ORD to HKG the VERY LONG WAY: 9 segments, 6 F-segments, 5 *A partners -UA/LH/NH/TG/LX
Feb 17, 2012, 11:35 am
#47
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Location: ORD, HKG
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Feb 17, 2012, 11:47 am
#48
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Date: 12/01/2011
Flight: TG 677
Route: NRT-BKK
Aircraft: 777-35RER (Leased from 9W, previously operated by TK)
Reg. # HS-TKT
Gate: 44
Class of Service: First Class
Seat: 2K
Load: 3/8
Schedule departs: 5:15pm
Actual departs: 5:35pm
Schedule arrives: 10:15pm
By the time I went back downstairs, boarding already started for Y class. I went straight to my seat 2K.
Once I was seating, a FA in blue and silver came right to me and introduce her name is Kanokwan, and asked me if I want something to drink, I had a coke with lemon.
Amenity kit, slippers, and noise cancelling haedset already in place in the seat. The red box was the famous Rimowa amenity kit (at least to LH and TG flyertalkers !) I was really looking forward for getting it (That is also when I got TG'ed, aircraft change cause from downgrade from F to C, I pay extra 37.5K miles, overnight in NRT, and overnight in BKK to change to this flight!).
Initially it was distributed in LH F class, when LH discontinue using it, then TG pick it up. This Rimowa amenity kit was really one of a kind, it resemble of the real Rimowa luggage, it often sold in ebay for $100. The slippers seemed like a cheaper kind however, like you would see in a hotel, no slippers bag, and no TG logo sew into it.
The products are come from French brand La Maxima Paris, it has small bottle of eau de cologne, body lotion, lipbalm, and face mist, no eyeshades or socks inside the bag, those are on request items.
I was also handed the menus for the days flight in a bamboo folder
The food menus however is a cheap printed paper, not a nice booklet. I asked Kanokwan why was that, she just said the catering for the day's flight doesn't match what was on the menus, so they had to just print it on a paper and insert into the menus, I had never heard of that before.
After that, there are still plenty of time before departure, now let's check out my "suite"
Doors can be closed manually for full privacy
Lots of personal storage spaces, as no overhead bins at all for F class
No overhead individual air nozzles, instead it was located near the left side of my head, built into the suite. There is also reading lamp next to the nozzles.
Here is how you know the plane belong to 9W (well other stuff too, but this is where it said specifically Jet Airways)
Initially, I thought this is just a small TV when one recline to bed mode, so that it is closer to you than the big screen farther away, but the purser walked by and seemed like I have trouble using it, he came and showed me how to use it, it was actually touch screen TV where I controlled my seat to recline, legrest, etc.
Flight: TG 677
Route: NRT-BKK
Aircraft: 777-35RER (Leased from 9W, previously operated by TK)
Reg. # HS-TKT
Gate: 44
Class of Service: First Class
Seat: 2K
Load: 3/8
Schedule departs: 5:15pm
Actual departs: 5:35pm
Schedule arrives: 10:15pm
By the time I went back downstairs, boarding already started for Y class. I went straight to my seat 2K.
Once I was seating, a FA in blue and silver came right to me and introduce her name is Kanokwan, and asked me if I want something to drink, I had a coke with lemon.
Amenity kit, slippers, and noise cancelling haedset already in place in the seat. The red box was the famous Rimowa amenity kit (at least to LH and TG flyertalkers !) I was really looking forward for getting it (That is also when I got TG'ed, aircraft change cause from downgrade from F to C, I pay extra 37.5K miles, overnight in NRT, and overnight in BKK to change to this flight!).
Initially it was distributed in LH F class, when LH discontinue using it, then TG pick it up. This Rimowa amenity kit was really one of a kind, it resemble of the real Rimowa luggage, it often sold in ebay for $100. The slippers seemed like a cheaper kind however, like you would see in a hotel, no slippers bag, and no TG logo sew into it.
The products are come from French brand La Maxima Paris, it has small bottle of eau de cologne, body lotion, lipbalm, and face mist, no eyeshades or socks inside the bag, those are on request items.
I was also handed the menus for the days flight in a bamboo folder
The food menus however is a cheap printed paper, not a nice booklet. I asked Kanokwan why was that, she just said the catering for the day's flight doesn't match what was on the menus, so they had to just print it on a paper and insert into the menus, I had never heard of that before.
After that, there are still plenty of time before departure, now let's check out my "suite"
Doors can be closed manually for full privacy
Lots of personal storage spaces, as no overhead bins at all for F class
No overhead individual air nozzles, instead it was located near the left side of my head, built into the suite. There is also reading lamp next to the nozzles.
Here is how you know the plane belong to 9W (well other stuff too, but this is where it said specifically Jet Airways)
Initially, I thought this is just a small TV when one recline to bed mode, so that it is closer to you than the big screen farther away, but the purser walked by and seemed like I have trouble using it, he came and showed me how to use it, it was actually touch screen TV where I controlled my seat to recline, legrest, etc.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Feb 17, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Feb 17, 2012, 12:25 pm
#49
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denver, CO USA
Programs: UA 1P, F9 Ascent, SPG Lifetime Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 816
LOVE that they have air nozzles. My biggest pet peeve for not flying LH, NH and OS is lack of air. Not only does it help keep things cool when FAs keep the cabin in the 80s (F) but more reports are coming out that they can reduce sickness by moving air past one's face. I actually fly UA long haul over some carriers primarily for this feature.
