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Flying the Royal Orchid A350 to Bangkok
My 2nd trip this year is again another of the frequent hops to Bangkok. TG offers frequent sales on the SIN-BKK route and for a full-service flight, the prices were definitely a steal when the flights were booked less than 3 months prior.
Fast forward to the day of departure, headed home after work, picked up my bags and rushed to the airport for check-in slightly more than 1hr before STD. This Friday evening flight is usually very popular with business and leisure travellers and hence I was surprised that deals were also offered for this flight. Checked in at T1 and got my colourful boarding pass. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4678/2...78af339d_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4651/4...3840f148_b.jpg With the AirAsia group having moved to T4, T1 is now dominated by the Qantas group (mainly Jetstar flights). https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4626/2...ff162892_b.jpg There was a late gate change from C13 to D47 due to a late departure aircraft at the original assigned gate. Flight also arrived slighly late due to air traffic congestion. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4629/4...7ec68fc1_b.jpg 02 February 2018 Thai Airways TG 410 Singapore (SIN) - Bangkok (BKK) A350-900 HS-THB Economy Class Flight Time: 1H58M The flight was originally scheduled to be a B747-400, but was changed a month back to the new A350. Not that I minded either, one a classic and the other the newest aircraft. TG's beautiful 1st A350 being prepared for the flight back to Bangkok. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4674/2...1f6bf369_b.jpg Boarding was slightly delayed due to the late arrival, and after a quick turnaround, boarding commenced 10min before STD with priorities and sequences strictly enforced. Welcomed by the beautiful TG crew in traditional thai uniforms at the door. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4710/4...fd5fd428_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4668/2...72de96d7_b.jpg TG's A350s are densely configured in 32J/289Y for a total of 321 pax. Compare that to SQ's A350 which only seats 255 pax. Already placed on each economy seat is a pillow and blanket. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4752/2...acd54ed5_b.jpg A wet evening outside. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4651/2...ef557d97_b.jpg Legroom was adequate, but felt slightly tighter than TG's B777s and 747s. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4630/2...50d3a19f_b.jpg Pillow, blanket and headphones. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4766/2...792e6755_b.jpg Inflight magazines https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4746/2...c058f52c_b.jpg |
Boarding for the full flight was completed very quick and efficiently.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4615/2...3291530f_b.jpg After the last passenger boarded, doors were closed and we pushed back. Safety video was played. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4653/2...e85a2ec6_b.jpg Finnair A350 beside. The A350 is now becoming a very regular sight in Changi. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4708/2...796e87a7_b.jpg TG's A350 is enabled with a live camera view through its IFE system. Here we are taxiing to the runway. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4721/2...2c12f4c0_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4610/3...c8441129_b.jpg Turning onto the runway. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4664/2...ed9bcd76_b.jpg Departure from Rwy02C. [URL="[ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-j0HXPdtg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-j0HXPdtg[/ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-j0HXPdtg"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm-j0HXPdtg[/URL[/ame]] Once we were airbourne, I activated the IFE system. TG's IFE system is touch-screen enabled and very responsive, though you may also use the small handset below the monitor. Entertainment choices is decent with the latest movies available, though the range may not be as many as EK's or SQ's latest IFE systems. I selected to watch an action comedy. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4724/4...fba705d5_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4768/2...5b4071f5_b.jpg Meal and drink carts were swiftly rolled out and meal service commenced in a very efficient manner, with meal trays and wines offered from the meal cart and the beverage cart following behind. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4613/3...52e415fa_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4613/4...57559041_b.jpg This evening, we were offered a choice of Chicken with noodles or Fish curry with rice. Me and my friend both opted for the fish curry as through past experiences, the curries on TG were very tasty. The meal came with a tuna salad appetiser, warm roll with butter, thai-style dessert and a bottle of drinking water. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4707/2...8a68816c_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4612/2...3545b040_b.jpg |
