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Thai Airways Review: A Journey from Bangkok to London

Published

4 weeks ago

November 14, 2024

Thai Airways feature img Flying has always been a mixed bag of excitement and anticipation for me, especially when it comes to long-haul journeys. Recently, I had the opportunity to fly Thai Airways on their Bangkok to London route, and let me tell you, it was an experience worth sharing. From the moment I boarded to the final touchdown at Heathrow, there were plenty of highs and a few lows.

Thai Airways : The Vibes Onboard

First off, Thai Airways knows how to make an entrance. From the moment I stepped onto the plane, it felt like I’d walked into a cozy, purple-hued spa. Soft lighting, and that signature Thai charm immediately set the tone. Even the air smelled fancy—like a mix of lemongrass and adventure.

The boarding process for Thai Airways was smooth as silk (pun intended), and before I knew it, I was handed a hot towel and offered a welcome drink. Naturally, I went for the lemongrass juice, which was as refreshing as a dip in a Bangkok rooftop pool.

Let’s Talk About the Seats

I flew Economy, and honestly, it wasn’t too shabby! The legroom was decent—no yoga poses needed to stay comfortable. It’s not as spacious as Emirates Airline and Singapore Airline. But compare to airline with the similar price range like Airasia, it’s more than enough. The seats were plush enough, though they could use a little facelift. Mine had a slight squeak whenever I shifted, but hey, it added character.

The recline? Well, let’s just say it was more of a polite nod than a full-on lean-back. It was manageable for a quick nap but definitely not “lie-flat luxury.” If you’re someone who struggles to sleep on planes, pack a travel pillow and maybe a prayer.

Cabin Crew: MVPs of the Sky

Thai Airways’ cabin crew deserves a standing ovation (but not during turbulence). They were sweet, efficient, and always seemed to know what I needed before I even asked. Blanket? Boom. Extra water? No problem. A second helping of dessert? You bet.

What really stood out was how genuine the cabin crew at Thai Airways were. There’s a difference between “I’m smiling because I have to” and “I’m smiling because I genuinely want you to have a good time.” These folks were definitely in the latter camp.

Food and Drinks: A Taste of Thailand

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—food on Thai Airways. Dinner was served shortly after takeoff, and I went straight for the Thai Style roasted chicken with potato and carrots. It was flavorful, just the right level of spicy, and came with a side of perfectly fluffy rice. They even threw in a dessert that had me questioning why airplane food gets such a bad rap.

Breakfast was equally delightful. I opted for the Western option—scrambled eggs, sausages, and some sort of potato concoction. Not exactly gourmet, but it hit the spot. My only gripe? The portions were on the smaller side. Pro tip: bring snacks. You’ll thank me when the midnight munchies hit.

Oh, and their tea game? Strong. They had a variety of herbal teas, and I may or may not have tried them all. No regrets.

Entertainment: Netflix, Who?

Thai Airways’ in-flight entertainment was legit. The selection was surprisingly vast, with everything from Hollywood blockbusters to classic Thai movies. I ended up binge-watching a couple of new releases and then stumbled upon a hilarious Thai comedy that had me laughing out loud (sorry to my seat neighbors).

The screens were a decent size, though the resolution could’ve been sharper. The touchscreen was responsive, and navigating through the options was a breeze. Heads up: the provided headphones are… okay. If you’re picky about sound quality, bring your own.

Restrooms: Clean and Chic

Thai Airways restroom check: spotless. Throughout the flight, the crew made sure everything stayed squeaky clean, and there was always a fresh stock of amenities. They even had floral-scented hand lotion, which felt super bougie. It’s the little things, you know?

Other Perks and Quirks

Thai Airways doesn’t skimp on the extras. The blankets were warm and soft, and they provided these cute little amenity kits with socks, an eye mask, and even a toothbrush. It’s like they knew I’d forget mine.

The flight at Thai Airways was smooth, with only a few minor bumps along the way. The captain kept us in the loop with updates, and his calm, soothing voice was oddly comforting—like a bedtime story but with flight paths.

Final Verdict: Worth It?

So, was it worth the ticket price? Heck yes. Thai Airways delivered on comfort, service, and a little slice of Thai hospitality at 30,000 feet. Sure, the seats could use a refresh, and the entertainment screens aren’t exactly 4K, but those are minor blips on an otherwise stellar radar.

FAQ

1. How trustworthy is Thai Airways?

Thai Airways is a well-established airline with a solid reputation for safety, reliability, and excellent service. As the national carrier of Thailand, it has consistently received high marks from passengers for its hospitality, in-flight comfort, and overall professionalism. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance, further reinforcing its credibility and trustworthiness.

2. How much baggage is allowed in Thai Airways?

Baggage allowance depends on the class of travel and your route:

Economy Class: Usually includes 1 piece of checked baggage up to 20-30kg, plus 7kg for hand luggage.
Premium Economy and Business Class: Allowances are more generous, often permitting 30-40kg for checked baggage and 2 pieces of hand luggage.

Always check your specific ticket details, as allowances may vary.

3. Who owns Thai Airways?

Thai Airways is majority-owned by the Thai Ministry of Finance, making it a government-backed airline. It operates as a public company and is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The airline plays a crucial role in promoting Thailand as a global destination.

4. Is Thai Airways still flying?

Yes, Thai Airways is still operational and offers both domestic and international flights. Despite challenges during the pandemic, the airline has resumed many of its popular routes, including long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, and Australia. It continues to adapt and expand its schedule as global travel demand increases.

5. How strict is Thai Airways with luggage?

Thai Airways tends to enforce its luggage policies fairly strictly, especially for hand luggage. Cabin baggage must adhere to weight and size limits (usually 7kg and specific dimensions). Checked baggage is weighed at check-in, and excess baggage fees apply if you exceed the allowance. It’s best to double-check your baggage limits and weigh your bags before heading to the airport to avoid any surprises.

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