Hollywood to Bollywood, the long way: UA/Swiss/Thai 77W/Emirates A380 F + Singapore J
May 25, 2012, 2:13 am
#61
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Also, it's likely that the kits were meant for pax to DOH, but I just went ahead and took one.
May 25, 2012, 2:38 am
#62
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Emirates Lounge @ BKK
For a 1:45pm departure, I left my hotel at 11:20am, forgetting just how bad Bangkok traffic could get. Fortunately, the inbound flight from DXB looked like it would be late, so perhaps I could get away with it.
And get away with it I did, with the help of the Airport Skytrain from Makkasan station. The 15-minute ride took a bit over 18 minutes, enough to make a Swiss train engineer contemplate a new career but not so much as to put a dent in my travel plans.
I had originally booked this flight in Business and had been thinking about upgrading to First, after the surreal experience on my first leg. Indeed, the Emirates revenue managers must have read my mind as my e-mail inbox soon contained an offer to upgrade from J -> F for a seemingly low price. A quick Google search of “1200 HKD in USD” confirmed that it was a bit over $150. OMG, not too shabby! I had to double-check the carrier to make sure I wasn’t flying COdbaUA, because this looked like a TOD upgrade! I went through with the transaction, commenting “YOLO*” while my credit card processed.
*Urban Dictionary defines YOLO as: “Acronym for You Only Live Once. Mainly used to defend doing something ranging from mild to extreme stupidity.”
I made my way to the EK counters, empty in all 3 lines. Considering I arrived barely an hour before “shed-jeweled” departure, most passengers were already at the gate. The First counter agent commented, “looks like you’re the only passenger who is in F today.” Music to my ears, though I wouldn’t be sure of it until the doors were closed with just 1/14 in F. Especially since the Sequence Number on my BP was 0598. How many people can this plane fit?!
EK check-in counters
With a Premium Lane pass, I quickly passed through security and wandered around to find the EK lounge. Even with a printed map given out with the boarding pass, I made a few wrong turns.
I wonder if Tiger Airways got permission from EK to put their sign there ...
At first look, the BKK lounge is much better than the HKG lounge, though it helps that the number of pax here today were in the single digits. One thing BKK has that HKG doesn’t is a sit-down dining room. Though I’ll give HKG a hat-tip for its views over the concourse and the tarmac, while the BKK lounge looks inward to the Suvarnabhumi courtyard. Neither has a separate F lounge.
Massage chair of doom.
I waited out the delay with some lunch and some small talk with Atlas Air pilots on their way to fly a 747 freighter out of HKG. Now how cool does that sound?
A few minutes before boarding should have started, I began to exit the lounge … until the lounge dragon said it would be another 15 minutes until boarding would actually begin. But the expected value of a few more minutes in an A380 suite outweighed that of staying in the lounge for 15 minutes, so I went ahead anyway.
View of the concourse
I approached the gate waiting area and scanned my boarding pass to enter the small waiting area, with great daytime views of the A380.
A beluga whale with sunglasses
Ground-level view of A6-EDF
Ground workers put the size of the engines in perspective
Only after I "boarded" into the waiting area did the gate agent mention that it would be another 30 minutes until boarding would begin. While I would normally just stick around, the seating at the gate didn’t seem to take into account a fully loaded A380, so I requested to “de-board” of the flight. A quick show of my boarding pass and an explanation of my intentions to return to the lounge met no resistance.
A packed waiting area
But why am I explaining all this? As I sit now, at my desk in an air-conditioned room in the good ol’ U S of A, I’ve realized one thing about my country: we are incredibly liberal with air conditioning.
All this walking to-and-fro from the lounge in a world-class airport was like walking through the Mojave Desert. And more humid. This only made the prospect of another airborne shower oh so worth it.
I returned to the lounge and kept to bottles of water, the ones that spell “naivE” backward. I wanted to keep my palette pure for the eventual Dom.
After a 25-minute wait in the lounge, the dragon announced that boarding would begin in 5 minutes. I Usain Bolted out the lounge though slowed down when I realized the throng of economy class passengers already at the gate would use a separate jetway for the lower deck. My pathway to the suite would be mostly unhurdled.
Priority boarding for monks. Or maybe he has transcended even EK Gold.
And get away with it I did, with the help of the Airport Skytrain from Makkasan station. The 15-minute ride took a bit over 18 minutes, enough to make a Swiss train engineer contemplate a new career but not so much as to put a dent in my travel plans.
I had originally booked this flight in Business and had been thinking about upgrading to First, after the surreal experience on my first leg. Indeed, the Emirates revenue managers must have read my mind as my e-mail inbox soon contained an offer to upgrade from J -> F for a seemingly low price. A quick Google search of “1200 HKD in USD” confirmed that it was a bit over $150. OMG, not too shabby! I had to double-check the carrier to make sure I wasn’t flying COdbaUA, because this looked like a TOD upgrade! I went through with the transaction, commenting “YOLO*” while my credit card processed.
*Urban Dictionary defines YOLO as: “Acronym for You Only Live Once. Mainly used to defend doing something ranging from mild to extreme stupidity.”
I made my way to the EK counters, empty in all 3 lines. Considering I arrived barely an hour before “shed-jeweled” departure, most passengers were already at the gate. The First counter agent commented, “looks like you’re the only passenger who is in F today.” Music to my ears, though I wouldn’t be sure of it until the doors were closed with just 1/14 in F. Especially since the Sequence Number on my BP was 0598. How many people can this plane fit?!
EK check-in counters
With a Premium Lane pass, I quickly passed through security and wandered around to find the EK lounge. Even with a printed map given out with the boarding pass, I made a few wrong turns.
