Flying with Thai Airlines? Here is a full review of their Economy class.
The Check-in:
It’s funny how an airport can resemble a city………..Bangkok airport is swarming with travelers busy checking in or trying to claim back GST of 6% on some purchases. My check in with the Thai staff is smooth and friendly, I get directions and off I go to also try and claim back a few Bath! I make my way through security, which again is efficient, until I then hit huge lines to the passport. Strange however busy an airport is, the passport lines are always full…….in the days of e-passports! No stress here for the controllers!
Boarding & Seating:
Boarding is completed with little effort and staff are on hand to help any travelers who require extra support. Thai Airlines boards Business, Gold and families first and slowly lets the fairly full Boeing 747 fill up.
As I enter the Boeing 747-400 the smiling & extremely well dress Thai hostesses’ welcome guests with a warm Thai “Sawadee” smile and are ready to assist. My seat of 43F, which turns out to be very comfortable. According to Thai’s website “Plush, wide, reclining seats, with generous legroom that exceeds most other airlines, is one of the hallmarks of Economy Class travel of Thai”.
Overall the seat is good for a relative short Asian trip. The general seating configuration is 3+4+3 and actually even though the seats are not for natural reasons as smart as the new B787 or A350, there is plenty of space. As the big jumbo takes off I recline and put on a movie.
In-Flight: Service and Dining
As we take off, service gets underway. The Stewardesses are busy with the general service of pre-lunch drinks served with a small bag of nuts. Lunch service begins a good hour into the flight and a nice selection is offered along with various wines. As it’s a Monday late morning flight I stay off the tempting wines, but just have a Diet Coke. Nice to see that Thai actually serve a Diet Coke and don’t try and offer Coke Zero or No Sugar!
The economy class food of a Chicken with Rice and a salad is perfectly fine! I am hardly expecting a gourmet experience in economy, so as long as there is some type flavor and taste and actually this lunch has a tasty dessert of Chocolate pudding!
Coffee and tea service proceeds after lunch as the service crew clear the lunch. Throughout the service the warm Thai smiles remain, always asking if there is anything else they can offer.
Before landing I head to the bathrooms to freshen up and am pleased to see that the crew seem to be on top of cleaning them ensuring the toilets are in good shape.
As the time nears 3PM the Captain announces that we are 30-minuets from landing. The B747 starts descending over Bali, where the sun is shining and we land spot on time.
The Extras
Each economy class passenger is permitted 30 kilos of baggage plus two pieces of carry on weighing up to 7kg per bag.
I travelled with a small suitcase case that weighed 10kg, but as the size was compact the airport staff saw little issue with my case and briefcase.
The Aircraft
Boeing 747-400 with a total seating of 375 seats.
Frequent Flyer Program & Airline Alliance:
Thai Airways was part of the early group and have been a Star Alliance member since
The Crew
The service team were well dressed and friendly. The Thai silk style uniforms are smart reflecting that beautiful style of design often seen at luxury Hotels in Thailand.
The Airline Reviewers view:
Overall a really pleasant flight with the grand lady of the skies performing very well with the smooth silky service of Thai.
The crew that were attentive and forthcoming and I would be happy to return. The cabin was clean and seats comfortable, proving that even in economy it’s possible to actually sit well and not feel like you are squashed up in a sardine box.
The Airline Review was undertaken by John Nielsen and was NOT paid for by Thai Airways, but by www.theairlinereviewer.com team to ensure a fair review.
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