Star Alliance - Best *A business class direct EU-BKK

Hi there - I've had a quick search and while there are quite a few threads already re. seating options they are not all under same criteria / aircraft below. Looking at Seatguru and Seatexpert and on here, they all seem to have similar seats.

I'd be grateful for other FT'ers views on which of the currently available options below would be the best option to maximise my business redemption experience, including lounges - I've only ever flown 2 long haul sectors (LH and TP). Both were great (aside from LH's catering strike) , especially given that I usually travel in Y! I'll also be travelling onwards to HKG after a lengthy stopover, presumably on TG or SQ.

Thanks, RTWflyer

FRA-BKK LH (744) - flown LH before in C and found the seat OK
MUC-BKK TG (744) - I read that this can be hit and miss, and that TG often change aircraft
CPH-BKK SK (343)
VIE - BKK OS (772)
ZRH - BKK LX (343)

OS offers great food and a good service, but hasn't a full lie angled bed. I find also LX a great alternative.

a second vote for LX.

a third vote

I think the best business class seat is one you didn't list: CPH-BKK or ARN-BKK on TG. These aircraft have the old F lay-flat seats, arranged in pairs, sold as business class.....much better than any of the J seats you list, IMHO.

I would disagree. Having flown both of the options I would say that the new TG J seat is far superior to the old F seat on 743. Old F seats are tatty, have no avod and small screens and the legrest is not sturdy. On the other hand the new J seat is sturdy, comfortable and has large screen with good AVOD service. I would probably go on the CDG-BKK with TG. Cannot comment on LX J as I have only flown F although the service and food was very good and the J seats looked quite comfortable.

I would recommend either CDG-BKK or ZRH-BKK with TG or ZRH-BKK with LX


Also would recommend maybe going to HKG first instead and flying the long-haul sector with NZ. Although if you are planning to redeem BD miles for this trip NZ availability is almost non-existent!

I'm not sure we're talking about the same aircraft. The TG 743s were mustered out a long time ago. I'm referring to 744s such as HS-TGT, TGW, TGX, TGY, and TGZ.

The seats are at least flat, and make good beds. I could care less about the AVOD; the problem with the newer TG J seats is they're not really lay-flat.............

Thanks all for the suggestions ^
Looks like LX is prefered by a number of FTers. Any particular reason? I think they use similar seats to LH, so is it the food, staff, lounge etc. that makes it a better bet?

Thanks all for the suggestions ^
Looks like LX is prefered by a number of FTers. Any particular reason? I think they use similar seats to LH, so is it the food, staff, lounge etc. that makes it a better bet?

Add to that, that LX is introducing its new 180 degree full-flat C-seat soon.

I've also read very good things about LX, but haven't flown it. Can only add that I flew TG BKK-EU in C class last year and was moderately disappointed. Seats, service, food, etc. were OK, but nothing special. Of course, that was just one flight. YMMV.

I don't think you can make a bad choice, although LH would be last on my list. My vote would be:

#1: OS
#2: LX
#3: TG
#4: Anything I missed

But as I said, it's a close call between #1 and #2, and personally I like TG even though other people have had hit-or-miss service with them.

Have fun!

I guess if you don't mind connecting, you can always fly Singapore Airlines from Zurich or Heathrow through Singapore.

I guess if you don't mind connecting, you can always fly Singapore Airlines from Zurich or Heathrow through Singapore.
ZRH-SIN is served by 77Ws hence ho award availability. There is only one 744 flight from LHR-SIN.

Are you starting from London?

SK CPH-BKK is an okay alternativ, if you can get the Z class fare in Biz! I think that is the lowest price for a decent biz seat to BKK.
The seat is okay and like most others, not quite lie-flat. The service onboard has been changing from time to time between very good and very poor, but I guess thats not the only airline company that suffers from that.

SK offers large toilet rooms onboard unlike the others.
CPH is a very nice transfer airport. Easy to get around.
Nice lounge, espesially if you are StarGold.

I would agree that LX will be a nice alternative when their new seats are revailed, but you can not be sure of getting the new seats before 2010.

BFN:)

Remember Austrian doesn't have AVOD in business, quite incredible really. Every 2 hours or so all the films start rolling, just like the good ole days.. Must say though that the catering is excellent! Seat is decent, lie-flat that most carriers have.

Are you starting from London?



Yes and no! I want to book a zone 2 to zone 8 redemption booking with BD's Diamond Club, so will pay for an economy flight to a zone 2 city seperately from London. The routing will be Z2 -(possible Z1)-BKK (stopover Z7)- HKG in early August next year. This will minimise the amount of BD miles needed and also reduce the £80 UK air passenger duty charge.

Thanks to all the responses so far! ^

Are you starting from London?

SK CPH-BKK is an okay alternativ, if you can get the Z class fare in Biz! I think that is the lowest price for a decent biz seat to BKK.
The seat is okay and like most others, not quite lie-flat. The service onboard has been changing from time to time between very good and very poor, but I guess thats not the only airline company that suffers from that.

SK offers large toilet rooms onboard unlike the others.
CPH is a very nice transfer airport. Easy to get around.
Nice lounge, espesially if you are StarGold.
I would agree that LX will be a nice alternative when their new seats are revailed, but you can not be sure of getting the new seats before 2010.

BFN:)


we are doing this as an award but thru to PEK, I assume the same applies?