Tuna salad is fresh and bread roll is warm and soft.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4761/2...b5ea9302_b.jpg The main of Thai-style fish curry with rice and preserved turnip with egg definitely did not disappoint. It is very local thai dish, delicious and flavourful! https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4621/2...5ee6620c_b.jpg The dessert, which consisted of yam, jelly and coconut milk, was also very tasty! https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4606/2...d0e44d1e_b.jpg Bar cart came down the aisle offering the full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. I only had an apple juice. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4621/2...5558574b_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4675/2...5b1912ec_b.jpg Enjoying my very satisfying meal. Looking at my seatmate's meal, the chicken with noodles was actually a western-style chicken with spaggheti. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4704/2...ec52b8dc_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4655/3...08f195d8_b.jpg Crew then came down with the coffee/tea cart, offering hot beverages or drinks top-up. I had a tea with lemon. The senior crew also walked arond offering additional breadrolls. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4666/2...3795cb24_b.jpg Meal service was completed very efficiently within an hour of flight. Visited the lavatory which was clean and well-designed. Amenities were basic except for the inclusion of a cologne. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4659/2...9781c71f_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4764/4...1b6a162c_b.jpg View of the cabin. Cabin ambience was relaxing despite the full flight. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4698/4...a634246c_b.jpg Cabin light were dimmed for the remainder of the flight till we started the descent into Bangkok. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4710/3...0c7899cc_b.jpg |
Flew this route a few months back in F when it was the 747. I was originally booked on an A350 but needed a schedule change and ended up with the 747, which was fine with me. Was my first time on TG and couldn't have been more impressed, on board customer service could not have been more friendly and attentive. Same goes for the F lounge at BKK.
Any time I've ever looked at this route the flights have been absurdly cheap on TG, I assume because so many airlines fly it. TG was fantastic though, would choose it every time if I could. |
Descending into Suvarnhabumi.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4743/3...cbfd6cb0_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4676/3...6e502f20_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4758/4...378ce409_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4619/3...8f5729ee_b.jpg Landing on Rwy19R a few minutes behind schedule. [URL="[ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPsWBscaeW8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPsWBscaeW8[/ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPsWBscaeW8"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPsWBscaeW8[/URL[/ame]] Taxied to the terminal and parked at the D gates, right at immigration. Coincidentally, another Finnair aircraft was also parked beside at BKK. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4628/2...8eecc074_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4617/4...c0669ced_b.jpg Passing the Business Class cabin during disembarkation. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4666/2...6e353b37_b.jpg It was an excellent flight on TG on this short haul. Despite the full load, service was very efficient but remained friendly and warm. The food and beverage offerings were awesome and cabin ambience was good. Was really impressed with the Royal Orchid service on this short sector. Immigration was quick as there were not too many other international arrivals and it was a 30min Airport Train ride direct to Phaya Thai, where my hotel stayed would be. Stayed ay The Sukosol on this trip, which is a very recommended hotel with convenient transport links, big and comfortable rooms, great service and housekeeping. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4757/3...241f7976_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4602/4...2d00f653_b.jpg View from my room. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4626/4...f2b80bc6_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4701/2...40178acb_b.jpg The next morning, we walked to Pratunam for breakfast at Yok-Zod The Noodle. Wanton noodles were as good as the famous stalls and very afforable too. I tried the tomyum wanton noodles and also a plate of braised pork to share. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4745/4...10c16bb3_b.jpg |
Love the way you abbreviate Sexually Transmitted Disease instead of Scheduled Departure Time by a simple accidental transposition of letters! Twice, actually! Some people may wonder what you had been getting up to.... :D
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Visit to Yaorawat (Chinatown) in the morning.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4653/2...b4168be6_b.jpg Brunch at Nai-Ek Roll Noodles, a very popular old-school eatery in Yaorawat, specializing in all things pork, especially the pork innards soup. As we were early, there was not much of a wait. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4766/4...77bd8e79_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4768/2...389c93b8_b.jpg A must visit on every Bangkok trip, dessert at After You! The dessert cafe is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4664/2...385c5626_b.jpg Was recommended to try a thai restaurant, Somtam, at Siam Square. Its pork floss rice noodles and chicken wings were fantastic! https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4623/2...04435958_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4665/2...a39933b8_b.jpg The popular American chain Cheesecake Factory has opened a stall at Siam Paragon. However, it only sells its popular cheesecakes at this Thailand branch. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4742/4...fe83db50_b.jpg On the last day, we had brunch at the ever popular eatery Inter Restaurant at Siam Square. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4657/2...b34efa33_b.jpg Facade of Siam Discovery. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4767/2...9bf0da68_b.jpg Chinese New Year fair in Siam Square. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4614/3...d1a177c6_b.jpg Trying some local sweet treats from a popular stall just beside Novotel Siam Square. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4698/3...244520f3_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4742/2...4f4ac537_b.jpg |