Feb 17, 2012, 12:59 pm
#50
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Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Continue TG 677 NRT-BKK in F
I took a peek of what's C class look like
It finally pushed back, there was a SQ 380 right next to my plane
From pushed back to taxi, it showed the really cool mood lighting keep changing to different colors at the ceiling
The powerful GE90 engines took off and dinner service start
Narita - Bankok
Savoury
Japanese Yakitori Skewer
Curry Puff
Pineapple Chilli Sauce
First Course
Duck Liver Mousse, Lobster Tail
Mesclun and Balsamic Sauce
Soup
White Bean Soup
with Chanterelle Mushroom and Truffle Oil
Main Course
Pan-fried Beef Fillet with Sukiyaki Sauce
Steamed Japanese Rice (Tawara Rice)
Mixed Vegetables
or
Chicken in Thai Curry Sauce with Fresh Potatoes and Red Chills
Steamed Thai Horn Mali Rice
Sweet Pork Slices, Cucumber Salad Thai Style
or
Turbot Fish Fillet with Dieppoise Sauce
Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
Assorted Bread, Butter
Assorted Cheese, Fresh Fruits
Dessert
Crepes Suzette
Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Sauce
Tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino
Refresment
Ice Cream
It started off with savoury and I had a guava juice
After that table set up probably and an individual bread basket brought to me. I really like the idea of personal bread basket
First Course
After I notified Kanokwan that I don't drink at all, she took away the wine glasses
Soup
Main Course
Pan-fried beef fillet
This beef was still rather tough, though a little better than what I had on LH, at least much better presentation, no more beef totally soaked in sauce, but the beef is very average in quality. Seriously, it seems like the best beef I had on an airplane was UA in F or C, all these carriers LH, TG, and even OZ, don't know how to cook beef at all. At the beginning, I was a little regret that I didn't choose TG's pre-order "book the cook" service for F pax, but after I came back from this trip, I read a thread on FT about TG's book the cook service, it wasn't that good at all compare with SQ's book the cook.
Also, a note to that, there was no miso soup or cold wheat or soba noodles come with the Japanese entree. What's wrong with TG's catering ? I mean this is F class, if you want to prepare a Japanese course, miso soup, soba noodles and pickles are a must, no wonder many TG flyertalkers complain about TG's food being very average even in F or C class.
While I was still eating my food, the other male FA who worked in the galley, (I learned his name was Phoraphat later on) came by and I saw him with the cheese plate, when he saw me I was still eating, he quickly went back to the galley. Try to rush and be done with so that they can rest faster perhaps ?
Kanokwan later brought the cheese and fruits
The way they put the cheese on the foil paper doesn't look very appetizing, not to mention the cheese were wrap in plastic, doesn't look very fresh at all, I passed on the cheese and have fruits instead.
Dessert was the best part of dinner
Crepe with Vanilla icecream in orange sauce
After the dinner service ended, lights out, then the mood light change the ceiling into all stars like the sky.
I decided to take a visit to the bathroom
There were Ferragamo body lotion and Bvlgari green tea eau de cologne
I also went to see C class bathroom's amenities. C class bathroom also have Ferragamo lotion, but no Bvlgari fragrance, instead of Thann passion fragrance
Surprisingly when I went to Y class bathroom, they also have a bottle of fragrance as well but no lotion.
I took a peek of what's C class look like
It finally pushed back, there was a SQ 380 right next to my plane
From pushed back to taxi, it showed the really cool mood lighting keep changing to different colors at the ceiling
The powerful GE90 engines took off and dinner service start
Narita - Bankok
Savoury
Japanese Yakitori Skewer
Curry Puff
Pineapple Chilli Sauce
First Course
Duck Liver Mousse, Lobster Tail
Mesclun and Balsamic Sauce
Soup
White Bean Soup
with Chanterelle Mushroom and Truffle Oil
Main Course
Pan-fried Beef Fillet with Sukiyaki Sauce
Steamed Japanese Rice (Tawara Rice)
Mixed Vegetables
or
Chicken in Thai Curry Sauce with Fresh Potatoes and Red Chills
Steamed Thai Horn Mali Rice
Sweet Pork Slices, Cucumber Salad Thai Style
or
Turbot Fish Fillet with Dieppoise Sauce
Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables
Assorted Bread, Butter
Assorted Cheese, Fresh Fruits
Dessert
Crepes Suzette
Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Sauce
Tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino
Refresment
Ice Cream
It started off with savoury and I had a guava juice
After that table set up probably and an individual bread basket brought to me. I really like the idea of personal bread basket
First Course
After I notified Kanokwan that I don't drink at all, she took away the wine glasses
Soup
Main Course
Pan-fried beef fillet
This beef was still rather tough, though a little better than what I had on LH, at least much better presentation, no more beef totally soaked in sauce, but the beef is very average in quality. Seriously, it seems like the best beef I had on an airplane was UA in F or C, all these carriers LH, TG, and even OZ, don't know how to cook beef at all. At the beginning, I was a little regret that I didn't choose TG's pre-order "book the cook" service for F pax, but after I came back from this trip, I read a thread on FT about TG's book the cook service, it wasn't that good at all compare with SQ's book the cook.
Also, a note to that, there was no miso soup or cold wheat or soba noodles come with the Japanese entree. What's wrong with TG's catering ? I mean this is F class, if you want to prepare a Japanese course, miso soup, soba noodles and pickles are a must, no wonder many TG flyertalkers complain about TG's food being very average even in F or C class.
While I was still eating my food, the other male FA who worked in the galley, (I learned his name was Phoraphat later on) came by and I saw him with the cheese plate, when he saw me I was still eating, he quickly went back to the galley. Try to rush and be done with so that they can rest faster perhaps ?
