Mar 10, 2018, 12:52 am
Last edit by: Tokyoite
Direct copy of the first post by @pogonation.
FAQ: Royal First Class Lounge and Royal Orchid Spa information and access.
Thought with the number of FCL and Spa questions littering this board it might be worth making a sticky with all the available information and also provide a place for members to ask their questions. Please let me know if you think it is a good idea and please let me know if any of the information I have included is wrong or if you feel anything else needs to be added.
Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge
Link to webpage: FCL
Link to pictures courtesy of lounge guide.net: FCL pictures
Royal First Lounge at Concourse D, Level 3 - 1,400 sq.m. has been allocated for Royal First Class passengers with the capacity to accommodate 134 passengers at one time.
Opening hours: 05:00 am. – 01:00 am.
Facilities:
• 2 VIP Rooms
• 6 Private Corners
• 22 Seated A-la-Carte Dining Room
• Wi-fi Internet Corner with 4 PCs
• Slumber Rooms
• Shower Suites
• Toilets with Wheelchair Accessible
• TG First Class Check-in Facility
• Smoking lounge
Lounge access rules:
Departures in TG or *A F from BKK = FCL access
TG F Arrival connecting to international TG C/Y = FCL access
TG F Arrival connecting to *A C = No FCL access
TG F arrival connecting to domestic TG C = officially no FCL access, however some people have been granted access in this situation.
*A F arrival connecting to TG C or *A C = no FCL access
1 guest is allowed when departing in TG F or *A F
Q: If arriving in TG F and departing in TG C the following day, will I get access to the F lounge?
A: Offically the answer is no as you need a same day ticket, however some people have been granted access in this situation. So very much a YMMV situation.
Q: If arriving in TG F and staying in BKK, is it possible to use the TG F lounge as an arrivals lounge?
A: Unfortunately this is not allowed, although exceptions have been made before. So officially it's not allowed, but there is no harm in asking.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa
Link to webpage: Spa
Royal Orchid Spa at Concourse D, level 3 – 667 sq.m. is primarily designed to serve Royal First and Royal Silk Class passengers with full ranges of spa services.
Opening hours: 06:00 am. – 11:30 pm.
General Facilities:
• 32 Seated Lounge Area
• Healthy Snack
• Hot/Cold Herbal Drink
First Class Zone Facilities:
• 3 Touch Of Silk Suites (Body Massage)
• 6 Neck & Shoulder or Relaxing Foot Massage Corners
• 2 Steam Rooms
• 2 Sauna Rooms
• 4 Shower Rooms
• Toilets
Silk Class Zone Facility:
• 8 Neck & Shoulder or Relaxing Foot Massage Corners
Treatment Menu:
• Touch Of Silk Massage (Full body oil massage - 60 minutes for First Class only) – Ler's start your journey with a relaxing Touch of Silk full body oil massage. Delivered with the unique 'Thai touch', this massage will help to prepare your body for your onward flight by increasing blood circulation as well as relieving muscular tension and helping to provide the necessary hydration for your skin. On leaving the massage you will be left with an overall sense of well-being and total relaxation.
• Neck & Shoulder Massage (30 minutes) – This is a great massage for passengers who are stressed, work at the computer too much or don't relax well. Neck and shoulder problems from routine activities are among the most common area for massage therapists to address. Using specific techniques the therapist will work to loosen tight muscles around the neck and shoulders whilst simultaneously assessing how much tension is held in the body and how best to release it. You will board your flight feeling more relaxed and a little lighter on the shoulders.
• Relaxing Hand Massage (30 minutes) – Are your hands tired from all that clicking, driving, messaging and typing? If so, how about offering them a break and giving them a massage they truly deserve? By massaging the major channels/meridians of the arms and reflex points in the hands, this deep hand massage is designed to thoroughly release tension that accumulates in the hands and arms from our daily tasks. finishing with warm towels for both arms encourage muscle relaxation; this treatment can help to deliver a total sense of relaxation.
• Relaxing Foot Massage (30 minutes) – Let's help prepare your feet for your onward journey, by taking the weight of them and giving them a relaxing massage that they truly deserve. Foot massage is a well-known relaxation therapy to help take care of tired feet. With the gentle touch of the therapists' hands, a sense of overall relaxation is induced. Deeper pressure by the fingers will help to stimulate your vital organs.
