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.
Mar 18, 2019, 9:19 pm
#1471
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,330
Because I want to experience the lounge fully, and with a 7.30am flight the next morning I wouldn't have enough time if I exited straight away. No doubt you'd be aware quite a few people in these forums travel specifically to experience an airline's product both in the air and on the ground, and would rather spend time in a lounge than a few hours in a city. Not all, but some 
Mar 19, 2019, 7:55 pm
#1472
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Because I want to experience the lounge fully, and with a 7.30am flight the next morning I wouldn't have enough time if I exited straight away. No doubt you'd be aware quite a few people in these forums travel specifically to experience an airline's product both in the air and on the ground, and would rather spend time in a lounge than a few hours in a city. Not all, but some
FWIW - if you opted to not get the massage in the evening, you could get it in the morning, 6am to 7am. And then hop on your flight.
Mar 20, 2019, 1:33 am
#1473
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Assuming you have the proper Passport and/or Visa, you can always go landside in virtually any airport, assuming you have the time.
I am not suggesting it would be easy, but I don't think I have heard a story where - given enough time - you can't change your mind and go landside.
The real question is why would you want to do this? 15 hours in enough time to go to the city, grab a massage and a nice dinner, as well as some good sleep. (And/or a night out and less sleep)
I am not suggesting it would be easy, but I don't think I have heard a story where - given enough time - you can't change your mind and go landside.
The real question is why would you want to do this? 15 hours in enough time to go to the city, grab a massage and a nice dinner, as well as some good sleep. (And/or a night out and less sleep)
May 8, 2019, 12:03 am
#1474
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: YVR/HND/NRT/HKG
Programs: ANA Diamond
Posts: 228
Does anyone know how flexible the escort for passengers in F is? I will be arriving to BKK from Ko Samui on a Bangkok Airways flight at 11am, and my flight to KIX in F doesn't leave till 11pm. I'm guessing that they won't pick me up when I land? Or will they.
I'm sure it'll be easy to leave the airport, head into town, and then check in closer to my departure. Anyone have any good spa recommendations? I've heard that the Hive Spa is pretty decent.
I'm sure it'll be easy to leave the airport, head into town, and then check in closer to my departure. Anyone have any good spa recommendations? I've heard that the Hive Spa is pretty decent.
May 8, 2019, 11:13 am
#1476
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Does anyone know how flexible the escort for passengers in F is? I will be arriving to BKK from Ko Samui on a Bangkok Airways flight at 11am, and my flight to KIX in F doesn't leave till 11pm. I'm guessing that they won't pick me up when I land? Or will they.
I'm sure it'll be easy to leave the airport, head into town, and then check in closer to my departure. Anyone have any good spa recommendations? I've heard that the Hive Spa is pretty decent.
I'm sure it'll be easy to leave the airport, head into town, and then check in closer to my departure. Anyone have any good spa recommendations? I've heard that the Hive Spa is pretty decent.
Separate tickets? No.
As much as I love the FCL, I would 100% head into town with 12 hours between flights. Massage, lunch, shopping, movie, temple... all sound better than 12 hours in the lounge.
Domestic arrivals are easy. Just grab bags and go into town. 11am should be little traffic.
And to be honest, Royal First connecting security/customs can be hit or miss in terms of time. I have had good escorts that get me to the front of the line and others that just drop me off at the back and wait. (At which point it would have been quicker to walk out the door, go upstairs and enter via Royal First Check-in.)
May 9, 2019, 10:58 am
#1477
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: LH M&M, BA EC, DL SM
Posts: 5,731
Totally agree that the lounge is good for 2 hours max, including the one hour massage. And there is definitely better food in town.
May 11, 2019, 7:49 am
#1478
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Bangkok & Dublin
Programs: Thai ROP Platinum; BA Gold; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium For Life; IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 375
Assuming you are on two separate tickets, you will not be met by an escort....maybe not even if you are on one ticket, unless the incoming flight is late.....drop your bags at left luggage and go have fun in the city.......the First Class Lounge is a bit dated now compared to other airlines' home FCLs......good for two hours, and excellent Bombay Sapphire Dry Martinis.......but not for 12 hours
May 25, 2019, 9:16 pm
#1480
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
Jun 22, 2019, 8:04 pm
#1481
Join Date: Jun 2019
Programs: Star aliance, Blue, Hotels.com
Posts: 2
First time question here!
Traveling in F from HND - BKK - FRA.
We will land at 04:50 AM and not depart until 11:45 PM. giving us almost the full day in Bangkok.
However, i really want to test out some lounge facilities.
