#1
YesterdayInspired by aislealways I am going to add my trip report to the forum of a superb flight with Thai Airways in First class between Bangkok and Frankfurt and back.
There are a huge amount of pictures, again thanks to aislealways helping me understand the best way to post these, and I will post several messages with different topics. Hopefully that saves loading 50 something pictures in 1 huge message.
Bangkok-Frankfurt, December 7th, TG920 747 All Series overnight flight.
This flight had the new refurbished F cabin with the 9 suite type seats in the front.
Post 2. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Cabin)
post 3. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Seat)
Post 4. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Seat Issue)
Post 5. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Food)
Frankfurt-Bangkok, December 16th, TG921 Airbus A380 Inaugural Flight.
The first long-haul passenger flight for Thai Airways out of Europe. The aircraft had done a number of regional trips over 2 months and of course the long-haul to Frankfurt.
Post 6. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Departure)
Post 7. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Cabin)
Post 8. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Lounge, Bar and Lavatory)
Post 9. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Food)
Post 10. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Tail cam on Landing)
I hope you will enjoy this trip report.
Globalist
There are a huge amount of pictures, again thanks to aislealways helping me understand the best way to post these, and I will post several messages with different topics. Hopefully that saves loading 50 something pictures in 1 huge message.
Bangkok-Frankfurt, December 7th, TG920 747 All Series overnight flight.
This flight had the new refurbished F cabin with the 9 suite type seats in the front.
Post 2. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Cabin)
post 3. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Seat)
Post 4. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Seat Issue)
Post 5. Boeing 747 All Series with updates First Suites (Food)
Frankfurt-Bangkok, December 16th, TG921 Airbus A380 Inaugural Flight.
The first long-haul passenger flight for Thai Airways out of Europe. The aircraft had done a number of regional trips over 2 months and of course the long-haul to Frankfurt.
Post 6. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Departure)
Post 7. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Cabin)
Post 8. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Lounge, Bar and Lavatory)
Post 9. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Food)
Post 10. Airbus A380 Inaugural flight with First Suites (Tail cam on Landing)
I hope you will enjoy this trip report.
Globalist
#2
Here it goes,
The first message where I will actually add some pictures.
On my many trips with Thai to Europe from Singapore I know the service varies but the hard product on my route is hardly bad. It is a key route where I feel First has excellent value for money.
The trip started in Singapore around 6pm, I could have flown later but then would have less time in Bangkok to enjoy one of the worlds best 1st class lounges. The hard product on this sector is a mixed bag and this time I drew the short straw with an older 330 with a dated Business product.
Arriving in Bangkok I enjoyed several hours in the First lounge and had a full body massage in their SPA lounge.
I knew what I could expect on my next flight, although with Thai you never know what aircraft you have until you are actually off the ground all signs showed that it would be a 747 all series, not the dreaded version with 12 seats in F, but the refurbished one with 9 seats in F. 9 seats means the new suite type seats Thai is installing.
The suites do not fully close with doors like on the leased 777ER, but it does not matter.
The Cabin is a bit full but the layout is 3 seats at each window side, Row 2 has a single seat in the middle and Row 3 has 2 seats together in the middle.
The seat itself is big and comfortable. Compared to the previous new F I like the added privacy and that the TV does not have to be stowed anymore.
The two middle seats in row 3 have an automatic divider. I say automatic as it is controlled by the touch screen control panel and using force really does not do anything! (but it is fun to watch people trying I tell you!)
So far the cabin. I hope that you enjoy the first post.
Globalist
The first message where I will actually add some pictures.
On my many trips with Thai to Europe from Singapore I know the service varies but the hard product on my route is hardly bad. It is a key route where I feel First has excellent value for money.
The trip started in Singapore around 6pm, I could have flown later but then would have less time in Bangkok to enjoy one of the worlds best 1st class lounges. The hard product on this sector is a mixed bag and this time I drew the short straw with an older 330 with a dated Business product.
Arriving in Bangkok I enjoyed several hours in the First lounge and had a full body massage in their SPA lounge.
