First or Business on Thai airways?

[alyx]

Hey
To make a story short, combining miles and cash ( 60,000 Baht ) I can book a business class return
If I add 35,000 baht I can fly First.

The route I am planning is usually by A380 but can't be sure they won't change to a Boeing on the dates I am flying

Of course it is very tempting as I have never flown First class.
This morning I was about to book it, but after checking internet I was kind of disappointed by to the pix/videos of this class: the only first class Seats I had seen (not flown) were the Singapore and the (suite) Emirates....impressed was the word

Honestly, I don't see too much difference between the two classes as the passengers are not isolated as I thought one would
Keep in mind that I don't drink spirituous beverages, that I am not too excited by the food served on planes as my palate is not that delicate ( kind of insulting to the food,mind you ) and I don't care about the limousine nor the escort.

This being said, can anyone comment ? Specifically on Thai airways, that is.
What would you go for?
Why, or why not ( apart from the usual " 35,000 baht can be used differently" )

[alyx]

Sorry about the misspelling "business" of course

Edited August 26, 2014 by Crossy
Fixed the topic title :)

[apiwan]

I used miles before. Wanted business and the bloke in Thai office.

Said for a bit more and the taxes you can go first.

So I did. Good service. Treated well. Loads of legroom.

Pity it was an old Boeing 747.

But we'll worth it.

Still got the memories.

With Thai. Gold card 10 years. Upgraded once.

With etihad 2 years. Upgraded 6 times now.

New planes. Superb service. Can not fault.

Go for it. Once in a lifetime

[gerry1011]

The Thai Airways First is indeed not as good as those of Singapore Airlines and Emirates (which I never flew, but I guess).

I was also disappointed that the new A380s don't have the doors to completely isolate yourself in First Class (like they had on the leased 777).

However, the reason you should (could) choose to fly First on Thai is just that you will sleep better, and you don't have to sit near someone else (as in business).

The seat, the bedding and the sleeping suit (and maybe a sleeping pill if needed) make the difference.

It's worth it

But if you try First once, you may never go back to Business...

[alyx]

Thanks for the answers

Unfortunately....I will have to go back to business XD)

So you think that paying 96,000 against 170,000 to fly first is a better option than

60,000 against 138,000 in business

Last time I flew Thai was on business some years ago and the seat wasn't flat

Is the bedding much better, or alike, in Business ?

[alyx]

I used miles before. Wanted business and the bloke in Thai office.

Said for a bit more and the taxes you can go first.

So I did. Good service. Treated well. Loads of legroom.

Pity it was an old Boeing 747.

But we'll worth it.

Still got the memories.

With Thai. Gold card 10 years. Upgraded once.

With etihad 2 years. Upgraded 6 times now.

New planes. Superb service. Can not fault.

Go for it. Once in a lifetime

I tend to avoid transit and stop over in these countries actually but Ethiad seems to be quite good

What bothers me as well is the change of plane: A380 on the first leg of the route, and then a smaller one to reach the destination

[robertthebruce]

I have flown Business Class with Thai a few times, Service and food was excellent, plenty crew for the Business Class.

My only disappointment was it was NOT a flat bed, so basically I could not sleep on the flight back to London.

Also there First and Business Class was not really separate as the First class cabin was in full view..

Unless they have changed aircrafts If the flat bed is important, I would suggest another carrier , British Airways is my second choice...

[alyx]

Flatbed is a must, even though I scarcely sleep on board

BA is not an option

I don't know about flying with them but agents are the ground are everything but welcoming

It is really a matter of biz vs First on TA

I loved flying with them years ago when, although more expensive, the cabin was as good as any but paying more and get a 170°...no

But, from what I have been told, biz are flat

The real question is what do I get on top when getting on First compared to biz

The two first posts are positive that First is worth the little extra

Edited August 26, 2014 by alyx

[yermanee]

If you can afford it and willing to spend go for it.

You might regret it later that you didn't.

Yermanee

Edited August 26, 2014 by yermanee

[denby45]

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I used miles before. Wanted business and the bloke in Thai office.

Said for a bit more and the taxes you can go first.

