Thai-Kiwi

Hmmmm, first TR. Having been reading Kiwi-Flyers epic journey in the Concourse C Lounge at BKK (well his current odyssey at least), I rather wonder why I'm even bothering - but maybe it'll be of interest to some and perhaps it has provided a touch of inspiration.

Background. Unexpectedly summoned to Wellington for a work conference in the week 04-09 Nov. Eyeballs bulge! This means I could actually make the NZ Mainland DO. However, I was torn between two mistresses. Should I fly TG F BKK-AKL, or would it be better to try the new NZ C (Air NZ Business Premier) which would require require routing via HKG? Complicating matters was work in Vietnam immediately prior to departure, and immediately after return.

Many emails later with the office TA over exactly what route I wanted to fly, I decided on the Air NZ routing for the following reasons:

• Air NZ had a special biz fare BKK-HKG-AKL return - cheaper than TG BKK-AKL (direct) in C. ^^
  
• I get to try out the new BP seating on NZ.
  
• I have the chance to buy a C to F upgrade (standby upgrade) for approx cost of THB 6600 on the BKK-HKG sector (and loaf in the F lounge, try out the spa etc etc.) ^
  
• The later departure from AKL on Air NZ (23:55) gave much more flexibility than TG (15:30) to attend the mainland DO in ZQN ^
  
• The mileage earned is similar due to the additional 'dog-leg' via HKG.

With some advice from FTers, I booked the WLG-ZQN return on the same ticket so everything was on the same PNR to avoid any hassles with who would be responsible in the event of any delays.

Throwing in the push to Vietnam a few days before, the itinerary is an interesting:

BKK-HAN-BKK-HKG-AKL-WLG-CHC-ZQN-AKL-HKG-BKK, all in C except for the domestic NZ sectors where C isn't available. So I booked it. The only hassle is that I can only do 24hrs worth of the FT DO in ZQN - darn, I'll just have to make the most of my short time.

I joined PC, purchased 20,000 miles, became a Gold PC member, and purchased 3 nights in WLG and 1 in ZQN using the 5000 Points Break deal that was on offer - goodness, FT is a useful resource!!!

So, now just need to wait and kick-off the journey.....

Kiwi Flyer

Looking forward to seeing you again at ZQN do, and to reading your trip report.

Thai-Kiwi

BKK-HAN.
HS-TAP 'Pathumthani'
A300-600
Seat 23E
Gate C1

Scheduled Departure 1745 hrs
Actual Airborne 1805 hrs
Runway 01 L

Scheduled Arrival 1935 hrs
Actual Landing 1927 hrs
Runway 11

The first sector of my hobbitesque adventure. Actually had booked Mon morning on TG682, since the Sunday flights were completely full, however a check on availability (thanks KVS!) showed that I could travel Sunday night - which I much prefer as it allows a start at 0800 hrs the next morning. may too that will allow an earlier return to BKK on Tues am rather than Tues PM.

Usually I can only fly regionally in Y, but the flights to Hanoi are sold out in Y so I can justify the biz fare. Actually, I really don't like flying the THAI A300-600 on this route. Many times I've flown via SIN (either LX/SQ or SQ/SQ) which allows a very nice service, more miles, and a chance to visit friends in SIN. I even made a SIN DO earlier in the year - my very first! But no time to go via SIN, and biz on the THAI A300-600 is....acceptable.

Although I could get a driver from work, its Sunday so I take a cab. It turns out that the driver is moonlighting as a cab driver, whilst his full time job is as a driver for a resident in the same apartment block as myself. My younger son is a friend of the family that the cab driver works for in his real job, and so I manage to gain some useful intelligence on what my 13 year old is REALLY up to.... Bangkok is such a small city......

Arrive at the airport in 30 mins from lower Sukhumvit, via the expressway. Given the driver is now a 'friend', I leave a very generous tip on top of the THB 235 fare (all inclusive). I enter Door 1 (for F and C pax) and head for the business check-in in Row 2. I'm stunned that each counter that is manned (or womaned?!) has around 6 pax waiting to be checked in . Turns out that most of these folk are heading to Dubai and in large family groups. Too surprised to take a piccy.

