Encore: Flying High on Thai Airways International

[Nicholas Snow]

Thai Airways International Economy Class

Editor's Note:
Before we upgraded to our new technology, this story had been read over 30,000 times! So, we're bringing it back for visitors to our upgraded web sites!

The Trip of a Lifetime

I was a bit nervous, having never traveled outside of North America, and not quite sure how I would also handle the 19 or so hours it would take to travel from LAX to Bangkok Thailand where I was to intend the 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival. The advance buzz from a variety of sources was that Thai Airways International (THAI) was one of the world’s finest airlines, which I’m thrilled to have verified, as I intend to travel to Thailand frequently after my first experience there.

Upon checking into the gate at LAX, I was warmly greeted by Mr. Rene Cortez, a sales executive with the THAI (now retired), who proceeded to introduce me to international movie star Bai Ling, as well as American Independent film favorite Rachel Leigh Cook—then Cortez escorted the three of us not only to the VIP lounge, but to the VIP room in the VIP lounge. The adventure had just begun.

In the VIP room, I had the opportunity to speak with Cortez about THAI, and having been with the airline for over 30 years (now retired), he is certainly qualified to answer questions.

“Thai International has always been known for its in-flight service,” Cortez explained, revealing that the airline consistently ranks among the top three to five airlines in the world. From the moment you begin to interact with the employees of the airline, you begin to experience the warmth and hospitality the Thai people are known for around the world. “You know the people who train for this business—they have come from the culture of Thailand and you can see it right away,” Cortez explained.

THAI offers their trademark Royal Orchid Service—three classes, one philosophy, which basically comes down to “excellence in every aspect of airline service.” No wonder that their catch-phrase is “THAI, Smooth as silk.”

If you don’t happen to have a trip scheduled to Thailand, you should rectify the situation immediately; however THAI flies to 73 cities in 37 countries worldwide. A friend of mine who is a travel agent has flown Economy Class on THAI, as have I, which I’ll let tell you more about in a moment. However, I must first rave about Royal Executive Class, and also let you know what I’ve learned—and to some extent, observed—about Royal First Class. (The specific names of classes may have been changed since this story was originally published).

Thai Airways International Royal Silk Class

My flight left LAX around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20th. While the flight to Bangkok itself—including a stopover in Osaka, