Thai Airways Business Class Review 2024: A Royal Experience?
Flying Thai Airways Business Class in 2024? You're in for a treat (or perhaps a mild surprise, depending on your expectations). This review dives into my recent experience, highlighting the highs and lows of traveling in their business class cabin. While the airline is undergoing a resurgence, aiming to reclaim its former glory, is the business class experience truly worthy of the hype – and the price tag?
The Check-in and Lounge Experience:
Check-in was a breeze, with dedicated business class counters efficiently handling the process. The Royal Orchid Lounge, however, was a mixed bag. While spacious and offering plenty of seating options, some areas felt a little dated. The food selection was decent, though not as extensive or refined as some competing airlines' lounges. The Wi-Fi was reliable, which is a significant plus for those needing to work before their flight.
The Cabin and Seating:
The cabin itself is modern and well-maintained, with a comfortable color scheme that feels both luxurious and relaxing. I flew on a newer aircraft, and the business class seats were fully lie-flat, a significant upgrade compared to some older aircraft in their fleet. The privacy afforded by the seat configuration was excellent, and the in-flight entertainment system was intuitive and packed with options. While the seat itself was comfortable, I found the bedding provided to be a bit thin for a truly restful night’s sleep on a long-haul flight.
Food and Beverage:
This is where Thai Airways truly shines (or at least attempted to). The food was a highlight, featuring a menu influenced by both traditional Thai cuisine and international flavors. While the presentation was elegant, the execution was inconsistent. Some dishes were exceptional, showcasing fresh ingredients and creative pairings. Others, however, felt slightly underwhelming. The wine selection was solid, offering a range of both Old and New World options. Service was attentive, although at times it felt a bit rushed, particularly during meal service.
In-Flight Entertainment and Service:
The in-flight entertainment system offers a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The screen size was generous, and the quality of the content was good. The noise-canceling headphones provided were effective in blocking out engine noise. The cabin crew were generally polite and helpful, though consistency varied across the flight. Some crew members were exceptionally attentive, while others seemed less engaged. This inconsistency was a minor drawback to an otherwise pleasant experience.
The Verdict:
Thai Airways Business Class offers a largely comfortable and enjoyable experience. The fully lie-flat seats, excellent in-flight entertainment, and delicious (mostly) food are definite strengths. However, inconsistencies in service and certain aspects of the lounge experience prevent it from reaching true five-star status. Overall, it's a solid choice for a long-haul flight, particularly for those valuing a comfortable seat and a taste of Thai hospitality. Just manage your expectations regarding the overall consistency.