brunos

In F Jetairways used a mattress and a duvet and a good pillow (not the silky type that might be nicelooking but is so unpleasant to sleep on). Do you know if TG kept those products.

pogonation

Here is a sticky from the trip reports section about uploading photos etc.

Alternatively just upload them onto a website like imageshack and then post the links to the photos here.

Thanks for sharing the photos tlongdon! Can you tell us a bit about the experience and products as well?

BKKROP

Unfortunately they didn't, Brunos. It is a large uncomfortable pillow and two blankets. maybe there was more, but the FAs were so old their zimmer frames couldn't get through the doors and they were no doubt related to AG's friend. Sleep wise, the bed was good, the cabin quiet and dark, slept from 00.45 through to breakfast.

tlongdon

Sorry this is a very long trip report which seriously lacks in useful content.

As I didn't get fed quickly enough, and the crew disappeared for quite a while after take-off (more on that later), I just took a Xanax, hit the DND, put the seat in the bed position, and woke up an hour before landing.

However...

Boarded the plane, and was pleased to see the "new" plane layout, since it hadn't been introduced last week when I was originally expecting to use it. The plane is by no means "new" by QR standards. There were wear and tear signs (stickers for various things having been peeled off some time in the past and the bits of fluff stuck there to identify their former position; the airbag leather/leatherette coverings a little frayed).

C class is the so-called 'herringbone' layout, as you can see below. While it's great to have a flat bed in a seat, and no neighbour to annoy/be annoyed by, frankly I could've done without the guy over the aisle basically looking directly at me - staring in fact (maybe my left side is my good side ) - which would've been flattering had he not been some old geezer. I got to look directly at the quite large belly of 8G which was close to obscuring his tv.

And in both cases, I was quite pleased 8G and 9G kept their socks on - a failing trend, I've noticed, since the world economy declines, and peoples' decency with it.

Anyway, not important:



Below, you probably can't make it out easily, but from the seated position, you have the footrest direclty in front of you, absolutely PERFECT feet-up position for taking off and landing. So comfortable compared to the old 747. Strange though, as you cannot have the screens out for take off and landing, and you can't actually look at them since they're side-on. In fact, I could've asked the guy in 8G to put something interesting on, as I faced his screen head-on.



Here's the seat. Note the screen on the side.



Quickly headed back into the FC cabin before the FC-ers boarded. Sorry it's blurry, but you get the point. Nice private cabins, but considering the business class seats now, and from the comment above, and having been stung for TG's FC prices before, perhaps not worth it:







Back to my 9K, and I noticed the seatbelts have those airbags in now. Not particularly comfortable to be honest:



Quite liked the control panel for the seat. Noticed 8G asking what DND meant, which is a fair question if English isn't your first language. Fortunately it didn't say DNR:





So, a very brief trip report... following boarding.

I noticed that 9K, and so presumably 9A too, do not have windows, unless in the fully inclined bed position. The partially reclined position is not comfortable - the seat raises up too, and more so at the front. It was more comfortable for me to keep the seat upright, slouch a little, and keep my feet on the foot-rest at the end of the pod.

I spoke to an attendant, who explained that this aircraft is now leased for 3 years, for use on the Paris and Narita routes (although for some reason I thought it was Incheon, but it was noisy on board). She also apologised if the crew make any errors, what with this being a new plane and all.

Strapped in, the plane started to pull back (I think that's the right terminology?). The first thing I noticed is that there was a lot - and I mean a LOT - of engine noise, something I have not experienced for a very very long time - the last time i sat in economy many moons ago, and was closer to the engines. On take off, and then at cruising speed, the engine noise did not abate. I was frankly very surprised at this - it made my usual spot in 23B on the 747 seem like an oasis of tranquility by comparison. I thanked the Lord I'd remembered to put in some ear defenders, as I know Thai never has these in their amenity kits.

Shortly after the seatbelt lights were off, I went to the bathroom to change. The bathroom is certainly larger than 747, much more space to manoeuvre into my jim-jams. Interestingly, if you're sat in the - let's say - "number 2 position", there is a second flush button on the wall opposite you, next to the door, marked "bidet". I was tempted, but since I got hold of a new iPad, let's just say I'm not too impressed with new technology at the moment, so left it unpushed.