Still, the wait isn't long and I'm checked in with just a laptop case and a rollaboard - no checked baggage on this trip. The guy at immigration is having a bad day - he just can't find the stamp for when I re-entered Thailand on 2 weeks ago (although the PP is rather full). Eventually done, and I head immediately down the escalator to the Concourse D Lounge - intention is only to pass through though to the 'left-hand side' Lounge in Concourse C. Usually not so busy as the main lounge and near my departure gate (C1).

I stopped by the Spa first as I really could have used a head/shoulders massage. Too busy with a 25 minute wait - and I had some work and FT reading to do. I flagged it away, to the surprise of the staff.

The C lounge (RHS) was quite full, but I managed to find a seat where I could get the laptop powered and get going. Gate C1 had a 747-400 (HS-TGA) parked, but she was pushed back soon after and vacated. I was concerned that we'd be bussed to a remote stand, although that usually means gate C1. Eventually (it took 1 Asahi 'super dry') HS-TAP arrived at C1 and was 'serviced'.

At 1710, I left the Lounge and proceeded past the 'fluid check'. My thai is quite good and I mentioned to the 'checker' in thai that I had no fluids, and was waved through with a smile. X-rayed soon after, I then headed towards the gate, which was rather full - which I'd expected since I couldn't buy an economy seat. I headed down, had my BP scanned and was handed the 'stub' (which I like as it is perfectly creditcard sized and I can store in my wallet). I went to take a piccy or two of TAP (poor due to the little heat-radiating ceramic 'blobs' stuck to the windows), and noticed immediately the the starboard engine cowl was opened with the usual number of tech folk poking around. Check-in supervisor assured me that boarding would be 'close to on time', as being stuck at the gate with a tech delay is never any fun!

As it was, boarding begins with a call for Biz and *G pax, which was actually reasonably managed - sometimes it is a real 'dogs breakfast' to regional destinations in asia !! So on board in amongst the first dozen pax. Biz board through 1L, but my seat is 23E, in a mini-biz cabin, aft of 2L, so I 'suffer' the full stream of economy pax trooping past me. The main hassle is that the cabin crew can't manage to offer hot towels, papers, and drinks for quite a while. Menus were distributed (and never collected) at this time. Still, given the full load, it all goes remarkably smoothly. There are a couple of large tour groups of Vietnamese pax, which slows the process a little as some folk get in the wrong aisle and so on. Still, it's nice to see the excitement of those for whom traveling is a rare treat!

We push-back at 1749, and after engine start (no problems on starboard) taxi away at 1754. Cabin crew take meal orders during this time, and there is a lengthy taxi to runway 01L. I did tell one of the cabin crew that one of the small coat-lockers was insecure (in thai, to save him a bit of face), and it was locked prior to lining-up. Note that the monsoon has changed (or is changing) from the SW Monsoon (requiring Rwy 19) to the NE Monsoon (requiring Rwy 01). Ever wonder why every runway at SIN is orientated 23/05 through to 20/02? - Now you know !!

Full power, and 43 secs later we rotate at 1805:05. Nothing quite beats this sensation, even as a pax (TK is a pilot so has had hands full many times 'up front'). Gear retraction follows soon after, climb power is set, and the aircraft 'tidied-up'. At 1808, the 'belts' chime goes off and the cabin crew move into action. I needed a 'de-fuel' (post Asahi consumption), which gave me the excuse to note that the biz cabin was very full (45 out of 46 seats).

The seat-pitch is only 37" for this regional biz seat, but not a problem for me at 1.70m. Usually, I wouldn't pay for biz on this route as, at 1.5 hours, it just isn't worth the price difference (Y is THB14K, C THB23K approximately). The 2+2+2 config is good, an d I always go for a centre aisle to allow rapid egress and not to have anybody climbing over me (reserved for special persons only )

Made it back in time to beat the service trolley, which arrived in both aisles at 1818. I'd selected a western roast chicken dish with mashed potatoes for a change. I eat Thai food many times a day, so the change was nice. the meal was rather good - hot throughout, smooth mash, and tasty chicken. tried a couple of glasses of the red wine, but no wine list and the glance at the label is too fleeting.

Trays were collected at 1836 (18 mins after service), but more coffee/wine was available. Top of Descent was at 1905, and I spend all of the remaining time assisting my elderly Vietnamese neighbour in 23F who struggled to read the arrival form. I have extremely limited Vietnamese language, but I guess my 'rough' pronunciation of the Latin character script was sufficient to to the job for him to fill out all the necessary boxes.

