flysas

British Midland, Thai and Bangkok Airways

30 September 2007
Airline: British Midland
Route: Leeds Bradford – London Heathrow
Flight Number: BD411
Departure Time: 0645
Arrival Time: 0800
Aircraft RJ145
Class: Economy

I checked in the evening before on line and printed off my boarding pass. On arrival at Leeds Bradford we were unable to drive up to the terminal and had to go into the car park, the airport allow you 7 minutes to unload and drop off before you get charged, it would help if they had baggage trolleys in the car park instead of at the entrance to the terminal.

No queues at British Midland bag drop and I was on my way to security, due to the popularity of Jet2 from Leeds security is always a pain to get through, the queues were long and moved slow, security had 2 machines working and it was shoes off today!.

I headed up to the Servisair lounge which again was very quiet, only one side open. A good selection of drinks both soft and alcoholic but the only food options was toast and jam and a selection of biscuits and crisps.

Boarding was called at 0620 and we were soon walking along the apron to the Embraer, id forgotten how small the cabins are on this aircraft and had to duck down walking to my seat. An average load of 31 passengers this morning, with 2 cabin crew to look after us. After take off the crew came around offering drinks for sale, £1.75 for a coffee, I was fortunate I have a BD card to be able to get a drink and a pannini free of charge but this morning no sandwiches were available.

Captain advised us of a 35 minute flight and in no time we were over flying Windsor Castle and landing at Heathrow and disembarking at Terminal 1. As BD don’t allow you to thru check luggage if you are traveling on a separate ticket I had to collect my luggage before heading over to Terminal 3 for my Thai Airlines flight. Luggage appeared 10 minutes after landing which imp informed is very good for Heathrow. I grabbed a trolley and walked through the underground walkways to Terminal 3.

Airline: Thai Airways
Route: London Heathrow – Bangkok
Flight Number: TG911
Departure Time: 1230
Arrival: 0605
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400(New Seats)
Class: Royal First


I arrived at Terminal 3 to a complete mess of a construction site, lots of barriers and signs and building work to contend with, finally found the Thai check in area at Section D and found the desk was not open till 3 ½ hours prior to the flight departure so I wandered around, the American Airlines and United Airlines areas were both manic with queues. Thai check in is handled by SAS and opened dead on schedule. 4 desks for Economy, 1 each for business and First. No queue at the first class check in desk and a very chirpy man called Mark checked me in and informed me the aircraft had the new seats and that he would check my bags through to Phuket. He handed me the boarding cards and informed me that Thai use the London Lounge and at that point they didn’t have a gate allocation and to keep watching the departure screens. He also informed me that my boarding pass entitled me to use the Fast Track security line.

I headed upstairs and to the fast track line, about 20 people in front of me and here you could keep your shoes on but had to remove your belts, I don’t understand why each airports security in the UK have different standards.

Terminal 3 is now like a shopping mall, had a quick wander around but didn’t find the prices too attractive so I decided to go Lounge Hopping, Star Alliance allow first class ticket holders to enter any of there lounges so I decided I would try all 3 lounges in Terminal 3. First of all I headed to the Singapore Airlines First Class lounge.

A very accommodating Lounge host directed me to the first class area of the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge. I entered to find I had the lounge to myself. You have the choice of self service or table service. I grabbed a coffee and a very nice plate of sandwiches. The waiter came across and informed me of the wines and champagne they had available and if I required anything from the bar to just ask. The champagne on offer was Moet. Food offerings were a good selection of sandwiches, some oriental chicken soup, lots of pastries and breakfast items. I found the seats to be quite uncomfortable but never the less the lounge was excellent and service standards top notch.

