Thair Airways

[Tengotodo 52]

Have the opportunity to book next June in Business Class from JFK to BKK but the price is considerably higher than both Premium Economy and Economy. Has anyone taken this flight and is it really worth the experience?

[LBJ 533]

I took it in June and will take it again in about 10 days but sadly I can only afford economy. I found the 17 hour flight to be just fine.

 

I believe the business class has those nice lay down seats and a bigger tv.

 

I guess it's just up to how much money you can or want to spend.

[Shuggy 8]

Depends on what aircraft they use on that route. If you get on one of thier newer Airbuses its well worth it as frist and business are very well equipped.

 

If however they are using thier older 747's I would suggest walking instead. The set up in business and first is as bad as I have ever seen. Its like aviation was 10 to 15 years ago.

 

I think they use the Airbuses to and from the USA but you'd have to check

[papadoc 66]

I just checked on the Thai website see this link and it seems to be an Airbus A340

 

The seating is 2x2x2 in Business 2x3x2 premium economy and 2x4x2 economy.

 

 

 

http://www.thaiairways.com/Travel_Destinat...aps/A3452_l.htm

 

Your heading mentioned 'first class' but it seems from this info that they dont configure these flights with first class on this run.

Same for me out of Brisbane (no first class). For Asia I travel economy and will use FF points/ or pay to upgrade to business on the return run. For Europe its business Brisbane Bangkok Brisbane and First BBK London BBK. As they don' have first out of Brisbane. IS it worth it? Well I've got sick of economy specially to Europe so I don't go so often now. but travel Business and First class.

What is it: Its everything really, from the moment you check in. The lounges, access to newspapers food and drink, internet and comfortable lounges. Extra baggage and priority handling. On arrival to be escorted one on one through customs and immigration. Without that dread of - hell I have a 12 hour flight to... I never think that now. I just check in and go with the gentle flow.

I'm in comfort with my Dom Perignon, cray fish, steaks, toast, fine cuisine etc. In fact my last three trips to UK I've not bothered with the movie. Whereas in the 'old days' one craved the movie or a meal to pass the time.

Like I say instead of 1 or 2 trips to asia a year and Eorope about one every 18 months. I now do Asia once a year and Europe evrey 2 to 3 years as my fares are so much more.

I have to dissagree with Shuggy there. Because the 777 and MD11 don't have first class configuration I am very happy to see the big beautifull 747 and know that we have that very broard roomy loung up in the sharp end.

I assure you I am not wealthy, its just a case of priorities at the time.

Regards Papadoc

 

PS . Sorry I see this looks like a commercial for Thai airways. Honestly it's just my opinion and they have some great fares out of Aus.

[glynbuk 29]

i flew thai business class last christmas from london to bkk, the plane was the 747 and business was on the upper deck and a bit old, the seats had a small screen in the arm and they had a pull down screen at the end of the cabin showing the same movie.

 

the seats only had 50 inch pitch and slight recline and not that good, the seat in front of me had collapsed and

fully reclined only and the lady had to put up with that all the way.

 

food was reasonable but not spectacular, service was good.

 

i looked at thai again for this christmas but the prices have risen by 20% and i didnt feel it was worth the money so i have booked etihad airways via abu dhabi.

[Samsonite 181]

Depends on what aircraft they use on that route. If you get on one of thier newer Airbuses its well worth it as frist and business are very well equipped.

 

If however they are using thier older 747's I would suggest walking instead. The set up in business and first is as bad as I have ever seen. Its like aviation was 10 to 15 years ago.

 

I think they use the Airbuses to and from the USA but you'd have to check

One more time. It has nothing to do with the aircraft but with the airline and how they, the airline, have chosen to outfit the interior of their aircraft. Of course, the newer planes will have newer interiors and newer electronics, but some of the airlines are refurbishing their older aircraft and/or replacing them. Regardless of what they say in the press, Thai Air is, or is near, broke and have let their aircraft

deteriorate. The same has been said about their service.

[Shuggy 8]

One more time. It has nothing to do with the aircraft but with the airline and how they, the airline, have chosen to outfit the interior of their aircraft. Of course, the newer planes will have newer interiors and newer electronics, but some of the airlines are refurbishing their older aircraft and/or replacing them. Regardless of what they say in the press, Thai Air is, or is near, broke and have let their aircraft

deteriorate. The same has been said about their service.

 

I know that it has nothing to do with the plane. Its how the airline outfit or in this case updates its aircraft. We are singing from the same hymn sheet here.

 

In this case Thai has let the interior of it's fleet of 747's get so far behind the times that its not funny. If you wanted to film a movie set in the early 90's in an aircraft borrow a 747 from Thai. Compare a Thai 747 with one from Malaysian or Singapore and its like travelling in a time machine. Others have updated and refurbished. Thai hasnt bothered.

 

The A340's they have are new(ish), have all the latest mod cons and are to a similar standard as most of thier competition. Personally I wouldnt mind flying with them if I was on one the A340's but i'd avoid the 747's like the plague.