Spa access rules:
TG F departure = F spa access
*A F departures = No spa access
TG C departures = C spa access
*A C departures = No spa access
TG F arrival connecting to TG C = C spa access, however some people have been offered F spa access in this scenario
No guest are allowed regardless of class of travel
Q: Is it possible to book the spa treatment in advance?
A: No. You can book at First class check-in, at the FCL or the Spa itself - they will indicate the approx waiting time if more than a few minutes.
I have had some PMs from newer members who are confused by some of the abbreviations on this post. If you need help understanding them, FT has a great tool for looking up their meanings in the FT glossary.
Thai Airways Royal First Class Lounge
Link to webpage: FCL
Link to pictures courtesy of lounge guide.net: FCL pictures
Royal First Lounge at Concourse D, Level 3 - 1,400 sq.m. has been allocated for Royal First Class passengers with the capacity to accommodate 134 passengers at one time.
Opening hours: 05:00 am. – 01:00 am.
Facilities:
• 2 VIP Rooms
• 6 Private Corners
• 22 Seated A-la-Carte Dining Room
• Wi-fi Internet Corner with 4 PCs
• Slumber Rooms
• Shower Suites
• Toilets with Wheelchair Accessible
• TG First Class Check-in Facility
• Smoking lounge
Lounge access rules:
Departures in TG or *A F from BKK = FCL access
TG F Arrival connecting to international TG C/Y = FCL access
TG F Arrival connecting to *A C = No FCL access
TG F arrival connecting to domestic TG C = officially no FCL access, however some people have been granted access in this situation.
*A F arrival connecting to TG C or *A C = no FCL access
1 guest is allowed when departing in TG F or *A F
Q: If arriving in TG F and departing in TG C the following day, will I get access to the F lounge?
A: Offically the answer is no as you need a same day ticket, however some people have been granted access in this situation. So very much a YMMV situation.
Q: If arriving in TG F and staying in BKK, is it possible to use the TG F lounge as an arrivals lounge?
A: Unfortunately this is not allowed, although exceptions have been made before. So officially it's not allowed, but there is no harm in asking.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa
Link to webpage: Spa
Royal Orchid Spa at Concourse D, level 3 – 667 sq.m. is primarily designed to serve Royal First and Royal Silk Class passengers with full ranges of spa services.
Opening hours: 06:00 am. – 11:30 pm.
General Facilities:
• 32 Seated Lounge Area
• Healthy Snack
• Hot/Cold Herbal Drink
First Class Zone Facilities:
• 3 Touch Of Silk Suites (Body Massage)
• 6 Neck & Shoulder or Relaxing Foot Massage Corners
• 2 Steam Rooms
• 2 Sauna Rooms
• 4 Shower Rooms
• Toilets
Silk Class Zone Facility:
• 8 Neck & Shoulder or Relaxing Foot Massage Corners
Treatment Menu:
• Touch Of Silk Massage (Full body oil massage - 60 minutes for First Class only) – Ler's start your journey with a relaxing Touch of Silk full body oil massage. Delivered with the unique 'Thai touch', this massage will help to prepare your body for your onward flight by increasing blood circulation as well as relieving muscular tension and helping to provide the necessary hydration for your skin. On leaving the massage you will be left with an overall sense of well-being and total relaxation.
• Neck & Shoulder Massage (30 minutes) – This is a great massage for passengers who are stressed, work at the computer too much or don't relax well. Neck and shoulder problems from routine activities are among the most common area for massage therapists to address. Using specific techniques the therapist will work to loosen tight muscles around the neck and shoulders whilst simultaneously assessing how much tension is held in the body and how best to release it. You will board your flight feeling more relaxed and a little lighter on the shoulders.
• Relaxing Hand Massage (30 minutes) – Are your hands tired from all that clicking, driving, messaging and typing? If so, how about offering them a break and giving them a massage they truly deserve? By massaging the major channels/meridians of the arms and reflex points in the hands, this deep hand massage is designed to thoroughly release tension that accumulates in the hands and arms from our daily tasks. finishing with warm towels for both arms encourage muscle relaxation; this treatment can help to deliver a total sense of relaxation.
