Thai Airways business class - LHR - BKK (777-300)

[Cook my sock]

Yeah don't quite get why one needs to stay awake to enjoy it to the max.. the 'as much as you can eat' approach perhaps

[tw25rw]

Yeah don't quite get why one needs to stay awake to enjoy it to the max.. the 'as much as you can eat' approach perhaps

More likely 'as much as you can drink'.

I think the first time, you might want to enjoy the better food and make the most of it. But after that, it's not a big deal, especially if you buy your own ticket.

[RabC]

On the day time flights to LHR I do enjoy the full meal service and drinks as I don't want to sleep, however on return I am asleep as soon as possible.

[alt]

I fly Emirates business with my GF. I like it as we can sit next to each other (there's a partition you can lower). Probably not ideal for the lone traveller, but for me it's the only way... I want to be able to chat n' natter.

That said, I can't remember what plane it was on... oops

Edited June 30, 2016 by alt

[bubba]

I fly Emirates business with my GF. I like it as we can sit next to each other (there's a partition you can lower). Probably not ideal for the lone traveller, but for me it's the only way... I want to be able to chat n' natter.

That said, I can't remember what plane it was on... oops

Sounds like maybe you were flying on an Emirates A380. These are configured 1-2-1, so the outside seats are ideal for a lone traveller. Starting from the lounge before your flight, food and service are orders of magnitude better than TG. After you have flow EK for a while, going back to a business class flight on TG makes TG feel like a budget airline.

Oh, but there is one very dangerous thing on EK's A380 - the stand up bar and lounge at the back of the plane!

[Heng]

I think they (EK) can probably 'freshen' up the food offerings and perhaps at least at some ambient music to make the lounge FEEL more like a lounge. Even adding those instant Nespresso machines would be a nice addition for folks that don't drink much and for morning flights.

[bubba]

Not sure what you mean, Heng. I am through the EK lounge at BKK quite frequently and the food is always quite fresh, nice quality and they vary the menu. You have a choice of several different hot items (western, Thai, Mediterranean), plus the salad, fruit and cheese bar. You can eat in the cafe area or relax in the separate lounge area. I have been visiting the EK, SQ, TG and BR lounges quite often, and at least for me, EK definitely come out on top for F&B compared to the others. I would put TG soundly at the bottom.

None of the lounges play "ambient music" that I have ever heard, and I am not sure whether many of us want muzak in the lounges.

Also, at least the last time I was in there, EK had an automatic espresso/coffee machine that ground real coffee beans for each cup.

[manfredtillmann]

I think they (EK) can probably 'freshen' up the food offerings and perhaps at least at some ambient music to make the lounge FEEL more like a lounge. Even adding those instant Nespresso machines would be a nice addition for folks that don't drink much and for morning flights.

mate, try (don't) flying virgin where you get peppered with their self promoting bulls..t over and over and over. in their lounges there is not a single quiet space and their staff are just a bunch of over weight, opinionated poms.

the most expensive flight i ever had with the crappiest seats and service.

i'll have thai every day over those guys:

posh: (full on british accent) would yo like anythinn from the baaaaa, me: yes, please, a heineken, sorrryyyy, nooo, champangne or orange juice, cirrr

A$ 5000+ one way heathrow to sydney

[RabC]

I think they (EK) can probably 'freshen' up the food offerings and perhaps at least at some ambient music to make the lounge FEEL more like a lounge. Even adding those instant Nespresso machines would be a nice addition for folks that don't drink much and for morning flights.

mate, try (don't) flying virgin where you get peppered with their self promoting bulls..t over and over and over. in their lounges there is not a single quiet space and their staff are just a bunch of over weight, opinionated poms.

the most expensive flight i ever had with the crappiest seats and service.

i'll have thai every day over those guys:

posh: (full on british accent) would yo like anythinn from the baaaaa, me: yes, please, a heineken, sorrryyyy, nooo, champangne or orange juice, cirrr

A$ 5000+ one way heathrow to sydney

Maybe you'd be better off on Quaintass with some random Shelia throwing a stubby at you. Fancy a UK airline having staff with English accents, what is the world coming to?

[Heng]

Not sure what you mean, Heng. I am through the EK lounge at BKK quite frequently and the food is always quite fresh, nice quality and they vary the menu. You have a choice of several different hot items (western, Thai, Mediterranean), plus the salad, fruit and cheese bar. You can eat in the cafe area or relax in the separate lounge area. I have been visiting the EK, SQ, TG and BR lounges quite often, and at least for me, EK definitely come out on top for F&B compared to the others. I would put TG soundly at the bottom.