I wonder if Tiger Airways got permission from EK to put their sign there ...
At first look, the BKK lounge is much better than the HKG lounge, though it helps that the number of pax here today were in the single digits. One thing BKK has that HKG doesn’t is a sit-down dining room. Though I’ll give HKG a hat-tip for its views over the concourse and the tarmac, while the BKK lounge looks inward to the Suvarnabhumi courtyard. Neither has a separate F lounge.
Massage chair of doom.
I waited out the delay with some lunch and some small talk with Atlas Air pilots on their way to fly a 747 freighter out of HKG. Now how cool does that sound?
A few minutes before boarding should have started, I began to exit the lounge … until the lounge dragon said it would be another 15 minutes until boarding would actually begin. But the expected value of a few more minutes in an A380 suite outweighed that of staying in the lounge for 15 minutes, so I went ahead anyway.
View of the concourse
I approached the gate waiting area and scanned my boarding pass to enter the small waiting area, with great daytime views of the A380.
A beluga whale with sunglasses
Ground-level view of A6-EDF
Ground workers put the size of the engines in perspective
Only after I "boarded" into the waiting area did the gate agent mention that it would be another 30 minutes until boarding would begin. While I would normally just stick around, the seating at the gate didn’t seem to take into account a fully loaded A380, so I requested to “de-board” of the flight. A quick show of my boarding pass and an explanation of my intentions to return to the lounge met no resistance.
A packed waiting area
But why am I explaining all this? As I sit now, at my desk in an air-conditioned room in the good ol’ U S of A, I’ve realized one thing about my country: we are incredibly liberal with air conditioning.
All this walking to-and-fro from the lounge in a world-class airport was like walking through the Mojave Desert. And more humid. This only made the prospect of another airborne shower oh so worth it.
I returned to the lounge and kept to bottles of water, the ones that spell “naivE” backward. I wanted to keep my palette pure for the eventual Dom.
After a 25-minute wait in the lounge, the dragon announced that boarding would begin in 5 minutes. I Usain Bolted out the lounge though slowed down when I realized the throng of economy class passengers already at the gate would use a separate jetway for the lower deck. My pathway to the suite would be mostly unhurdled.
Priority boarding for monks. Or maybe he has transcended even EK Gold.
Last edited by amolkold; Jun 19, 2012 at 4:21 am
May 25, 2012, 3:31 am
#63
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Emirates 384, BKK-HKG (F)
EK 384
BKK-HKG
Airbus A380-800 (A6-EDF)
Suite 2K, F
I walked in through Door U1L and presented my boarding pass for Suite 2K, the same seat I had 3 weeks prior. I had no desire to sit on the A side, since the views of Hong Kong are usually better on the right, and didn't require the extra headroom availed the center suites.
An Australian purser greeted me and escorted me to my seat. Ahh, home suite home, again. I soon heard more music to my ears: “You're my only First passenger today!” commented a flight attendant, yet another Australian. Is this flight going to SYD? Though I wouldn't mind, it would be a longer flight in the suite. The HK Airport Express stops at Botany Bay, right?
Anyway. I requested the Dom. Retail price: the upgrade from J to F. I turned on the air nozzles, one on the suite's wall and the other along the personal minibar. It was a hot day. In fact, I one-touch closed all 3 of my window shades (a very un-me thing to do) and turned on the tail-cam on the 23” screen in front. Though this is an Airbus, so even the screens in Y are likely larger than the windows.
Home suite home
The champagne arrived, along with an offer of Arabic coffee and dates. Not just some dates … the entire box, since I'd be the only one partaking. The Brazilian flight attendant offering the two explained the customs behind the coffee, explaining everything from the Dallah (the coffee pot with the extended spout) to the funjal (the handle-less cups) to the subtle elevated shake of the cup to indicate when I'd have my fill. The things you learn about Arabic culture from a South American on a flight from Thailand to a Chinese SAR…
Arabic coffee (that I drank), dates, and short-haul amenities
My Australian FA returned, this time with the menu, stating that I could have anything I wanted, even multiple entrées since boarding had just completed and the other 13 suites were empty. Huzzah. Now let's fly the long way to Hong Kong. You sure this aircraft isn’t due for maintenance at DXB?
After another quiet takeoff, I headed up to have my shower. Not only was it hot and humid at BKK, but I also realized as I boarded that I'd be meeting distant relatives in Hong Kong, so I had to look somewhat presentable. And limit the alcohol intake. Okay, maybe just one bottle of Dom this time.
The EK shower spa is really just something else. I mentioned during the part of my first flight that the top deck is all F/J, giving an all-premium feel to the aircraft. But it's easy to forget that there’s a main deck below that’s all Y. And that somewhere above Row 43, there are two über large lavatories where passengers can strip down fully naked, with permission from the airline (though the shower dragon whose sole responsibility is to maintain the showers will limit you to just one person in the lav). I really think Seat Guru needs to take this into account. Something like:
Or perhaps that’s what the blocked stairwell from Y to F is for. The curtain is for your own good, economy class! You do not want to know what’s going on up here!
You don't see this in many showers ...
---
Afterward, lunch! Though nothing too extraordinary … despite being the only F passenger, I didn’t go all out, mostly because TRs for this sector hadn’t really had rave reviews of the food. Here's the menu:
Table setting, this time with bread basket
I started off with the trout/salmon ... a solid decision.
I also ordered the lemongrass chicken to see if SFO777's findings from last year were still valid:
In the 16 months between our flights, the same holds true. Don't order the lemongrass chicken!