I moved onto The London Lounge operated by SAS and used by SAS, Air Canada, Thai and a multitude of smaller carriers. The lounge was very busy and reminded me a lot of an IKEA show room. On the entry level a bar and food area all self service, upstairs was more for a longer stay and offered separate TV room, child’s play room, slumber rooms along with a bank of 8 computers to allow internet access and a further bar and food area. This lounge was incredibly busy but for some reason had great atmosphere. I grabbed a cold drink and surfed Flyertalk on the internet. Food offerings consisted of a selection of raw veges with dips and cheese and crackers.

I then moved onto the United Airlines Red Carpet Club were unfortunately only got to the entrance, I was refused entry and directed to The London Lounge, I informed the male lounge dragon that Star Alliance allows me to use any lounges on the day of travel, he informed me I couldn’t use the lounge as they didn’t call the flight from here. I couldn’t be bother to argue and as my flight was departing from gate 5 I headed back to the Singapore Lounge before boarding,

The new gate areas are very nice, and the flight was soon boarding, only one jetway in use. Was taken to my seat in the forward section of the nose, the seats on Thai are in a 1-2-1 configuration and are very roomy. I was offered a hot towel and a selection of newspapers and magazines. The male steward then came around offering orange juice, iced tea or champagne. Not once through the flight was I addressed by name. Menus were handed out and meal selections were taken before take off.

London – Bangkok

First Serving


Hot Savoury

Deep Fried Crab Claw with Plum Sauce

First Course


Broiled Lobster Tail, Cocktail Sauce
Duck Foie Gras
Crème Fraiche with Dill

Salad

Mixed Salad
Ranch Blue Cheese Dressing, Thousand Island Dressing, Olive Oil and Balsamic Dressing

Main Course

Grilled Angler Fish, Veloute Saffrom Fish Sauce, Parsley Buttered
Potatoes, Vegetables

Prawns in Green Curry, Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, Mixed
Vegetables in Oyster Sauce, Salted Egg

Grilled Fillet of Beef, Morel Cream Sauce, Duchess Potatoes
Pumpkin, Carrot and Zucchini

Chinese Roast Duck with Soy Sauce, Steamed Rice, Pak Choy
And Carrot in Oyster Sauce


Assorted Breads/Butter

Assorted Cheese Tray and Fresh Fruits

Dessert

Cassis Roulade with Raspberry Coulis


Tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino


Second Serving

Finger Sandwiches, Scones, Assorted Mini French Pastries
Tea and Coffee


Third Serving

Fresh Fruits, Yoghurt, Cereals

Pork Siew Mai, Shrimp Ha Gao, Pork Shar Siew Bun

Omelet Filled with Green Asparagus topped with Parmesan Cheese
Gratin, Grilled Bacon, Potato, Creamed Mushrooms and Cherry Tomato

Scrambled Egg, Smoked Salmon, Grilled Bacon, Tomato Provencale

Yellow Noodle Soup with Roast Pork

Soft Boiled Rice with Accompaniments

White Toast, Croissant, Breakfast Roll, Danish Pastry
Butter, Honey, Jam, Marmalade

Tea, Coffee, Ovaltine

Wine List


White Wines

Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons 2003

Riesling Grand Cru 1er Rosacker 2003

Red Wines

Chateau Monbousquet St Emilion 2001

Hermitage Cave De Tain 2003

Champagne

Dom Perignon 1999

We were soon landing at Bangkok on schedule. First and business class passengers
Alighted first and ground personnel waiting with name placards to drive us on electric
Carts to either immigration or the transit areas. As I was flying onward to Phuket I went through immigration at the transit point and headed off to the Domestic Royal Orchid Lounge to await the domestic flight.

The lounge here is very modern and a selection of hot and cold soft drinks along with pastries and snacks. Thai does not serve alcohol in any of its domestic lounges or on any domestic flights. A bank of 4 internet computers for passenger use. The seats in the lounge are very hard and don’t really make you want to stay for long.

The gate was at the opposite end of the pier from the lounge, the piers all have good electric walkways and security is conducted at each gate. No liquids over 100ml allowed on this flight.