Kanokwan later brought the cheese and fruits
The way they put the cheese on the foil paper doesn't look very appetizing, not to mention the cheese were wrap in plastic, doesn't look very fresh at all, I passed on the cheese and have fruits instead.
Dessert was the best part of dinner
Crepe with Vanilla icecream in orange sauce
After the dinner service ended, lights out, then the mood light change the ceiling into all stars like the sky.
I decided to take a visit to the bathroom
There were Ferragamo body lotion and Bvlgari green tea eau de cologne
I also went to see C class bathroom's amenities. C class bathroom also have Ferragamo lotion, but no Bvlgari fragrance, instead of Thann passion fragrance
Surprisingly when I went to Y class bathroom, they also have a bottle of fragrance as well but no lotion.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Feb 17, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Feb 17, 2012, 2:10 pm
#52
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
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Posts: 10,279
Continue TG NRT-BKK in F
Some cabin shots
It was quite interesting that they have these lights outside the bathroom, green light show unoccupied, red light show it is occupied, how clever the design.
They have a bar semi-setup, perhaps too lazy to put the glasses up on the wall counter ?
After I went all the back to check out the bathrooms in different classes, when I was on the way back to F, I was checking out the C seat. One of the C FA recognized I was a F pax, she encouraged me to try out the C seat, it seemed comfortable. C was less than half full.
Here I took a shot of the C seat seat-controls
After that I went back up and decided to have chit chat with Kanokwan while Phoraphat was on break. I told her I really like the amenity kit, then she asked me if I wanted an extra one, of course I said yes, then I saw a silver Rimowa, which now I had a red and a silver Rimowa. I told her that I actually collect amenity kits, then she bought me the 2 amenity kits from C, I was extremely happy, I got 4 kits in 1 flight !
Red and silver Rimowa thanks to Kanokwan !
C amenity kit, Aigner on the left and Erb on the right
Aigner kit's contents
Erb kit's contents
After that I went back to my seat and watch a movie on the big screen TV
So I was curious about their uniform, initially I thought Kanokwan was the purser, as she is wearing blue instead of pink / purple. Then I found out they can actually choose whatever color they want to wear except black. And I was also curious about the cloth that cross over the female FA's shoulder, it was called Sabai. Phoraphat said usually female FA wear plain color sabai, if it is silver or gold color, the FA actually pay extra for that to be made. If the FA is a purser, they actually wear set uniform like suit and tie with black pants, or suit with skirt. Phoraphat also jokingly said that when it is Christmas time, I will see the female FA wearing red and green ! Both of them had worked for TG for 20+ years, so people, don't say all FA on asian airlines are young and pretty, at least not on TG !
Kanokwan on the left and Phoraphat on the left.
The entire flight had light turblence thoughout, with occasional moderate chop, so it wasn't that comfortable to sleep. near the end of flight, both Kanokwan and Phoraphat went to each pax thanking each of them flying TG in today. It was a nice touch, and Kanokwan expecially provided exceptional service.
After the plane landed, it parked at a remote spot, despite I could see many empty gates. My carryon bag was fully loaded with all these gifts from UA/LH/NH/TG, but I have no choice have to carry it on my own down the stairs. It was really hot and humid once I step out of the plane. Once I got downstairs from the plane, there was a man holding a sign with my name on it, and I joined 3 other male pax also in F class on my flight in a tiny toyota van. I appreciate a private van for F pax, but would TG at least get a bigger van ?
Where was my passport ?
So all 3 of us on the van, but I wasn't sure why the driver didn't go yet. Then I was about to take out my passport so that it is faster for immigration, then I realize it was no where to be found ! I quickly jumped off the van, ran back up the stairs to the plane, kept looking around my seat and didn't see it at all. Then I finally remembered when I got onboard the plane at NRT, I put my passport at the back sleeve of my shoulder bag !
Although the plane didn't seem to park far from the terminal, but the van seemed like went a long way, when I got off the van, one pax seemed to have a connecting flight, an escort took him away, me and another male pax followed an escort to an empty custom area. After that, the escort asked me if I have any checked luggage, I told me no, and he went with the other pax to the luggage belt. TG is really special in terms of how they handle the ground service for F pax.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport
Initially I was tossing between this Novotel and the Louis Tavern lounge for the quick overnight. Louis Tavern is a transit hotel inside the secure area. I had looked at their website and read the reviews, it was really mix between good and bad, they were charging a minimum of 4 hours, and after 4 hours, you paid more for every 2 hours. It was cheaper than Novotel, but wasn't a lot. Novotel was expensive as an airport hotel, don't really understand why.
http://dayrooms-ciplounges.com/
I decided to go for Novotel as a more reputable establishment, and thanks to FT, I did sign up for A Club gold member, at least I will get some points out of it. I read that there is an underground tunnel or something connecting from the airport to the hotel, but they also have shuttles. But anyway, it was late, I didn't have the mood to look for where is the pathway connect to the hotel, I just looked for signs for the shuttle.
When I got out of the terminal, it seemed like a shuttle just left, again hot and humid, I was still wearing my winter clothes, no way to take them off as I have so many "bags" with me by now, it was extremely uncomfortable, luckily another shuttle pull up in 5 minutes, I just jumped on it at least it was air-conditioned. The hotel basically just a street or highway bridge across from the airport, but it still took the shuttle 10-15 min to get to the hotel.