Chicken rogan josh. Not the same species as the lemongrass chicken, i.e, edible.
Cheese plate
Now, being the only passenger in a First Class cabin has its benefits. For one thing, the space that normally holds 80 passengers down below is all yours. Because of this, I didn't require closing the suite doors, though the novelty of doing so just for the hell of it crossed my mind a couple of times.
And without other passengers in sight, you tend to act as if you're in your own house, because the area around you is no longer public space.
And with an extensive IFE, you will definitely find something that interests you in some way or form.
I'll admit. I’m a shower singer. The weirdness of the onboard shower was gone during my 2nd visit, and so I felt in my element. For some reason, the works of Oasis entered my mind, so I hope my reenactment of some of their songs did not penetrate the shower door and lav door.
During the course of lunch, I found Channel 2147, or the greatest hits from the band Oasis. A list of songs that I jammed out to in the car when I first got my drivers license a long time back.
And with some space to move about, a set of noise-cancelling headphones, and a few glasses of Dom, a list of songs that I was soon jamming out to in an airborne first class suite. And I mean humming melodies, tapping on the large table like a drum, jamming out. The space was all mine after all!
Well, except for the Brazilian flight attendant serving me lunch. The one who, I would later find out, stood in the aisle beside seat 2F for the course of my meal, out of view due to the staggered setup and the high suite door walls.
As I set down an empty glass, he stepped forward, almost out of the blue, in the middle of a rock-out session, to ask if I'd like more champagne. Awkward.
Although, “Some Might Say” that having a flute of Dom poured at your seat while the lyrics “Champagne Supernova in the sky” play just adds to the experience.
Shortly beforehand ...
More dates and arabic coffee. And Dom!
I took a break from serenading an empty F cabin to check out the loo with a view and the bar at the back. Both J and the bar were empty compared to the packed flight to BKK. The FAs even insisted they take my picture behind the bar.
Lav between F and J on the starboard side
Loo view
Then back to the seat for a continued jam session with the doors closed and to polish off the rest of the bottle of Dom.
Satellite wi-fi, though it didn't work on this short leg.
Methinks those are all the First Class suite consoles ...
The amenities underneath the big mirror ... odd to see "shower in a tube" when you can literally have a shower in the aluminum tube in which you're flying
We were soon on approach to HKG.
Upon landing, the purser (whom I didn't see for the duration of the flight since she was likely helping with a full economy class) came by and asked how my flight was, and thanked me for flying Emirates. I disembarked first before the (literally) unwashed masses, only to have to stand in line for 10 minutes at immigration. Unlike LX, EK didn’t provide a fast-track private immigration.
After 2 short-hauls on the EK A380 suite, I can say that the novelty definitely began to wear off as I landed at HKG. If this opportunity were to come up again, I'd probably stick with J. You still get direct aisle access, pretty much the same menu (minus a choice here or there), and still get access to bar at the back. Still, the experience is definitely amazing, especially just once, and the HKG-BKK sector is well-priced and long enough to get a good hard product experience. The crew can be great, though I found them to be a bit unpolished compared to SQ and TG crews.
I hopped on the HK Airport Express and met up with my relatives for a weekend in the city. Upon entering their flat, they asked me, “Do you want to take a shower before we head out to dinner?”
To which I replied, with a grin: “Already did!”
Worth it.
BKK-HKG
Airbus A380-800 (A6-EDF)
Suite 2K, F
I walked in through Door U1L and presented my boarding pass for Suite 2K, the same seat I had 3 weeks prior. I had no desire to sit on the A side, since the views of Hong Kong are usually better on the right, and didn't require the extra headroom availed the center suites.
An Australian purser greeted me and escorted me to my seat. Ahh, home suite home, again. I soon heard more music to my ears: “You're my only First passenger today!” commented a flight attendant, yet another Australian. Is this flight going to SYD? Though I wouldn't mind, it would be a longer flight in the suite. The HK Airport Express stops at Botany Bay, right?
Anyway. I requested the Dom. Retail price: the upgrade from J to F. I turned on the air nozzles, one on the suite's wall and the other along the personal minibar. It was a hot day. In fact, I one-touch closed all 3 of my window shades (a very un-me thing to do) and turned on the tail-cam on the 23” screen in front. Though this is an Airbus, so even the screens in Y are likely larger than the windows.
Home suite home
The champagne arrived, along with an offer of Arabic coffee and dates. Not just some dates … the entire box, since I'd be the only one partaking. The Brazilian flight attendant offering the two explained the customs behind the coffee, explaining everything from the Dallah (the coffee pot with the extended spout) to the funjal (the handle-less cups) to the subtle elevated shake of the cup to indicate when I'd have my fill. The things you learn about Arabic culture from a South American on a flight from Thailand to a Chinese SAR…
Arabic coffee (that I drank), dates, and short-haul amenities
My Australian FA returned, this time with the menu, stating that I could have anything I wanted, even multiple entrées since boarding had just completed and the other 13 suites were empty. Huzzah. Now let's fly the long way to Hong Kong. You sure this aircraft isn’t due for maintenance at DXB?
After another quiet takeoff, I headed up to have my shower. Not only was it hot and humid at BKK, but I also realized as I boarded that I'd be meeting distant relatives in Hong Kong, so I had to look somewhat presentable. And limit the alcohol intake. Okay, maybe just one bottle of Dom this time.
