Have you ever wondered what a regional hop on Thai Airways is like? Read on to find out my experience on a flight from Singapore to Bangkok onboard their Boeing 777!
Airline: Thai Airways (TG)
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Flight Number: TG410
Route: Singapore Changi (SIN) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
Date of Flight: 08 February 2024
Class: Economy (Y)
Seat: 34A
Review By: Haotian
For the avgeeks
Aircraft Registration: HS-TKK
Aircraft Age: 12 Years Old
Serial Number: 41520
Mode S: 88516B
Gate: D34
The beautiful Thai B77W resting at the gate before her flight back to Bangkok.
I'll start off by saying that travelling during Chinese New Year is hectic. Like, HECTIC.
Anyways, welcome to Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 1, where we start off our trip by retrieving our tickets using the self check-in machine. No hassle at all.
Then came the time to check in my baggages. What should be a rather straightforward process became one that literally took 30 minutes, because of the sheer inefficiency. Only two baggage deposit desks were open, and the process just took a painstakingly long time. They really should add automated bag drop desks like how Scoot does it, since Thai has a rather significant passenger traffic out of Singapore every day.
The bag drop desks were manned by only 2 service staff for a flight of 400+ people.
After finally dropping off our bags, I went through immigration to find myself yet again in the airside of Changi Airport, my second home at this point (sort of). I was left with barely 30 minutes to rush to the gate for the flight.
Arriving at the gate, I was met with yet another queue. Oh well, guess that's what happens when I travel during the Chinese New Year period.
The queue was snakingggggggggg long.
After sitting around for about 20 minutes more, I joined the queue, which had shortened quite a bit. Passing through security was a breeze, like always. Not long after, they announced boarding, and I was pleasantly surprised by how efficient and organised the boarding process was. No pushing, no rushing, rather a neat line according to the respective boarding groups. From my observations, the plane was fully boarded 15 minutes after boarding started. An impressive feat indeed eh!
The queue was long, but very, very organised.
Once I boarded the plane, I was greeted by a lovely set of crew, whom directed me to my seat, 34A.
The seats were arranged in a 3-3-3 standard configuration.
I have to say, Thai's B777 has a rather out-of-date cabin. Not to say it was particularly bad, but it was definitely showing its age. My seat was in a considerably uncanny state, as one of the armrests was cracked, and the other was covered up with duct tape.
Duct taped armrest was definitely not it.
Cracked armrest, which soon crumbled shortly before the flight landed. Urgh.
I wasn't too bothered by it though, but I definitely think that Thai can step up in terms of their aircraft maintenance.
I have to say that Thai Airways' seats are extremely spacious. Being 1.83m and rather big sized, I was able to stretch my legs fully without any problems. It really makes me want to fly with them as compared to some other airlines mainly because of this factor!
Thai has a rather impressive selection of movies and TV shows, but the IFE certainly wans't the smoothest.
Thai's IFE isn't the worst, but certainly nothing to write home about.
Not long after, the aircraft pushed back, and the safety video was shown. It was nature themed and was really an impressive video.
The flight took off at about 9.40pm in the evening, and the big metal bird soared into the night skies of Singapore.
Shortly after reaching cruising altitude, meal service began. Here's where things get good.
There were two meal choices on the flight: Pasta with Tomato Sauce or Basil Pork with Rice. Craving something light with a tinge of spiciness, I went with the latter. Probably the best choice I've made in terms of economy class food. The appetiser, main course, and dessert were all on point in terms of flavour.
This is by far one of the best meals I have had in economy class. Kudos to Thai's catering!
After the extremely sumptuous dinner, I decided to check out a little bit of the aircraft. Since it was a night flight, there really wasn't much activity after the meal service. Most passengers were either watching a movie, or catching up on some snooze.
The forward cabin is smaller and quieter compared to the aft cabin.
I paid a visit to the lavatory located between the forward and aft economy cabin. It was clean, and very well-maintained.
The lavatory was spotless and very well-maintained.
It was a nice touch that they provided eau de toilette in economy class, a rare sight to behold nowadays. I have to say, in terms of soft products, Thai nailed it spot on.
Eau de toilette in economy class is an incredibly nice touch!
Not long after, the pilots announced the initial descent into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. At about 10.30pm Bangkok time, the aircraft touched down on runway 01R of Suvarnabhumi Airport, and taxied for about 15 minutes to the arrival gate.
Conclusion
Thai has loads to work on with regards to their hard product, and overall ground experience, particularly during check-in. It really is a huge letdown for the flight and the general flight experience. They should also maintain their aircrafts more regularly, which probably isn't the case, judging from the broken armrests and the generally out-of-date cabin.
However, I must say that they are close to being flawless in terms of their soft products. Well, not forgetting the extremely spacious seats. The cabin crews' service and hospitality really hit the spot as well. Considering I paid SGD $230 one way for the flight, I would say it is a pretty good deal, and I would definitely fly Thai Airways again.
Final Rating: 8.4/10
Ground Experience: 5/10
Airport Lounge: NIL
Seat: 8/10
Inflight Service: 9/10
Inflight Entertainment: 7.5/10
Inflight Meal: 10/10
Aircraft Cleanliness: 9.5/10
Amenities: 10/10
The Flight, In Fifteen Words:
Generally nice soft products, great crew; ground experience and hard products subpar; good experience nonetheless
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