Back to the airport by the Airport Train from Phaya Thai. Check in and baggage drop at the TG counters were pretty empty and we were processed immediately.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4664/3...bff45f96_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4662/4...90a01c1e_b.jpg Immigration and security were another story as it took more than half hour to go through both despite most counters opened. After clearing immigration, headed to the gate. View of the tarmac. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4617/3...ec275463_b.jpg When we reached the gate, boarding should have begun. However, as expected due to the Changi Airshow runway incident just a couple of hours earlier which closed down one of the 2 runways and severly limited Changi's capacity, all regional flights were required to be delayed. Our flight was affected a well and we were given a new departure timing of 8pm from the same gate. Ground staff informed that meal vouchers would be distributed, even though it was no fault of the airline. Not only our flight, but all other flights to SIN were severely delayed for at least a couple of hours as well (SQ's 630pm departure was delayed till 11pm!). https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4613/3...bc3ba348_b.jpg Googling the lounges accessible by Priority Pass, I discovered that the Oman Air Lounge near the gate is one of the many lounges granting entry to Priority Pass members, and reviews for the lounge were pretty good as well. So headed to the lounge to pass the next 3 hours. Priority Pass members were granted a maximum of 3hrs stay at the lounge, which was alright with us. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4603/4...9d73ee4c_b.jpg The reception staff welcomed us in warmly. The lounge, though small in nice as expected for an overseas airline lounge, was very well appointed. There is a newspapers and magazines shelf just after the reception. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4743/4...546c1273_b.jpg The lounge is seperated into 2 main areas, the lounging area and the dining/work area. The lounging area was pretty empty at that time, and has a strong middle-eastern flair in the deco. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4603/4...73783ddf_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4665/3...494e0138_b.jpg There are 2 private "rooms" which could be shielded from the main lounge by curtains. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4749/4...e1d5a950_b.jpg The dining/work area. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4696/4...dccb1ff0_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4767/4...8d2f96c8_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4721/4...3ccb67db_b.jpg |
A wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer, including arabian coffee.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4602/4...3d4b5150_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4652/3...0642f2aa_b.jpg Buffet selection ranged from finger foods, sandwiches, salads, mains and desserts. Pretty wide-ranging and tasty. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4652/3...99984875_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4710/3...5f77abde_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4618/4...99e49a02_b.jpg Arabian coffee and dates to start. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4649/4...8a304887_b.jpg Thai and Middle-eastern starters. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4744/4...6970edc4_b.jpg Hot dishes including Chicken Briyani, satay, chcken puff and falafel. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4602/4...08bd576a_b.jpg Tom yum goong was offered later in the evening as well. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4695/4...e5841c99_b.jpg Fruits, desserts and drinks. The Oman Air Lounge in BKK certainly ranks as one of the best Priority Pass lounges that I have visited so far. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4766/4...8a6ebc7b_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4764/4...efd12c2c_b.jpg FIDS. Note the delays of all SIN-bound flights. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4630/4...36a59eda_b.jpg |
Some mango-desert would be a good idea now😉
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06 February 2018
Thai Airways TG 409 Bangkok (BKK) - Singapore (SIN) A350-900 HS-THC Economy Class Flight Time: 2H08M Back to the same gate, where boarding had just commenced. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4716/3...2e63ebe0_b.jpg It was a bus gate, and we were ferried by bus across almost entire airport compound to the awaiting A350 aircraft. This was TG's 2nd A350 plane. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4665/2...08ee69e7_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4753/3...aa9fcbb9_b.jpg The mighty Trents. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4741/4...b23c23b6_b.jpg Up the stairs and welcomed at the doors. Apparently the crew has also waited for the delayed flight since 230pm and they would still need to operate the sector back to BKK after this flight. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4746/2...0b0c578e_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4719/4...dd4ea9b5_b.jpg View of economy seats and cabin towards the rear, with a pillow placed on each. Blankets were later distributed by the crew. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4675/3...53fb9ce0_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4666/2...9e94e025_b.jpg View out the window. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4719/2...759d5286_b.jpg IFE system and camera view. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4715/4...54f7ae91_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4607/2...e5d5edba_b.jpg Pillow, blanket and headsets. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4610/4...4421a55f_b.jpg |
Excellent review as usual.