The EK shower spa is really just something else. I mentioned during the part of my first flight that the top deck is all F/J, giving an all-premium feel to the aircraft. But it's easy to forget that there’s a main deck below that’s all Y. And that somewhere above Row 43, there are two über large lavatories where passengers can strip down fully naked, with permission from the airline (though the shower dragon whose sole responsibility is to maintain the showers will limit you to just one person in the lav). I really think Seat Guru needs to take this into account. Something like:
Seats 43 ABCHJK
Advantages: Front of the cabin, bulkhead legroom, easy boarding and disembarkation from Door L1L.
Disadvantages: Placement underneath a shower while already in a cramped space may be mentally disturbing.
Advantages: Front of the cabin, bulkhead legroom, easy boarding and disembarkation from Door L1L.
Disadvantages: Placement underneath a shower while already in a cramped space may be mentally disturbing.
You don't see this in many showers ...
---
Afterward, lunch! Though nothing too extraordinary … despite being the only F passenger, I didn’t go all out, mostly because TRs for this sector hadn’t really had rave reviews of the food. Here's the menu:
Bangkok – Hong Kong
Light Meal
Appetizer
Smoke trout and salmon with five pepper
aromatic smoked trout and salmon with distinctive five pepper flavourings, served with a crunchy refreshing apple and celery salad
Lemongrass chicken
tender chicken infused with delicate lemongrass flavours, roasted and served cold, with garden fresh salad leaves and roasted ripe cherry tomatoes
Salad
Seasonal salad
crisp fresh garden salad leaves and vegetables, tossed in your preferred dressing
Main Course
Chicken rogan josh
chicken pieces marinated and slow cooked in a delicate curry sauce, served with jeera basmati rice and vegetable makhanwala
Braised lamb leg in rosemary jus
tender pieces of lamb, braised and dressed with an aromatic rosemary jus, served with sautéed courgettes, roast pumpkin and creamy gratin potatoes
Stir-fried three flavor prawns
cooked in a tangy three flavoured sauce served with fried rice and stir-ried vegetables
Rotini with fresh tomato
fresh pasta spirals cooked al dente, served with a diced mixed vegetable sauce and sprinkled with fresh parmesan
Vegetables
Bread basket
Dessert
White chocolate cheese cake
Crisp base with a soft sweet cheese cake filling, served with a fresh strawberry coulis
Cheese
Cheese board
a carefully chosen assortment of the finest boutique cheeses from around the world, served with a selection of crudités, crackers and dried fruits.
Light Meal
Appetizer
Smoke trout and salmon with five pepper
aromatic smoked trout and salmon with distinctive five pepper flavourings, served with a crunchy refreshing apple and celery salad
Lemongrass chicken
tender chicken infused with delicate lemongrass flavours, roasted and served cold, with garden fresh salad leaves and roasted ripe cherry tomatoes
Salad
Seasonal salad
crisp fresh garden salad leaves and vegetables, tossed in your preferred dressing
Main Course
Chicken rogan josh
chicken pieces marinated and slow cooked in a delicate curry sauce, served with jeera basmati rice and vegetable makhanwala
Braised lamb leg in rosemary jus
tender pieces of lamb, braised and dressed with an aromatic rosemary jus, served with sautéed courgettes, roast pumpkin and creamy gratin potatoes
Stir-fried three flavor prawns
cooked in a tangy three flavoured sauce served with fried rice and stir-ried vegetables
Rotini with fresh tomato
fresh pasta spirals cooked al dente, served with a diced mixed vegetable sauce and sprinkled with fresh parmesan
Vegetables
Bread basket
Dessert
White chocolate cheese cake
Crisp base with a soft sweet cheese cake filling, served with a fresh strawberry coulis
Cheese
Cheese board
a carefully chosen assortment of the finest boutique cheeses from around the world, served with a selection of crudités, crackers and dried fruits.
Table setting, this time with bread basket
I started off with the trout/salmon ... a solid decision.
I also ordered the lemongrass chicken to see if SFO777's findings from last year were still valid:
The chicken had apparently turned into something with the consistency of leather and I gave up, fearing a loss of a few teeth.
In the 16 months between our flights, the same holds true. Don't order the lemongrass chicken!
Chicken rogan josh. Not the same species as the lemongrass chicken, i.e, edible.
Cheese plate
Now, being the only passenger in a First Class cabin has its benefits. For one thing, the space that normally holds 80 passengers down below is all yours. Because of this, I didn't require closing the suite doors, though the novelty of doing so just for the hell of it crossed my mind a couple of times.
And without other passengers in sight, you tend to act as if you're in your own house, because the area around you is no longer public space.
And with an extensive IFE, you will definitely find something that interests you in some way or form.
I'll admit. I’m a shower singer. The weirdness of the onboard shower was gone during my 2nd visit, and so I felt in my element. For some reason, the works of Oasis entered my mind, so I hope my reenactment of some of their songs did not penetrate the shower door and lav door.
During the course of lunch, I found Channel 2147, or the greatest hits from the band Oasis. A list of songs that I jammed out to in the car when I first got my drivers license a long time back.
And with some space to move about, a set of noise-cancelling headphones, and a few glasses of Dom, a list of songs that I was soon jamming out to in an airborne first class suite. And I mean humming melodies, tapping on the large table like a drum, jamming out. The space was all mine after all!
Well, except for the Brazilian flight attendant serving me lunch. The one who, I would later find out, stood in the aisle beside seat 2F for the course of my meal, out of view due to the staggered setup and the high suite door walls.
As I set down an empty glass, he stepped forward, almost out of the blue, in the middle of a rock-out session, to ask if I'd like more champagne. Awkward.
Although, “Some Might Say” that having a flute of Dom poured at your seat while the lyrics “Champagne Supernova in the sky” play just adds to the experience.
Shortly beforehand ...
More dates and arabic coffee. And Dom!
