THE flight: Flight TG916 from Bangkok to London Heathrow operated by a Boeing 747-400. Royal Silk is the airline’s business class, with seats positioned in a 2x2 configuration.
THE Check-in: Royal Silk Class passengers have their own exclusive check-in lounge, with separate fast-track immigration channels so progress through is quick and easy. Royal Silk passengers also get late boarding privileges.
The lounge: There are six Royal Silk lounges at Suvarnbhumi Airport, offering an oasis of calm with plenty of comfy seating and refreshments. After a long day of internal travelling before reaching the airport, the smart shower room complete with towels and toiletries was a real bonus. Facilities also include televisions, private meeting rooms, family areas, a business centre and wifi internet access.
The seat: The newly installed two-abreast shell seating offers 60inches of stretch-out space, with 170 degrees of recline for sleeping. Each electrically controlled seat is equipped with telephone, laptop power point and on-demand entertainment system. There are privacy screens available between seats, but those on the inside seat do not have direct access to the aisle.
THE SERVICE: Service was efficient and attentive and the two meals were tasty and well presented with Asian or western options. The wine and drinks menu was extensive and available on demand, and the amenities kit included eye shade, comfort socks and toothbrush set.
THE ENTERTAINMENT: The seat-back on-demand system offered hundreds of channels for movies, music, destination information and games, but as this was a night flight, the full recline facility of the seat, the soft pillow and fleece blanket were my preferred entertainment! The arrival Passengers were gently woken for breakfast as we approached Heathrow and arrival was straight-forward and smooth, with baggage arriving quickly and passage through immigration completely painless.
The verdict: The lounge, food and inflight service were all excellent and the recline on the business class seat was more than sufficient for a good night’s sleep.
The details: Thai Airways operates 14 flights a week from London to Bangkok, with daily departures at 11.50 and 21.35. Flight time is 11hrs 20mins. See: www.thaiairways.co.uk Julie Baxter