So I did. Good service. Treated well. Loads of legroom.

Pity it was an old Boeing 747.

But we'll worth it.

Still got the memories.

With Thai. Gold card 10 years. Upgraded once.

With etihad 2 years. Upgraded 6 times now.

New planes. Superb service. Can not fault.

Go for it. Once in a lifetime

Upgraded six times? I have been gold with Etihad for almost 2 years now and never been upgraded once. Even when I moved from silver to gold which apparently always gets you an upgrade as a sort of celebration the girl told me "sorry sir usually we do upgrade automatically for first flight on achieving gold but unfortunately the flight is completely full.

Den

[surangw]

if you don't spend the miles, how long before they expire ?

[alyx]

2017....but, I initially rushed to buy the ticket because, a month ago, Thai airways announced that the number of miles needed to redeem a business class seat was going from 130,000 to 260,000 miles, starting September the 1st

When I came back from Europe I went to the office to make the booking but I was told that the company had backed down due to the numerous complaints made by the ROP members

On that day, I was also told that, from September the 1st, all changes ( business or first, certainly economy too but didn't ask ) would be charged ( a modest sum : 1,200 baht )

Considering the number of times I have changed my flights lately.....

I do find this practice arguable but it tends to become the norm among the companies

Therefore

I take the ticket this week and can change at will or,

I buy later, trying to make sure the dates are correct ( sincerely the fee is acceptable) but I take the risk they raise the number of miles needed ( obviously, they would advertise before ) and might find myself unable to be given a seat

[KCM]

I've flown Thai's A380 in both first and business classes. The business class seat on this plane is a lie flat seat and is much better than the old Thai business class seat. Choose a window seat and you won't have anyone beside you. I recommend rows 25 - 27 since this section of the plane has only 12 seats and feels much nicer than the main business class cabin.

The first class seat is not that much better than the business class seat on Thai's A380, so if you aren't that interested in the other perks of first class, business class on this plane is a better option.

[KCM]

I've flown Thai's A380 in both first and business classes. The business class seat on this plane is a lie flat seat and is much better than the old Thai business class seat. Choose a window seat and you won't have anyone beside you. I recommend rows 25 - 27 since this section of the plane has only 12 seats and feels much nicer than the main business class cabin.

The first class seat is not that much better than the business class seat on Thai's A380, so if you aren't that interested in the other perks of first class, business class on this plane is a better option.

Here is the seat map for Thai's A380.

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Thai_Airways/Thai_Airways_Airbus_A380_new.php

[alyx]

Quite an interesting comment as it is comparative

The details you have provided me with, make me think that the first will not make any difference to me:

I already have the transportation to/from the airport, the fast lane and escort to/from the plane

No alcoholic beverage and easy to please regarding the food

Let's put it this way: between a standard and a deluxe room I would go for the standard whereas between the deluxe and tha junior suite I would choose the suite

I feel that the first ( on Thai ) is like a deluxe compared to the business, and wouldn't live to my expectations

It would have been Singapore airline....well, I wouldn't have posted as I would have chosen the First

On the top of that, the A3800 seems way too big to get the "exceptional" feeling I am looking for

Am I correct?

Thanks a lot

Edited August 27, 2014 by alyx

[alyx]

One remark though: you are saying that the business seat is a lie flat

Last time I flew them, it was a lie flat (5/6 years ago)

I thought it was fully flat as it is reclining at 180°, on the A380

[alyx]

Thanks for the advice

I took a biz this morning

Actually, I had forgotten about the 20,000 baht of tax

Therefore a First wouldn't have been worth it

Unable to book the 25 A as it was already locked ( have to check later on )

How about the 26 A?

It is not clear to me as the seats seem to be placed differently

[kunash]

i have flown 1st class many times with Thai, as well as business.

i dont know the names of the aircraft, but recently flew from heathrow to bkk, on a newer plane and 1st class was very good, with nice seating and good privacy from other passengers. on the return trip the plane was older, and the seat was not as good, and privacy poor. service is always good. but if the plane is an older type then business would be preferable.

from BKK to LDN you get the first class lounge which is always nice.

