at 0800 as well, and also on the future A380s to join the fleet.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): About one hour before the flight, I planned to go to the gate. As I was about to go, I grabbed my bag and it felt conspicuously light! Not a great sign. I unzipped the bag, and realise my laptop was missing!
Oh no!! I am glad it all worked out in the end
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): When I got my boarding pass checked to enter the boarding gate, I got given a TG A380 bag tag and a key chain
Goodies being offered even at the gate and before boarding the aircraft!!
Gorgeous view. I hope to get that seat someday too in the future.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Then safety demonstration video was played. I noticed this is a new version.
Was it as nice as the older one. The older one had a really soothing and calming effect, imagine watching that with the actual gentle purring of the engines.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Then cabin crew came to distribute more souvenirs for the inaugural flight. First she gave this bag!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): With this size of the bag, I would have thought that the next thing(s) she is handing out would be of substantial size to fill in the bag. But no, next she handed out a pack of cards.
Probably the bag was to put all the nice things you were given earlier, not to expect even more goodies in the bag!!!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Some moments later, cabin crew came to offer breakfast. Options were crepe fill with scrambled eggs and pork sausage, chicken noodle, pork congee. I chose the crepe
Love the Thai Airways Economy class trays!! And the breakfast looks substantial too for that short hop!!
airpearl From Malaysia, joined May 2001, 934 posts, RR: 37 Reply 4, posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 15565 times:
Hi Win!
Wow this is fast!!! Congratulations for this first TG A380 report! You lucky thing to have aboard the inaugural this morning Si Rattana looks great!
The celebrations look good too but I had somehow expected TG to put up more of a show. Maybe some champagne and a certificate? And the goody bag seemed a little light. How did this compare with the Thai Smile inaugural?
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): As I was about to go, I grabbed my bag and it felt conspicuously light
Lucky you realized! But I can see how this can happen on a day like this... hahaha
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 849 posts, RR: 4 Reply 5, posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 15550 times:
I replied too fast, before even realising that part 2 of this report was to follow lol.....I love that keychain myself....very nice!! Glad you could get pics of the First and Business Class sections as well.
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 784 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 15465 times:
Hi Win!
First of all congrats on being the first one to report on TGs brand new A380! And congrats on catching the inaugural flight, doesn't that feel great Flew an inaugural flight a week ago myself as you know..
Anyway great report with many nice pictures! Congrats on your first flight on the A380 too, a type I still have to catch myself! How did you like it?
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): My seat: already on the seat was a pillow and Thai Airways and Rolls Royce’s branded cap.
Looks cool!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): The captain came on PA to welcome passengers on board TG first A380 flight, and he also said briefly about the superiority of the aircraft.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Lastly, these are all the goodies I had from the flight
Not bad at all for Econmy class. I like the little airplane in the transparent bag.
I am sure those sitting in Bueiness and those in First received some extra items - aside from the amenity kits.
I had several friends from Singapore on the inaugurals - some did all of them - sitting in all 3 classes. I am starting to see their pictures. Look like they had a really nice time too.
Thank you again for all the good work.
I hope you wll keep good memories of your experience on the beautiful new Big AirBus!
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
Shudu From South Africa, joined Sep 2011, 19 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (7 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 15297 times:
Hello Win,
Great trip report and pictures, thank you for taking the time to share.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): However, about a week prior to the travel date, I got a call from our travel agency that Thai Airways has moved my seats: the outbound seat became the bulkhead seat on the main deck, and on the return flight my seat has been moved a few rows back. So I called TG and asked, and the response I got was that Economy class of the upper deck was blocked. So I stick with the seat TG changed me to.
I had a similar experience when Air France when they began their A380 service to JNB, the website allowed me to book and select economy on the upper deck, but was also involuntarily moved to the main deck. I was also told that the upper deck has been block booked. Did not make much sense as this was not an inaugural flight. Anyway I. Lost that battle.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 10, posted (7 months 2 weeks 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 12402 times:
Hey Win
Great report of the inaugural A380! It looks nice in the TG colors.
Improvements have been done in all cabins so to see.
Thanks for sharing once again.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 722 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (7 months 2 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 11958 times:
Good report Win. Well done for getting on the first Thai A380. Seems like you got lots of souvenirs - Gotta agree that the keyring would probably be my favourite too!
nethkt From Thailand, joined Apr 2001, 985 posts, RR: 3 Reply 12, posted (7 months 2 weeks 5 days ago) and read 11663 times:
10 10 10...just love your TG 380 inaugural's trip report.
Your photos are complete and tell all the story. Thank you so much for taking time sharing this precious moment with us.