I took a break from serenading an empty F cabin to check out the loo with a view and the bar at the back. Both J and the bar were empty compared to the packed flight to BKK. The FAs even insisted they take my picture behind the bar.
Lav between F and J on the starboard side
Loo view
Then back to the seat for a continued jam session with the doors closed and to polish off the rest of the bottle of Dom.
Satellite wi-fi, though it didn't work on this short leg.
Methinks those are all the First Class suite consoles ...
The amenities underneath the big mirror ... odd to see "shower in a tube" when you can literally have a shower in the aluminum tube in which you're flying
We were soon on approach to HKG.
Upon landing, the purser (whom I didn't see for the duration of the flight since she was likely helping with a full economy class) came by and asked how my flight was, and thanked me for flying Emirates. I disembarked first before the (literally) unwashed masses, only to have to stand in line for 10 minutes at immigration. Unlike LX, EK didn’t provide a fast-track private immigration.
After 2 short-hauls on the EK A380 suite, I can say that the novelty definitely began to wear off as I landed at HKG. If this opportunity were to come up again, I'd probably stick with J. You still get direct aisle access, pretty much the same menu (minus a choice here or there), and still get access to bar at the back. Still, the experience is definitely amazing, especially just once, and the HKG-BKK sector is well-priced and long enough to get a good hard product experience. The crew can be great, though I found them to be a bit unpolished compared to SQ and TG crews.
I hopped on the HK Airport Express and met up with my relatives for a weekend in the city. Upon entering their flat, they asked me, “Do you want to take a shower before we head out to dinner?”
To which I replied, with a grin: “Already did!”
Worth it.
Last edited by amolkold; May 25, 2012 at 10:45 am
May 25, 2012, 3:33 am
#64
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Emirates A380 Eye Candy
I got bored and started snapping random pics around the cabin. Good lighting provided some shots I wanted to share ...
Big plane, small windows...
As well as some videos, all in 720p:
Takeoff from BKK (HD)
Shower Spa (HD)
Suite Doors (HD)
Big plane, small windows...
As well as some videos, all in 720p:
Takeoff from BKK (HD)
Shower Spa (HD)
Suite Doors (HD)
May 25, 2012, 11:06 am
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,145
Wow! The "Light Meal" on that short 2 hour flight between BKK and HKG looks far superior to the "full" meals offered in "First Class" on most any transcon or Hawaii service by our lowly U.S. airlines. Very nice.
May 25, 2012, 11:26 am
#67
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
I've gone back and fixed that.
Indeed! It's actually kind of sad to see how vast the difference is. I understand the cutbacks and a la carte charges for Economy Class, as many people flying that are simply flying for value and getting from A-to-B. But for First and Business Class, the style/elegance/FUN in flying I experienced on foreign carriers like Emirates, Thai, Singapore, and SWISS seems to have vanished on US-based carriers like United.
Due to factors out of my controls, I was never able to fly in the 1970s and early 1980s. I've read your "retro" TRs, Seat 2A, and the options given on those flights (even in Y) are incredible!
Due to factors out of my controls, I was never able to fly in the 1970s and early 1980s. I've read your "retro" TRs, Seat 2A, and the options given on those flights (even in Y) are incredible!
May 25, 2012, 5:23 pm
#69
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Hong Kong
I think I have a new favorite city (and can see why so many TRs here rave about Hong Kong). It's fantastic! It's efficient yet still has that charm you get from visiting a foreign land. The small things really just make me love it ... a great transportation infrastructure (with the MTR and Airport Express), ideas like the Central/Mid-Levels Escalator (please copy this, San Francisco), and great food! AND the hometown airline is Cathay Pacific??? I'M SOLD.
Ngong Ping Cable Car
Requisite HK shot of The Peak
Heading down from the Peak
Symphony of Lights
Ngong Ping Cable Car
Requisite HK shot of The Peak
Heading down from the Peak
Symphony of Lights
May 26, 2012, 2:08 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,272
I had originally booked this flight in Business and had been thinking about upgrading to First, after the surreal experience on my first leg. Indeed, the Emirates load managers must have read my mind as my e-mail inbox soon contained an offer to upgrade from J -> F for a seemingly low price. A quick Google search of “1200 HKD in USD” confirmed that it was a bit over $150. OMG, not too shabby! I had to double-check the carrier to make sure I wasn’t flying COdbaUA, because this looked like a TOD upgrade! I went through with the transaction, commenting “YOLO*” while my credit card processed.
May 26, 2012, 10:44 am
#72
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
At first I bought a mixed-class RT (which was the average between RT F and RT J). That was $785 US before the $150ish upgrade I paid to go J->F in the return.
To put into perspective, Economy class RT for my dates was $295. J RT was about $630.
A lot of money for a round-trip that barely touches over 5 hours? Sure. But considering the novelty, an experience well worth it. The KE chart for EK flights looks tempting but they don't have redemptions for this route.
Last edited by amolkold; May 26, 2012 at 10:55 am
May 26, 2012, 5:13 pm
#73
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
TG F Lounge/UA IFL at HKG
After an amazing weekend in Hong Kong, it was time to finally head home. Though while most people flying between HK and LA would just cross the Pacific, I'd go the Atlantic route, via BKK, FRA, and LHR.
Yes, that meant another HKG-BKK flight. Yes, it was repetitive, and my original plan had been to fly to BKK on the outbound, call it a stopover, then continue on to HKG after my trip to India/Vietnam. However, there just wasn’t anything available to BKK the dates I needed. I’m glad there wasn’t, though, as it gave me a chance to try EK F.