The hotel itself was built like an Embassy Suites, all the rooms were like a square, in the middle is an atrium with trees and a garden. I went straight to checkin, but when the agent saw that I am a A Club member, she escorted me to a different area, where two agents were sitting there. Those two ladies checked me in and gave my room keys, that's about it, I wasn't offered anything, it wasn't necessary for the agent to bring me to a separate area at all.
I only took a few photos and went to sleep as I have to wake up early the next morning so that I can use TG F lounge.
Some cabin shots
It was quite interesting that they have these lights outside the bathroom, green light show unoccupied, red light show it is occupied, how clever the design.
They have a bar semi-setup, perhaps too lazy to put the glasses up on the wall counter ?
After I went all the back to check out the bathrooms in different classes, when I was on the way back to F, I was checking out the C seat. One of the C FA recognized I was a F pax, she encouraged me to try out the C seat, it seemed comfortable. C was less than half full.
Here I took a shot of the C seat seat-controls
After that I went back up and decided to have chit chat with Kanokwan while Phoraphat was on break. I told her I really like the amenity kit, then she asked me if I wanted an extra one, of course I said yes, then I saw a silver Rimowa, which now I had a red and a silver Rimowa. I told her that I actually collect amenity kits, then she bought me the 2 amenity kits from C, I was extremely happy, I got 4 kits in 1 flight !
Red and silver Rimowa thanks to Kanokwan !
C amenity kit, Aigner on the left and Erb on the right
Aigner kit's contents
Erb kit's contents
After that I went back to my seat and watch a movie on the big screen TV
So I was curious about their uniform, initially I thought Kanokwan was the purser, as she is wearing blue instead of pink / purple. Then I found out they can actually choose whatever color they want to wear except black. And I was also curious about the cloth that cross over the female FA's shoulder, it was called Sabai. Phoraphat said usually female FA wear plain color sabai, if it is silver or gold color, the FA actually pay extra for that to be made. If the FA is a purser, they actually wear set uniform like suit and tie with black pants, or suit with skirt. Phoraphat also jokingly said that when it is Christmas time, I will see the female FA wearing red and green ! Both of them had worked for TG for 20+ years, so people, don't say all FA on asian airlines are young and pretty, at least not on TG !
Kanokwan on the left and Phoraphat on the left.
The entire flight had light turblence thoughout, with occasional moderate chop, so it wasn't that comfortable to sleep. near the end of flight, both Kanokwan and Phoraphat went to each pax thanking each of them flying TG in today. It was a nice touch, and Kanokwan expecially provided exceptional service.
After the plane landed, it parked at a remote spot, despite I could see many empty gates. My carryon bag was fully loaded with all these gifts from UA/LH/NH/TG, but I have no choice have to carry it on my own down the stairs. It was really hot and humid once I step out of the plane. Once I got downstairs from the plane, there was a man holding a sign with my name on it, and I joined 3 other male pax also in F class on my flight in a tiny toyota van. I appreciate a private van for F pax, but would TG at least get a bigger van ?
Where was my passport ?
So all 3 of us on the van, but I wasn't sure why the driver didn't go yet. Then I was about to take out my passport so that it is faster for immigration, then I realize it was no where to be found ! I quickly jumped off the van, ran back up the stairs to the plane, kept looking around my seat and didn't see it at all. Then I finally remembered when I got onboard the plane at NRT, I put my passport at the back sleeve of my shoulder bag !
Although the plane didn't seem to park far from the terminal, but the van seemed like went a long way, when I got off the van, one pax seemed to have a connecting flight, an escort took him away, me and another male pax followed an escort to an empty custom area. After that, the escort asked me if I have any checked luggage, I told me no, and he went with the other pax to the luggage belt. TG is really special in terms of how they handle the ground service for F pax.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport
Initially I was tossing between this Novotel and the Louis Tavern lounge for the quick overnight. Louis Tavern is a transit hotel inside the secure area. I had looked at their website and read the reviews, it was really mix between good and bad, they were charging a minimum of 4 hours, and after 4 hours, you paid more for every 2 hours. It was cheaper than Novotel, but wasn't a lot. Novotel was expensive as an airport hotel, don't really understand why.
http://dayrooms-ciplounges.com/
I decided to go for Novotel as a more reputable establishment, and thanks to FT, I did sign up for A Club gold member, at least I will get some points out of it. I read that there is an underground tunnel or something connecting from the airport to the hotel, but they also have shuttles. But anyway, it was late, I didn't have the mood to look for where is the pathway connect to the hotel, I just looked for signs for the shuttle.
When I got out of the terminal, it seemed like a shuttle just left, again hot and humid, I was still wearing my winter clothes, no way to take them off as I have so many "bags" with me by now, it was extremely uncomfortable, luckily another shuttle pull up in 5 minutes, I just jumped on it at least it was air-conditioned. The hotel basically just a street or highway bridge across from the airport, but it still took the shuttle 10-15 min to get to the hotel.
The hotel itself was built like an Embassy Suites, all the rooms were like a square, in the middle is an atrium with trees and a garden. I went straight to checkin, but when the agent saw that I am a A Club member, she escorted me to a different area, where two agents were sitting there. Those two ladies checked me in and gave my room keys, that's about it, I wasn't offered anything, it wasn't necessary for the agent to bring me to a separate area at all.
I only took a few photos and went to sleep as I have to wake up early the next morning so that I can use TG F lounge.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Feb 17, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Feb 17, 2012, 10:54 pm
#53
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Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
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Posts: 10,279
TG F lounge at BKK
The next morning I already awoke before 5pm, as I was really excited about TG F lounge, want to get the most out of it before my flight to BKK at 8am. Despite so early, I was the last person on the shuttle and when it got to BKK, it first stopped at F checkin area, and I was the only person headed to the F checkin area.