Does your priority pass have limited entries per year? The current one I have only allows two entries per year. |
Seatback view
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4749/2...dd11e56a_b.jpg Boarding in progress. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4632/2...f5a3eda1_b.jpg Boarding completed and we started the very long taxi to the runway. Flight was pretty full and the captain apologised for the delay due to the runway closure in Changi. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4649/2...7eafea47_b.jpg Turning onto the runway and takeoff from Rwy01R. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4704/2...bd89d1df_b.jpg [URL="[ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HQHIY6zbFY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HQHIY6zbFY[/ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HQHIY6zbFY"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HQHIY6zbFY[/URL[/ame]] Mood lightig turned on. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4619/2...9c3a6b2b_b.jpg Decided to watch a Korean comedy on this flight. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4627/2...a403b0b2_b.jpg Meal service commenced shortly after. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4609/2...3af01995_b.jpg On this flight, we were offered a choice of Chicken in oyster sauce with rice or Omelette with fried rice. We chose an option each. The meal tray came with a smoked salmon salad, warm roll with butter, a bottle of water and a vanilla mousse dessert. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4744/2...5f46dc10_b.jpg Chicken with rice and vegetables option. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4741/4...d6afd622_b.jpg Starter and dessert. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4696/4...61d98e98_b.jpg The main course was decent, but I still preferred the thai curries option. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4627/4...8057ac57_b.jpg Got an orange juice from the bar cart. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4742/3...853c6408_b.jpg |
Omelette with fried rice option.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4631/4...b3d2f26d_b.jpg Generous portion of salmon in the smoked salmon salad. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4742/4...637e161e_b.jpg The omelette had a tomato-filling. The dish was decent, but again I preferred the meal served on the previous sector. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4673/4...b7b64900_b.jpg Dessert with a cup of tea. Overall, this meal is not as good was the meal served on the previous sector which was excellent. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4756/3...ba1dfa6b_b.jpg Again, meal service was completed very efficiently within 1hr and the cabin lights were dimmed for passengers to rest. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4768/2...1e3671dc_b.jpg Very soon, we were approaching Singapore. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4626/4...b52c3d69_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4707/2...c475135f_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4621/2...a576e0c5_b.jpg Landing on Rwy02L, which reopened at around 7pm SG Time. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4745/4...9a6aeba7_b.jpg [URL="[ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB7JSqL5Tlc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB7JSqL5Tlc[/ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB7JSqL5Tlc"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB7JSqL5Tlc[/URL[/ame]] Parked at Terminal 1 C20, which is just beside immigration. A SQ A350 was parked a C1, which is a common occurance as there are insufficient gates at T3. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4750/4...346f212f_b.jpg https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4724/4...5381f5e7_b.jpg Disembarked. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4712/4...4db498b6_b.jpg Again a short an pleasant flight on Thai Airways, which offers very good flight schedules at competitive fares and inflight offerings. Thanks for reading my short report and comments are welcomed. |
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