Airline: Thai Airways
Route: Bangkok - Phuket
Flight Number: TG201
Departure Time: 0750
Arrival: 0910
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400(New Seats)
Class: Business

Flight boarded but no call for Business class passengers first so it was a mad scrum to board, seats were the new updated ones and I was in 22A which is the first row of business class on the lower deck. Once seated, I was offered a cold towel and choice of orange juice, iced tea or water. No alcohol is served on Thai domestic flights. Once in the air the crew offered a hot breakfast of noodles and prawns along with some Thai pastry and a sweet honey like dip. Lots of offers of juice, tea or coffee. We soon landed at Phuket, luggage very quick coming through and soon in a car on the way to my resort.




Airline: Bangkok Airways
Route: Phuket – Utapao(Pattaya)
Flight Number: PG282
Departure Time: 1440
Arrival: 1625
Aircraft: ATR 72
Class: Economy

A first for me to fly with Bangkok Airways. At Phuket Airport all luggage both hold and hand baggage is screened prior to check in, you also have the opportunity to have your luggage security sealed with shrink wrap. No queue at the check in and was assigned a window seat towards the rear of the plane. Bangkok airways have a lounge for all passengers with free soft drinks, tea, coffee and biscuits along with free internet access.
The flight was called and we were at a remote stand so a small bus journey to the plane. Only 23 passengers on this 72 seater aircraft on this flight so most people had a empty seat and we were asked not to move from assigned seats until after take off, I presume this was to do with the weight and balance of the aircraft. Take off was quick and I didn’t realise how quick these turbo prop planes take off and the quickness of ascent.

Once airborne, the crew distributed cold towels and a snack box. The box contained some raw vegetable crudities, Chinese roast pork with noodles and a cake and snack bar. They then offered cold drinks and a choice of tea or coffee. I was very impressed with the service and the quality of the snack for economy class.

On descent into Utapao airport we were informed that as the airport is still a military base no photographs should be taken on descent or at the airport. On landing we were the only plane on the apron and we were transported by a tram to the terminal. I had a chuckle to see that this is actually known as Utapao International Airport. It was more like a shack in the middle of a field; the one baggage carousel could accommodate approx 20 bags at a time. I had pre-arranged a driver to meet me and take me to the hotel in Pattaya. This cost me 1300 Thai baht compared to the 1600 the airport company had posted.


Airline: Thai Airways
Route: Bangkok – London Heathrow
Flight Number: TG916
Departure Time: 1235
Arrival: 1835
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400(New Seats)
Class: Royal First

The hotel car dropped me off at the Royal First kerbside and we were met by a Thai representative and a porter. They took my luggage and escorted me to the lounge area to complete the check in formalities. Once checked in the Thai rep escorted me to the Royal First Class Immigration line and down the escalator. Surprising enough it can not have been more than 100m to the lounge but they insist on taking you there by electric buggy. I was handed over to the lounge representative who asked me if I would like to make use of the Spa; I was entitled to either a 1 hour full body massage or a one hour foot neck and shoulder massage. I opted for the foot massage and was taken to the very nice Spa lounge. I believe this is operated for Thai by the Oriental Hotel and was very relaxing and gracious. Following the massage I was taken back to the Royal First Lounge and told I would be collected once the flight was boarding. Full waiter service, very nice restaurant area. I was called for 15 minutes prior to departure and escorted to the gate. It seems if you’re travelling First class you have to be escorted at every part of your airport journey. Once at the gate everyone had already boarded and I was shown to the very exclusive seat 1A.

