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.
Dec 3, 2018, 10:52 am
#1381
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,316
you are welcome! for sure enough time, lounge and spa have shower facilities. So you could for example shower before and after the 1 hour massage in the spa. they offer body massage or oil massage
Dec 7, 2018, 3:45 pm
#1382
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
Just a quick heads up for those flying in the am... The Spa does get "FULL" as I found out today. (I am on the 8am BKK-NRT flight)
Arrived at the First Class lounge at 5:30am and asked for the 1 hour Oil Massage. I was told FULL. They offered 30 minutes neck/shoulder and 30 minutes foot - aka back to back business class massages. (I politely said no.)
First time this has ever happened to me. Quite disappointed, but, first world problems.
Just a heads up to anyone looking forward to the 1-hour massage and on the early flight - arrive extra early.
And another new (negative) change - they won't prepare lunch/dinner items before 10am. (They have always done in the past.)
Very negative experience this morning.
Arrived at the First Class lounge at 5:30am and asked for the 1 hour Oil Massage. I was told FULL. They offered 30 minutes neck/shoulder and 30 minutes foot - aka back to back business class massages. (I politely said no.)
First time this has ever happened to me. Quite disappointed, but, first world problems.
Just a heads up to anyone looking forward to the 1-hour massage and on the early flight - arrive extra early.
And another new (negative) change - they won't prepare lunch/dinner items before 10am. (They have always done in the past.)
Very negative experience this morning.
Last edited by Global321; Dec 7, 2018 at 3:55 pm
Dec 7, 2018, 4:15 pm
#1383
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
Just a quick heads up for those flying in the am... The Spa does get "FULL" as I found out today. (I am on the 8am BKK-NRT flight)
Arrived at the First Class lounge at 5:30am and asked for the 1 hour Oil Massage. I was told FULL. They offered 30 minutes neck/shoulder and 30 minutes foot - aka back to back business class massages. (I politely said no.)
First time this has ever happened to me. Quite disappointed, but, first world problems.
Just a heads up to anyone looking forward to the 1-hour massage and on the early flight - arrive extra early.
Arrived at the First Class lounge at 5:30am and asked for the 1 hour Oil Massage. I was told FULL. They offered 30 minutes neck/shoulder and 30 minutes foot - aka back to back business class massages. (I politely said no.)
First time this has ever happened to me. Quite disappointed, but, first world problems.
Just a heads up to anyone looking forward to the 1-hour massage and on the early flight - arrive extra early.
Some pax arriving the previous night may already have reserved their spot for the morning.
Dec 7, 2018, 4:55 pm
#1384
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
Disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Dec 7, 2018, 5:41 pm
#1385
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
Could be true about reserving slots - but even if they did not - 12 FC seats on the NRT flight and 3 'slots' means this must happen frequently. They might want to think about opening up the 1-hour massages at the Spa at 5:30 and set start times at 5:30 and 6:30 - could get 2 sets in before the 8am departure.
Disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Dec 9, 2018, 10:20 am
#1386
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
I think the full one hour massage is pretty much a 'connecting' benefit. There are much better massages - with a lot less inconvenience - outside the airport. The 30 minute is still nice even if you have just come from your hotel that day - a foot massage or back massage is relaxing. But if you were staying in Bangkok for any length of time it's hard to imagine you'd want to be up at 4.00am to get to the aiorport for a 5.30am massage.
While you are correct there are good massages to be had elsewhere, using that logic, they should just close the spa... and while they are at it, eliminate most food at the lounge, as better meals can surely be had elsewhere. Again, not a huge deal. but, it is an advertised benefit that was simply not delivered. And after a long drive to the airport, customs, security and the thought of a day of traveling, the massage before the flight is a much-welcomed benefit. I would rather have them take reservations the day before... that way, when it is "FULL", I can grab another 30-60 minutes sleep.
Dec 9, 2018, 1:42 pm
#1388
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
It is a highly touted benefit - even mentioned at check-in by the agent. (I should have remembered to book when I checked in.)
While you are correct there are good massages to be had elsewhere, using that logic, they should just close the spa... and while they are at it, eliminate most food at the lounge, as better meals can surely be had elsewhere. Again, not a huge deal. but, it is an advertised benefit that was simply not delivered. And after a long drive to the airport, customs, security and the thought of a day of traveling, the massage before the flight is a much-welcomed benefit. I would rather have them take reservations the day before... that way, when it is "FULL", I can grab another 30-60 minutes sleep.
While you are correct there are good massages to be had elsewhere, using that logic, they should just close the spa... and while they are at it, eliminate most food at the lounge, as better meals can surely be had elsewhere. Again, not a huge deal. but, it is an advertised benefit that was simply not delivered. And after a long drive to the airport, customs, security and the thought of a day of traveling, the massage before the flight is a much-welcomed benefit. I would rather have them take reservations the day before... that way, when it is "FULL", I can grab another 30-60 minutes sleep.
Would you wake up at 4am just to get a massage in the TG spa that you could get much better outside? I wouldn't. Would you arrive at the airport four hours early just to eat Thai food that you coud get much better outside? I wouldn't.