Will we be picked up on the gate in BKK by a guide\car? Even to the first class lounge is not yet open.
And if we do go out to town for a few hours can we still use the express ways\first class check-in when we get back to the airport?
Regards a man who is used to short stays at airports, not 18 hour ones.
Traveling in F from HND - BKK - FRA.
We will land at 04:50 AM and not depart until 11:45 PM. giving us almost the full day in Bangkok.
However, i really want to test out some lounge facilities.
Will we be picked up on the gate in BKK by a guide\car? Even to the first class lounge is not yet open.
And if we do go out to town for a few hours can we still use the express ways\first class check-in when we get back to the airport?
Regards a man who is used to short stays at airports, not 18 hour ones.
Jun 22, 2019, 8:17 pm
#1482
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
First time question here!
Traveling in F from HND - BKK - FRA.
We will land at 04:50 AM and not depart until 11:45 PM. giving us almost the full day in Bangkok.
However, i really want to test out some lounge facilities.
Will we be picked up on the gate in BKK by a guide\car? Even to the first class lounge is not yet open.
And if we do go out to town for a few hours can we still use the express ways\first class check-in when we get back to the airport?
Regards a man who is used to short stays at airports, not 18 hour ones.
Traveling in F from HND - BKK - FRA.
We will land at 04:50 AM and not depart until 11:45 PM. giving us almost the full day in Bangkok.
However, i really want to test out some lounge facilities.
Will we be picked up on the gate in BKK by a guide\car? Even to the first class lounge is not yet open.
And if we do go out to town for a few hours can we still use the express ways\first class check-in when we get back to the airport?
Regards a man who is used to short stays at airports, not 18 hour ones.
You can do all of what describe above. But...
Personally for a stay like this I would take the buggy from the plane and go straight to immigration and into a taxi to a hotel. I have an upcoming itinerary which is similar to yours and I booked an Ibis for USD32 in downtown Bangkok. I booked it for the night before and advised them of a (very) late check-in.
you should arrive at the hotel by 6am. You can then have a shower and a coffee and chill for a couple hours before heading out to sightseeing/lunch/shopping.
You could then come back to the hotel around 5, collect your bags and be at the airport at 6. Be in the lounge by 6.15 and book your one-hour massages (for say 9pm). Meanwhile enjoy the service in the lounge and sample some Thai dishes (although there will be better in the city). Finish you massage at 10, have an hour to check email and have a drink and head to the plane about 11.15-11.30.
With rates so cheap at Ibis (and they are quite good in Bangkok with tea and coffee in the rooms, room service, and fast wifi) you could also book the next night so you have the room for the whole day and could shower when you got back from sightseeing.
I wouldn't necessarily head from the plane to the lounge to have breakfast. You will have eaten on the plane before arrival, have to clear security (usuaully the escort will 'express' you through, but not always), then you have to make your way back out through immigration and you'll potentially be hitting peak hour traffic on your way into Bangkok. At 5am the traffic will be minimal.
Jun 22, 2019, 8:17 pm
#1483
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,166
First time question here!
Traveling in F from HND - BKK - FRA.
We will land at 04:50 AM and not depart until 11:45 PM. giving us almost the full day in Bangkok.
However, i really want to test out some lounge facilities.
Will we be picked up on the gate in BKK by a guide\car? Even to the first class lounge is not yet open.
And if we do go out to town for a few hours can we still use the express ways\first class check-in when we get back to the airport?
Regards a man who is used to short stays at airports, not 18 hour ones.
Traveling in F from HND - BKK - FRA.
We will land at 04:50 AM and not depart until 11:45 PM. giving us almost the full day in Bangkok.
However, i really want to test out some lounge facilities.
Will we be picked up on the gate in BKK by a guide\car? Even to the first class lounge is not yet open.
And if we do go out to town for a few hours can we still use the express ways\first class check-in when we get back to the airport?
Regards a man who is used to short stays at airports, not 18 hour ones.
If you go to the lounge, you will be seated in the business lounge area until the F lounge opens. Then be taken to the F lounge.
If you go to town, you can use all of the fast track when returning.
Jun 22, 2019, 8:54 pm
#1485
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
There are plenty of excellent high end hotels, problem is that many will want to charge you the whole night and kick you out at midday.
I got a quote by writing to the W Bangkok (on Sathorn Road)... explaining I was after a ‘day rate only’ they initially came back with nothing (wanted to charge two nights) but then followed up a little while later saying if I booked one night they’d give me late check out until 4 or 5pm (so basically the full day, but charged at the overnight rate without discount).