The F checkin area seemed to be huge, I didn't see any counter at all, but I just went in and a male agent came toward me and I handed him my passport and boarding pass, he told me to have a seat.
After about 10 min, he came back with another person, took my belongings and just followed him, one of them was looking at one of my bags full of amenity kits and laugh. I don't blame him as it looked like I went on a crazy shopping feast. He put all my bags on the security screen, then after that they took me to that private immigration / custom desk once again. Once passed that, they load my bags onto a golf cart, then I was on my way to F lounge.
When I was riding on that cart, it seemed like it went a very long way, I wonder how long does it take if they choose to talk from immigration to the F lounge. I could totally see it went through the very long Royal Silk lounge, then finally stopped outside the F lounge.
I handed my boarding pass to one of the girls, and another one took me to one of the semi-private rooms. The F lounge certainly have other open areas with chairs and couches, but seemed like anyone pax came in, they all direct them to one of these open style rooms. I had counted they had about 10 of these individual rooms, and each of them have a little different style / furnishings.
A girl came to me and asked if I would like something to drink, it was too early, I couldn't think of anything, I just asked for a guava juice, and she brought me with a cold towel too.
When she brought me the juice and towel, she also brought me a F lounge menus.
The menus were huge, I ordered some fresh fruits, scramble eggs, and shu mai initially. Since I don't drink, but I saw some non-alcoholic cocktails on the menus, I couldn't decide which one I want, I just ordered both.
After she took my order, I figured it would take some time for the food to come, I decided to see what was this lounge about.
They had a small buffet area as well, but seems like everyone order from the menus instead.
Magazines
Proper dining area
Since I don't drink any alcohol, but I saw they have Non-Alcoholic Cocktails on the menus, I ordered one of each, as they both sound like very exotic, the one of the left is "Fruit Punch": Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice and Grenadine Syrup. And the one on the right is "Sparkling Pine": Pineapple Juice, Grenadine Syrup and Dry Ginger Ale
Then fresh fruits
Scramble eggs with bacon
And shu mai
The next morning I already awoke before 5pm, as I was really excited about TG F lounge, want to get the most out of it before my flight to BKK at 8am. Despite so early, I was the last person on the shuttle and when it got to BKK, it first stopped at F checkin area, and I was the only person headed to the F checkin area.
The F checkin area seemed to be huge, I didn't see any counter at all, but I just went in and a male agent came toward me and I handed him my passport and boarding pass, he told me to have a seat.
After about 10 min, he came back with another person, took my belongings and just followed him, one of them was looking at one of my bags full of amenity kits and laugh. I don't blame him as it looked like I went on a crazy shopping feast. He put all my bags on the security screen, then after that they took me to that private immigration / custom desk once again. Once passed that, they load my bags onto a golf cart, then I was on my way to F lounge.
When I was riding on that cart, it seemed like it went a very long way, I wonder how long does it take if they choose to talk from immigration to the F lounge. I could totally see it went through the very long Royal Silk lounge, then finally stopped outside the F lounge.
I handed my boarding pass to one of the girls, and another one took me to one of the semi-private rooms. The F lounge certainly have other open areas with chairs and couches, but seemed like anyone pax came in, they all direct them to one of these open style rooms. I had counted they had about 10 of these individual rooms, and each of them have a little different style / furnishings.
A girl came to me and asked if I would like something to drink, it was too early, I couldn't think of anything, I just asked for a guava juice, and she brought me with a cold towel too.
When she brought me the juice and towel, she also brought me a F lounge menus.
The menus were huge, I ordered some fresh fruits, scramble eggs, and shu mai initially. Since I don't drink, but I saw some non-alcoholic cocktails on the menus, I couldn't decide which one I want, I just ordered both.
After she took my order, I figured it would take some time for the food to come, I decided to see what was this lounge about.
They had a small buffet area as well, but seems like everyone order from the menus instead.
Magazines
Proper dining area
Since I don't drink any alcohol, but I saw they have Non-Alcoholic Cocktails on the menus, I ordered one of each, as they both sound like very exotic, the one of the left is "Fruit Punch": Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice and Grenadine Syrup. And the one on the right is "Sparkling Pine": Pineapple Juice, Grenadine Syrup and Dry Ginger Ale
Then fresh fruits
Scramble eggs with bacon
And shu mai
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Mar 1, 2012 at 12:56 am
Feb 17, 2012, 11:28 pm
#54
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After that I was still hungry, I decided to order something more substanials, I ordered some toast and duck with egg noodles. I don't know why I was so hungry that morning, keep in mind, it was only around 6am !
Finally I am full, so I decided to do more exploring of the lounge.
They had showcased some of the awards they got
I had no doubt they have won best first class lounge and best airport service, as the ground service for F pax was just impeccable, I mean even for LH F, they would only have escort in FRA FCT, and for departing flights only. TG do both departing and arriving. This lounge had just become my favorite lounge other than LH First Class Terminal in FRA !
After that I was curious about what are their bathroom and shower rooms looks like. There is a sitting / waiting area outside of the bathrooms.
Nice looking plant
They don't have men's room or ladies' room in this lounge, all of them are unisex, as they are all individual washrooms that have toilet, urinal and sink with a long counter. What airline lounge can afford this kind of space to do that ? If I remembered they have at least 10 of these individual washrooms.
Then they also have shower rooms.
