30 Hours in Bangkok via Japan Airlines and Thai First Class
Aug 17, 2022, 5:45 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2010
Location: MidCal
Programs: UA MM 1K, UC, Lifetime HH Diamond, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 353
X -cellant report! I’m not to hopeful after reading your Narita review. Mrs. Glasman and I have back to back to back international trips starting next month. Our November trip is a RTW with a 5 day stay in the Maldives. From there we head home via SIN - NRT on Singapore. Once in SIN the remainder is in First, with open seats (777) We are looking at Tokyo as a stop over if Japan gets a clue by then, but it might turn out as a connection to the States if they don’t.
Aug 25, 2022, 8:22 am
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,593
X -cellant report! I’m not to hopeful after reading your Narita review. Mrs. Glasman and I have back to back to back international trips starting next month. Our November trip is a RTW with a 5 day stay in the Maldives. From there we head home via SIN - NRT on Singapore. Once in SIN the remainder is in First, with open seats (777) We are looking at Tokyo as a stop over if Japan gets a clue by then, but it might turn out as a connection to the States if they don’t.
I did sample sake, three different ones. I'm just not a big sake lover.
Aug 25, 2022, 8:26 am
#35
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,593
Restaurant Gaa - Bangkok
What a treat tonight as I thoroughly enjoyed an amazing 15 course dinner at Garima Arora’s Michelin star Indian restaurant Gaa Bangkok, currently #33 in Asia’s Best 50 restaurants. Mumbai-born Arora honed her talent at Copenhagen’s Noma, currently #1 in the World’s 50 Best. She was recently named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2019. This is one special experience. Great atmosphere and marvelous sensory overload of food, wine and service. My best meal of the year.
Beautiful decor at Gaa's new digs.
What a marvelous meal. My best meal of the year.
And my Instagram • Fabulous Dinner at Michelin Star Gaa Bangkok
What a treat tonight as I thoroughly enjoyed an amazing 15 course dinner at Garima Arora’s Michelin star Indian restaurant Gaa Bangkok, currently #33 in Asia’s Best 50 restaurants. Mumbai-born Arora honed her talent at Copenhagen’s Noma, currently #1 in the World’s 50 Best. She was recently named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2019. This is one special experience. Great atmosphere and marvelous sensory overload of food, wine and service. My best meal of the year.
Beautiful decor at Gaa's new digs.
What a marvelous meal. My best meal of the year.
And my Instagram • Fabulous Dinner at Michelin Star Gaa Bangkok
Aug 25, 2022, 8:36 am
#36
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,593
Thai First Class from Bangkok to Tokyo Narita
With an early 4:00am wake up, it's time to head home, starting with a 7:30am Thai flight to Narita. Early morning means very little Bangkok traffic and I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 5:15am.
Thai has a civilized First Class check-in area, away from the masses. Come on dude, you couldn't find another place to stand?
Pleasant TG agent checking me in and doing the doc check dance.
My personal Thai escort to security and the lounge.
Newly refurbished in the past year, much different feel from the old First Class Lounge.
After I settled in, I headed to the dining area for some breakfast.
Both the Patongko and Won Ton were delicious.
Although I had asked to board early, that never happened as my personal escort finally showed up at T-25 for the long long walk to E8. In the pre-Covid days, Thai used to use golf carts to transport First Class passengers around the airport. Not sure what the deal was today.
Bangkok BKK to Toyko NRT
Thai Airways TG 676
777-300ER
7:35a-3:45p (sked)
7:50a-4:15p (actual)
July 21, 2022
Departed 1/8
I was warmly welcome on board by Purser Kit and Chef "Bob". This was the same 77W that flew my from NRT two days ago and apparently still experiencing seat issues. Not a problem since I was the only passenger in First today. I was moved from 2A to 2K on that flight as 2A was not fully functional. And today, 2K was having issues. Kit moved me to 1A which he assured me was fully functional... "the best seat on the plane". LOL.
Gorgeous cabin.
In the air, fantastic service again today. As with NRT-BKK, no printed menus although Kit showed my the options on his iPad.
Perfect Eggs Benedict.
After breakfast and a movie, I moved across the aisle where Kit had made my bed. Very comfy and I got nearly three hours of sleep.
We landed about 30 minutes late but didn't mind as the service was wonderful and I had plenty of connect time.
And my Instagram video of my enjoyable day with Thai First Class.
With an early 4:00am wake up, it's time to head home, starting with a 7:30am Thai flight to Narita. Early morning means very little Bangkok traffic and I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at around 5:15am.