• Relaxing Foot Massage (30 minutes) – Let's help prepare your feet for your onward journey, by taking the weight of them and giving them a relaxing massage that they truly deserve. Foot massage is a well-known relaxation therapy to help take care of tired feet. With the gentle touch of the therapists' hands, a sense of overall relaxation is induced. Deeper pressure by the fingers will help to stimulate your vital organs.
Spa access rules:
TG F departure = F spa access
*A F departures = No spa access
TG C departures = C spa access
*A C departures = No spa access
TG F arrival connecting to TG C = C spa access, however some people have been offered F spa access in this scenario
No guest are allowed regardless of class of travel
Q: Is it possible to book the spa treatment in advance?
A: No. You can book at First class check-in, at the FCL or the Spa itself - they will indicate the approx waiting time if more than a few minutes.
I have had some PMs from newer members who are confused by some of the abbreviations on this post. If you need help understanding them, FT has a great tool for looking up their meanings in the FT glossary.
FAQ: Royal First Class Lounge and Royal Orchid Spa information and access.
Apr 11, 2014, 1:58 am
#691
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
I'm betting Shenanigans won't even make it up the escalator. They've been a little strict lately, and without the proper dsquared37 "attitude" the escalator dragon turn Shenanigans into stone.
Apr 11, 2014, 7:23 am
#692
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Just ignore the name on a sign when deplaning and travel with the masses needing the international transfer desk? I've done it before, but it wasn't all that intentional (at least the part about ignoring the name on the escort's sign when deplaning). Another time I told the escort, not interested they are free to help someone else.
The domestic TG lounge was a crowded mess on the recent mornings I've used it.
The domestic TG lounge was a crowded mess on the recent mornings I've used it.
Apr 11, 2014, 7:24 am
#693
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
I hadn't done the transfer in some time and simply kept walking.... had no idea they've gotten more strict. :shrugs shoulders:
Apr 11, 2014, 5:40 pm
#694
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
May 2, 2014, 2:51 pm
#695
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Bracebridge, ON
Posts: 341
I apologize if this has been answered, but I can't find it anywhere:
I'll be flying from SIN to BKK on J class, then onward in F.
When I check in at SIN, can they book my massage in BKK or do I need to wait until I get to the lounge?
Can they do this at the SIN lounge?
Thanks!
I'll be flying from SIN to BKK on J class, then onward in F.
When I check in at SIN, can they book my massage in BKK or do I need to wait until I get to the lounge?
Can they do this at the SIN lounge?
Thanks!
May 2, 2014, 4:18 pm
#696
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
I apologize if this has been answered, but I can't find it anywhere:
I'll be flying from SIN to BKK on J class, then onward in F.
When I check in at SIN, can they book my massage in BKK or do I need to wait until I get to the lounge?
Can they do this at the SIN lounge?
Thanks!
I'll be flying from SIN to BKK on J class, then onward in F.
When I check in at SIN, can they book my massage in BKK or do I need to wait until I get to the lounge?
Can they do this at the SIN lounge?
Thanks!
as an arriving J connecting to F you should get a buggy transfer on arrival.
May 2, 2014, 9:25 pm
#697
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,335
FCL lounge in BKK is the only lounge that make reservations for massage at the Spa. Even biz lounge in BKK or F check in does not make reservations and also not check ins or lounges at other airports
May 6, 2014, 2:17 pm
#698
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: CO *G, UA 2P, Starwood Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 149
Just as an added data point... Arrived TPE-BKK in C with an 8 hour connection to BKK-SYD in F. We went into the city for a few hours but the escort was able to book our reservation at the spa as we walked through towards immigration and escorted out. Arrived back and massage was booked 30 minutes after we told them our return time to the airport. Was as smooth as silk.
May 6, 2014, 3:57 pm
#699
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 456
Possible use FCL, leave airport, then return same day?
I've got a very long layover in BKK in between two TG/F flights (same day). Is it possible to use the FCL then leave the airport? If so, will the lounge hold my luggage or should I use an airport service?
Thank you!
Thank you!