None of the lounges play "ambient music" that I have ever heard, and I am not sure whether many of us want muzak in the lounges.

Also, at least the last time I was in there, EK had an automatic espresso/coffee machine that ground real coffee beans for each cup.

Bubba, I was referring to the 'lounge' on the A380. Agree that the EK lounge in BKK is fine, or at any other location I have been to for that matter.

[gk10002000]

eva elite is fantastic as far as I am concerned. And the price is very good. I fly from LAX to Taipai then on to BKK. Take the midnight flight or thereabouts, and it works great. Basically get on the plane at the end of the day and almost in a normal sleep cycle. Snooze quite well. It makes the trip and the vacation so much nicer than even considering coach like I used to. More importantly the flight home is so so much nicer. It is hard enough to leave thailand to go home. Going in comfort is so much better

[bubba]

Not sure what you mean, Heng. I am through the EK lounge at BKK quite frequently and the food is always quite fresh, nice quality and they vary the menu. You have a choice of several different hot items (western, Thai, Mediterranean), plus the salad, fruit and cheese bar. You can eat in the cafe area or relax in the separate lounge area. I have been visiting the EK, SQ, TG and BR lounges quite often, and at least for me, EK definitely come out on top for F&B compared to the others. I would put TG soundly at the bottom.

None of the lounges play "ambient music" that I have ever heard, and I am not sure whether many of us want muzak in the lounges.

Also, at least the last time I was in there, EK had an automatic espresso/coffee machine that ground real coffee beans for each cup.

Bubba, I was referring to the 'lounge' on the A380. Agree that the EK lounge in BKK is fine, or at any other location I have been to for that matter.

Sorry I misunderstood, Heng!

Yes, as far as EK's A380 lounge goes, there is not a lot of food variety on offer, but I guess I was not really expecting much given the space available. Also, were you ever on a flight when turbulence started and the FA's had to rush around and stow the bar food before it fell over?

By the way, EK's A380s do have espresso machines on board. Although I think it is not physically located in the lounge/bar area, you can still ask for an espresso, cappuccino, etc.

[Heng]

:-) Haven't run into turbulence in that kind of situation, but yes, that is one factor against laying out a more appealing and diverse spread. And yes, I know we can order caps and espresso... it would be nice to seem them made too though because I can imagine LaShonda or Svetlana just making coffee in the microwave. At present, the in air lounge feels more like a crew break room or a place to wait comfortably before going to the restroom. In the end, I think it'll just go the way of the L-1011 'lounge' of decades past.... it looks 'good' in ads and marketing but doesn't quite make the crossover function wise. There's also the issue of making it too cool... you don't want to have too many passengers all wanting to hang out there.... because despite all the hype, there is room for around 8 people to sit and maybe 15 people to stand (and that would be a really tight fit.... and unfortunately on most trips, it's likely to be all dudes, LOL).

Edited July 2, 2016 by Heng

[bubba]

Yeah, well EK's lounge bar makes for a diversion on a long, boring flight and it is definitely better than nothing, which is what you get on a TG A380.

Also better than what you get on an Asiana A380. I have been on two of these flights and have yet to see anyone in there. Actually, I am not clear regardless what the purpose is at all.

[wooloomooloo]

So getting actual sleep and effectively shortening the flight isn't enjoying it to the full?

Have to agree in my circumstances. I'm 6'3" and now at the point that I really can't face economy/premium economy if I can help it.

You just can't beat a lie flat seat, tip-top service and good food and drink.

This will be our second business class flight coming up in November, other than the one time I was upgraded when I was single.

My wife and I really liked the EVA lounge at BKK and only a short walk to the gate [E1]. Didn't bother with Air Canada lounge at LHR as it seemed like too long a walk to be worth the bother. My only caveat is that I really can't push the boat out if the fare is much more than £3,200 for the both of us but has been within tolerance up to now. Managed to book EVA at £1,600 each last Christmas for our return trip in May and is definitely money well spent in my humble opinion.

[Khun Han]

Yeah, well EK's lounge bar makes for a diversion on a long, boring flight and it is definitely better than nothing, which is what you get on a TG A380.

Also better than what you get on an Asiana A380. I have been on two of these flights and have yet to see anyone in there. Actually, I am not clear regardless what the purpose is at all.