While the outbound segment centered around LX F and the FCT, the return segment of my 120K US award was built solely around trying out Thai’s F product, especially the ground services at BKK. I had quite a pleasant surprise when two weeks before the trip, I saw that the 747 I had booked from BKK-FRA was scheduled as a 777-300ER, with the Jet Airways suites. Of course, TG is known for switching out aircraft, so I held my breath. Since this was a US award, I couldn’t change anything once I flew my first segment …
Anyway. A winding red cab ride down the hills of the Mid-Levels brought me to the Hong Kong Airport Express station. After a month of traveling, I had a suitcase overflowing with goodies to bring home (mostly things given by relatives on one continent to get to other relatives on other continents … I tend to be a family courier when I travel due to free bags via status/F/J). Luckily, the Airport Express allows one to check-in bags at Hong Kong Station. What a concept!
Unfortunately, I got TG’d on my first TG flight. The seat map the day prior showed the newer 747 configuration, with seats similar to those on the Swiss A340. However, Thai subbed in an older 747 for this flight. Due to a light load in F, the desk agent said each set of 2 seats would have 1 blocked. In addition to boarding pass, I was also given a Lounge Pass to the Royal First Lounge and a “voucher” for a golf cart ride from airport check-in counters to lounge (though I never figured out how to use it … plus after a weekend of delicious HK food, I sorely needed to walk around their massive airport).
I hung around the HK Airport Express station to catch a few final post-working-hours drinks with the cousin I was visiting. That’s one thing I love about HK … many of the big shopping/food centers are built around MTR stations. Everything is so accessible. It really is ingenious.
Once at the airport, I bee-lined for the TG lounge. It’s a large space with a separation between Business and First passengers. Upon entering, I was shown to the right, to the F space, and asked by a staff member if I’d like a drink and/or snacks. The sole difference between the F and J space is pretty much the amount of people in each … it looks to be the same amenities, just with a partial wall in between.
Not much of a food selection
Not much of a division between the F and J sides, either. Same massage chair as well.
I soon left the TG lounge since I’d heard good things about the HKG United Club, or RCC as some purists like to call it. Okay, “good things” for a United Club. I wasn’t expecting it to compete with the LH/LX FCLs. Fortunately, *A airlines tend to allow partner F passengers into many of their F lounges, unlike OW where one also needs to have top-tier Emerald status.
Upon presenting the boarding pass, a UA lounge dragon showed me to the separate International First Lounge, a separate lounge within the larger United Club, and offered up a drink as well. I had the entire place to myself for a while. The food was definitely better than the TG lounge and although it wasn’t as “open-air” as the TG space, I preferred it a lot more.
Food options
These are the "ad napkins" I dislike about NA airlines. Okay maybe not ads, maybe "empty slogan napkins"
Facing food area and the entrance door
TV room and hallways to showers
Shower (I see a tulip ...)
I also visited the general United Club to take some pictures. I can see why so many people are fans … it’s a great business class lounge, even by international standards.
Looking down toward the Emirates lounge. For once, UA > EK ^
But it was soon time to board, so I made my way to the boarding area. Lines were already forming, one for Economy and another for First/Business, so I stood in the latter. A TG agent came down the line to check boarding passes and passports, and upon seeing my BP with a large “F” on it, invited me to form a new line to the side for first class boarding. So I did.
Now given my age and the fact that I travel with a big backpack rather than a rollerboard or other business traveler accessories, I tend to have people often tell me that I’m not in the right place. I usually ignore them.
But the guy in the front of the J line was one of those people that wouldn’t shut up. Despite being told to form a new line by a GA, he’d keep making comments toward me like, “There’s a line behind me.” I chose to ignore the first time, but after he repeated himself, I simply responded, “Yes. There is a line behind you.”
“Buddy. There’s a line, you gotta follow rules.”
"I was told to stand here."
I could not have timed it better, but right then, a TG agent walked up to me: “Mr. amolkold, we are ready to board First Class please,” as she waved her hand to welcome me to the jetway. As I handed my BP, I fought the urge to turn around and see the look on his face.
Yes, that meant another HKG-BKK flight. Yes, it was repetitive, and my original plan had been to fly to BKK on the outbound, call it a stopover, then continue on to HKG after my trip to India/Vietnam. However, there just wasn’t anything available to BKK the dates I needed. I’m glad there wasn’t, though, as it gave me a chance to try EK F.
While the outbound segment centered around LX F and the FCT, the return segment of my 120K US award was built solely around trying out Thai’s F product, especially the ground services at BKK. I had quite a pleasant surprise when two weeks before the trip, I saw that the 747 I had booked from BKK-FRA was scheduled as a 777-300ER, with the Jet Airways suites. Of course, TG is known for switching out aircraft, so I held my breath. Since this was a US award, I couldn’t change anything once I flew my first segment …
Anyway. A winding red cab ride down the hills of the Mid-Levels brought me to the Hong Kong Airport Express station. After a month of traveling, I had a suitcase overflowing with goodies to bring home (mostly things given by relatives on one continent to get to other relatives on other continents … I tend to be a family courier when I travel due to free bags via status/F/J). Luckily, the Airport Express allows one to check-in bags at Hong Kong Station. What a concept!
Unfortunately, I got TG’d on my first TG flight. The seat map the day prior showed the newer 747 configuration, with seats similar to those on the Swiss A340. However, Thai subbed in an older 747 for this flight. Due to a light load in F, the desk agent said each set of 2 seats would have 1 blocked. In addition to boarding pass, I was also given a Lounge Pass to the Royal First Lounge and a “voucher” for a golf cart ride from airport check-in counters to lounge (though I never figured out how to use it … plus after a weekend of delicious HK food, I sorely needed to walk around their massive airport).