[KCM]

Thanks for the advice

I took a biz this morning

Actually, I had forgotten about the 20,000 baht of tax

Therefore a First wouldn't have been worth it

Unable to book the 25 A as it was already locked ( have to check later on )

How about the 26 A?

It is not clear to me as the seats seem to be placed differently

27A would be better. Row 25 and 27 have the seat beside the window and the table between the seat and the aisle. Row 26 has the table by the window and the seat is beside the aisle.

Your best options are 25A, 25K, 27A and 27K

[alyx]

Thanks

I think row 27 was available ( mind you, it is for ne purveyor , so plenty of time )

Nevertheless, you are saying that 27 is better than 25 : isn't it the last seat?

[bubba]

The newer TG 777-300er (77W) aircraft have the same seats and 1-2-1 layout in business class as the A380s. I prefer the 777-300er over the A380, simply because there are fewer people on the plane and therefore quicker to board, quicker to get off, and fewer bags in the queue on arrival. The cabin is smaller as well, and just seems quieter to me.

As for upgrades, I have had a TG gold card for more than ten years and can count the number of upgrades on two hands that I have received over all those years. Having begun flying Emirates, I've had a gold card for about 18 months now, and have received upgrades about a third of the time. The lounge, seats, service, alcohol and food on EK are all far superior to TG (plus you get free limo service if you are in business), so EK definitely have my business on the routes that they serve. One more advantage if you are flying economy on EK: you get lounge access with just a silver card. TG and the other Star Alliance carriers require at least a gold card for that.

Obviously, the first class seats on TG can't even be compared to the first class suites on EK. And that's not even considering the hot shower that you can have on board, which is truly amazing an hour before arrival after a long flight – perhaps after having spent too much time standing around the bar in the back of the plane.

[alyx]

The newer TG 777-300er (77W) aircraft have the same seats and 1-2-1 layout in business class as the A380s. I prefer the 777-300er over the A380, simply because there are fewer people on the plane and therefore quicker to board, quicker to get off, and fewer bags in the queue on arrival. The cabin is smaller as well, and just seems quieter to me.

As for upgrades, I have had a TG gold card for more than ten years and can count the number of upgrades on two hands that I have received over all those years. Having begun flying Emirates, I've had a gold card for about 18 months now, and have received upgrades about a third of the time. The lounge, seats, service, alcohol and food on EK are all far superior to TG (plus you get free limo service if you are in business), so EK definitely have my business on the routes that they serve. One more advantage if you are flying economy on EK: you get lounge access with just a silver card. TG and the other Star Alliance carriers require at least a gold card for that.

Obviously, the first class seats on TG can't even be compared to the first class suites on EK. And that's not even considering the hot shower that you can have on board, which is truly amazing an hour before arrival after a long flight perhaps after having spent too much time standing around the bar in the back of the plane.

Agreed but I am flying TG, and kind of avoid these airlines

From what I understand, first and biz onTG are not that different but you are comparing a suite to the First, aren't you

As for the "intimate" feeling " one gets on the 777 , I second that

[MZurf]

The newer TG 777-300er (77W) aircraft have the same seats and 1-2-1 layout in business class as the A380s. I prefer the 777-300er over the A380, simply because there are fewer people on the plane and therefore quicker to board, quicker to get off, and fewer bags in the queue on arrival. The cabin is smaller as well, and just seems quieter to me.

As for upgrades, I have had a TG gold card for more than ten years and can count the number of upgrades on two hands that I have received over all those years. Having begun flying Emirates, I've had a gold card for about 18 months now, and have received upgrades about a third of the time. The lounge, seats, service, alcohol and food on EK are all far superior to TG (plus you get free limo service if you are in business), so EK definitely have my business on the routes that they serve. One more advantage if you are flying economy on EK: you get lounge access with just a silver card. TG and the other Star Alliance carriers require at least a gold card for that.

Obviously, the first class seats on TG can't even be compared to the first class suites on EK. And that's not even considering the hot shower that you can have on board, which is truly amazing an hour before arrival after a long flight perhaps after having spent too much time standing around the bar in the back of the plane.