Inside the wooden box on the right, here you find towels and toiletries, just like the washrooms you saw the Loccitane handwash, the toiletries here are also Loccitane bottles in their Verbena line.
Then they also have a few "slumber rooms". All of them are different, some has a day bed, those don't have a bed then it has a massage chair. Once you went into the room and closed the door, they put a "Do Not Disturb" sign outside the handle like a hotel room.
Finally I am full, so I decided to do more exploring of the lounge.
They had showcased some of the awards they got
I had no doubt they have won best first class lounge and best airport service, as the ground service for F pax was just impeccable, I mean even for LH F, they would only have escort in FRA FCT, and for departing flights only. TG do both departing and arriving. This lounge had just become my favorite lounge other than LH First Class Terminal in FRA !
After that I was curious about what are their bathroom and shower rooms looks like. There is a sitting / waiting area outside of the bathrooms.
Nice looking plant
They don't have men's room or ladies' room in this lounge, all of them are unisex, as they are all individual washrooms that have toilet, urinal and sink with a long counter. What airline lounge can afford this kind of space to do that ? If I remembered they have at least 10 of these individual washrooms.
Then they also have shower rooms.
Inside the wooden box on the right, here you find towels and toiletries, just like the washrooms you saw the Loccitane handwash, the toiletries here are also Loccitane bottles in their Verbena line.
Then they also have a few "slumber rooms". All of them are different, some has a day bed, those don't have a bed then it has a massage chair. Once you went into the room and closed the door, they put a "Do Not Disturb" sign outside the handle like a hotel room.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Feb 18, 2012 at 12:15 am
Feb 18, 2012, 12:08 am
#55
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Join Date: Jun 2002
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I decided to use one of these rooms to organize my stuff a bit
The room with no bed has a massage chair and small table
Everyone know that being a TG F pax, you can also use their spa facilities, it is across from the F lounge. I didn't feel like getting a massage, or if I ever interested in getting in, espeically from a stranger touching my body.
After that I asked one of the girl by the front that what time was I supposed to get to leave the lounge for my flight, I was told not until 7:30am. So I still have a good half hour before I have to go, I decided to get out of the lounge and walk around the airport a bit, also digest the huge breakfast I had eaten.
They were selling some tropical fruits, wish I could carry it, my mother would probably love all of these, though I don't know for sure if I could bring this pass Hong Kong customs. Papaya, mango, dragonfruit, pineapple, mangosteen, rambutan
I walked further so that I could see some planes, since I was flying a 744, I was hoping if I could ride on the star alliance TG 744, or either the 50th anniversary one. Then I saw the 50th anniversary one park at the gate D2, I took a few shots. When I got closer, there was a sign it said D2, and underneath it said Hong Kong, I was really happy. Unforunately BKK's terminal doesn't allow good shots taken from inside.
Time got close to 7:30am, so I went back to the TG lounge for my belongings, I took a shot in front of the TG F lounge entrance before I leave.
Got busted !
Since the TG F lounge was so nice, so I asked one of the guy who worked at the bar area if I could take the menus with me, I wasn't sure if he understand my question, but I heard that he said yes, until I went out to the entrance wait for my escort, then an older female approach me and asked if I took the menus, I told her yes, and she said I couldn't, as they were short of supply of the menus. I think it is more like they don't want their lounge offerings leak out to their competitors. I mean the menus can be reprinted, that's easy, but their menus were so extensive like a restaurant, it was somewhat a secret they want to keep. I know I could have taken photos of each page, but I thought I can just brought the menus home. Well, I thought wrong, and I was so embrassed felt like I was a thief.
The room with no bed has a massage chair and small table
Everyone know that being a TG F pax, you can also use their spa facilities, it is across from the F lounge. I didn't feel like getting a massage, or if I ever interested in getting in, espeically from a stranger touching my body.
After that I asked one of the girl by the front that what time was I supposed to get to leave the lounge for my flight, I was told not until 7:30am. So I still have a good half hour before I have to go, I decided to get out of the lounge and walk around the airport a bit, also digest the huge breakfast I had eaten.
They were selling some tropical fruits, wish I could carry it, my mother would probably love all of these, though I don't know for sure if I could bring this pass Hong Kong customs. Papaya, mango, dragonfruit, pineapple, mangosteen, rambutan
I walked further so that I could see some planes, since I was flying a 744, I was hoping if I could ride on the star alliance TG 744, or either the 50th anniversary one. Then I saw the 50th anniversary one park at the gate D2, I took a few shots. When I got closer, there was a sign it said D2, and underneath it said Hong Kong, I was really happy. Unforunately BKK's terminal doesn't allow good shots taken from inside.
Time got close to 7:30am, so I went back to the TG lounge for my belongings, I took a shot in front of the TG F lounge entrance before I leave.
Got busted !