May 7, 2014, 1:22 am
#700
Join Date: May 2010
Location: YYC
Programs: Aeroplan, FPC Platinum, SPG/Marriott Gold, Radisson Gold Elite, BW Diamond Select
Posts: 293
My wife and I had our second BKK F lounge and spa experience last night, the first time being two years ago. We come away from it like we do with a lot of things we've experienced before. The first time, because of it being completely new, seems to always be the best and never to be duplicated or replicated.
Last night, at F check-in, there was no cold towel, no lemon grass refreshment, and no spa appointment discussion. We had come to expect the latter based on comments here.
The attention to detail and "friendliness" seemed a little off. We actually have an overnight in FRA before flying back to Canada but the check-in agent checked our luggage straight through without noting the 20+ hour layover or, if she did, not asking whether we might need luggage for an overnight stay.
This was resolved and we were on our way through passport control and security and then into the buggy for the ride to the lounge. We were warmly greeted at the lounge and managed to snag the last "private" room they had available. We settled in for some drinks, ordered some food, and then realized that we hadn't booked massages nor had anybody asked. I went back to the desk and the gentleman indicated that he thought there was no availability for the full body hours but checked. He was able to book us at 10:30 and it was good. This, however, was handled at our first experience moments after we walked into the terminal and with at least three people at the F check-in, one kind of wonders why this still couldn't be part of the check-in process. It was certainly a nice touch at that time.
Had our massages, which were good, and spent only moments in the lounge again before our escort arrived to take us away.
It's hard not to enjoy this experience and I'm certainly not suggesting that we haven't thoroughly enjoyed this again. The point of the post was only to reflect on things compared to our first experience and, unfortunately, they didn't quite measure up. Perhaps a case of expectations. We didn't know what to expect the first time but this time we did.
Last night, at F check-in, there was no cold towel, no lemon grass refreshment, and no spa appointment discussion. We had come to expect the latter based on comments here.
The attention to detail and "friendliness" seemed a little off. We actually have an overnight in FRA before flying back to Canada but the check-in agent checked our luggage straight through without noting the 20+ hour layover or, if she did, not asking whether we might need luggage for an overnight stay.
This was resolved and we were on our way through passport control and security and then into the buggy for the ride to the lounge. We were warmly greeted at the lounge and managed to snag the last "private" room they had available. We settled in for some drinks, ordered some food, and then realized that we hadn't booked massages nor had anybody asked. I went back to the desk and the gentleman indicated that he thought there was no availability for the full body hours but checked. He was able to book us at 10:30 and it was good. This, however, was handled at our first experience moments after we walked into the terminal and with at least three people at the F check-in, one kind of wonders why this still couldn't be part of the check-in process. It was certainly a nice touch at that time.
Had our massages, which were good, and spent only moments in the lounge again before our escort arrived to take us away.
It's hard not to enjoy this experience and I'm certainly not suggesting that we haven't thoroughly enjoyed this again. The point of the post was only to reflect on things compared to our first experience and, unfortunately, they didn't quite measure up. Perhaps a case of expectations. We didn't know what to expect the first time but this time we did.
May 7, 2014, 1:43 am
#701
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
My wife and I had our second BKK F lounge and spa experience last night, the first time being two years ago. We come away from it like we do with a lot of things we've experienced before. The first time, because of it being completely new, seems to always be the best and never to be duplicated or replicated.
Last night, at F check-in, there was no cold towel, no lemon grass refreshment, and no spa appointment discussion. We had come to expect the latter based on comments here.
The attention to detail and "friendliness" seemed a little off. We actually have an overnight in FRA before flying back to Canada but the check-in agent checked our luggage straight through without noting the 20+ hour layover or, if she did, not asking whether we might need luggage for an overnight stay.
This was resolved and we were on our way through passport control and security and then into the buggy for the ride to the lounge. We were warmly greeted at the lounge and managed to snag the last "private" room they had available. We settled in for some drinks, ordered some food, and then realized that we hadn't booked massages nor had anybody asked. I went back to the desk and the gentleman indicated that he thought there was no availability for the full body hours but checked. He was able to book us at 10:30 and it was good. This, however, was handled at our first experience moments after we walked into the terminal and with at least three people at the F check-in, one kind of wonders why this still couldn't be part of the check-in process. It was certainly a nice touch at that time.