Thai has a civilized First Class check-in area, away from the masses. Come on dude, you couldn't find another place to stand?
Pleasant TG agent checking me in and doing the doc check dance.
My personal Thai escort to security and the lounge.
Newly refurbished in the past year, much different feel from the old First Class Lounge.
After I settled in, I headed to the dining area for some breakfast.
Both the Patongko and Won Ton were delicious.
Although I had asked to board early, that never happened as my personal escort finally showed up at T-25 for the long long walk to E8. In the pre-Covid days, Thai used to use golf carts to transport First Class passengers around the airport. Not sure what the deal was today.
Bangkok BKK to Toyko NRT
Thai Airways TG 676
777-300ER
7:35a-3:45p (sked)
7:50a-4:15p (actual)
July 21, 2022
Departed 1/8
I was warmly welcome on board by Purser Kit and Chef "Bob". This was the same 77W that flew my from NRT two days ago and apparently still experiencing seat issues. Not a problem since I was the only passenger in First today. I was moved from 2A to 2K on that flight as 2A was not fully functional. And today, 2K was having issues. Kit moved me to 1A which he assured me was fully functional... "the best seat on the plane". LOL.
Gorgeous cabin.
In the air, fantastic service again today. As with NRT-BKK, no printed menus although Kit showed my the options on his iPad.
Perfect Eggs Benedict.
After breakfast and a movie, I moved across the aisle where Kit had made my bed. Very comfy and I got nearly three hours of sleep.
We landed about 30 minutes late but didn't mind as the service was wonderful and I had plenty of connect time.
And my Instagram video of my enjoyable day with Thai First Class.
Last edited by SFO777; Dec 27, 2022 at 11:56 am
Aug 29, 2022, 12:42 am
#37
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
SFO777 detailed, as usual!
As for the lack of printed menus, knowing that part of the world re: the pandemic, they'd have to throw them in the wash every time
Never a fan of TG ... that music they play on ascent and descent is awful and unnecessary.
Have to visit the Moon Bar next time; I've always been fascinated by that Brutalist monolith of a hotel. Do you recommend the bar for any particular drink?
As for the lack of printed menus, knowing that part of the world re: the pandemic, they'd have to throw them in the wash every time
Never a fan of TG ... that music they play on ascent and descent is awful and unnecessary.
Have to visit the Moon Bar next time; I've always been fascinated by that Brutalist monolith of a hotel. Do you recommend the bar for any particular drink?
Aug 31, 2022, 3:27 pm
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,593
SFO777 detailed, as usual!
As for the lack of printed menus, knowing that part of the world re: the pandemic, they'd have to throw them in the wash every time
Never a fan of TG ... that music they play on ascent and descent is awful and unnecessary.
Have to visit the Moon Bar next time; I've always been fascinated by that Brutalist monolith of a hotel. Do you recommend the bar for any particular drink?
As for the lack of printed menus, knowing that part of the world re: the pandemic, they'd have to throw them in the wash every time
Never a fan of TG ... that music they play on ascent and descent is awful and unnecessary.
Have to visit the Moon Bar next time; I've always been fascinated by that Brutalist monolith of a hotel. Do you recommend the bar for any particular drink?
I didn't check the drink list, just went with my usual G&T, which was very good.
Aug 31, 2022, 3:31 pm
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,593
Japan Airlines First Class Toyko to San Francisco
My wonderful day with Thai ended abruptly as I deplaned. Unlike pre-Covid, there was no Thai First Class escort to security (since Thailand is not a clean country according to Japan) and to the bus gate.
The long, long, long walk to International Transfer security,
What a mess. Hundreds of connecting passengers in queue.
And this is the Priority Lane. LOL.
Some 45 minutes after deplaning my Thai flight, I'm at the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, the 2nd worst First Class Lounge in the world after the Star Alliance LAX First Class Lounge.
Naturally, the best part of the lounge is CLOSED, just like the damn country.
Upstairs in the part that is open, crappy worn out instituational seating. This is not even a good Business Class Lounge. And indeed, that is what it is and most of the folks here are not flying First Class but gain access due to One World's ridiculous let-even-middle-tier-elites in policy.
And crap food options.
At around T-50, I headed to the gate. Not that this was any better. NRT gates are narrow, poorly designed and today loaded with gate lice.
Tokyo NRT to San Francisco SFO
Japan Airlines JL 58
777-300ER
6:25pm-12:00pm
July 21, 2022
Suite 2A and 1A (bed)
Departed 6/8
Simply chaotic boarding as no JAL employees seemed to know what they were doing.
