When I was planning for my Vietnam trip, I had multiple flight options. However, I wanted to book one Business Class flight and another Economy Class flight. Even though there was a stop flight between Delhi and Ho Chi Minh City, I decided to take a longer route to DEL-BKK-SIN-SGN. All of these flights were on A350, of which DEL-BKK-SIN was on Thai Airways A350 Business Class and one of Singapore Airlines A350 on the SIN-SGN route. Here is my experience on Thai Airways A350. I will also be covering my experience on Singapore Airlines A350 soon.
Basics
- Airline: Thai Airways
- Aircraft: A350
- Flight Number: TG 316
- Route: Delhi [DEL]-Bangkok [BKK]-Singapore[SIN]-Ho Chi Minh City[SGN]
- Departure Flight Time: 12:20 AM
- Duration: 4 hr 30 min
- Cabin: Business Class
- Layout: 1-2-1
- Frequent Flyer Program: United Mileage Plus
- Miles Cost: 55K United Miles
- Taxes & Fees: INR 2100 [$25]
- Ticket Price: INR 70.3K [$847]
- One Mile Value: INR 1.24 [1.49 Cents]
How did I Book a Thai Airways A350 Business Cabin?
United Mileage Plus always has many award flights on Thai Airways. A business class cabin from India to most Asian countries costs 55 K United Miles. Even though I could Travel on Thai Airways to Vietnam, I found a 2-stop flight that included Singapore Airlines.
So, I used my 55K United Miles to book Thai Airways A350 Business Class. Also, there were minimal taxes of $25.
Issues to Sort Out
You will face one issue if you book a Thai Airways award flight using United Miles. You won’t be able to choose your seats on the flight or meals unless you have your details updated by calling Thai Airways Customer Care. The most common issue is updating email and contact details.
If you have just one name on your passport, you may be denied check-in if your ticket has “FNU” in your name on the award flight ticket.
Checking In
I arrived on time for my flight at around 9:20 PM. There was not a long queue at the Airport entry, and within a few minutes, I went straight to the check-in counter. There was a long queue at the economy counter, and a couple discussed reducing extra baggage charges. As I entered the Business Class Check-in counter, the lady asked me if I had a Business Class ticket. I find it strange that they would ask such questions. However, it seems common around the world.
Two people were ahead of me at Business Class Check-in, and I was at the check-in counter in no time. Swifty, my passport, ticket and visa were checked, and the boarding pass was printed. However, the lady at the counter asked someone to check if I could travel on the DEL-BKK-SIN-SGN route.
For them, it was a complex itinerary, and Thai officials told me they could book me for Bangkok, and from there, I could take another flight. As there was a change of Terminal in Singapore, they told me I would need a Singapore Visa to do that. Even though I hadn’t travelled via Singapore, I knew there was no need for a visa. All this took a while, and I was cleared to board once they had confirmation from Singapore Airlines Staff.
I would still consider my check-in experience good for the support and time the Thai Airways official took to sort things out. However, I am unsure if this would have been possible if I had been flying an economy cabin.
Lounge Access
Since I was travelling on Thai Airways Business Class, I was welcomed with an Invitation to the Encalm Privé lounge. This lounge is for business class and first class passengers of all airlines. However, you can also get two hours of access for INR 3485 plus taxes.
Even though the lounge was big, I wouldn’t say I liked lounges without an airport view. It seems to be a norm in India not to have airport views and cramp people in one place. However, Hanoi, a smaller airport Lounge, have some of the best views.
Since my flight was short, thanks to the time at check-in, I left in a few minutes after having Juice and Water.
Related: Review: The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge (Cocoon)[BKK]
Boarding
Our boarding started well on time. It took some time to board economy cabin travellers. However, business class boarding was a breeze since it was done through both doors. At the flight door, the flight attendant helped me find my seat.
Welcome Drink
The cabin crew gave me hot towels and asked for drinks when I got comfortable with my seat. I took orange juice, which was good.
Amenity Kit and More
When I reached my seat, I could find a Pillow, Blanket and Amenity Kit. The Blanket was comfortable and cosy, just the way I like it. I was able to sleep, too.
The Amenity Kit in Thai Airways was from Jim Thompson, and there were Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, socks, eye masks, sanitiser, and lip balm.
Seat
Thai Airways has a total of 12 A350. You will find 32 Business and 289 Economy Class seats.
For more privacy on single seats, book seats A and K since the seat console will be on the left side. For couples, E&F seats will be best, as the seat console will be outside the seat. However, if you are single and want more privacy, D&G will work.
I also find the seat comfortable and good enough for a taller person.
The only thing I don’t like about seats with seat consoles outside is that they allow little passage.
So, some may also want to have a wider passage seat.
Thai Airways A350 IFE
I have a mixed feeling about Thai Airways IFE. Firstly, the tail camera is just amazing. Since I was also flying BKK-SIN on Thai Airways A350, the view was amazing while entering Singapore.
However, Thai Airways must still work on its Movies and TV Collection since I couldn’t find anything worth my team.
Meal
After a few hours, the Cabin Crew checked with travellers for their meal choices. The cabin crew confirmed the choice since I had already booked my meal online. However, I couldn’t get my dinner this time, so I fell asleep.
On the next flight, BKK-SIN, I could get a vegetarian breakfast meal, which was okay. The food was just fine, not something I can cherish for later, like Turkish Airlines food.
Cabin Crew
Thai Airways cabin crew is top-notch. From boarding to deboarding, they were on their heels to ensure this flight was great for everyone. It felt great on both flights with the cabin crew’s positivity.
Connecting Flight [BKK-SIN]
I had a five-hour layover at Bangkok Airport before my next flight to Singapore. So, I decided to spend some time at Thai Airways Royal Slik Lounge. When I entered and showed my boarding Pass, I was asked if I could take an early flight. Since this flight would get me to Singapore Early and give a longer layover at Singapore Changi Airport, I decided to take the flight, which was just one and a half hours. I went to the Thai Airways counter to collect my new boarding pass. , they were already ready with my boarding pass; however, I had to wait for my turn at the counter.
Will I again Fly the Thai Airways A350 Business Class?
The Airbus A350 are one of the best aircraft out there. However, I would be particular about my seat choice. Since I like privacy and comfort, I would choose seats with the letters A or K. Also, the Thai Airways Cabin Crew is one the nicest. Overall, my experience was good, so I would like to fly again. It would be great if I could get an upgrade.
Upgrade to Thai Airways Business Class
There were two instances of Flight Upgrade requests. One was at the check-in counter, and the other was in flight just after boarding. For an upgrade at the Check-in counter, you need to ask someone with higher authority else you would get a standard response of being Sold Out.
One of the best ways to get an upgrade to Thai Airways Business Class is to ask the cabin crew on the flight. Although this is not a guaranteed way to upgrade, it can surely work and reduce the upgrade cost. Being polite is all you need. Getting a free upgrade would be a bit difficult.
On this flight, two travellers upgraded to Business Class for INR 8.35K each. Even though the flight was just around 4 hours, getting a full bed and better beverages surely justified it.
Bottomline
Thai Airways A350 Business Class is fantastic. However, the food could be a bit better. Apart from that, it’s great. Surely, it’s a good option on long-haul flights.