Landing gear was lowered at 1924, and we touched down on Runway 11 at 1927 hrs. Smooth flight, great service, good landing - so congrats to Captain Watcharaporn and his crew! We hit the gate at 1933hrs. Annoyingly (to me at least), some pax start to exit their seats prior to the chime and certainly while we are still moving. When 'up front', it has crossed my mind to apply the brakes somewhat more firmly that strictly necessary to modify such behavior, as the impatient pax tumble down! (never did it of course, too career-limiting!).

I exit with my usual quick strides, and am soon heading the 'pack'. I'm lucky to be able to routinely clear immigration speedily, and by 1939 (6 minutes after gate arrival) and, with no baggage, I'm in my taxi to the Hanoi Hilton at 1945. It's a 40 minute drive, so a few texts to let the family/friends know I arrived OK, and then 'turn-off' to the Vietnamese style of driving, which consists predominately of honking the horn, and steering every so often - mainly to avoid unlit motorcycles and bicycles with 3+ pax onboard. I'm surprised that Vietnam has the population growth that it has given the traffic density....

Soon at the Hanoi Hilton, checked in by the staff who recognise me (which is always nice), then for a few 'recovery' Beer Hanoi watching Aston Villa play someone else (football isn't my game) and some typing.

aiyapk

Great report.

Cute that the left lav of the A300 has a "doghouse". Is it literally used for dogs?!

Thai-Kiwi

First Course

Mixed Salad with Prawn Marinated Pesto
Italian Dressing

Main Course

Oven Roasted Chicken with Red Capsicum and Straw Mushroom Sauce
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Buttered Spinach, Pumpkin

or

Sauteed Prawn with Black Pepper
Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, Oriental Mixed vegetables

Dessert

Pumpkin in Coconut Milk Jelly
tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino

Fliar

Great report so far. Look forward to reading more!

BTW, what's PC?

Kiwi Flyer

priority club

Thai-Kiwi

HAN-BKK
HS-TAK 'Phaya Thai'
A300-600
Seat 12E
Gate C6

Scheduled Departure 1040 hrs
Actual Airborne 1049 hrs
Runway 11 R

Scheduled Arrival 1230 hrs
Actual Landing 1223 hrs
Runway 01R

An early morning start at 0630 as I have managed to chance my flight from TG685 (evening) to TG683, departing at 1040. So working backwards, and accounting for the 50 minute journey to Noi Bai airport, I figure I should depart the Hilton around 0745. I much prefer my spare time 'airside', safely checked in, than arriving at the last minute (at least, whenever possible).

In the end I depart around 0815 as I needed to make some calls and fire up the laptop. My cab driver is a lady - rather unusual for Vietnam. She assures me she provide change for USD 20 on arrival - normal fare is either USD14,or around VND 270,000 (or USD 17-ish). Picking our way through downtown Hanoi is an experience still, notwithstanding that I've done it many times in the past. The Vietnamese have taken to motorcycles like ... well ... ducks to water! There are apparently road rules, but it is really the Law of the Jungle here - 'might has right'. There are a number of interesting sights on the way to the large bridge over the Red River - after that the scenery becomes a bit 'developmentally-industrial'.

We arrive at the Terminal around 0900 with 268,000 VND on the meter - using her mobile phone, the cab driver shows USD 17. I round it up to USD20, receiving a huge smile (and receipt) - a good start so far. The Terminal is even more chaotic than usual - masses of people throng the place, although many seem to be extended family seeing a loved on off at the airport - perhaps an indicator that air travel is still a relative (No pun intended) novelty. The THAI check-in counter is open and the queue for Royal Silk Class (TG's Biz Class) is mercifully short. I have just my rollaboard and laptop, so no checked luggage. I'm handed a Lounge Entry certificate and I'm on my way to Immigration.