 

So, if you flying with them the A340's are great. 747's are shite. Simple.

 

I have no idea if they plan to refurb any of the 747's but going by thier recent track record i very much doubt it. They are spending a bit of money on cosmetics. They have changed the paint scheme on most(not all) of thier aircraft and have also introduced new crew uniforms. The new uniforms look great but its a shame that several months after introducing them only just over half of the crew are wearing them due to supply problems.

Edited September 21, 2006 by Shuggy

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Thai's 747s on both the FRA and LHR routes have all been refurbished in 1st and biz class over the last 18 months. Economy got new seat covers.

 

The cheapest way to fly Thai biz class from UK is to book the Swiss codeshare via Zurich on Thai's A340-600 - the same would apply to getting a half decent version of Thai economy class.

 

Thai will also start receiving its new 777 ER soon so some of the secondary routes should see the end of the crappier 747s and MD11s.

Edited September 21, 2006 by CheshireTom

[Tengotodo 52]

Airbus Seat Maps - check out seat 11E and 11F

 

 

Thai Airways Lie-flat seat

 

I'm told seats 11E and 11F are the ones to get. I think I could actually sleep in that baby!

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Airbus Seat Maps - check out seat 11E and 11F

Thai Airways Lie-flat seat

 

I'm told seats 11E and 11F are the ones to get. I think I could actually sleep in that baby!

 

Standard 330/340 biz class set-up. A couple of points ....... the baby basinets are in the front row and you get disturbed a lot by folks using the toilets and crew going to and from the galley. In my experience, if you don't want to be disturbed, you're better off in the 3rd or 4th row back.

[LBJ 533]

Airbus Seat Maps - check out seat 11E and 11F

Thai Airways Lie-flat seat

 

I'm told seats 11E and 11F are the ones to get. I think I could actually sleep in that baby!

 

Tengotodo, trust me, I've been on this flight, it's an Airbus 340-500, it's new and pristine. The service was excellent, and if you're in Royal Silk Class you will have an excellent flight. Enjoy.

[gaprau25 0]

I often fly Business class to Thailand and I LOVE it

 

BUT, I would never pay for it. It's just too much of a "bend over and grab your ankles" kind of rip off. Instead, I fly economy and upgrade with my frequent flyer miles. Same luxury, doesn't cost you an arm and a leg.

[jacko 8,822]

That really depends on how much the extra cost means to you. Personally I found it difficult to justify spending an extra 'weeks work', just to be comfortable for 24 hours.

 

That said, coach is pretty horrible!

 

 

 

I always fly business class now as I am older and the money means less than the misery of being stuck between the crying children and boozy loudmouths on the 747 row of 5. But I use my airmiles, and shop around. I can easily save $1500 on the ticket by shopping around.

 

Trouble is, hard to go back to economy.

[thegrogmonster 111]

I just checked on the Thai website see this link and it seems to be an Airbus A340

 

The seating is 2x2x2 in Business 2x3x2 premium economy and 2x4x2 economy.

http://www.thaiairways.com/Travel_Destinat...aps/A3452_l.htm

 

Your heading mentioned 'first class' but it seems from this info that they dont configure these flights with first class on this run.

Same for me out of Brisbane (no first class). For Asia I travel economy and will use FF points/ or pay to upgrade to business on the return run. For Europe its business Brisbane Bangkok Brisbane and First BBK London BBK. As they don' have first out of Brisbane. IS it worth it? Well I've got sick of economy specially to Europe so I don't go so often now. but travel Business and First class.

What is it: Its everything really, from the moment you check in. The lounges, access to newspapers food and drink, internet and comfortable lounges. Extra baggage and priority handling. On arrival to be escorted one on one through customs and immigration. Without that dread of - hell I have a 12 hour flight to... I never think that now. I just check in and go with the gentle flow.

I'm in comfort with my Dom Perignon, cray fish, steaks, toast, fine cuisine etc. In fact my last three trips to UK I've not bothered with the movie. Whereas in the 'old days' one craved the movie or a meal to pass the time.

Like I say instead of 1 or 2 trips to asia a year and Eorope about one every 18 months. I now do Asia once a year and Europe evrey 2 to 3 years as my fares are so much more.

I have to dissagree with Shuggy there. Because the 777 and MD11 don't have first class configuration I am very happy to see the big beautifull 747 and know that we have that very broard roomy loung up in the sharp end.

I assure you I am not wealthy, its just a case of priorities at the time.

Regards Papadoc

 

PS . Sorry I see this looks like a commercial for Thai airways. Honestly it's just my opinion and they have some great fares out of Aus.

 

 

I will be flying Thai from Brisbane in December and got a good fare for the trip.

 

It gives me the shit when airlines change their FF programs and you can no longer use your points to upgrade. I try and stick to 1 airline to build up points and then they change the rules. We were going to upgrade on the return flight as I have to go to work the night I return.

