Over the last few months, most Asian countries have reopened borders and significantly reduced COVID restrictions. As a result, air travel to and through Asia is back on. And for readers who have flown internationally through one of the major hubs, you would remember the unmistakable purple tail and silky logo of Thai Airways. Simple Flying recently wrote about their fleet, but what about the customer experience? Let us see what they have to offer going into 2023.

Royal First Class Suites

Although Thai Airways operate several Boeing airliners alongside the Airbus A350, only the newest three Boeing 777-300ER (77Y) features the most luxurious cabin selection. Delivered in April 2022, the planes are used exclusively on three routes: Bangkok-London, Bangkok-Osaka, and Bangkok-Tokyo Narita.

But if you fly between Thailand and Europe or Japan and get a seat at the front of a new 777, you will be in for something exquisite. Although the suites do not fully close like ANA or Emirates first-class products, a sliding door still offers partial privacy that couples with the extra-wide seat to provide a comfortable setting.

The main seat is adjustable via a small touch screen or tactile buttons. As expected in first class, the chair transforms into a bed utilizing a multi-function ottoman beneath the 24-inch full HD television. Underneath the ottoman is ample storage space for a bag or backpack, and it doubles as a second seat to chat, eat, or drink when traveling with a partner.

Upon boarding, the cabin crew will treat you with a welcome glass of Dom Perignon vintage champagne, hot towel service, and a small box of treats. For mealtime, Thai Airways provides a slew of fine dining options that change month to month and can be pre-ordered within three days before departure from Bangkok.

Tack on first or business-class lounge access provided with such a ticket, and your travel experience is complete. But with such route exclusivity to just three of their 63 destinations, Royal Silk Business Class seats are a more accessible option.

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Royal Silk Business Cabin

As with Royal First, Royal Silk privileges begin before you get to the gate. When departing from Bangkok, Thai Airways provides a private check-in space followed by fast-tracked security and immigration clearance. This service quickly gets you to the Royal Orchid lounge to unwind before your flight. Some international airports with service to Bangkok also allow for these same services, an added value for round-trip customers.

Business cabin layout depends on the aircraft. On flights utilizing the 787-8 and 777-200ER, you will find a more traditional 2-2-2 arrangement. While the seats can not recline into a bed, the planes with this layout are only used for shorter international trips and therefore do not require such a high standard.

The 777-300ER, 787-9, and A350-900 used on long-haul flights offer a more modern 1-2-1 arrangement with either staggered tables or a reverse herringbone layout for heightened privacy. These seats go fully flat into a bed, and passengers will be provided a mattress pad with a duvet to ensure a good rest.

At each seat, you will find a designer amenity kit filled with toiletries and accessories, while the lavatories come stocked with soft hand towels, moisturizers, and fragrances. While not as much as in Royal First, seat storage is still sufficient. And for big bags, there are always overhead bins.

Business class cuisine options are as numerous as in first and are surprisingly also presented on proper dishware rather than plastic trays. Although portion sizes are not as large or luxurious, there is bound to be something that fills your appetite.

Economy class

Traveling in premium cabins is a pleasure that comes at exorbitant prices. And as well-known as Thai Airways is, none of their aircraft feature a premium economy cabin. Fortunately, they offer a reasonable economy-class product that is not as no-frills as you might expect.

Regardless of model, every plane in the fleet has a 3-3-3 economy configuration, allowing seats to be wider than competitors who opt for a 3-4-3 layout. For readers who want a window view, note that seats A and K in rows 32 and 35 on the 777-300ER, 59A and K on the 787-9, and 55A and K on the 787-8 are all missing windows. A secret when traveling solo on the A350-900 is to choose between seats 50A or K, which have additional legroom due to the lack of seats 49A and K.

As you board the aircraft, a pillow and blanket will be waiting for you at your seat if traveling long-distance. Newer aircraft have USB charging built into the IFE panels at each economy seat, so you still have options even if you forget to bring a personal power bank.

Multiple dining options are available in economy class, and Royal Orchid Plus Platinum or Gold members can still pre-select their meal before departure. However, they are much less creative when compared to the offerings in Royal Silk business class, not that this is unexpected.

Best ways to book

If you're looking to try out one of Thai Airways' premium cabins, playing the points and miles game compared to paying in cash may be advantageous. Thai Airways is part of the Star Alliance, so award flights can be redeemed using points from any other alliance member.

Two of the most popular points programs when booking a Star Alliance flight are Avianca Lifemiles and Air Canada Aeroplan. Both mile programs offer 1:1 transfer with various credit card programs, making them among the most approachable options for beginners.

Have you ever flown with Thai Airways? What was your experience like? Share with us in the comments below!

Sources: Thai Airways, SeatGuru, UpgradedPoints

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  Thai Airways

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  TG/THA

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

  Year Founded:

  1960

  Alliance:

  Star Alliance

  CEO:

  Suvadhana Sibunruang

  Country:

  Thailand