Throngs again at the entry, but 90% are well wishes (or perhaps the curious). Speedily through Immigration and to the security X-Ray machine. A Brit 4-some are needing to show tickets, so we wait patiently. Until, that is, some people try 'short-cutting' the line. The staff are good and send them back to the back of the queue. Some more attempts and elbowing past by a lady in a hurry. having worked around asia for a while now. I block her path and point to the back of the line with a big smile - she, somewhat unhappily, gets the message. The Brits sort things out in (only) 2-3 minutes and we all. Annoyingly now, even as we are placing items on the X-Ray belt, others from behind are almost lobbing their bags over my head onto the belt - sigh.

I get my stuff done and hasten to the Lounge ... or where the Lounge used to be. dark and very closed looking. There is a scrappy note saying the Lounge has relocated to the second floor. Its 0925 now, but I figure that it is worth a look, for the sake of other FTers. The second floor is pretty sparse, just a public restaurant and another gift shop. But I do spy the new Lounge on the north-western side of the floor in a great spot overlooking the main runways and apron. It is 6 times larger than the previous lounge, which frankly became packed very easily, and only had about 3 powerpoints for laptops! A nice computer bay, expansive bar/food area - although the offerings are only so-so, a quiet TV area, and a massive wrap-around vista of the apron/runway . All in all, a great improvement, but nowhere near as classy as the new *A Lounge in Ho Chi Minh City.

As I take my seat, I see my aircraft touchdown, so I decide I have 30 mins before packing up and going to board. Finish off some work, have a sprite, and then get going. Boarding has commenced by the time I get down, but with no-one in the Biz lane (thanks to some efficient pax control by staff) I walk on-board - again, amongst the very first pax by chance it seems and in my seat at 1028.

Today I am seated forward in the main Biz cabin, which means that only a few 'lost' economy pax wander past. Biz load is very light at 11 out of a possible 46. The purser and Load Control guy are paying enormous attention to the pax in 11A/B (Row 11 is always the first row of biz in all of TG's fleet) - I check in-flight later on and am told he is one of the (many) Vice-Presidents of THAI travelling with a female companion.

Lots of room for cabin crew to attend to the few pax, so hot towel at 1032, Drink (Champagne), menu and papers all delivered by 1033. Crew are friendly and efficient. My meal order is taken at 1036 (Fish), and in the time I've decided, the doors are closed. We push-back a minute later and are taxiing at 1043. During the taxi, one of the more junior cabin crew attempts to collect the champagne glass (still 1/2 full) from a pax in 11K. He says 'don't worry, I'll hold on to it', she asks again and he politely insists. We start to turn and line-up, and she is summoned to take her seat. I couldn't help but make comment to guy that there are safety reasons why the glassware should be collected for TakeOff and Landing - mainly to prevent it becoming a loose object flying around the cabin in the event of a rejected takeoff - and that my interest was personnel, I'm sharing the cabin with him and his glass - he didn't care... (I mentioned this to the Purser later, as it seemed to me that the Cabin Crew member should have stuck to her guns and insisted. He agreed and apologised for the failure.)

Lined upon Runway 11R at 1048, and rotated at 1049 into a dull and bleak sky. Very soon after the aircraft has been cleaned up, the 'relax' chime is sounded by the guys up front and at 1053, my table is set. Meal service begins at 1101. I'd selected the deep-fried groper, which was very good. many food,though, appeared to favour the beef. I'm finished eating quite quickly, but I am enjoying the white wine, and have a second glass. again, no time to notice the label, and can't be bothered to go for a look in the galley.

In-flight conditions are smooth, and CAPT Kosit advises at 1108 that we'll be flying over Vientiane (VTE), Lao PDR, then tracking west of Khon Kaen to Bangkok. He estimates arrival at 1225, which includes tracking to the south and making our approach to the north. Having scanned the Bangkok Post, I decide that completing the sudoku should fill in the time prior to arrival - and I make with time to spare! (Ok, it was 'easy', but it still takes time....).

TOD is at 1155, power is reduced and we commence descent. Orchids and playing cards are distributed to all pax. The weather is clear, but slightly choppy due to the usual convective turbulence, especially once we get below 8000'. We touch down on Runway 01R into a reasonable northerly breeze, followed by a relative fast taxi to the vicinity of Concourse A. We appear to dock at an airbridge near A2 at 1230. Alas, it is spot A1A, also known as theh apron, and into a bus we descend. There is no special bus for Biz pax (drat!), and even the VP is slumming it with the rest of us. There are some grumbles, but I know that I'll be at Immigration faster than even I (or Kiwi-Flyer) could possibly do by 'power-striding' !!