I believe that some seats are blocked for many special reasons on this flight.
If you notice closely at the small cloth on the head rest of Royal First and Royal Silk class seats, you will see "SCB first". Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) invited their premier customers and also giving some special award redemptions on this flight for their (top-tier) credit card customer and SCB kinda booked/blocked all these seats and it's also one of the reason your seat assigned were moved, normally they would never ever do this to you as you are THAI Gold
Anyhow, the load was 507/507.
The goodies are generous! I too love that cute keyring.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): Well, that "lounge" area looks a bit basic. First Class looks fine and I like the Business Class layout - but the purple color has been used too intensively IMO. Y Class looks okay.
Agree, but the dining table for 3 set-up is pretty nice. As per the picture from this link, also lots of photos of TG A380 interior. Also notice that the cloth covers the head rest shall be yellow for Royal First, pink for Royal Silk.
I'd call it the first A380 first-class onboard dining table for 3, well it's really suitable for a family of 3 who want to dine on the same table at 35,000 feet
Kob Jai Mak Kub Nong Win.
Brgds,
P'Net
Don't be annoyed knowing the passengers around you are non-revs and op-upgraders, be grateful for them. Life is beautifu
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): great report with many nice pictures! I was looking forward to this one after seeing your picture on FB.
Thank you . Thats very nice to know.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): Congratulations on securing a seat on that inaugural flight! And congratulations on being the first one to present a report about TG's A380 here!
Thanks! I was so looking forward to the flight as it was also my first time flying A380.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): Isn't it great to be a passenger on the first commercial flight of a brand new A380? I thorougly enjoyed my flight on LH's brand new D-AIMB in July 2010.
Absolutely! I love the new plane feel haha. And the window was spotless!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): But why didn't you get a water canon salute at HKG?
I really don't know. Didn't get a water canon salute when I was on Thai Smile inaugural flight to Macau too
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): Well, that "lounge" area looks a bit basic. First Class looks fine and I like the Business Class layout - but the purple color has been used too intensively IMO. Y Class looks okay.
The 'lounge' may look a bit plain, but I think its a nice concept as during the night flight, people can come and chat in this area without disturbing sleeping passengers. While I think the First and Business class seats look great, I also think Economy class cabin is a big improvement, in terms of the colour. I particularly like the structured use of purple and pink seats.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 3):
Hey Win, I guess no one else than the Thai Airways man himself to put up this first trip report on the Airbus A380!
Indeed, I first thought that the cap belonged to a kid who was on the seat next to me, but then I saw he was wearing one, and it was also on every seat.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 3): Was it as nice as the older one. The older one had a really soothing and calming effect, imagine watching that with the actual gentle purring of the engines.
Hmm, thats a difficult question. I like both versions really. The new video is more modern and animated, I think. On the return flight, I took some more photos of it (I really should have done a video though, but I am no good at it, sorry), I will try to finish the next part of the report by tomorrow.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 3): Probably the bag was to put all the nice things you were given earlier, not to expect even more goodies in the bag!!!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 5):
I replied too fast, before even realising that part 2 of this report was to follow lol.....I love that keychain myself....very nice!! Glad you could get pics of the First and Business Class sections as well.
Hehe, yep, I just had the return flight to Bangkok earlier today, and I will write the report tomorrow, and it will have more photos of the upperdeck!
Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Wow this is fast!!! Congratulations for this first TG A380 report! You lucky thing to have aboard the inaugural this morning
Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): The celebrations look good too but I had somehow expected TG to put up more of a show. Maybe some champagne and a certificate?
I would have expected more from TG on this occasion, especially having been on Thai Smile inaugural. Or may be, more celebrations took place exclusively on the upper deck (thats why we got moved to the main deck on the first flight ). Indeed champagne and a certificate would have been amazing!
Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): And the goody bag seemed a little light. How did this compare with the Thai Smile inaugural?
I actually prefer the goodies on this flight, as most of the items are Thai Airways or A380 branded, whereas on the Thai Smile's inaugural, only a bag tag was Thai Smile branded.
Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Lucky you realized! But I can see how this can happen on a day like this... hahaha
hahaha, and lucky also that the laptop was still there, well guarded by the airport official
Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): I'm glad TG installed this... one of the highlights of flying the A380.
I agree! Its very nice feature indeed.
Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Seems to be quite a trend - MH also have wood-effect floors on their A380s.
Yes. it looks very nice indeed
Quoting airpearl (Reply 4): Thanks again for the quick posting Win - I wished I could have been aboard too
You are very welcome!