I hung around the HK Airport Express station to catch a few final post-working-hours drinks with the cousin I was visiting. That’s one thing I love about HK … many of the big shopping/food centers are built around MTR stations. Everything is so accessible. It really is ingenious.
Once at the airport, I bee-lined for the TG lounge. It’s a large space with a separation between Business and First passengers. Upon entering, I was shown to the right, to the F space, and asked by a staff member if I’d like a drink and/or snacks. The sole difference between the F and J space is pretty much the amount of people in each … it looks to be the same amenities, just with a partial wall in between.
Not much of a food selection
Not much of a division between the F and J sides, either. Same massage chair as well.
I soon left the TG lounge since I’d heard good things about the HKG United Club, or RCC as some purists like to call it. Okay, “good things” for a United Club. I wasn’t expecting it to compete with the LH/LX FCLs. Fortunately, *A airlines tend to allow partner F passengers into many of their F lounges, unlike OW where one also needs to have top-tier Emerald status.
Upon presenting the boarding pass, a UA lounge dragon showed me to the separate International First Lounge, a separate lounge within the larger United Club, and offered up a drink as well. I had the entire place to myself for a while. The food was definitely better than the TG lounge and although it wasn’t as “open-air” as the TG space, I preferred it a lot more.
Food options
These are the "ad napkins" I dislike about NA airlines. Okay maybe not ads, maybe "empty slogan napkins"
Facing food area and the entrance door
TV room and hallways to showers
Shower (I see a tulip ...)
I also visited the general United Club to take some pictures. I can see why so many people are fans … it’s a great business class lounge, even by international standards.
Looking down toward the Emirates lounge. For once, UA > EK ^
But it was soon time to board, so I made my way to the boarding area. Lines were already forming, one for Economy and another for First/Business, so I stood in the latter. A TG agent came down the line to check boarding passes and passports, and upon seeing my BP with a large “F” on it, invited me to form a new line to the side for first class boarding. So I did.
Now given my age and the fact that I travel with a big backpack rather than a rollerboard or other business traveler accessories, I tend to have people often tell me that I’m not in the right place. I usually ignore them.
But the guy in the front of the J line was one of those people that wouldn’t shut up. Despite being told to form a new line by a GA, he’d keep making comments toward me like, “There’s a line behind me.” I chose to ignore the first time, but after he repeated himself, I simply responded, “Yes. There is a line behind you.”
“Buddy. There’s a line, you gotta follow rules.”
"I was told to stand here."
I could not have timed it better, but right then, a TG agent walked up to me: “Mr. amolkold, we are ready to board First Class please,” as she waved her hand to welcome me to the jetway. As I handed my BP, I fought the urge to turn around and see the look on his face.
May 26, 2012, 5:42 pm
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,272
I agree the experience well worth it on EK's 380 in F, I just wish I use my UA miles for that before they discontinue the partnership. I didn't know the shower is available on this short leg BKK-HKG-BKK though, as someone on Anet did a report for DXB-BKK-HKG on EK F, the FA mentioned to that person he could take photos but not actually showering for the short leg.
May 26, 2012, 6:25 pm
#75
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Thai 607, HKG-BKK (F)
TG 607
HKG-BKK
Boeing 747-400 (old configuration)
Seat 1A, F
Before entering the jetway, I was gifted a "Star Alliance 15 Years" luggage tag, since I was flying a founding member on the 15th anniversary of that glorious day. Thanks for letting US have access to your award inventories, y'all!
I entered the 747 to a symphony of “Sawadees,” a bit familiar after having spent a few days in Thailand the week prior. It was an old cabin on the left, probably the anti-Emirates A380, but still plenty comfortable for a short 1000-mile journey. A flight attendant showed me to my seat, 1A, and I was soon warmly greeted by the purser with the firmest of handshake.
“Welcome, Mr. amolkold, we are very glad to have you onboard. How do you like the cabin, is it all right?”
Hey SQ, this is how you acknowledge a cabin downgrade. Then again, I guess TG has the process down pat … I mean, it's even called getting "TG'd."
Bulkhead legroom. I would have switched to the K side for view of HK but saw from the Airport Express that the airport was doing reverse takeoff/landing patterns ...
A plus for simplicity?
Anyway. The purser soon returned with a glass of Dom 2002 (compared to the 2003 on EK’s flights). All this flying in premium class may make me become "AA'd."
Despite the aging hard product, I could tell the food would be much better than EK’s when I perused the menu.
Menu presentation
Menu:
And links to the wine menu:
Whites | Reds | Others (a bit blurry)
Rather than order off the menu, I kept with my pre-ordered meal of Lobster Thermidor, which was pretty good! I’ve heard it isn’t that great when it’s catered out of BKK, so I made sure to order it from a different airport.
Canapés
Table setting. One thing about the old product is that the table isn't as large as one would like
Can't go wrong with salmon ...
Lobster Thermidor, with a small side of noodles I requested
Cheese Plate
Dessert
Although this flight had a heavier F load than both my EK flights combined (including myself: 3 and 1 on EK, 6 on TG tonight), dinner service was really relaxed. In between courses, the purser went around to each passenger, asking how the meal was, and engaging in conversation (ours revolved around my weekend in Hong Kong).
I sure hope that TG limits the use of these old 747s on long-hauls ... they're perfect for short-haul flights, but the table/IFE situation would downright upset me on a longer flight.