What the hell is that supposed to be? If you ignore the seat belts, it could be a dentists waiting room or some such .

[soihok]

I am flying BKK to LHR beginning of August TG A380 Business Class

Not tried it yet so looking forward to it.

A rare trip back to the UK as my brother is getting married.

[OMGImInPattaya]

For me I'd choose the Thai design. It's newer with more modern screen, it has more space IMO, more privacy and the seat cushion/bed is much wider. Thai F&B is miles better too.

I'm not even sure EVA folds completely flat, my mum said there was some issue with it which stopped her sleeping.

You admit in an earlier post to not having used EVAs service so how can you then comment. I have used both on many occasions and would take EVA over Thai. I am not Thai bashing I just prefer EVA, look a the number of crew EVA have in Business compared to Thai, the level of catering on EVA is a full 5 course meal when departing BKK . Both use 777-300 EVA gets 38 Business seats and Thai 42 in a slightly smaller space (check seatguru.com) ... I have tried both so think I am in a better position to compare. Trying to assess EVA business class catering if you have only flown cattle.........

I'm not as rich as you sorry. My dad went by Thai airways business and loved it. Apparently the food was excellent. Last year I put my mum in business while I sat in coach. I did get to have a close look en route that time. I'm only giving my opinion based on what was reflected in my earlier posts.

So what you're saying is second-hand hearsay...wouldn't stand up in a court of law ?

[OMGImInPattaya]

I take it you're flying only EVA or Thai as they are direct,why not take a short stopover in Doha with Qatar?The business class lounge there is absolutely excellent,with a la carte restaurants,upmarket sandwich bars,baristas and fine wines all laid on for free!

You will be sad to get back on the plane to continue your journey I promise you!

They're not "free," you paid for them when you bought the business class ticket.

[OMGImInPattaya]

That footrest part of the seat looks a bit of an uncomfortable angle for sleeping.

lol who in business class goes to sleep. Its for enjoying to the full

Can't argue with that. Though, if I didn't get some sleep I would arrive at destination in a pretty bad way.

When we returned on EVA last week, I lived it up in the BKK EVA lounge a little too much. Had a few champagnes, a beer and main meal on flight and promptly went to sleep for six hours. I'm getting too old.

I've been comped up mutiple times over the years either air miles or Gold Cards when busy in economy. I was amazed that 90% plus went to sleep for like 9-10 hours !! They could down 30mg of Valium and do that for £1300 less in economy !! Bizarre

For business and first class regulars, it's the same for them as economy is for economy regulars...a means to get to where they want to go. Most would never consider flying economy and have no problem with sleeping through most of the flight. Most airlines even promote how comfortable their premium class seats are for sleeing.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Unfortunately, to make room for these seats, EVA took 4" off each premium economy seat.

???

Off of the seat pitch.

And that's of concern why?

[Cook my sock]

If you fly premium?

[OMGImInPattaya]

If you fly premium?

But I don't fly premium. If others have a concern, they can fly economy or business/first.

[Cook my sock]

It was meant as a generic pronoun.

[OMGImInPattaya]

EVA has recently been awarded 5 stars by Skytrak, as already mentioned, and have recently announced the introduction of wine sommelier service during premium class dining. Someone mentioned not having 180 degree lie-flat seats...this may be because not all the Europe flights have been upgraded to the new 777-300ERs.

[RabC]

EVA has recently been awarded 5 stars by Skytrak, as already mentioned, and have recently announced the introduction of wine sommelier service during premium class dining. Someone mentioned not having 180 degree lie-flat seats...this may be because not all the Europe flights have been upgraded to the new 777-300ERs.

London and Amsterdam both have the 777-300ER so have totally flat beds, the quote was probably from someone who flew with them 5 years ago so is an expert......

[tw25rw]

Unfortunately, to make room for these seats, EVA took 4" off each premium economy seat.

???

Off of the seat pitch.

And that's of concern why?

Because now there is less leg room.

[bubba]

Yeah, well EK's lounge bar makes for a diversion on a long, boring flight and it is definitely better than nothing, which is what you get on a TG A380.

Also better than what you get on an Asiana A380. I have been on two of these flights and have yet to see anyone in there. Actually, I am not clear regardless what the purpose is at all.

What the hell is that supposed to be? If you ignore the seat belts, it could be a dentists waiting room or some such .

...compared to this on EK's A380:

Edited July 8, 2016 by bubba