On board there were 8 out of the 10 seats occupied for this daylight service back to London. I was offered a choice of Juice or champagne prior to take off. Once again no in-flight suits or amenity kits were offered or infact available. Within 15 minute of take off the crew were setting table for the first meal service. I got the impression they wanted to get the meal over and done with as quickly as possible. The menu is transcribed below:-

First Serving


Hot Savoury

Deep Fried Prawns with Tartre Sauce

First Course

Marinated Salmon and Halibut rolled with Horseradish
Balik Salmon with Horseradish cream in cherry tomato

Main Course

Braised Beef Cheek with Red Wine and Balsamic Sauce
Caramelized Vegetables, Papadelle Noodles

Or

Pork Spare Ribs King Tu Style
Stir Fried Noodles with Vegetables, Sauteed Taiwanese Cabbage with
Oyster Sauce

Or

Fried King Prawns with Three Flavoured Sauce
Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, Stir Fried Loofah with Shrimps
Baked Chicken in Pandan Leaves, Soy Bean Dip and Fresh
Vegetables in Cucumber Ring

Or

Chicken Salimbocca Romana Style, Marsala Sauce
Carrot Noodles and Grilled Vegetables

Assorted Breads/Butter

Assorted Cheese Tray and Fresh Fruits / Crackers

Dessert

Assorted Thai Sweets
Mini Cake and Tartlets
Tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino


Second Serving

Canapés

First Course

Tenderloin Duck Terrine with Aromatic Herbs
Apple and Grape Salad with Pine Nut, Bouquet of Green Asparagus

Soup

Pumpkin Cream Soup with Orange Peel and Whipped Cream

Main Course

Grilled Lamb Chop, Brown Mint Sauce
Roesti Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables Western Style

Or

Tortellini stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and Spinach
Capsicum and Olive Sauce, Grilled Assorted Vegetables with Balsamic

Or

Salmon and Scallop Souffle in Cabbage Cum
Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, Mixed Vegetables Thai Style

Or

Stir Fried Pork Slices with Ginger and Spring Onion
Oriental Fried Rice, Sauteed Mixed Vegetables Oriental Style

Assorted Breads/Butter

Dessert

Kiwi Fruit Tart
Tea Coffee Espresso Cappuccino


I have to say the food on Thai has to be the worst I have encountered in premium cabins for a long period of time. Small portions, poor quality and basically served with no smiles or eye contact. You had to order both meals just after take off. In-between meals I asked for some sandwiches and was given 3 quarters of mixed sandwiches wrapped in cling wrap with no plate..this is first class?

The one saving grace for the flight is the in-flight AVOD entertainment system, good quality, good choice and very reliable. Maybe a larger screen like on QR would have made it perfect.

Once the meal was served they insisted on lowering the window shades and turned out the lights. I choose a daytime flight back as I prefer to stay awake and arrive back on London early evening and then my body clock is back in sync. 4 hours prior to landing the lights cam on and the next meal served, once this was cleared away the lights again turned off until about 20 mins prior to landing.

On arrival at Heathrow was taken by electric buggy to the immigration area, and down to baggage reclaim, bags came out in about 10 mins and I was out and through customs within 30 minutes of landing, pretty good going for Heathrow.

I headed over to Terminal One for my domestic flight to Leeds Bradford. I was booked on BD422 at 2200 however I was at Terminal One at 1915 and asked if it was possible to change my ticket to the BD420 at 2040. I was informed even though there were 30 empty seats it would cost me £169.00 to change (I was travelling on a First Class Award Ticket). I declined and spent the extra 1 hour 20 minutes in the Diamond Club.

Airline: British Midland
Route: London Heathrow – Leeds Bradford
Flight Number: BD422
Departure Time: 2200
Arrival Time: 2255
Aircraft RJ145
Class: Economy

Flight was called about 2145 and only 21 passengers on this service. I was in seat 1A which was very nice as it had a little bit extra leg room. Quick take off and headed north to Leeds Bradford, once again the service had no sandwiches for diamond club members. If BD are so adamant at advertising this free meal deal why on earth don’t the flights carry the sandwiches. Very quick smooth flight and landed at 2245, taken by coach to the terminal building and baggage arrived 5 minutes later.