I'm in the Immigration Line at 1240, and after a 5 inute ponder over the peculiarities of my PP, I am off with no bags towards customs. Waved through and in the car at 1249. In the office downtown Bangkok by 1330 sipping my restorative Starbucks. Another interesting trip on THAI completed.

This is, of course, just a starter. Tomorrow, I'll be trying for a standby upgrade to F on THAI BKK-HKG, followed by HKG to AKL in C. I'm too tired to be too excited - so much on at work and at home that I'm feeling quite jaded.

Piccy links when I have a moment tomorrow am.....


PS (for aiyapk)
I quizzed the Purser about the 'dogbox' question. Although a small dog could be deposited there, it is just a small drawer thingy where menus and stuff are stored. It does look like a dogbox though....

lucky9876coins

Great report so far, with an awesome narrative and great pictures!^ I can't wait to read the rest of your report!

Thai-Kiwi

Previous Post now updated with pictures

First Course

Mixed Grilled Salad and Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Dressing

Main Course

Broiled Tenderloin Steak with pepper Cream Sauce
Lyonnaise Potatoes, Green Peas, Carrot

or

Fried Snapper Fish with Soya Bean Ginger
fried Rice with ham and vegetable
Stir-fried Taiwanese Cabbage

Dessert

Pear Chocolate Tart
Tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino

Thai-Kiwi

BKK-HKG
HS-TGL 'Theparat'
B747-400
Seat 01A

Gate C6

Scheduled Departure 1600 hrs
Actual Airborne 1623 hrs
Runway 11 L

Scheduled Arrival 1945 hrs
Actual Landing 1930 hrs
Runway 07L

Wednesday 31st Oct dawned cool and overcast - unusual for Bangkok. Up at 0600, but I'm the last up as Mrs TK has been getting the kids up for school at 0530 whilst I've been away (we share this miserable task....) remarkably, for me, I had packed the previous night and am pretty much ready to go to work at 0700. The plan is to check in early to try for a standby upgrade from Biz to First - cost is THB 6600 or around USD 190. A check of Expert-Flyer over morning coffee advises F availability, and I back this up with a call to THAI. No problems.....

I get in the car at around 1045 - the day is really rather bleak, with low cloud just above the tall buildings. Reminds me of CHC many years ago... The trip takes only 30 mins on the expressway. I notice that Nok Air has some new B737-800s or something with big winglets. We arrive outside Door 1 First/Business the sign proudly proclaims - I know where I will be heading! I summon a 'luggage lad' who loads the bags and follows me in.

I don't allow the staff to check my ticket as I veer left to the First Class check-in area, I simply mention in Thai that I'm traveling in First. At check in I explain the the very helpful staff member taking care of me that I'm booked in Biz, but want to buy standby upgrade to First. 10 secs on the phone to confirm with Load Control and it is 'Yessir!' Cost is THB 6600 or USD 190.

I take a seat whilst documents are whizzed away to be sorted out. It takes about 15mins - meantime I ask for seat 01A if available - it is. I also have an unusual item as checked baggage that has required some work by staff at the office to Air NZ and THAI. Again, no problems. Bags are checked through to WLG (ultimate destination) via AKL. I am escorted through immigration, and down the escalator to the D Concourse Biz lounge where I am met by a Gold Buggy and driven through Biz to First. I took some snaps here and there!


In the lounge, I have lunch (to order) Pad Thai Goong, and a coffee. I also ask for a spa to be arranged. for around 1300. The First Lounge is quite busy, but it become obvious that 50% of those present are security staff for some Phu Yai (big wig). I quiz the staff, who explain they are on SQ to SIN, and they don't really know who it is - me neither.....

I am summoned to the Spa at 1300 - and what can I say..... great ^^^ Just what I needed actually. I waited briefly in a very nice holding pen, before entering the Spa room. Basically took a shower, and got changed into some throwaway undies The exited to the massage table, where the lady was wearing a mask (no SARS here!). Full aromatic oil massage later, back to shower, and all done. I didn't use the bath tub, on the basis it would have taken 35 minutes to fill!!!

