5khours

They might bend the schedule a little for you to allow time for a full body. I find it in Thailand (unlike Japan), commonsense and customer service takes priority over slavish adherence to the rules.

hgp

I've had both good an bad experiences in this regard. Often TG will go the extra mile, make an effort (and using commonsense)... this sort of TG service is best in the world.

On the flip side, some staff seem unable to think in terms of customer service as they utter "so sorry" (which clearly they are not) or make up some contrived explanation complete with a plastic smile.

I've enjoyed the former on many occasions, and the latter on a few, so hopefully the OP will enjoy the service TG are (could be) famous for.

aussielori

I am coming off a flight into F with only 1.h 50 min
is there any way to book the massage before leaving RGN?
several times I have been in BKK and the spa could only do the foot massage as they we re booked out on the full body.

dsquared37

You can only book the spa on the ground in BKK.

ianp

From my experience even when you are in the first class lounge you cant book a massage to far ahead .

I was going on a tour of Bangkok and asked to book a massage for my return 4 hours later. They advised me I would have to book the massage when I returned from the tour .

dsquared37

That doesn't seem kosher.

I've been able to book at 10PM for a 6AM massage and I've set up a massage 6 hours later on a same day long layover.

as219

Some data points, FWIW.

Last October, we flew LHR-BKK-HAN had a 2-hour connection in BKK. Met by the buggy, straight to the lounge, booked 1-hour massages right away and had time for drinks afterwards in the lounge. ^

On the way back, we spent the night in BKK. Our flight was at 12:30pm or so back to LHR. We presented ourselves for check-in three hours early for the express purpose of getting in another massage. At 9:30am, at F check-in, we were told we could not be accommodated, that the spa was fully booked. As soon as we got to the F lounge, we asked again; nope. We went to the spa itself; still no dice. I clarified that neither I nor Ms. as219 could be accommodated at any time before departure.

We were instead offered 30 min feet + 30 min shoulder massage. I was really pissed off at the time -- much of the point of the layover in BKK was to visit the spa, as I had assumed we could not be accommodated during a 2-hour layover. I let it go because we did at least get a treatment during the layover, but really, TG? Three hours in advance isn't enough time?

ianp

THats what I was told on the day.

Now I know better I will make a booking in advance.

Thanks.

dsquared37

Even if you're leaving the airport for a few hours don't tell anyone that. Schedule your massage then wander out of the lounge and return a few hours later.

Edit: And be prepared to pay the departure tax if asked.

ianp

Yes , I have been caught with the departure tax before , I am flying BNE-BKK-MUC I have a 16 hour overnight stop in BKK , I hope to get a boarding card before I leave the airport so I dont need to use the check in when I return the next morning .

chris1979

did the trip on Friday (trip report on the return flight to follow (outbound already posted). was an amazing flight BKK - BRU as I was the only pax in F (lots of pics and full report coming soon).

Scheduled to land at 10.30pm and landed a few mins early. Buggies meeting us and was with 2 other F connecting pax. Had told the driver that I wanted to get to the spa asap to get a massage. Long queues at connecting security but we were walked to the front.

the 'escort' took us all to the lounge even though I wanted to head straight to the spa but he told me 'no', I should come to the lounge first. He had radioed ahead and was met by someone there who took me across the spa, had reserved a booking and told me not to worry about time.

The massage lady checked if I wanted a shower afterwards and massage started 10.38pm and lasted just short of an hour. Had my shower, went back to the lounge (where the reception knew I had been for my massage), had some food and then the amazing words "no, you are the only passenger" in response to my question "is it a busy flight" on the way to the gate.

As said, TR to follow but great service from TG re making sure I got a massage. Would have been calmer if driver had told me that he had radioed ahead but worked out all very well and as said, great service!^

brunos

Hi Chris1979 and as219,
There are only a couple of full massage rooms. With cleaning of the room and shower facilities, it takes about 1.5hour. If there are many F pax requesting massage, they cannot accommodate everyone. IMO, the busiest time is when pax arrive from longhaul flights in the morning and connect to regional flights, or when pax depart in the evening by longhaul flights (often transferring from regional flights). And then you have the "regulars" who simply do a regional flights in F and get the massage because they know the rope (Thanks FT).
So it is a bit Russian roulette. And in periods when there are many F pax, the probability is not high. So one should enjoy when you get it and not be upset if not.

The last time I got it, I had a short connection, had to insist a bit but the lounge staff said not to worry they will take care of me. Indeed, they adjusted the massage to be a little bit shorter and an escort was waiting for me at the Spa and took me direct to my plane. That was a very pleasant transfer in BKK.

1k-all-the-way

I arrived at 9.30am for a 11am departure and was pleased to get a 30 minute appt. right away....

dsquared37

The 30 min massage is rarely problematic; the 1 hour massage, due to limited facilities, is not always so forgiving.

as219

If showing up three hours early isn't early enough to book a massage, then I would think it's time to add some rooms. Either that, or allow earlier bookings prior to arriving at the airport. We're talking about F here. So while in the big picture I appreciate your advice to "enjoy when you get it and not be upset if not," that's kind of a low bar for int'l F.