Since the TG F lounge was so nice, so I asked one of the guy who worked at the bar area if I could take the menus with me, I wasn't sure if he understand my question, but I heard that he said yes, until I went out to the entrance wait for my escort, then an older female approach me and asked if I took the menus, I told her yes, and she said I couldn't, as they were short of supply of the menus. I think it is more like they don't want their lounge offerings leak out to their competitors. I mean the menus can be reprinted, that's easy, but their menus were so extensive like a restaurant, it was somewhat a secret they want to keep. I know I could have taken photos of each page, but I thought I can just brought the menus home. Well, I thought wrong, and I was so embrassed felt like I was a thief.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Feb 18, 2012 at 1:17 am
Feb 18, 2012, 2:38 pm
#58
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
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Posts: 10,279
Date: 12/02/2011
Flight: TG 600
Route: BKK-HKG
Aircraft: 747-4D7
Reg. # HS-TGP (7443 config)(TG 50th anniversary)
Gate: D2
Class of Service: First Class
Seat: 2K
Load: 10/10
Schedule departs: 8:00am
Schedule arrives: 11:45am
After being almost accused as a thief in the F lounge, and hopefully they won't blacklist me from going back. It was 7:30am already, but the escort said the gate was really crowded right now, we were going to wait for another 10 min. So 10 min past, I was on my way to D2. Initially I thought it would have another cart took me to the gate, but no, this time I had to walk, but the escort went with me all the way to the gate. By the time we got to the gate, of course no mroe crowds, as it was only 15 min before departure, the escort handed my passport and boarding pass to the gate agent, wished me a pleasant flight, then I walked to the plane.
Originally if I didn't got TG'ed (77W swap to 773 on HND-NRT), I would have flown this route a day earlier, and I would be on the 747 with old 7442 config. Many people don't fly TG a lot always ask when they saw their itnerary it said 747-200 on that particular TG flight, they really think it is a 747-200, well 747-200 is actually 747-400 in 7442 config, which is the old config, 2+2 in F, very old C seat, and no PTV in Y. When the itnerary showed 747-400, that means it is a 7443 config, or new config.
With departure one day later, I was glad I am on a 7443 config, even though this was a short flight. However, even 7443 config is a new config 744, it definately show its age as well in F class. There is no wall or washroom separate between F and C, just basically a curtain stretch from the behind of 3A and 3E to the washroom in the middle.
When I got to my seat, immediately an older FA name Titiwun came and asked me for a drink. I was thinking like wow, she looked like she is in her 50s at least. I just asked for a glass of water with lemon.
She also showed me the newspaper and magazines spread in the middle console in front of 2EF. There is chinese newspaper, but from Thailand, not the ones from Hong Kong. I would have thought at least they load some Hong Kong newspaper on HKG-BKK even if it is the day before.
Here my view in front from my seat 2K
Titiwun came back later and handed me menus and headset, but no slippers. I mean what ? Even for F class there were no slippers ? All asian carriers like OZ and NH, even on a short flight like ICN-NRT, they would still have slippers if you are flying in premium classes.
Finally this time they had the real food menus, not just a paper print out
Boarding completed and door closed, end up full F for the day's flight. Here were some planes when it pushed back.
My plane HS-TKT the night before NRT-BKK still park at the same spot when it landed
Take off roll was really fast, as no one in line for take off except my flight
After that I decided to pull out the PTV and see what's in it. You can see it is an old style PTV with smallish screen, with many airlines C class PTV even bigger than this.
I decided to take a visit for the washroom before the service start
It had the usual Ferragamo lotion, but both Bvlgari and Thann cologne were seen here.
Flight: TG 600
Route: BKK-HKG
Aircraft: 747-4D7
Reg. # HS-TGP (7443 config)(TG 50th anniversary)
Gate: D2
Class of Service: First Class
Seat: 2K
Load: 10/10
Schedule departs: 8:00am
Schedule arrives: 11:45am
After being almost accused as a thief in the F lounge, and hopefully they won't blacklist me from going back. It was 7:30am already, but the escort said the gate was really crowded right now, we were going to wait for another 10 min. So 10 min past, I was on my way to D2. Initially I thought it would have another cart took me to the gate, but no, this time I had to walk, but the escort went with me all the way to the gate. By the time we got to the gate, of course no mroe crowds, as it was only 15 min before departure, the escort handed my passport and boarding pass to the gate agent, wished me a pleasant flight, then I walked to the plane.
Originally if I didn't got TG'ed (77W swap to 773 on HND-NRT), I would have flown this route a day earlier, and I would be on the 747 with old 7442 config. Many people don't fly TG a lot always ask when they saw their itnerary it said 747-200 on that particular TG flight, they really think it is a 747-200, well 747-200 is actually 747-400 in 7442 config, which is the old config, 2+2 in F, very old C seat, and no PTV in Y. When the itnerary showed 747-400, that means it is a 7443 config, or new config.
With departure one day later, I was glad I am on a 7443 config, even though this was a short flight. However, even 7443 config is a new config 744, it definately show its age as well in F class. There is no wall or washroom separate between F and C, just basically a curtain stretch from the behind of 3A and 3E to the washroom in the middle.
When I got to my seat, immediately an older FA name Titiwun came and asked me for a drink. I was thinking like wow, she looked like she is in her 50s at least. I just asked for a glass of water with lemon.
She also showed me the newspaper and magazines spread in the middle console in front of 2EF. There is chinese newspaper, but from Thailand, not the ones from Hong Kong. I would have thought at least they load some Hong Kong newspaper on HKG-BKK even if it is the day before.
Here my view in front from my seat 2K
Titiwun came back later and handed me menus and headset, but no slippers. I mean what ? Even for F class there were no slippers ? All asian carriers like OZ and NH, even on a short flight like ICN-NRT, they would still have slippers if you are flying in premium classes.
Finally this time they had the real food menus, not just a paper print out
Boarding completed and door closed, end up full F for the day's flight. Here were some planes when it pushed back.
My plane HS-TKT the night before NRT-BKK still park at the same spot when it landed
Take off roll was really fast, as no one in line for take off except my flight
After that I decided to pull out the PTV and see what's in it. You can see it is an old style PTV with smallish screen, with many airlines C class PTV even bigger than this.