I knew what I could expect on my next flight, although with Thai you never know what aircraft you have until you are actually off the ground all signs showed that it would be a 747 all series, not the dreaded version with 12 seats in F, but the refurbished one with 9 seats in F. 9 seats means the new suite type seats Thai is installing.
The suites do not fully close with doors like on the leased 777ER, but it does not matter.
The Cabin is a bit full but the layout is 3 seats at each window side, Row 2 has a single seat in the middle and Row 3 has 2 seats together in the middle.
The seat itself is big and comfortable. Compared to the previous new F I like the added privacy and that the TV does not have to be stowed anymore.
The two middle seats in row 3 have an automatic divider. I say automatic as it is controlled by the touch screen control panel and using force really does not do anything! (but it is fun to watch people trying I tell you!)
So far the cabin. I hope that you enjoy the first post.
Globalist
#3
Ok, so here goes the second post 
All about the seat, it is a nice big throne, and when I got to the seat the jammies, duvet and seat cover where neatly stowed in the front stowage.
There is a very nice compartment to hang your jacket, (and the rest of your suit once you change into your jammies).
The TV screen is a decent size, the orchid on the side is a very nice touch. it gives you the feeling as it is your own little living room.
Once you have your advance degree you will figure out how to operate the touch screen controls for the seat and the various lights. do notice my second Glass of DOM and the TUMI toiletry bag.
A decent power point with a universal socket comes in very handy.
The seat goes fully flat, once you are ready to sleep the crew will make up the bed by putting the seat flat, putting the seat cover (white linen) and the duvet with pillow.
All in all very comfortable as you can expect in First Class.
Globalist
All about the seat, it is a nice big throne, and when I got to the seat the jammies, duvet and seat cover where neatly stowed in the front stowage.
There is a very nice compartment to hang your jacket, (and the rest of your suit once you change into your jammies).
The TV screen is a decent size, the orchid on the side is a very nice touch. it gives you the feeling as it is your own little living room.
Once you have your advance degree you will figure out how to operate the touch screen controls for the seat and the various lights. do notice my second Glass of DOM and the TUMI toiletry bag.
A decent power point with a universal socket comes in very handy.
The seat goes fully flat, once you are ready to sleep the crew will make up the bed by putting the seat flat, putting the seat cover (white linen) and the duvet with pillow.
All in all very comfortable as you can expect in First Class.
Globalist
#4
Now before I get a whole lot of angry responses about me being petty, lets be clear that this is a minor first world problem. The world does not come to an end and you will not hear me say that I will never fly THAI again because I will.
In my humble opinion, the person designing the seat had a goal but forgot the bigger picture.
The task the designer had was to make sure the crew can easily see if the seat is upright at take-off and landing, if the power supply is on or off and if the passenger has activated the Do Not Disturb function. All very important functions. Generally this is done by using a little light that it out of sight. For example at BA CW the light is on the top of the seat for no one to be seen unless you stand in the isle.
At this particular seat there are 3 lights are at ground level. (White for DND, Red for power and Green for Seat position). Not a problem however they are at a point where the passenger sitting on the left behind that seat can see it. And boy those lights are bright and they are brighter in a dark cabin when you try to sleep!!
Pictures below.
Very Bright LED lights..
Globalist
In my humble opinion, the person designing the seat had a goal but forgot the bigger picture.
The task the designer had was to make sure the crew can easily see if the seat is upright at take-off and landing, if the power supply is on or off and if the passenger has activated the Do Not Disturb function. All very important functions. Generally this is done by using a little light that it out of sight. For example at BA CW the light is on the top of the seat for no one to be seen unless you stand in the isle.
At this particular seat there are 3 lights are at ground level. (White for DND, Red for power and Green for Seat position). Not a problem however they are at a point where the passenger sitting on the left behind that seat can see it. And boy those lights are bright and they are brighter in a dark cabin when you try to sleep!!
Pictures below.
Very Bright LED lights..
Globalist
#5
Now the good part, food!
Thai has a very stable process which starts with DOM Perignon champagne vintage 2003 when you take your seat, more DOM before take off and more once the seat belt sign is turned off. (you could opt for another drink but why would you?)
the food service after take off starts with some fresh nuts, and an appetizer. The table gets set and the first serving starts. The first course being caviar with garnish and Vodka. (I decline the Vodka and take another champagne).