Returned to my seat, and about 5 minutes later, the drinks trolley was brought round. The red wine - the only drink I usually use to wash down the Xanax - has become truly awful on TG. I can't even remember the names - I want to say Robin and Mercurey but I could be totally wrong.

VERY interestingly, at this point the crew opened my overhead locker which, with this layout, means it can be just for you - and indeed, there were only my things in it, plus my blanket. They took the blanket and gave it to the 9G guy. I thought this was strange, and as I speak Thai, heard one asking if there was another in there, to which the reply was, there isn't. I was about to get annoyed, but thought I'd wait until I needed one and see what happens.

Food choices were taken, and a very grainy small picture of the menu follows:





And then.... that was it. I started watching the first episode of True Blood, and got all the way through before a cabin attendant was seen again. I noticed that the fasten seatbelts sign was on, so I presume they were in their crew seats (and you can't see them when they are) as a safety precaution. However, there was certainly no turbulence at all during this period - not even a light flutter.

By now, we must be a good 1 hour 20-30 minutes into the flight, I'd guess. One crew member came around with the tablecloths - my tray was open with the laptop on it, to be fair, but he walked past, laid the table of my neighbour in 9G, and carried on to the back. Came back to serve 9G his starter, by which time I had cleared the tray table of the laptop... but nothing for me.

So a thought of "screw this" with a dash of knowledge that, unfortuantely, TG food is never worth waiting for, I washed the aforementioned Xanax down with the rest of the 'wine'. I asked a crew member for a blanket - she came back a few minutes later with what I can only assume was a first class one, because it was gold (everyone elses, including my original one, was pink). Now, let's just say that this was an FC blanket, I would seriously have been annoyed. It was just a typical flimsy blanket - the last time I saw one like this was an economy Emirates flight in 2002 which has ever sinced lined my dog's basket. I'm sure I must be thinking of QR and not Thai, but I remember sleeping under quite a hefty quilted blanket recently - much more appropriate.

Still, I was now with blanket, which I felt I needed as 9G was still starting over at my seat, and as I was going to be in the led-down position, I didn't want to be giving him the opportunity for lewd thoughts (though to be fair, I have been working out a lot lately!).

I put in the much needed ear defenders (seriously, engine noise is THAT bad I could still hear a loud hum through those - be warned!), hit the "ZZZ" button, and was away with the fairies until I woke up an hour before landing.

Note: the intensity of the blue light underneath the tv screen is quite strong - definitely need those eyeshades (which, again, I thankfully keep from my QR flights - they're nice and soft, unlike the Thai ones which feel like they'd melt to your face if you got too near your morning coffee).

To give service-levels the benefit of the doubt, as soon as they saw I'd woken up, I was asked by a crew member if I wanted breakfast. But I can never eat as soon as I've woken up - except on QR, where the food is actually worth waking up for, and is my preferred airline on this route for 1001 other reasons. So I had a coffee, and in no time we landed.

Overall, I would have to say that simply for the lie-flat seats, and the direct night flight, TG business class is finally worth paying for on this route. I rarely eat late at night, so I'm not fussed about food. In fact, I'm always astonished how many fliers treat the in-flight meal service as the one and only time per year they don't have to cook for themselves. Sad, really. I openly invite you all to the brasserie on my street corner in the 2e, which does significantly better food, and has amazing wine, and I leave never having paid more than 20 euros.

But, another drink before sleeping wouldn't have gone amiss, or at least to have been asked.

Sleep-wise, I never seem to succesfully be able to get the QR 777 with the lie-flats (which is a BEAUTIFUL plane, so shiny and comfortable in C), and I enjoy a good sleep. However, TG averages from 4-800 euros more expensive per return, so you can weigh up yourselves whether the lack of a 2-hour stopover in Qatar is worth spending the extra (you get more miles on QR if you use your BMI card too...).

