Flight Number: TG409
Aircraft: A350-900
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - Singapore Changi
Ticket Purchase / Redemption
I paid 24,000 KrisFlyer + THB3,290 for a Star Alliance redemption booking on Thai Airways. Redemption on Singapore Airlines was difficult given my short timeline (less than 3 months from flight) and on a good Friday weekend. Hence, I decided to give a shot for a non Singapore Airlines Business Class flight, in this case also know as Thai Airways Royal Silk Class.
4 daily flights from Bangkok to Singapore on Thai Airways, and all on different aircraft models.
Check-in
This is probably one of the highlights of the trip as unlike Singapore Airlines (which only provides special check-in facilities for First Class / Suites passengers), Thai Airways provides a special immigration section for their Royal Silk / Royal First Class passengers.
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, tell your driver to drop you at Door 1, where the counters for Royal Silk / Royal First Class / Royal Orchid Premium are.
Door 1 - Royal Silk / Royal First Class / Royal Orchid Premium counters
Look out for the signs! After you got your tickets, turn around and take a 10 meters walk to the Fast Track International Departures immigration section.
Well, no photos to share in the immigration area but there was absolutely no queue at all. I was baby carrying Little A so the officers ushered me to a SEAT at a seating counter. Now that's an experience!
Next up, upon clearing immigration, the entrance to the Royal Silk lounge is right in your face.
Note: There are 2 Royal Silk Lounges, 1 immediately after you clear immigration, and another in between Gate D and E. You are free to visit both lounges with your ticket. Do also check your departure gate, mine was at E5 and it took a good 10 to 15 minutes walk from the 1st lounge to Gate E.
Photo courtesy of Thai Airways
Lounge
The Royal Silk Lounge near the immigration counter is huge without many passengers (probably because the experience is a little..'meh').
Buffet consists of 2 areas, 1 for the main food and 1 for snacks.
There are shower areas, a kids children playing area (which was empty and closed), business centres.. pretty much that's it.
Seats
The A350-900 aircraft consist of 32 business class seats in 1-2-1 configuration. (Older Thai Airways versions are of 2-2-2 configuration)
Bassinet Call Out: Seats 11E / 11F & 19D/ 19G Personally I prefer row 19 because the bassinet is installed in the middle of the seats, whereas it is installed along the aisle at row 11, and you actually have to leave your seat to tend to your infant.
Anyway, for a 2 hour flight and knowing Little A is rather sticky to Mummy and Daddy, I opted for seats 14B, 14E, 14F. This enabled 1 parent to be seated beside Little D (who has his own seat) while the other parent can baby carry in 14B, which is an aisle seat.
Mummy & Little D's seats (14E, 14F) Daddy's seat (14B)
Flight Experience
Pre departure drinks!
Pretty comfortable with an ottoman that allowed me to stretch my legs out / put my bags, and spacious enough for me to put my legs on top. I could get into a comfortable position for Little A (but take note there are no infant seat belts for infants! I asked the flight attendant and was told to just hold her tightly).
The tray table is pull down from the front side, allowing me to shift it forward slightly, just enough for me to get out of my seat when food is served.
Food options - you can actually pre-select your meals a few days before your flight. However, there was no confirmation from the flight attendants about my reservation and I was asked to choose from the inflight menu instead. I chose the rice with beef in green curry and... it was a 3/10 maybe.
To my left, side buttons allowed me to adjust my seat, and it goes fully flat. The side console has plenty of space to put my essentials - wet wipes, tissue paper and Little A’s toys for distraction. There is a small compartment just under the arm rest.
Comments