The second course in this case was a salad of Tuna with some Lobster.
I forgot what the main course was, it looks great right?
Unfortunately in this instance it was tough as leather.
After the main course cheese is served followed by fresh fruit.
The desert was nice, although for me a lot of chocolate will be so much better.
Globalist
Thai has a very stable process which starts with DOM Perignon champagne vintage 2003 when you take your seat, more DOM before take off and more once the seat belt sign is turned off. (you could opt for another drink but why would you?)
the food service after take off starts with some fresh nuts, and an appetizer. The table gets set and the first serving starts. The first course being caviar with garnish and Vodka. (I decline the Vodka and take another champagne).
The second course in this case was a salad of Tuna with some Lobster.
I forgot what the main course was, it looks great right?
Unfortunately in this instance it was tough as leather.
After the main course cheese is served followed by fresh fruit.
The desert was nice, although for me a lot of chocolate will be so much better
.Globalist
#6
Now here is a flight I have looked forward to.
I did not plan it but when i found out that on the 16th of December THAI would have its first A380 flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok I immediately knew i was going to change my flight on the 15th to the 16th!
I tried to get a seat but got wait-listed. Strange as there were quite a number of seats free and I was on a revenue ticket. (P). In any case 3 weeks later I got confirmed! I can tell you I was as happy as a kid. I have flown the A380 with another airliner in C and Y and love the whalejet!
So I get to the airport driving from Holland, stay overnight at the Hilton at the airport and walk to the check-in the next day. It was nice with a large seatmap and a balloon arch at check-in. Check-in was smooth and the premium service team escorted me through fast-track security and immigration to the LH Senator lounge. The lounge is nicely refurbished and from there saw my ride waiting.
The first class section at the THAI A380 is on the upper deck at the front. Followed by Business class on the upper deck and Economy in the last section on the upper deck. The entire lower deck is economy class and I can assure you it is huge!
As it was an inaugural flight there was a real special buzz. At boarding time the premium service team member came to pick me up at the lounge and walked me to the boarding gate. At the gate area there was Coffee and Cake but i did not see much of it as we walked past, right to gate check and was escorted to the door where premium service bid goodbye and the crew showed me to my seat. More of the seat later.
Now normally when you see a fire truck you wonder what is wrong, especially when they have their equipment ready to put out a fire.
Not to worry as it was going to be a water salute. Very nice but the captain only announced it when it started.. I think he forgot that not everyone might understand why the fire brigade was spraying water and cause a panic.
It might look nice from the outside but from the inside it is pretty disappointing!
But it does make your window nice and clean.
The press was taking pictures of it all and when that was over they ran to a van that brought them to the runway at the point of rotation.
This was all new to me and a great experience. it was only just starting.
When THAI gets it right they really get it right, SQ, CX and BA are at those times just another player.
Globalist
I did not plan it but when i found out that on the 16th of December THAI would have its first A380 flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok I immediately knew i was going to change my flight on the 15th to the 16th!
I tried to get a seat but got wait-listed. Strange as there were quite a number of seats free and I was on a revenue ticket. (P). In any case 3 weeks later I got confirmed! I can tell you I was as happy as a kid. I have flown the A380 with another airliner in C and Y and love the whalejet!
So I get to the airport driving from Holland, stay overnight at the Hilton at the airport and walk to the check-in the next day. It was nice with a large seatmap and a balloon arch at check-in. Check-in was smooth and the premium service team escorted me through fast-track security and immigration to the LH Senator lounge. The lounge is nicely refurbished and from there saw my ride waiting.
The first class section at the THAI A380 is on the upper deck at the front. Followed by Business class on the upper deck and Economy in the last section on the upper deck. The entire lower deck is economy class and I can assure you it is huge!
As it was an inaugural flight there was a real special buzz. At boarding time the premium service team member came to pick me up at the lounge and walked me to the boarding gate. At the gate area there was Coffee and Cake but i did not see much of it as we walked past, right to gate check and was escorted to the door where premium service bid goodbye and the crew showed me to my seat. More of the seat later.