I was quite sad to hear that you have had to cancel your trip,
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 6): First of all congrats on being the first one to report on TGs brand new A380! And congrats on catching the inaugural flight
Thank you!
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 6): doesn't that feel great Flew an inaugural flight a week ago myself as you know..
Absolutely! I do look forward to reading your report on that
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 6): Anyway great report with many nice pictures! Congrats on your first flight on the A380 too, a type I still have to catch myself! How did you like it?
Thanks a lot!
The cabin was a lot quieter than the 747, and it feels quite spacious too. It sure was a comfortable flight, and I would love to fly long haul on this aircraft.
Indeed, he was very keen on the aircraft. But I think some of the things he said about the aircraft may be a bit too technical to some passengers, e.g. the aircraft range, but I still think its very nice of him.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 6): Thats good, any idea if you have to pay for it once it gets approved?
I am not entirely sure on that, sorry.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 6): Nice and full tray, the food looks pretty good. How did it taste?
Yep, the food tasted quite good. I saw on Thai Airways facebook page that this option i chose was actually a special meal to mark the flight for Economy and Business Class.
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 7): Thank you very much for posting your trip report of the first Thai A380 inaugural commercial flight. Looks like you all had a good time on the flight!
No problem! its a pleasure
I sure enjoyed this special flight.
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 7): Also I think it was a good idea that you went to see the First and Business cabins and not the least, the flight deck.
Cheers. I also had another visit to the upper deck in all classes on the return flight. Plus a visit to the flight deck too! Those pictures will be on the next part which hopefully I will get done by tomorrow.
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 7): Not bad at all for Econmy class. I like the little airplane in the transparent bag.
I am sure those sitting in Bueiness and those in First received some extra items - aside from the amenity kits.
That is a very nice looking bag tag!
Yes, I am so curious as to what the premium passengers got on this flight hehe.
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 7): I had several friends from Singapore on the inaugurals - some did all of them - sitting in all 3 classes. I am starting to see their pictures. Look like they had a really nice time too.
Quoting Shudu (Reply 8): Great trip report and pictures, thank you for taking the time to share.
Thank you very much! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Quoting Shudu (Reply 8): I had a similar experience when Air France when they began their A380 service to JNB, the website allowed me to book and select economy on the upper deck, but was also involuntarily moved to the main deck. I was also told that the upper deck has been block booked. Did not make much sense as this was not an inaugural flight. Anyway I. Lost that battle.
Today I asked about this at check-in of my return flight, and apparently if the flight load is light, then the Economy class on the upper deck will be closed and the crew on that section will join the maindeck crew. But I would personally like to fly on the upper deck though.
Quoting Shudu (Reply 8): I look forward to your return trip
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 10): Great report of the inaugural A380! It looks nice in the TG colors.
Improvements have been done in all cabins so to see.
Thanks for sharing once again.
Thank you! I agree with you, the aircraft looks very nice in that colour scheme!
Its also very nice to see the improved seat and features across all classes too. Especially nice to see the lie flat Business class seats on TG.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 11): Well done for getting on the first Thai A380
Cheers! after following various stages of its assembly on the net, it was so great to go on-board in person.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 11): Seems like you got lots of souvenirs - Gotta agree that the keyring would probably be my favourite too!
Quoting nethkt (Reply 12):
10 10 10...just love your TG 380 inaugural's trip report.
Your photos are complete and tell all the story. Thank you so much for taking time sharing this precious moment with us.
Kob kun mak krub P'Net, Thank you very much!
Quoting nethkt (Reply 12): I believe that some seats are blocked for many special reasons on this flight.
If you notice closely at the small cloth on the head rest of Royal First and Royal Silk class seats, you will see "SCB first". Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) invited their premier customers and also giving some special award redemptions on this flight for their (top-tier) credit card customer and SCB kinda booked/blocked all these seats and it's also one of the reason your seat assigned were moved, normally they would never ever do this to you as you are THAI Gold
Thats right, The SCB probably had booked the seats in the upper deck on this flight. But I learned that would close the booking for the Economy class on the upper deck, unless the seats on the main deck are full, so that the crew on the upper deck could help main deck FA serving pax.
Quoting nethkt (Reply 12): Agree, but the dining table for 3 set-up is pretty nice. As per the picture from this link, also lots of photos of TG A380 interior. Also notice that the cloth covers the head rest shall be yellow for Royal First, pink for Royal Silk.
