First Class on Thai Airlines

I was recently called to Bangkok for a regional management meeting with United, one of my clients. It would have been logical and easy to fly on United, which has been operating daily flights from Tokyo to Bangkok for many years. But this time I felt the need to experience something different so I booked a round trip First Class ticket on Thai Airways International. I have travelled in TG's forward cabin several times in the past and found it to be everything from fantastic (Sydney to Bangkok) to borderline dismal (Bangkok to Tokyo red eye).

What I found this time was two very different experiences. Outbound from NRT to BKK, I checked in at the TG counter in the Star Alliance terminal. Good if not great experience and one of the TG staff escorted through security. But once through the formalities, I was on my own. Did I have access to a lounge prior to boarding? Taking my own initiative, I went to the United Club and nervously showed my boarding pass. Fortunately for me, the staff immediately offered access to their First Class Lounge.

The aircraft was a Boeing 747 and only 3 of us in the First Class cabin. The area is self-enclosed so it is separated from the rest of the plane but a fairly open feeling. Very attentive service (thank you for the Dom Perignon!) and comfortable surroundings. Shortly after take off, I was offered a menu with three choices for the main course. When the FA came to take my order, it turned out another passenger had already taken it. Unbelievably, they had only boarded three meals for three passengers.

BKK-NRT

Arriving at the airport about two hours before the flight, I entered the First Class check-in area that appeared to be its own terminal. What a huge space and great service. I had requested a window seat (2A) but was told the inflight entertainment system was not working. They offered me a different seat and I agreed. The aircraft was a 777 and each FC seat in an individual cabin. This was heaven.

Being a daytime flight, the meals were light and far from impressive. But I enjoyed the privacy, the wines and the movies watched on the six-hour flight.

Yes, it is decadent. Yes, it is expensive. But there is something to be said for arriving from your journey with a positive story to tell.