Now normally when you see a fire truck you wonder what is wrong, especially when they have their equipment ready to put out a fire.
Not to worry as it was going to be a water salute. Very nice but the captain only announced it when it started.. I think he forgot that not everyone might understand why the fire brigade was spraying water and cause a panic.
It might look nice from the outside but from the inside it is pretty disappointing!
But it does make your window nice and clean
.The press was taking pictures of it all and when that was over they ran to a van that brought them to the runway at the point of rotation.
This was all new to me and a great experience. it was only just starting.
When THAI gets it right they really get it right, SQ, CX and BA are at those times just another player.
Globalist
#7
Lets be honest, all this event stuff is nice but in the end the main event is the cabin, the seat, the service and the flight itself.
The next 3 posts are all about that.
The layout of the cabin is 1-2-1 with 3 rows giving 12 seats. The oldest THAI 747 had that cramped in the nose section. (yes there are still 2 of those flying around and you never know...). The newest 747 has 9 suite type seats while the most common one has 10 shell type F seats which I have always really liked as well.
My seat on this flight was 3A. Normally I like 1A just because of symbolic I guess but on the 747 because it is the quietest and most private. On the A380 there is a common space in front of 1A so you have a curtain with behind there a little lounge, the bar and the main lavatory. Trust me there is traffic! Behind 3A there is a storage space for the galley and behind 3K there is a smaller lavatory.
On board before take off it was quite an event with people checking out the cabin. Perfectly fine and more important, during the flight this did not happen at all.
The seat is similar to the new 747 suite type seat but there are some differences. The screen is bigger and it is just a little bigger and feels more luxurious.
The table however only slides back and forth while in the 747 it slides down the stowage area on the left.
Sharp eyes had already seen it (no, not the glass of DOM). the RIMOWA toiletry bag. I was excited to have it again and hope they keep it.
The contents is always small but I love the L'Occitane lip-balm, lotion and cologne.
I can only say, this is an amazing cabin.
Globalist
The next 3 posts are all about that.
The layout of the cabin is 1-2-1 with 3 rows giving 12 seats. The oldest THAI 747 had that cramped in the nose section. (yes there are still 2 of those flying around and you never know...). The newest 747 has 9 suite type seats while the most common one has 10 shell type F seats which I have always really liked as well.
My seat on this flight was 3A. Normally I like 1A just because of symbolic I guess but on the 747 because it is the quietest and most private. On the A380 there is a common space in front of 1A so you have a curtain with behind there a little lounge, the bar and the main lavatory. Trust me there is traffic! Behind 3A there is a storage space for the galley and behind 3K there is a smaller lavatory.
On board before take off it was quite an event with people checking out the cabin. Perfectly fine and more important, during the flight this did not happen at all.
The seat is similar to the new 747 suite type seat but there are some differences. The screen is bigger and it is just a little bigger and feels more luxurious.
The table however only slides back and forth while in the 747 it slides down the stowage area on the left.
Sharp eyes had already seen it (no, not the glass of DOM). the RIMOWA toiletry bag. I was excited to have it again and hope they keep it.
The contents is always small but I love the L'Occitane lip-balm, lotion and cologne.
I can only say, this is an amazing cabin.
Globalist
#8
Now for the common F cabin areas.
No there is no shower, but i am very much impressed.
the main lavatory (1 door) is an L shaped area where there is a lavatory (gents don't attempt to break a distance record as you will lose this one) and on the other side there is a seat and can be used as a changing area. (sorry, that second picture could have been better).
The seating lounge is nice but was only used by the staff during my flight. Most of the time it was empty.
The front stairs are straight, and the back stairs are not. (Sorry, I could not help myself). The staircase at the back is a revolving one and both are not generally used by passengers. the back staircase was blocked by a removable barrier and the front staircase is roped off.
The bar is a very nice touch, in the 747 a trolley covered with a nice cloth is used for the same contents but this just looks so much better and it is next to the lounge.
And of course my favorite drink (and actually the only alcoholic drink I drink). Dom Perignon vintage 2003.