Back to the Lounge at at 1415, then some shopping for my staff, and then back to do some FT stuff (links etc). Was offered, and had 3 x champagnes - Moet I think. A wee bit sweet, but fine (at least then). beavered away for a bit longer...and became bored - wanted to board - No, not yet..... the staff say....

OK, so at 1555 I am summoned to join 2 other Swiss guys and we walk (coz it's not too far) to gate C6. We are very definitely the last 3 pax to board judging by the number of load staff running around with radios and looking at us. HS-TGL it is, I'm in 01A, the other jokers are in 3E/F. It is very lonely up here, all by my self. Door is closed at 1600, hot towels, headphones and socks packet delivered, followed by more champagne (Dom this time, more to my taste ) we push back at 1611 - and my champagne is refilled with a smile (I didn't ask, honest!). We taxi at 1616, and my glass is rescued by T, the senior Cabin attendant. Purser N introduces himself, and he is delighted that I can chat away to him in Thai . This bears fruit later. T recovers my half full Dom glass (or was it half empty.....?) as we near line-up for Runway 01L. At 1623 we straighten, full power is applied and off we go. Rotate soon after, clean-up followed by a right turn to the northeast and commence climb to 34,000 feet.

Again, very soon after at 1629, T appears and advises that there is no menu, but the loaded choices are Scallops, Fillet Mignon, and Ostrich Steak. I choose the Fillet. I should note that usually TG606 is a B777 service with no First, so I have no issues with a lack of menu on a nonstandard routing (although TG 600 at 0800 does have F....).

At 1637, the drink trolley comes around and more Dom is 'dumped' on me - who am I to complain?! Followed soon after by a small dish of nuts. At 1642 the starter arrives - prawn roll thingies and tiny spring rolls - yummy! 1646 Captain Kittinan advises weather in HKG is 23 degrees C, with overcast and light rain. The Purser, N arrives and we have a chat above degradation in THAI service in F and C over last 2 years. I explain that I understand that he and Cabin Crew bear the brunt of the complaints, and that must be hard. he is appreciative that I understand that it's not the fault of the front-line staff. he says that it has been very tough on morale, and that THAI is not yet out of the woods in terms of financial performance. He says he just tries to encourage staff to do their best in terms of service delivery.

Table set at 1653 - with a choice of soups offered -I took the Tom Yum Goong, very good indeed! we crossed the Thai/.Laos border at 1704. Main meal (Fillet Mignon) arrived at 1711. Although I would have liked it hotter, it is quite OK, and very tender - so a pass overall. The white wine (French reisling?) also not too bad. I managed some Cheese and Port, but waved away dessert. I took some green tea to freshen the mouth,then got up for a wander around.

IMPORTANT POINT

How do you know if you have had a glass of champagne too many? It might be when you are standing (as males are wont) in the F toilet going for a ...er...pee, and the you eventually you notice a bright red light 20cm in front of your face that reads PLEASE LOCK THE DOOR. And then I did And then I returned to my seat and ordered my coffee....

A few snaps of the new F seat are here, here, and here.

At 1807 Top of descent and things are tidied up in the cabin. After a while longer, we turn north to position for our approach to the west to HKG. 1825 the Captain chimes and directs Cabin Crew to prepare for landing. power is a bit up and down, so the approach is not yet stabilised. 1828, established on final approach and the gear is lowered. We touchdown smoothly at 1830 (1930 HKG time), and end up berthing at gate W42. N, T and other cabin crew see us out the door.

The 3 F pax are met on deplaning by a buggy for fast track arrival - but I'm just transit I say and try to look plaintive (which was probably the case). I am rescued by Joyce (from One World), who personally escorts me to the THAI First Lounge, where I plop down and grab a coffee....and get ready to type

I did manage a minor snoop around the Thai First lounge (access via arrival F BP and no onwards availability for F on NZ) Lounge, and had some Dim Sums, and a Perrier Water, and then back to the typing. I'll do photo links tomorrow......

mad_atta

Congrats on the upgrade! And nice report so far - looking forward to the photos of TG F. Am also very curious to hear your impressions of NZ Business Premier HKG-AKL - I was very impressed in the other direction a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

Thai-Kiwi

Thanks for comments. THAI F section updated with picture links. No menu for TG F to enter, HKG-AKL-WLG coming tonight...

Cheers, TK

Kiwi Flyer

Looking forward to the next instalment