Flying from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, business class with Thai Airways
The beauty of moving to Southeast Asia is that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to airlines. [...]
Thai Airways
Star Alliance
KUL
The beauty of moving to Southeast Asia is that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to airlines. There are dozens of low-cost and ultra-low-cost and then there are the carriers in each individual state. This generates a lot of competition both in terms of price and service.
In this article:
- Specifications
- Aircraft:
- B787/9
- Class:
- Business
- Treat:
- BKK - KUL
- Price:
- 200€
- Book
The giant in the area is obviously Singapore Airlines which with its hub in Changi airport connects the whole area to and from the rest of the world. Before the covid Cathay Pacific was also there which, however, still suffers from travel restrictions imposed by the Hong Kong government.
The best bonuses
Then there is Thai Airways, long one of the world's best carriers, but with consistently fragile wings: covid has only magnified the Thai state carrier's crisis.
Today Thai is a much smaller company; the fleet is downsized. A380s and 747s, once the pride of the carrier, are parked on the runway at Bangkok airport and they will never fly again (if they do it will only be to end up somewhere else being dismantled).
In this context, on my trip to Asia last August, I decided to fly from Malaysia to Thailand (and vice versa) with Thai. Outbound in economy and back in business class. The reason is simple. Thai has been operating this route for just over 2 hours not in a narrow-body aircraft, as happens in Europe for a flight of the same duration, but with a Dreamliner. A Boeing 787/9 outfitted in the classic two cabins business and economy.
In addition, Thai being a Star Alliance carrier, I took the opportunity to pocket a handful of miles on my Singapore Airlines card in order to renew my Gold status until 2024.
The ticket
I bought it on the American Express travel site. at just over 200€, it was the same price as Thai's site, but putting Amex Travel "in the middle" for me is always a guarantee.
If something happens to the itinerary they will take care of notifying me and in the case they will dialogue with the company for any eventuality.
At the airport
I arrived at Bangkok International Airport shortly after 12 noon., with my flight leaving at 4 p.m. I could have spent at least an extra hour or so in Bangkok, but the traffic in the city is hellish, so I chose not to risk it.
The airport was crowded, certainly more so than the desert in November and February, my last passages around here.
Passengers traveling in first have their own reserved area of the terminal, Thai offers first class only aboard some of its 777/300s, while the bulk of the most exclusive seats were on board the decommissioned four-wheelers.
Other premium passengers have the first row of check-in counters and direct access to the fast track route, this service is exclusive to Thai passengers and is not accessible to anyone else.
Compared to the usual check-in desks, business passengers have the option of sitting in small chairs, which are comfortable but nothing extraordinary when compared for example, with Air New Zealand's check-in area in Auckland.
From the time I sat down to the time I stood up was, perhaps, 60 seconds. One question and I had my boarding pass in my hand.
After passing through security, there was hardly a soul in both customs and security. I headed to the Royal Orchid Lounge, the closest to my gate, but more importantly the best Of those that I could visit with this ticket.
On board
Boarding was through the front door only, so all passengers passed through business class to get to their seats.
The configuration of the business class cabin is 1-2-1, so. all 30 passengers have direct access to the aisle. Flying such a short route aboard an aircraft capable of carrying 218 passengers Is not very common in Europe. Here, on the other hand, it happens very often, obviously it is a route that can be done in economy without any problem, but given the occasion I tried both versions.
Despite the short flight, Thai manages to perform an almost full service: the courtesy kit is missing, the cover is given only upon request, but otherwise it is almost a half marathon for the crew.
The armchair is a very popular model, is installed in many business classes around the world. The rows near the windows (A and K) are oriented outward, while the middle rows (F and E) are oriented toward the inside of the plane.
The advantage of this configuration is greater privacy, as well as the ability to comfortably look out the window. The cons are. head always stays aisle side, and this in a night flight can be slightly annoying.
It is also one of the configurations that gives the most inches for the legs, which are not sacrificed in a small cavity and thus in bed position do not create too much disturbance.
Of course, all of this on a flight of less than 2 hours is completely unnecessary, but since Thai also flies long-haul with this plane, it is good to keep that in mind.
What I never could stand about this configuration is that screens inserted in the front seatback cannot be used during taxiing, takeoff and landing. Obviously for security reasons.
There are three storage compartments for items: a well in the armrest, one in the console, and a small compartment near the seating area. Definitely not much and all very small.
Add to that the fact that my seat (row 39) is the worst being the last one and I didn't even have my hat box, it is a real inconvenience if you end up in this seat on a 12-hour trip.
Positive note the air vents in all the seats.
Classic, unremarkable bathroom.
Coffee table that is not too large, but provides good support and makes it comfortable to work at the computer.
Service
As I said, the staff completes a real marathon. Warm cloth and welcome glass on board before takeoff. Also before takeoff, the order for dinner is taken. After reaching cruising altitude, second warm cloth and small aperitif with classic bowl of dried fruit.
Dinner is then served in a tray: appetizer, main course (I took the Thai proposal, which is Veal curry with rice and salad), cheese sampler, and dessert.
Wine and soft drinks are served by a second attendant, then coffee or tea is offered. All in less than 50 minutes. A truly titanic feat considering that the 30 business class seats on this flight were all filled.
IFE
The screen is not huge, especially compared to what is found in other business classes such as Saudia's, also the resolution is not exactly 4k.
Very convenient, on the other hand, is the console where USB and headphone jacks, the entertainment system controller, and the button panel that operates the chair are encompassed.
Very basic map system and a bore the lack of wi-fi. The choice of content such as movies and TV series is decent, but live TV channels and "modern" games are lacking.
Barely sufficient headphones, but that's not a problem for me since I always travel with my airfly in my bag.
In conclusion
Certainly a comfortable flight, but having done the outbound flight in economy I feel like saying that it doesn't make any sense to spend about twice as much for such a flight in business class, unless you have a lot of points to waste.
Competitor Air Asia does not have much lower prices than Thai, especially when you consider that in a regular carrier's ticket you have everything included. Baggage, seat, meal whereas with low-costs you have no idea how much you will spend until you get to the last click.
Pro
- The staff
- The gastronomic proposal
Against
- Lack of wi-fi
- Scanty IFE
- Little storage in place