Wow! I didn't know about the dining table set up before. It looks super! Thanks for showing the link.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 14, posted (7 months 2 weeks 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 10920 times:
Great report! I love reading about airline inaugural's! Looks like Thai did a really nice job with the interior of the A380; everything looks very appealing, and the seats look comfy in all classes.
win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Reply 15, posted (7 months 2 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 10683 times:
Quoting 767747 (Reply 14): Great report! I love reading about airline inaugural's! Looks like Thai did a really nice job with the interior of the A380; everything looks very appealing, and the seats look comfy in all classes.
Thanks for sharing!
Best,
Matthew
Thank you Matthew! I am glad you liked reading it
I am so impressed by the new inflight products, I do hope to get a change to try this on long haul flights soon.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 16, posted (7 months 2 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 10448 times:
Nice report Win...goood to see another A380 operator. The flight and service looked good, although that main breakfast plate looked a bit dodgy.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): I was told that TG doesn’t allow passengers to book the Economy section on the upper deck. This section will be blocked unless the Economy seats on the lower deck are sold out.
That must be dissapointing for a lot of people. I'm sure, especially on the inagural, that a lot of people would ask for the upper deck. Maybe TG will rethink their strategy?
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): My seat: already on the seat was a pillow and Thai Airways and Rolls Royce’s branded cap.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 17, posted (7 months 2 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 9815 times:
Hi again Win,
Wow, this is seriously excellent stuff. Congrats on scoring the inaugural and thanks for putting the report up so fast.
I must say this is by far the most enjoyable A380 cabin that I have seen until now. First class looks a bit too monotone and sterile, but Royal Silk and Economy look really great.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): Apparently, I was told that TG doesn’t allow passengers to book the Economy section on the upper deck. This section will be blocked unless the Economy seats on the lower deck are sold out.
Strange strategy here. That mini cabin on the upper deck is definitely the place to sit!
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): My seat: already on the seat was a pillow and Thai Airways and Rolls Royce’s branded cap.
Nice to see you got some extra goodies.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): and he also said briefly about the superiority of the aircraft.
Ha ha, I think the captain was a big fan of the airplane himself.
Quoting win1290 (Thread starter): When I finished the meal, I went for a lavatory visit. Not very clean, I’d say.
triple7man From Thailand, joined May 2005, 681 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (7 months 2 weeks 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 9636 times:
I have flown this same route on Emirates A380 and it would be interesting to do it on Thai and see how the service compares. Emirates was more accomodating about letting me visit the cockpit while we were parked at the gate. I had one captain tell me, if I'm on his flight again, come up as soon as I board and he would let me watch them do the preflight. Cockpit visits in flight are pretty much a thing of the past.
I've done it a few times on Thai after we land, but they are more strict about it than Cathay Pacific or Emirates.
The tail camera is always fun to watch.
I think Thai plans to use their A380 on the European routes. I don't know if they will use it to the US. I don't think it has the range to fly BKK-LAX
elephantboy From Thailand, joined Sep 2003, 147 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (7 months 2 weeks 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 9566 times:
Sawasdee Win
I always enjoy your trip reports. Congratulation being on the first TG A380 flight.
Almost everyone seems to like the key holder. I also think that it is nice. However, I think the playing cards is also intersting ( as I collect airlines' playing cards and it is scarce nowaday). I hope to get it some days.
With the full flight, I wonder how long it took to board all passengers. From your photo it seemed that they used the bridge connecting the upper deck, did they?
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 16):That must be dissapointing for a lot of people. I'm sure, especially on the inagural, that a lot of people would ask for the upper deck. Maybe TG will rethink their strategy?
I am not sure about the inagural flight but normally TG assigns the back section of the plane for the promotion ticket; class V or W. I believe that this upper deck Y on A380 will be for the high price Y, not the promotion Y.
win1290 From Thailand, joined Jan 2012, 249 posts, RR: 2 Reply 20, posted (7 months 2 weeks 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 9346 times:
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 16): Nice report Win...goood to see another A380 operator. The flight and service looked good, although that main breakfast plate looked a bit dodgy.
Thanks a lot Gabriel
I think the food doesn't taste bad at all, its nice to have something different from an ordinary breakfast menu.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 16): That must be dissapointing for a lot of people. I'm sure, especially on the inagural, that a lot of people would ask for the upper deck. Maybe TG will rethink their strategy?
Yeah, the Economy class on the upper deck would have been my preferred zone.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): Wow, this is seriously excellent stuff. Congrats on scoring the inaugural and thanks for putting the report up so fast.