I have to do the same route in a couple of weeks on TG (gold renewal time), and will keep 9K, will remember the ear defenders, will have more to drink in the lounge before boarding the plane, and make sure if there's a blanket in my overhead, I sit on the d*mn thing before the crew grab it for another passenger.

I would have been a tad annoyed if I was a heavy eater/drinker. On the TG 747, the crew almost seem to refill your glass when they see it's half empty, and I usually have to tell them to stop after the 4th glass. I quite like seeing the drink bottles lined up on the lower deck too, so if I wake up in the night and the Xanax needs a little booster, making a quick V&T. No doubt the bottles were lined up in the bar on the other side of the curtain, but that lie flat bed was far too comfortable - I didn't wake once, managing about 7 hours of good solid sleep.

Which was much needed... when you then get to Charles de Gaulle immigration first thing in the morning. Ouch.

p.s. in response to BKKROP's remark above, yes - it has also crossed my mind that in an emergency landing, I'd have to be helping the crew leave the aircraft, not the other way round. When one crew member had to put his reading glasses on to help 8G recline his seat... well...

BKKROP

Hi tlongdon, what a great report and I must say spot on. Sorry to hear about your mixup in Singapore too. As i commented to dazz81, I now wish I was more tech savvy, I do prefer to read your reports with the photos.

There is a video out on someone sitting in row 9 when this was a 9W, they also complained about the engine noise and the windows, might be an idea to check it out.

I had come to the conclusion that I was finally too old to fly the midnight departures, maybe lack of sleep or time zones was making me too cranky, too critical, so I am glad to concur on many of the problems. I also assumed I had built my expectations up too high, well they deflated those quickly.

Up front, we were left alone, manflyer would not have been impressed as they didn't give us our usual pre flight champers and they seemed in one hell of a hurry to take off, but then, that took forever boring down the runway for ages, I thought "this bird is not going to lift" , but lift it finally did.

The suite was used, old, scratched, the chair coverings had that loose crumpled look and the television screen was in your face, it commanded the whole area. To someone who does not watch a lot of television, I had this urge to cover it!

Carry on luggage is a problem. One of the important reasons I fly F is that I have no need to check luggage, I wheel the cart on, and it comfortably fits into the overhead bins, but not on this plane. So after decades of flying, well after midnight when my tolerance level of any stupidity is low, someone wants to prove how important they are.

Yes my expectations were high, I was in a suite, not exactly the Hyatt, I grant you, but I was waiting for all the pomp and theatricals to commence, like everybody else in F, I wanted to sleep. It had to be obvious to a blind freddie, nobody wanted food, but like robots the entire cabin crew disappeared into the galley, leaving us, one by one to ring and ask for bedding.

Yes I was a little disappointed, they did ball the papaya for breakfast, that was new.

pansted00

BKKROP , sorry to hear that your first experience of the suite was disappointing.
Your post is consistent with that of TG London and points to a lacklustre service by TG FA's, which I must admit is worrisome, as in some cases service quality is the only saving grace of an otherwise subpar F experience on TG.
How comfortable is the bed in the F suite and is it long enough for a 1.90 tall guy to lay fully flat ?
Other posts in another thread seem to indicate that TG have introduced a turndown service in F which includes a duvet and a new blanket . Strange that TG did not introduce it on what is supposed to be their new flagship.

BKKROP

Hi pansted00, You will love it, in the old measurements it's 7 foot long and very comfy. There is something like 8 different massage positions, and they work a treat. The bathroom is huge, it is bigger than Etihad, and in F it is very very quiet. This month I logged up a bundle of Asiapacific F routes and every other F has been switched to doona/duvet, but as you say, the flagship goes begging. The product is good, shame they didn't spend a few dollars sprucing it up, a spray can, marker pen, dressmaking tape and a screwdriver could have made her look a million dollars. What did they lease, 3 of them, get Jim Thomson to run up 60 doonas, they could do a contra deal. It will do me on the Paris run, I am using CX on QF points to get up to HKG now, then I work my way through BKK to Paris, at the TG price ex HKG, it is a winner and it will get better

kyushuman

Sorry to contradict the "TG is horrible" tone, but my experience on NRT-BKK yesterday was excellent, from start to finish. I am the OP on "Amazing TG Experience--really!" thread.
By no means do I mean to minimize your unhappiness with TG, but I must say this new product is really good--kinda like UA's new flat Biz seat--even if service isn't good (though it was for me on TG), that nice hardware sure helps!

