AJLondon

I am planning to do BKK-HKG in TG First class later this month. Had a couple of questions. I have never flown Thai in F before.

What's the inflight service like on this 2.45 hour flight. Meals, caviar, amenities etc...

There are two daily flights on this route that operate F class. Both are on a 744 aircraft? Is this good or bad comparatively.

Overall what can I expect, and is the difference significant between TG F and TG C.

Thanks,
AJ

AJLondon

Also, do these two flights (TG 600 and 606) terminate and turn around from HKG or do they carry on to somewhere else...

B Watson

They are the best shot on this route - CX has dropped F on almost every day at this point.

TG provides what may be the best ground handling in the entire industry - escort though immigration to the lounge, etc.

The 744 config which files this route is the best second best in the fleet (best being on the FRA and LHR routes) basically 1 year old style seats that are comfortable enough but with no PTV or power (who cares - 2.5 hours!)

Service is generally VERY good - meal service done the old trolley style (basically, the whole thing is a bit of a time warp)

TG C is a total disaster - avoid at ALL COST

I take this exact flight at least once per month - it is my preferred way to get from BKK to HKG - FYI, I will be on TG606 on 5 April

AJLondon

Thanks B Watson. Mighty helpful. Exactly what I was looking for.
My dates at the moment are looking like BKK-HKG 31st Mar, HKG-BKK 03rd Apr. Would have been great to run into you though!

cheers
AJ

B Watson

Two additional items

I meant 10 year old seat - not 1 year old

Also, TG F arrival into BKK for your return can be a VERY big deal as they once again escort you through immigration upon arrival (sometimes a 45 minute savings) and assigned someone to collect your checked luggage for you.

LHSEN

I took this route every other week for almost 2 years.

Ground Service: From BKK to HKG, they usually asked me if I need someone escort you through custom. From HKG to BKK, you'll be offered by the ground staff for a free ride to either the gate or the lounge after immigration; upon arrival in BKK, you'll be escorted to immigration and as mentioned, someone will be assigned to you to pickup your luggage - all you need to do is to point.

Lounge: in BKK use the one near gate 50-something, the newest, cleanest and most quiet. In HKG, you're able to choose between the Thai lounge or the UA lounge first class lounge. To me, they've both the same.

In-flight: sometimes, you'll get the new seat (lie-flat), sometimes old ones - but for a flight less than 3 hours, it does not matter. Cabin service is good in general. For food, okay, no cavier and they have not change their menu for over 2 years. Btw, good wine though. IFE is sub-standard compare to CX's first or business class, but they do have plenty to read. There were a few occassions whereby I was the only passenger in F, in this case, service would be extremely well, and often time, I was offer a gifts (very nice gesture from them).

Hope this help.

Vaab

I did this route late in 2003 and while the service was good, both in the air and on the ground, the food was just awful. As commented above, the service is trolley style so when they reached me I thought everything was cool - not very hot. It was also quite mediocre. They were very keen to heat it up for me but it was still room temperature.

They are the friendliest folks in the sky though, in all classes.

RichardMEL

I flew TG600 and TG607F in Dec 2002 (to get the 744's F cabin both ways). Since I connected to/from BKK I didn't get any escorts, but enjoyed the ground experience: The lounge was so so.. When I got to the gate the agents just said "oh just wait a few minutes sir" blah blah.. So the agent came around personally to the F pax and told us we could board rather than making an announcement. I thought that was a nice touch.

Yes food is trolley style, but such a buffet choice, I felt spoiled. Real tea in real china was a bonus, and of course the Dom was well chilled. No amenity kits, and BKK-HKG was old 744 F class (14 seats) and 607 HKG-BKK was new config (the a/c was flying on to FRA I think) with ISV and only 12 "suites" - very nice.

I'd say what TG lacks for hardware wise is made up by the friendly crew and pretty decent food. I very much enjoyed the experience even for such a short flight.

------------------
RichardMEL, UA 1P (It's Time to Fly)
A Star Alliance Member.

AJLondon

I know about the BKK TG ground handling for F class. However, upon arrival in HKG is there any special treatment for F class pax, i.e. for immigration (special desks, avoid queues etc), ground transport etc

LHSEN

There's none. You'll still required to walk the distance and take the train to the immigration hall. Not priority.

kyushuman

I just booked a *A ticket SIN-BKK-HKG-BKK-SIN (nonstops weren't available, so I got FC on SQ and TG. I even managed to put in a mini-"stopover" in BKK on the outbound, of 23 hours (24 hrs is the limit). So I'll get to enjoy TG ground service on the outbound BKK-HKG.
The only surprise, after reading this thread, is that my flight is on an MD-11 (!) from BKK to HKG, while the return is on a 744. So which seats should I take? I've got 4B (actually the second row--no row 1 or 3) on the MD-11 and 3B on the 744.

yvrguy

I notice a lot of people comment about the food not being served hot on TG flights. Don't forget the flights out of Bangkok offer "Supper Royal" service...your choice of 22 different menu selections. Since this is served on an individual basis, it is always hot....and...aroy mak.

kyushuman

Thanks for the tip!
Found Supper Royal using the search option "supper" at thaiairways.com ....they look good! I didn't know TG had some kind of "Book the Cook"-style offering. Even something with lobster tail!
Can you recommend or tell us to avoid any certain dishes? I'm leaning toward Thai dishes.....
Thanks!

yvrguy

I have used this service about six times and no disappointments yet. I, too, enjoy the thai dishes. However, I still do not find the Thai dishes very spicy. Also, there is usually a side dish of chili peppers to be added at your discretion. This helps a bit, however, it is still not same same. Please let us know what your opinion is.

oontiveros

hi I am taking TG 600 in early Aug in F and want to book this Supper Royal service. Any opinions as to what is edible at 0830 or 0900 in the morning? Any strong suggestions as to dishes?

Otherwise, what is served on the trolley?

Thanks!