Had our massages, which were good, and spent only moments in the lounge again before our escort arrived to take us away.
It's hard not to enjoy this experience and I'm certainly not suggesting that we haven't thoroughly enjoyed this again. The point of the post was only to reflect on things compared to our first experience and, unfortunately, they didn't quite measure up. Perhaps a case of expectations. We didn't know what to expect the first time but this time we did.
Last night, at F check-in, there was no cold towel, no lemon grass refreshment, and no spa appointment discussion. We had come to expect the latter based on comments here.
The attention to detail and "friendliness" seemed a little off. We actually have an overnight in FRA before flying back to Canada but the check-in agent checked our luggage straight through without noting the 20+ hour layover or, if she did, not asking whether we might need luggage for an overnight stay.
This was resolved and we were on our way through passport control and security and then into the buggy for the ride to the lounge. We were warmly greeted at the lounge and managed to snag the last "private" room they had available. We settled in for some drinks, ordered some food, and then realized that we hadn't booked massages nor had anybody asked. I went back to the desk and the gentleman indicated that he thought there was no availability for the full body hours but checked. He was able to book us at 10:30 and it was good. This, however, was handled at our first experience moments after we walked into the terminal and with at least three people at the F check-in, one kind of wonders why this still couldn't be part of the check-in process. It was certainly a nice touch at that time.
Had our massages, which were good, and spent only moments in the lounge again before our escort arrived to take us away.
It's hard not to enjoy this experience and I'm certainly not suggesting that we haven't thoroughly enjoyed this again. The point of the post was only to reflect on things compared to our first experience and, unfortunately, they didn't quite measure up. Perhaps a case of expectations. We didn't know what to expect the first time but this time we did.
I like the cold towel to clean my hands but that's about it, and I prefer to stand at the counter with my bags to sort out where they need to go (short-checking for a stopover for example).
I have never asked or arranged for a spa treatment at check-in. I always do it on entry to the lounge. it seems a bit pointless to ask for one at check-in, and delay the check-in process when you will be at the lounge in 3 minutes anyway.
I don't find the one-hour treatments to be particularly good compared to what I can get at somewhere like healthlands in bangkok. I prefer a combination on 2x30 minute treatments.
May 7, 2014, 3:22 am
#702
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Like LHR/MEL/Europe FF I prefer to get the checkin taken care more quickly than the current rigamarole allows.
May 7, 2014, 3:32 am
#703
Join Date: May 2010
Location: YYC
Programs: Aeroplan, FPC Platinum, SPG/Marriott Gold, Radisson Gold Elite, BW Diamond Select
Posts: 293
I've never made the spa appointment at F check in and don't remember there being discussion much about this topic wthin the thread. Also we've typically received a bottle of water not a lemon grass refreshment.
Like LHR/MEL/Europe FF I prefer to get the checkin taken care more quickly than the current rigamarole allows.
Like LHR/MEL/Europe FF I prefer to get the checkin taken care more quickly than the current rigamarole allows.
On our trip two years ago, our F check-in did, indeed, include the spa arrangements, a cold towel, and a lemon grass tea. Not sure when they stopped but it was there two years ago.
It should be noted that we showed up almost five hours before our departure and were OK with just "soaking up" the experience as we had done the last time. As such, a few extra minutes at check-in didn't significantly take away from our lounge experience. To each their own, I suppose. As I said, though, this check-in took longer than it should have notwithstanding the absence of the things I described.
May 7, 2014, 6:55 am
#704
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
FCL lounge in BKK is the only lounge that make reservations for massage at the Spa.
May 7, 2014, 12:10 pm
#705
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
I had a 7-8 hour layover and this is how it went. I got the buggy ride to the FCL from my inbound and grabbed a spot in one of the "living rooms" I told them i wanted to go in the city for a little and wanted to book a massage from when i returned. They kind of insisted i get my massage first. After the massage i was able to leave my stuff in the living room and was shown where to go to get to passport control. I rode the train to the city, walked around a bit, took the train back to the airport. Went back to the first class check in area and was escorted back to the lounge, my stuff was still there when i returned.