 

From the Thai website:

 

For other discounted Economy Class fares, excluding V/W which will no longer be eligible for upgrading, miles required remains unchanged for upgrading from Economy Class to Royal Silk Class.

Edited September 27, 2006 by thegrogmonster

[Samsonite 181]

I know that it has nothing to do with the plane. Its how the airline outfit or in this case updates its aircraft. We are singing from the same hymn sheet here.

....................

In this case Thai has let the interior of it's fleet of 747's get so far behind the times that its not funny.

Here, just for example, is what one airline has done with the interiors of their Boeing 747-400s:

 

http://www.navigon.net/ca747_tour/747VR4/index.html

[7773ER 0]

Here, just for example, is what one airline has done with the interiors of their Boeing 747-400s:

 

http://www.navigon.net/ca747_tour/747VR4/index.html

 

That's just one or two of their planes though, their old ones are a bit like Thais. Thai are refurbishing their 744 fleet now and they will fly the "shit" planes only to Stockholm and Copenhagen, because those routes only have cheap charter tourist types flying. I heard its the stewardesses least favourite destinations.

[Tengotodo 52]

Here, just for example, is what one airline has done with the interiors of their Boeing 747-400s:

 

http://www.navigon.net/ca747_tour/747VR4/index.html

 

 

Now that is sweet. The interior of the plane is better than most hotels I stay in.

[Braveheart 0]

Now that is sweet. The interior of the plane is better than most hotels I stay in.

Good thing to. It's nice when your airplane has walls.

[Sailfast 503]

Good thing to. It's nice when your airplane has walls.

 

LMAO!

[Tengotodo 52]

Good thing to. It's nice when your airplane has walls.

 

 

[jballstate 326]

I have flown the JFK to BKK route on Thai Airways before. The only aircraft used on this route is the Airbus A 340-500. There is no first class on this flight, only economy, premium economy, & business class. I would suggest the premium economy unless you are willing to pay in excess of $100.00 each way per hour of flight time to sit in business class. It's actually a $4,000.00 plus difference between premium economy and business class. Save that 4K difference and enjoy it in LOS. 4K buys a lot of ladies in LOS.

 

I usually book economy and upgrade to premium economy at check in as they usually have a special deal on the upgrade. Premium economy gives you quite a bit more room and the seats are larger.

 

Thai Airways is a quality airline and the best flight time from JFK to BKK. The flight gets into BKK at 5 pm and is non-stop. Most of the other flights with other airlines involve a plane change in Japan, Germany, or Hong Kong and arrive in BKK at or after 11 PM. Flight time from JFK to BKK is 17 hrs but is a lot less hours traveling when you consider the other airlines which can take from 21 to 30 hours including the plane change ect.

[HILLY 9]

Thai's 747s on both the FRA and LHR routes have all been refurbished in 1st and biz class over the last 18 months. Economy got new seat covers.

They are supposed to have been refurbed but not all of them have yet. On 7th Sept to London I got an old config in 1st class with 14 seats and the old lay flat beds never quite did go flat as the leg part of the seat does not come up far enough. Rubbish movie selection on tiny screens also.

Last Thursday I had the new config with 10 seats which is two pairs at the rear in the centre and 3 single window seats on each side. Excellent entertainment screens and bloody great big tables. I have to say that this is one of the best seats around and slept for 7 hours solid which was a first for me.

Spoke to Thai in london about the old aircraft and they told me that there were two older 747's still undergoing the change very soon and they reserve the right to switch aircraft although try to avoid doing so if they can. One of the older configs also made the run to London last week as another passenger told me on Thursday night.

[too_mutt 10]

I have flown the JFK to BKK route on Thai Airways before. The only aircraft used on this route is the Airbus A 340-500. There is no first class on this flight, only economy, premium economy, & business class. I would suggest the premium economy unless you are willing to pay in excess of $100.00 each way per hour of flight time to sit in business class. It's actually a $4,000.00 plus difference between premium economy and business class. Save that 4K difference and enjoy it in LOS. 4K buys a lot of ladies in LOS.

When I check the Thai Air site for the LAX-BKK run the PE fare is about $1400 and the Biz class fare is about $4000. Maybe worth it, maybe not.

 

I read one traveler's account of the flight from JFK -BKK at FlyerTalk.com, and he indicated that because the PE seats were directly over the wing they were extremely warm from the reflected sunlight. I guess he flew the polar route and it was light nearly the entire time. I won't have that problem on the LAX-BKK run however.

 

Regards

[CheshireTom 1,377]

HILLY,

 

Sorry to hear about your experience.

 

The older 747s now operate between BKK and places like Stockholm/Copenhagen and the "first class" seats are sold as biz class (biz class is sold as premium economy). I would have been seriously pissed off if I had paid a first class fare for what is effectively biz class facilities on the LHR route.

[BigDUSA 71]

For the other cheap Charlie's on this forum, I've flown Thai from JFK-BKK non stop in the cheap seats and I was more then happy with the service and seat. The seat goes back a bit more then UA economy and the food was a couple of cuts above what UA serves.