First Class get their own jetbridge at least for a while... until JAL decided to close 2L early and funnel half the plane thru First Class. Sheesh.
Nice cabin... pics from earlier in the week.
Pre departure beverages were offered. When I asked for and inquired about a glass of champagne, our flight attendant admitted that it wasn't the good champagne. She poured the changpange in the galley and delivered it passengers. I guess I was only one that inquired what we were being served and she went to retrieve the bottle. Delamotte is just OK, but I was glad they served it on the ground because no wanted any more champagne in the air. LOL.
In the air, an amazing $600 bottle of Salon 2007 Le Mesnil but sadly JAL only loads one bottle per flight. Really?? I drank it quickly in hopes that I could get at least one more glass. That's when our flight attendant told me that I was only one drinking champagne today. OMG - what a treat!
Showtime, JAL First Class style.
And today's menu...
I went with Japanese again today, knowing that ex-Tokyo would be pretty darn good.
I happily finished the entire bottle of Salon... and then moved on to the Japanese Whisky of the Day. Wow, the wonderful Hibiki Blender's Choice.
The Hibiki was a nice nightcap and I moved up to 1A and slept for four hours.
About 90 minutes from San Francisco, my morning snack.
Deep fried Junwakei Chicken over Rice. Delicious.
And delicious Jean-Paul Hévin macarons.
SFO in the distance as we prepare to turn around and land.
Once on board and once the door was closed, it was another marvelous JAL First Class flight. Flawless service from a lovely cabin crew.
More Instagram vidoes of my day...
• Miserable Narita Connection
• Japan Airlines Fabulous First Class to San Francisco
My wonderful day with Thai ended abruptly as I deplaned. Unlike pre-Covid, there was no Thai First Class escort to security (since Thailand is not a clean country according to Japan) and to the bus gate.
The long, long, long walk to International Transfer security,
What a mess. Hundreds of connecting passengers in queue.
And this is the Priority Lane. LOL.
Some 45 minutes after deplaning my Thai flight, I'm at the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, the 2nd worst First Class Lounge in the world after the Star Alliance LAX First Class Lounge.
Naturally, the best part of the lounge is CLOSED, just like the damn country.
Upstairs in the part that is open, crappy worn out instituational seating. This is not even a good Business Class Lounge. And indeed, that is what it is and most of the folks here are not flying First Class but gain access due to One World's ridiculous let-even-middle-tier-elites in policy.
And crap food options.
At around T-50, I headed to the gate. Not that this was any better. NRT gates are narrow, poorly designed and today loaded with gate lice.
Tokyo NRT to San Francisco SFO
Japan Airlines JL 58
777-300ER
6:25pm-12:00pm
July 21, 2022
Suite 2A and 1A (bed)
Departed 6/8
Simply chaotic boarding as no JAL employees seemed to know what they were doing.
First Class get their own jetbridge at least for a while... until JAL decided to close 2L early and funnel half the plane thru First Class. Sheesh.
Nice cabin... pics from earlier in the week.
Pre departure beverages were offered. When I asked for and inquired about a glass of champagne, our flight attendant admitted that it wasn't the good champagne. She poured the changpange in the galley and delivered it passengers. I guess I was only one that inquired what we were being served and she went to retrieve the bottle. Delamotte is just OK, but I was glad they served it on the ground because no wanted any more champagne in the air. LOL.
In the air, an amazing $600 bottle of Salon 2007 Le Mesnil but sadly JAL only loads one bottle per flight. Really?? I drank it quickly in hopes that I could get at least one more glass. That's when our flight attendant told me that I was only one drinking champagne today. OMG - what a treat!
Showtime, JAL First Class style.
And today's menu...
I went with Japanese again today, knowing that ex-Tokyo would be pretty darn good.
I happily finished the entire bottle of Salon... and then moved on to the Japanese Whisky of the Day. Wow, the wonderful Hibiki Blender's Choice.
The Hibiki was a nice nightcap and I moved up to 1A and slept for four hours.
About 90 minutes from San Francisco, my morning snack.
Deep fried Junwakei Chicken over Rice. Delicious.
And delicious Jean-Paul Hévin macarons.
SFO in the distance as we prepare to turn around and land.
Once on board and once the door was closed, it was another marvelous JAL First Class flight. Flawless service from a lovely cabin crew.
More Instagram vidoes of my day...