Resorting to emergency IFE
About 45 minutes out of BKK, I noticed the passengers in row 2 were American as well, and were talking about things that would make an FTer giddy. In particular, their conversation of the LH A380 piqued my interest. I soon joined in, surprised to hear that neither of them had heard of FT. We went in-depth comparing experiences of the Lufthansa A380 in F versus the Emirates A380 in F. It was a great conversation amongst 3 guys who just love to fly, and didn't devolve into an elite card throw-down a la ‘Up in the Air!’
Upon landing at BKK, we were given a remote parking position. TG provided a bus solely for F passengers and so I continued my conversation with the two other passengers from the flight. Unfortunately, I never got their names! As soon as the bus reached the terminal, we were each greeted by our own personal assistant who escorted us through fast-track at security and to baggage claim. Mine insisted on getting my bag for me and walking me all the way to my ground transportation meeting area.
So .... do I just awkwardly stand back here?
Despite the old product, it was still a great flight! Great food, great crew, and great conversation with fellow flying heads. The 1000 miles went by quickly.
HKG-BKK
Boeing 747-400 (old configuration)
Seat 1A, F
Before entering the jetway, I was gifted a "Star Alliance 15 Years" luggage tag, since I was flying a founding member on the 15th anniversary of that glorious day. Thanks for letting US have access to your award inventories, y'all!
I entered the 747 to a symphony of “Sawadees,” a bit familiar after having spent a few days in Thailand the week prior. It was an old cabin on the left, probably the anti-Emirates A380, but still plenty comfortable for a short 1000-mile journey. A flight attendant showed me to my seat, 1A, and I was soon warmly greeted by the purser with the firmest of handshake.
“Welcome, Mr. amolkold, we are very glad to have you onboard. How do you like the cabin, is it all right?”
Hey SQ, this is how you acknowledge a cabin downgrade. Then again, I guess TG has the process down pat … I mean, it's even called getting "TG'd."
Bulkhead legroom. I would have switched to the K side for view of HK but saw from the Airport Express that the airport was doing reverse takeoff/landing patterns ...
A plus for simplicity?
Anyway. The purser soon returned with a glass of Dom 2002 (compared to the 2003 on EK’s flights). All this flying in premium class may make me become "AA'd."
Despite the aging hard product, I could tell the food would be much better than EK’s when I perused the menu.
Menu presentation
Menu:
Hong Kong – Bangkok
Canapés
-
First Course
Salmon Gravlax
-
Main Course
Deep-fried Ling Fish Fillet and Eggplant with Chinese Black Bean Sauce
Steamed Rice
Pak Choy
or
Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Seasoning, Mushroom Brown Sauce
Lyonnaise Potatoes with Onion and Parsley
Roasted Asparagus, Carrot
or
Stir-fried Thai Noodles with Prawn “Pad Thai”
Grilled Lobster
Assorted Bread, Crackers, Butter
Cheese and Fresh Fruits Plate
Dessert
Apple Cherry Crumble Tart
Coffee Bavarois Cake
Tea, Coffee
Espresso, Cappuccino
Canapés
-
First Course
Salmon Gravlax
-
Main Course
Deep-fried Ling Fish Fillet and Eggplant with Chinese Black Bean Sauce
Steamed Rice
Pak Choy
or
Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Seasoning, Mushroom Brown Sauce
Lyonnaise Potatoes with Onion and Parsley
Roasted Asparagus, Carrot
or
Stir-fried Thai Noodles with Prawn “Pad Thai”
Grilled Lobster
Assorted Bread, Crackers, Butter
Cheese and Fresh Fruits Plate
Dessert
Apple Cherry Crumble Tart
Coffee Bavarois Cake
Tea, Coffee
Espresso, Cappuccino
Whites | Reds | Others (a bit blurry)
Rather than order off the menu, I kept with my pre-ordered meal of Lobster Thermidor, which was pretty good! I’ve heard it isn’t that great when it’s catered out of BKK, so I made sure to order it from a different airport.
Canapés
Table setting. One thing about the old product is that the table isn't as large as one would like
Can't go wrong with salmon ...
Lobster Thermidor, with a small side of noodles I requested
Cheese Plate
Dessert
Although this flight had a heavier F load than both my EK flights combined (including myself: 3 and 1 on EK, 6 on TG tonight), dinner service was really relaxed. In between courses, the purser went around to each passenger, asking how the meal was, and engaging in conversation (ours revolved around my weekend in Hong Kong).
I sure hope that TG limits the use of these old 747s on long-hauls ... they're perfect for short-haul flights, but the table/IFE situation would downright upset me on a longer flight.
Resorting to emergency IFE
About 45 minutes out of BKK, I noticed the passengers in row 2 were American as well, and were talking about things that would make an FTer giddy. In particular, their conversation of the LH A380 piqued my interest. I soon joined in, surprised to hear that neither of them had heard of FT. We went in-depth comparing experiences of the Lufthansa A380 in F versus the Emirates A380 in F. It was a great conversation amongst 3 guys who just love to fly, and didn't devolve into an elite card throw-down a la ‘Up in the Air!’
Upon landing at BKK, we were given a remote parking position. TG provided a bus solely for F passengers and so I continued my conversation with the two other passengers from the flight. Unfortunately, I never got their names! As soon as the bus reached the terminal, we were each greeted by our own personal assistant who escorted us through fast-track at security and to baggage claim. Mine insisted on getting my bag for me and walking me all the way to my ground transportation meeting area.
So .... do I just awkwardly stand back here?
Despite the old product, it was still a great flight! Great food, great crew, and great conversation with fellow flying heads. The 1000 miles went by quickly.
Last edited by amolkold; May 26, 2012 at 6:33 pm