I decided to take a visit for the washroom before the service start
It had the usual Ferragamo lotion, but both Bvlgari and Thann cologne were seen here.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Feb 18, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Feb 18, 2012, 3:45 pm
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,279
Bangkok - Hong Kong
Fruit juice
Fresh Fruits, Yoghurt
Cornflakes and Muesli
Main Course
Vegetable, Cheese and Egg Souffle
Grilled Black Becon
Roesti Potatoes, Panache of Mushroom with Herbs
or
Pork Balls Rice Soup
or
Braised Five Spiced Beef Short Ribs, Tossed Shrimp Roe Noodles
Sauteed Pak-Choy
Roll, Croissant, Danish pastry, Butter, Jam and Honey
Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Malt
The middle newspapers / magazine console in front of 2EF quickly changed into where they put all the glasses and juices
Titiwun came and asked if I wanted to have something to drink, I asked for cold chocolate malt (Milo), she came back later and set up my table.
And she brought me the bread basket, I just loved the bread basket on TG !
Some fresh fruits
Yogurt, now this is something totally unacceptable, yogurt was served in its original plastic cup ? Are you serious ? This is F, not C or Y ! Would they even have the courtesy to pour the yohurt into a bowl ? Was it really how they are going to serve yohurt in F ?
Since I had a big breakfast, I chose the lighter option: Pork Balls Rice Soup
It tasted ok, nothing extraordinary, I just felt it was a cheap dish. If they use seafood instead of a few tiny pork balls would be more approiate for F class. I looked around at other F pax, none of their entrees look that much better. I think that's why people have problems with TG's catering. Being an asian carrier, they totally can't compete with CX, NH, OZ, SQ's offerings at all.
After that I decided to look around the cabin
This is C class and of course on the right side is the signature TG's long galley on the 744
Y class has PTV in each seat on the 7443 config
In the Y bathroom, they had the Erb Cologne as well
A few shots of its wings, especially on the winglet has TG's old logo
THe flight was short, after that I had a shot with (from the left) Titiwun, Pratya, and ISM Nithi
On the PTV, it showed the HKG airport and HKG areial map.
Approaching HKG from the west
Landing was smooth and saw CO's 738 parked at the tarmac
Service was outstanding performed by Titiwun and Pratya, after I got out of the plane, again someone is holding a sign, it seemed like for all F pax, there was a cart took me all the way to the immigration, but no escort thru customs. I have Hong Kong ID of course that I means I could breeze thru immigration thru e-channels. However, despite being F pax, my bags weren't the first out of the belt, not 2nd or 3rd neither. I watched all priority bags came out, then bags with no priority tags, I wasn't getting concerned and asked one of the workers there if my bags were lost. It finally came out after almost 30 min, I was quite surprised HKG usually handle priority tag bags well, especially it had the TG first tag as well. So the cart ride from the plane to immigration was just useless. TG should correct this matter promptly.
Fruit juice
Fresh Fruits, Yoghurt
Cornflakes and Muesli
Main Course
Vegetable, Cheese and Egg Souffle
Grilled Black Becon
Roesti Potatoes, Panache of Mushroom with Herbs
or
Pork Balls Rice Soup
or
Braised Five Spiced Beef Short Ribs, Tossed Shrimp Roe Noodles
Sauteed Pak-Choy
Roll, Croissant, Danish pastry, Butter, Jam and Honey
Tea, Coffee, Chocolate Malt
The middle newspapers / magazine console in front of 2EF quickly changed into where they put all the glasses and juices
Titiwun came and asked if I wanted to have something to drink, I asked for cold chocolate malt (Milo), she came back later and set up my table.
And she brought me the bread basket, I just loved the bread basket on TG !
Some fresh fruits
Yogurt, now this is something totally unacceptable, yogurt was served in its original plastic cup ? Are you serious ? This is F, not C or Y ! Would they even have the courtesy to pour the yohurt into a bowl ? Was it really how they are going to serve yohurt in F ?
Since I had a big breakfast, I chose the lighter option: Pork Balls Rice Soup
It tasted ok, nothing extraordinary, I just felt it was a cheap dish. If they use seafood instead of a few tiny pork balls would be more approiate for F class. I looked around at other F pax, none of their entrees look that much better. I think that's why people have problems with TG's catering. Being an asian carrier, they totally can't compete with CX, NH, OZ, SQ's offerings at all.
After that I decided to look around the cabin
This is C class and of course on the right side is the signature TG's long galley on the 744
Y class has PTV in each seat on the 7443 config
In the Y bathroom, they had the Erb Cologne as well
A few shots of its wings, especially on the winglet has TG's old logo
THe flight was short, after that I had a shot with (from the left) Titiwun, Pratya, and ISM Nithi
On the PTV, it showed the HKG airport and HKG areial map.
Approaching HKG from the west
Landing was smooth and saw CO's 738 parked at the tarmac
Service was outstanding performed by Titiwun and Pratya, after I got out of the plane, again someone is holding a sign, it seemed like for all F pax, there was a cart took me all the way to the immigration, but no escort thru customs. I have Hong Kong ID of course that I means I could breeze thru immigration thru e-channels. However, despite being F pax, my bags weren't the first out of the belt, not 2nd or 3rd neither. I watched all priority bags came out, then bags with no priority tags, I wasn't getting concerned and asked one of the workers there if my bags were lost. It finally came out after almost 30 min, I was quite surprised HKG usually handle priority tag bags well, especially it had the TG first tag as well. So the cart ride from the plane to immigration was just useless. TG should correct this matter promptly.
Last edited by ORDnHKG; Feb 18, 2012 at 4:51 pm