BKKROP

Thank you kyushuman, you have made my day. You wouldn't believe the "stick " I usually get, but do understand that many of us use this site, to maximise the benifits on the flights that we use to get to work. We pass on the negatives so next month we fly, we can overcome them

kan148

Thanks for writing the trip report tlongdon.

How did you enjoyed the flight?

I switched it. Now, I'm doing F on BKK-CDG-IAD route. Can't wait even though it's still few months away.

sfobkkflyer`

I just had the pleasure of flying the 77W up to NRT The other day.. I was on the midnight 747 originaly. When I checked in at CGK I realized they changed to the old plane and wasn't going to take this. Arrived at BKK went to F check in and they snagged the last F seat on the morning flight.. They did hit me with the 700 baht departure tax.. Showed up the next day at 5am.. Managed to get the full 55 minute massage at 6am (even with 7:35 departure) Seems that there were at least two or three (nonpaying pax) on the plane Which was funny as I did take the last F seat, Service was great, my preordered steak from the night before was transfered which was decent as I wasn't a fan of the breakfast menu. No Dom! But I managed to polish off a bit of the Bollinger before a long sleep Also a note.. When I arrived in C at BKK. a few VIPs were greated at the plane.. no such thing for me.. Not a big deal but we were parked far from the transfer/arrival area and I wasn't feeling too good. I have taken the 77W jet plane a few times on 9W and TK, and I'm happy to see it on TG. A Great seat and with this great seat service isn't a huge issue.. Just keep my glass full! I am now spoiled and not looking forward to PVG-BKK next week which is probably an old 747... Yet an afternoon flight so no big deal..

BKKROP

[QUOTE=sfobkkflyer`;14232162. They did hit me with the 700 baht departure tax.. Showed up the next day at 5am.. Managed to get the full 55 minute massage at 6am (even with 7:35 departure) Seems that there were at least two or three (nonpaying pax) on the plane Which was funny as I did take the last F seat,QUOTE]

As you left the airport, there would be a departure tax, coming from Indonesia, you would be familar with these charges

As you had cancelled the transit in BKK, there would have been no buggy as you were on a C ticket with no transfer. Those VIPs were F passengers

But if you got the last F ticket, how did you find out what the other paxs are paying or are you stirring the pot. The good thing about the suites, I thought, is that nobody can see you

sfobkkflyer`

I think the tax is a hit or miss.. Recently I flew DPS-BKK-ICN C class, and had an overnight layover. I didn't recheckin at BKK so no problem.. As for the buggy.. When I arrived at BKK I was checked through to NRT.. I didn't change the ticket till I arrived in BKK.. As for the other PAX The two in the middle of row two were Thai Pilots. Probably Deadheading (as they were not boozing)? Hey if I were I a pilot I'de be happy to take an F seat too My assumption is that whoever was in F changed/canceled their flights. I couldn't imagine TG holding F seats for Pilots when there is perfectly good C.. And they can rake in 50,000 baht a seat

brunos

You rae wrong: This is not TG logic. My guess is that they block seats whenever they expect staff/friends/family/VIP to travel. These do not book F class ticket so they would be unhappy if the F cabin was fully occupied before their upgrade. Just a guess, but it seems to happen so often...

Dr. HFH

Just redeemed some US miles for an F award including CDG-BKK-CDG on 933 and 932. Apparently there's a healthy diversity of opinion on this TG 77W service, but it appears to be mostly negative. Certainly I'm disappointed that TG has chosen not to have a mattress for use when sleeping, as other carriers do with this type of high end F cabin. It will be my first time on TG (I'm normally a CX person), so it will be interesting, I'm sure.

Any suggestions/comments on the special order meals? I took a look at the choices. Left to myself, I'd be partial to lobster, salmon, swordfish and vegetable tagine. I'll be grateful for any input.