I recently traveled on Thai Airways from Bangkok to Denpasar Bali onboard their B787-8 Royal Silk Class (Business Class).
Here are some pictures from my flight and the new Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge experience.
Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge Bangkok
Overall, I think the Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge is a better lounge than Thai Airways has in Bangkok. I was satisfied with the amount of food. I visited the lounge around 8 am during peak morning departure hours and didn’t feel too crowded.
The best feature Thai used to have, is the Royal Orchid Spa which Business Class passengers are entitled to spa treatment but I fear that may be in the past now as Thai Airways is going through restructuring.
TG431 Bangkok to Denpasar Bali
My flight was operated by B787-8, which Thai has 6 in the fleet (and 2 B787-9). I notice the exterior of the aircraft is quite dirty.
Thai Airways has just 22 lie flay Business Class on their 787-8 in a 2-2-2 configuration. My seat is in the middle aisle 11D.
While the padding is excellent, the seat feels quite wide open in terms of privacy. Those sitting by the window have to hop over their seat neighbour to get out.
Before landing, the cabin crew came with this QR code for the customs declaration form of Indonesia. There are no more paper forms.
Summary
My flight was a smooth one with Thai Airways. The airline fell to the bottom and there is still a long way to go back to its glorious past. I still have the soft spot for them. Clearly, they are undergoing restructuring and attempting to recover. With almost half of their fleet out (retirement of B747-400, A380 and older 777/A330s), I can see there is a shortage of aircraft. Items such as the menu card, Sawadee magazine, and the silky Thai dress are currently all missing onboard. Some positive elements of my flight were the polite and efficient crew.
Hello Sam,
I hope this message finds you in good health along with your family.
I am a million miler with United Airlines is a Star Alliance member. I travel to Central America, in particular to SAL and MGA from MIA. I book my flights with Alliance members such as Avianca, which has direct flights to the above mentioned cities out of Miami.
As you may already know Avianca declared Chapter 11 back in June, 2020. Since then it has been reorganizing itself.I have been a passenger of Avianca, in Business Class in the last 6 months, on an Airbus 319 with very negative results. The service has deteriorated to the lowest point:
MIA to SAL is a 3 hour flight.
What was offered in Business class was coffee, water and one particular juice (no other flavors), plus a ham and cheese sandwich wrapped in cellophane. They had no alcohol even for sale, no sodas, the video entertainment screen was not functioning , a broken pull out food tray, and a flight attendant that tried to ignore your presence.
Its been almost 3 years since Avianca declared bankruptcy, but her reorganization looks stalled.
This is an historic airline, the second oldest in the world after KLM, with excellent service prior to Chapter 11.
Sam, I suggest that you can bring this this airlines name as a subject on one of your stories or reviews, and help her out of the basement.