It’s very difficult to meet anyone at Leeds as they still have the main entrance to the terminal closed off to traffic. This means anyone meeting you have to use the car park, they give you 7 minutes free. Perhaps Leeds has kept this going to increase car park revenues?

Summery

British Midland offer a good service between Leeds and London, the only negatives is they need to be more flexible with changing tickets, it would have been no skin off there nose to put me on the earlier flight and had a happy customer

Thai’s product is mediocre, the seats and in-flight entertainment is good, the crew seem to be very demoralised and the food is dire. I would in future avoid them and use either QR or EY and change planes and travel business class.

Bangkok Airways is a very good internal product for short flights

Thanks for reading my report any comments would be appreciated

27R

Good report - enjoyed it! It's a pity Thai's inflight product didn't match the ground service.

ReadystEDIgo

Thanks for posting.

So if I understand correctly, on neither of your flights you were given an amenity kit or sleep suit and on the return flight the cabin lights were dimmed and blinds were closed? So you were being 'encouraged' to sleep but in your clothes, in First? I'm on the same flights next month to and from Oz and am therefore interested to know if anyone can confomr if this is the norm?

Worrying to hear about the quality of the food.

flysas

Yep was traveling in first, encouraged to sleep, and no amenity kit or pj;s on either flight
Have written to Thai on my return 3 weeks ago and have yet to receive a response

FLYGVA

Thanks for you nice report. I printed it and have enjoyed readingit during a business trip yesterday. I have been on TG 217 from BKK to HKL back in may, but only in Y. Luckily I have not experienced such a negative service on TG so far and another impression. I would prefer them over any European airlines to Asia. But I do not care that much about inflight entertainment system and crews have been very friendly so far.

I am always amazed about the service of TG's domestic or short-haul flights, esp. in comparison to the European or American airlines.

aSiAnRiCk

Nice report .. I enjoyed the read ^

Would nice to see pictures though

broadwayboy

"I have to say the food on Thai has to be the worst I have encountered in premium cabins for a long period of time. Small portions, poor quality and basically served with no smiles or eye contact"

We flew JFK-BKK-JFK in J recently. I wasn't so disappointed with the quality of the food (which doesn't mean it was good), but more so by the way it was served. The male FA managed to serve us lunch, dinner, and snack WITHOUT looking at us, uttering a single word, let alone producing a smile. Oh wait, he did say one word. "Coffee?" But he did ask that without even looking at us.

This happened on both flights!

The female FA scored marginally better, but still sub-standard. I often read complaints about SQ FAs being 'robotic'. I'd take SQ robots anytime than TG FAs.

aSiAnRiCk

I wonder if Thai has a tradition of not making eye contact, as a way of being respectful?

SethLevy

Nice report, I recently flew TG from JFK-BKK in J and BKK-LHR in F

I too was amazed at how unprofessional the crew were. Never a smile, they performed their duties with no words. Never asked if the passengers wanted anything, lights out immediately

The BKK-LHR in F was slightly better, but not up to the J standard of SQ, CX or JL.

Sad to say that a lot of AA FAs score higher than TG ones.

Hawk Circle

The complaint about the food on TG makes me smile. It evokes the Woody Allen line:
"There's an old joke - um... two elderly women are at a Catskill mountain resort, and one of 'em says, "Boy, the food at this place is really terrible." The other one says, "Yeah, I know; and such small portions." Well, that's essentially how I feel about life - full of loneliness, and misery, and suffering, and unhappiness, and it's all over much too quickly. "

Rejuvenated

Great report! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Flyingfox

I guess only on the aircraft!
On the ground they certainly are full of smiles!

Silverswimmer

Flew TG F LHR/BKK on 29/Dec and back BKK/LHR on 14/Jan.
Sleep suits , smiles and amenity kits on both flights and always addressed by name.
Too much food ( we were looking for a light alternative) plenty of choice and decent portions.
Cannot believe the diffence in our experience to flysas