Also the common area did not disappoint.
Globalist
No there is no shower, but i am very much impressed.
the main lavatory (1 door) is an L shaped area where there is a lavatory (gents don't attempt to break a distance record as you will lose this one) and on the other side there is a seat and can be used as a changing area. (sorry, that second picture could have been better).
The seating lounge is nice but was only used by the staff during my flight. Most of the time it was empty.
The front stairs are straight, and the back stairs are not. (Sorry, I could not help myself). The staircase at the back is a revolving one and both are not generally used by passengers. the back staircase was blocked by a removable barrier and the front staircase is roped off.
The bar is a very nice touch, in the 747 a trolley covered with a nice cloth is used for the same contents but this just looks so much better and it is next to the lounge.
And of course my favorite drink (and actually the only alcoholic drink I drink). Dom Perignon vintage 2003.
Also the common area did not disappoint.
Globalist
#9
The food was fantastic on this flight unlike my previous flight there was no issue and it was wonderful.
After the freshly roasted nuts the crew slides the table towards you and served the entree.
After the entree.. what is served? if you read my previous messages you would know.. Caviar of course, and this time a big wollop of it as well!
And the second course.
At this point my batteries died, so no pictures of the main course, cheese and fruit. I did manage to charge the batteries in flight using the in-seat power supply so yes, this one was empty.
Globalist
After the freshly roasted nuts the crew slides the table towards you and served the entree.
After the entree.. what is served? if you read my previous messages you would know.. Caviar of course, and this time a big wollop of it as well!
And the second course.
At this point my batteries died, so no pictures of the main course, cheese and fruit. I did manage to charge the batteries in flight using the in-seat power supply so yes, this one was empty.
Globalist
#10
The last Post, the whole report took me almost 3 hours 
One of the really nice features of the A380 is the Tail Cam. it is a camera built into the tail section and it gives a great view.
In this last post I have added several pictures of the In Flight entertainment System during landing and a little surprise for me at the end.
Map
Tail cam
And so I almost reached the end of an amazing journey. Arriving at the gate there were 3 airbridges ready to be connected. One was for the upper deck and two for the lower deck.
I was wondering how it all would work as normally F disembarks first, then C and then Y. But by the time the upper deck bridge started to move the lower deck bridges had been connected already so i expected a busy gate area. I was wrong. Once we disembarked there was no one. Either Y had disembarked and was gone out of sight (unlikely) or the crew does ensure F disembarks first.
All in all a great trip. Oh and not to forget I did get a little memento and assume everyone on board got one. it is a box of chocolates. I still have it and maybe i can make millions on e-bay one day! (But I will eat the chocolates).
I hope you enjoyed this trip report. Maybe I have gone a bit overboard or maybe not.. do let me know.
Globalist
One of the really nice features of the A380 is the Tail Cam. it is a camera built into the tail section and it gives a great view.
In this last post I have added several pictures of the In Flight entertainment System during landing and a little surprise for me at the end.
Map
Tail cam
And so I almost reached the end of an amazing journey. Arriving at the gate there were 3 airbridges ready to be connected. One was for the upper deck and two for the lower deck.
I was wondering how it all would work as normally F disembarks first, then C and then Y. But by the time the upper deck bridge started to move the lower deck bridges had been connected already so i expected a busy gate area. I was wrong. Once we disembarked there was no one. Either Y had disembarked and was gone out of sight (unlikely) or the crew does ensure F disembarks first.
All in all a great trip. Oh and not to forget I did get a little memento and assume everyone on board got one. it is a box of chocolates. I still have it and maybe i can make millions on e-bay one day! (But I will eat the chocolates).
I hope you enjoyed this trip report. Maybe I have gone a bit overboard or maybe not.. do let me know.
Globalist
#15
Quote:
Yes, you noticed it hidden in post 7? it fits nicely with the amenity bag. Besides there are about 6 other RIMOWA cases in mine as they are great for sorting my cables, power adapters and loose stuff. When the bag was open and the crew saw them all she was quite amazed and excited.Originally Posted by deniah
seems a must to bring rimowa luggage into such a cabin
Globalist