But in transit, yes, as so a good benefit to pass the time. No need to close the spa. I don't know of any airport spa in the world that isn't on a 'space available' basis... unless they offer 20 minute services and select pax can book in advance. But for TG to have to have 9 massage rooms, and nine therapists available for the 8am departure to NRT is probably unrealistic.
Dec 9, 2018, 4:14 pm
#1389
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
And all those things are good for connecting passengers. And connecting pax can usually get a sample of a Thai massage and some Thai food in the lounge.
Would you wake up at 4am just to get a massage in the TG spa that you could get much better outside? I wouldn't. Would you arrive at the airport four hours early just to eat Thai food that you coud get much better outside? I wouldn't.
But in transit, yes, as so a good benefit to pass the time. No need to close the spa. I don't know of any airport spa in the world that isn't on a 'space available' basis... unless they offer 20 minute services and select pax can book in advance. But for TG to have to have 9 massage rooms, and nine therapists available for the 8am departure to NRT is probably unrealistic.
Would you wake up at 4am just to get a massage in the TG spa that you could get much better outside? I wouldn't. Would you arrive at the airport four hours early just to eat Thai food that you coud get much better outside? I wouldn't.
But in transit, yes, as so a good benefit to pass the time. No need to close the spa. I don't know of any airport spa in the world that isn't on a 'space available' basis... unless they offer 20 minute services and select pax can book in advance. But for TG to have to have 9 massage rooms, and nine therapists available for the 8am departure to NRT is probably unrealistic.
When flying internationally, I give extra time in case of accidents/delays; on occasion, my risk adverse approach has paid off in saving me from a missed flight. So arriving at least two hours before take off is pretty much mandatory for me.
12 FC seats on the flight to NRT. And while not everyone would want a massage, I would think the majority would, so yes, they are in fact "short" at just three rooms, IMHO. The guy next to me on the flight was lamenting him and his buddy - both flying Thai FC for the first time - also could not get the oil massages. So now there are at least 3 people who wanted to get the massage, but could not.
As I said before, simply opening those three spa rooms 30 minutes earlier doubles your capacity for that flight. Should they do it? Up to them. (My guess is they will not.) But, when you advertise a benefit, you should make it available, barring something unforeseen.
But, let's not go to far down this road... I had a good flight with Thai. Service was quite good. (As expected.) The lounge on the other hand, very disappointing. But, these are beyond first world problems.
Dec 10, 2018, 12:39 am
#1390
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
Not sure where you are getting massages at 4am in Bangkok and why you think those massages are better, but that is your business.
...
12 FC seats on the flight to NRT. And while not everyone would want a massage, I would think the majority would, so yes, they are in fact "short" at just three rooms, IMHO. The guy next to me on the flight was lamenting him and his buddy - both flying Thai FC for the first time - also could not get the oil massages. So now there are at least 3 people who wanted to get the massage, but could not.
...
12 FC seats on the flight to NRT. And while not everyone would want a massage, I would think the majority would, so yes, they are in fact "short" at just three rooms, IMHO. The guy next to me on the flight was lamenting him and his buddy - both flying Thai FC for the first time - also could not get the oil massages. So now there are at least 3 people who wanted to get the massage, but could not.
It's a benefit, and advertised, but not intended that it will be 100% available to all pax at all times.
Dec 10, 2018, 3:05 am
#1391
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,316
I had earlier this year also taken a one hour massage in the evening, arrived more than 3 hours before the flight with my wife; they did not have slots at the same time, so I let her go first, mine was further delayed so that in the end it had to be shortened and I had to rush directly to the gate from the spa. In such case rather than having the rush, I will go for 2 times 30 minutes massages
Jan 30, 2019, 5:14 pm
#1392
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,165
Has anyone connected from TG F to domestic TG Y recently and got F lounge access?
I'm flying FRA-BKK-HKT, where FRA-BKK is in TG F but BKK-HKT is in TG Y.
I'm wondering if I would be able to access the F lounge in BKK during my transit.
I'm flying FRA-BKK-HKT, where FRA-BKK is in TG F but BKK-HKT is in TG Y.
I'm wondering if I would be able to access the F lounge in BKK during my transit.
Jan 30, 2019, 5:59 pm
#1393
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
You will be collected by golf cart from the arriving FRA flight and taken straight to the int->dom transfer desks. (You should have access to the domestic J lounge though by virtue of your inbound F boarding pass.)
Jan 30, 2019, 6:33 pm
#1394
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,316
you will neither be able to convince the escort, who pick you up at the gate to bring you to international Transit (instead of domestic Transit where you belong), the Dragon at the international Transit security will Prevent you from entering as you have neither a Boarding pass nor an itinerary with an international flight. And consider the F lounge staff, who check your Boarding pass for your international departure as the third obstacle
Jan 30, 2019, 7:17 pm
#1395
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK *GfL, BA Gold, WY G, HH DIA, IC Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 3,691
A search on here would reveal that the answer is a resounding "no". Not even worth trying, as BinSabai points out.