Thank you very much Nils!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): I must say this is by far the most enjoyable A380 cabin that I have seen until now. First class looks a bit too monotone and sterile, but Royal Silk and Economy look really great
It is very nice to see TG new inflight products which improved a lot in my opinion. I quite like the First Class cabin in this aircraft though, the tone of the cabin make it feels quite elegant. But I haven't yet seen the new First Class suite on TG refitted 747-400 which are base on the same First Class seat platform as on this aircraft. In my opinion, First Class cabin on 744 looks more Thai
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): Strange strategy here. That mini cabin on the upper deck is definitely the place to sit!
It is definitely my Economy class cabin of choice.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): Nice to see you got some extra goodies.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): Ha ha, I think the captain was a big fan of the airplane himself.
On the return flight, I tried to be the first one visiting the loo haha, and it was in a much nicer state and nice orchids in there too.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 17): Nice shot. 2 exotic planes next to each other.
Cheers! On the return flight, China Southern A380 also parked next to us
Quoting triple7man (Reply 18): I have flown this same route on Emirates A380 and it would be interesting to do it on Thai and see how the service compares. Emirates was more accomodating about letting me visit the cockpit while we were parked at the gate. I had one captain tell me, if I'm on his flight again, come up as soon as I board and he would let me watch them do the preflight. Cockpit visits in flight are pretty much a thing of the past.
I've done it a few times on Thai after we land, but they are more strict about it than Cathay Pacific or Emirates.
Hi Triple7man! Thanks for commenting
That sounds great that EK was allowing you a flight deck visit and even inviting you on your future flight to see a preflight. I was very happy that on the return flight, I asked for a flight deck visit and it was granted, and the captain even offered to take a photo of me in it too
Quoting triple7man (Reply 18): I think Thai plans to use their A380 on the European routes. I don't know if they will use it to the US. I don't think it has the range to fly BKK-LAX
Yes, Frankfurt would be TG A380 first destination from mid December, and from February next year, Paris route will also get the A380. Also from early next year, TG will operate its A380 to Japan.
I don't think Thai Airways will deploy the aircraft on the US route though. The BKK-LAX route via ICN will get a newly delivered 777-300ER which has the same inflight products as the A380 but without First Class cabin.
Quoting elephantboy (Reply 19): I always enjoy your trip reports. Congratulation being on the first TG A380 flight.
Thank you very much! Thats very nice to know.
Quoting elephantboy (Reply 19): Almost everyone seems to like the key holder. I also think that it is nice. However, I think the playing cards is also intersting ( as I collect airlines' playing cards and it is scarce nowaday). I hope to get it some days.
Yes, I agree, I remember many years ago TG used to hand out playing cards on many long haul flights I was on.
Quoting elephantboy (Reply 19): With the full flight, I wonder how long it took to board all passengers. From your photo it seemed that they used the bridge connecting the upper deck, did they?
I can't really tell on this particular flight as when I arrived at the gate, most people already boarded the flight.
Yes, three doors were used for boarding and disembarking: one on the upper deck, exclusively for First and Business Class pax. Two doors were used for Economy class boarding. Those sitting in Economy class upper deck will have to board using the main deck door and go to their seats using the stairs at rear of the airplane.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 21, posted (7 months 2 weeks 1 day ago) and read 7029 times:
Hi Win,
A very excellent report. Many thanks, and well done for getting on this inaugral. It looked well worth it, and the TG A380 looks rather dashing! I thought the interior looked great, with a nice theme throughout, but the upperdeck J is VERY purple!
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (7 months 2 weeks 1 day ago) and read 6986 times:
Great report, must be pretty cool to be on such an inaugural flight.
Thai's A380 sure looks great, on the in- and outside. Looking forward to reading about your return flight!
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 23, posted (7 months 1 week 3 hours ago) and read 5671 times:
Hi Win!
Nice report on the TG Inaugural!
Glad to see they have received their first A380 and put it in to service!
Some nice goodies you got there as well!
Nice to see some pictures of HKG and Hong Kong as well, since I'm there right now!
christao17 From Thailand, joined Apr 2005, 890 posts, RR: 9 Reply 24, posted (7 months 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 5558 times:
Nicely written report - I almost felt like I was on the trip with you. It is nice that TG is finally receiving their A380s, although I have to wonder what role they will really play for the airline. That said, it is a nice looking aircraft in the TG colorscheme and will add some variety for spotters at BKK.
Keeping the "civil" in civil aviation...
25 stipica: Hi Win ! super nice and exclusive trip report ...I must to say that I appreciate your work ... this beauty is really beautiful ... thanks stipica
26 a36001: Loving the timber floor boards in the galley....
27 win1290: Hello and thanks for commenting Hi Luke, Thanks a lot for the nice words. It was an absolutely amazing day on the inaugural flight, and absolutely wel
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