• Miserable Narita Connection
• Japan Airlines Fabulous First Class to San Francisco
Aug 31, 2022, 3:33 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,593
United Clubs and home to Denver
With a 4 hour connection, I first headed for the main United Club in the F concourse. Cool clock and rotunda.
But, I'm not a fan of this dated and worn out club.
After a while, for a change of scenery, I moved to the newer United Club in the E concourse. Much nicer, quieter and more relaxing.
Cool vintage photos.
Nice plane spotting views.
At around T-45, I headed out to Gate E12.
San Francisco to Denver
United 1299
737-900
6:25pm-9:50pm
July 21, 2022
Yeah, good luck on upgrades clearing these days.
What the heck, one more drink...
My United chicken dinner which earned me $50 in Travel Credits since UA failed to load my pre-ordered Burger. Nice deal.
And the best part of United catering... Eli's chocolate chip Pie In the Sky.
We arrived on time and I was home an hour later. What a fun trip. Thanks for following along.
And my Instagram video of the flight home.
For an HD version and more pics on SFO777.com
• American First Class to Chicago and the ORD Flagship Lounge
• Japan Airlines First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Thai Airways First Class to Bangkok
• St. Regis Bangkok and Moon Bar
• My Day in Bangkok
• Amazing Dinner at Michelin Star Gaa Bangkok
• Thai Airways First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Japan Airlines First Class to San Francisco
• United Clubs at SFO and United First Class to Denver
And Instagram Videos...
• Off to Bangkok
• American Flagship Lounge Chicago
• Japan Airlines 777 First Class Cabin
• Japan Airlines First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Thai Airways First Class to Bangkok
• Spectacular South China Sea Sunset
• St. Regis Bangkok
• Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok
• Morning Bangkok Tour and Chao Phraya River Cruise
• Bangkok Flowers, Temples and Lunch
• Fabulous Dinner at Michelin Star Gaa Bangkok
• Thai Airways First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Miserable Narita Connection
• Japan Airlines First Class to San Francisco
• United First Class to Denver
With a 4 hour connection, I first headed for the main United Club in the F concourse. Cool clock and rotunda.
But, I'm not a fan of this dated and worn out club.
After a while, for a change of scenery, I moved to the newer United Club in the E concourse. Much nicer, quieter and more relaxing.
Cool vintage photos.
Nice plane spotting views.
At around T-45, I headed out to Gate E12.
San Francisco to Denver
United 1299
737-900
6:25pm-9:50pm
July 21, 2022
Yeah, good luck on upgrades clearing these days.
What the heck, one more drink...
My United chicken dinner which earned me $50 in Travel Credits since UA failed to load my pre-ordered Burger. Nice deal.
And the best part of United catering... Eli's chocolate chip Pie In the Sky.
We arrived on time and I was home an hour later. What a fun trip. Thanks for following along.
And my Instagram video of the flight home.
For an HD version and more pics on SFO777.com
• American First Class to Chicago and the ORD Flagship Lounge
• Japan Airlines First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Thai Airways First Class to Bangkok
• St. Regis Bangkok and Moon Bar
• My Day in Bangkok
• Amazing Dinner at Michelin Star Gaa Bangkok
• Thai Airways First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Japan Airlines First Class to San Francisco
• United Clubs at SFO and United First Class to Denver
And Instagram Videos...
• Off to Bangkok
• American Flagship Lounge Chicago
• Japan Airlines 777 First Class Cabin
• Japan Airlines First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Thai Airways First Class to Bangkok
• Spectacular South China Sea Sunset
• St. Regis Bangkok
• Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok
• Morning Bangkok Tour and Chao Phraya River Cruise
• Bangkok Flowers, Temples and Lunch
• Fabulous Dinner at Michelin Star Gaa Bangkok
• Thai Airways First Class to Tokyo Narita
• Miserable Narita Connection
• Japan Airlines First Class to San Francisco
• United First Class to Denver
Sep 2, 2022, 10:11 am
#42
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Programs: Virgin Flying Club Red, Emirates Skywards Blue, BA Executive Club Blue, Amex BA
Posts: 2,375
I'm shocked at how disorganised Tokyo airport was. noel Phillips recently made a video there and he said everything was so organised and orderly in such a Japanese way!
Sep 7, 2022, 10:23 am
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,593
Not at all. Mrs. SFO777 gives me 3-4 day hall passes. Doesn't care where I go as long as long as I'm back within 4 days. Although she did give me grief about actually leaving the airport in Johannesburg a few months ago. LOL