Agreed but I am flying TG, and kind of avoid these airlines

From what I understand, first and biz onTG are not that different but you are comparing a suite to the First, aren't you

As for the "intimate" feeling " one gets on the 777 , I second that

And I "third" that. Just flew in on an Emirates A380 and the number of business class seats on the second floor made it feel a bit like economy even though the seats were nice and the bar is, of course, a nice touch.

[MZurf]

If you can afford it and willing to spend go for it.

You might regret it later that you didn't.

Yermanee

Hear, hear. I did the 1st class upgrade once and will never forget the experience. TG from Bangkok to Tokyo and back.

Of course, as always with TG the condition of the plane you're getting is a bit hit and miss. Got a real nice one to Tokyo with separate cubicles for 1st class passengers.

On the return flight we got another plane with the old style maroon colored velvet chairs that could not even be made 180 deg flat.

But all in all it was definitively worth the money and points required.

[RabC]

Travelled numerous times on Thai BKK-LHR-BKK and even on the older A340 and 747 the difference between First and Business is obvious, I can't comment on A380 or 777. On the LHR route all First seats are full lie flat and on newer aircraft, closed in minus a door where as Business is 2 seats next to each other that do not go flat. The first food is individually prepared and served whereas Business is just like economy but in china bowls, to me it's chalk and cheese, I would happily fly First on Thai but would not touch their Business product. How about EVA their new business product is good and they are also Star Alliance so could use your air miles there?

Edited to add

Sorry just realised that EVA may well not service the route you are using.

Edited September 4, 2014 by RabC

[Paul888]

............. But if you try First once, you may never go back to Business...

I was offered an upgrade to BA First class when my usual Business Class seat already had somebody sitting it but I declined and said give it to the other guy for this exact fear. It took me a lot longer than it should have done to shake the business class habit, and I knew that after tasting First I would almost certainly be looking for reasons to justify the ridiculous extra cost of that as well.

Looking back, (or forward now as I am back in economy), my view is that unless you are very rich, need to be fresh and hit the ground running (my company's original reasoning) or don't plan on living much longer, it really shouldn't be too hard to think of something better you could do with that money.

[alyx]

You are off topic but nevertheless it is exactly the same as doing a job by yourself or paying someone to do it for you

Years gone by, a bit more money than in the past, I have come to the following understanding: why bother, when you can afford it? It makes two people happy

Once the money is spent, I don't look back therefore no regrets or no questions such as (0"what I could have done with that difference"

Not that I don't understand your point if view but some of us are ants, some are cicadas...I feel that I am a crossing of both breeds

[alyx]

Travelled numerous times on Thai BKK-LHR-BKK and even on the older A340 and 747 the difference between First and Business is obvious, I can't comment on A380 or 777. On the LHR route all First seats are full lie flat and on newer aircraft, closed in minus a door where as Business is 2 seats next to each other that do not go flat. The first food is individually prepared and served whereas Business is just like economy but in china bowls, to me it's chalk and cheese, I would happily fly First on Thai but would not touch their Business product. How about EVA their new business product is good and they are also Star Alliance so could use your air miles there?

Edited to add

Sorry just realised that EVA may well not service the route you are using.

A380 is what I am flying

On the other airplane I would have gone for the First in a split second as the difference is substantial whereas on the A380 I don't see the point in paying more for perks I am not interested in

As for Eva, certainly, but my miles are with Thai

Edited September 4, 2014 by alyx

[bubba]

Alyx - you are aware that you can use your TG miles on any other Star Alliance, carrier, including EVA? Even SQ, which of course is a solid notch above TG?

[alyx]

Alyx - you are aware that you can use your TG miles on any other Star Alliance, carrier, including EVA? Even SQ, which of course is a solid notch above TG?

Why on earth haven't you told me that earlier?

No! I didn't know or maybe my case is a bit different as most if the miles accumulated were transferred points from my credit card to my thai account ( does that make a difference? )

In any case, thank you to point the obvious to other and unknown to me

I feel silly but I'll know it for next time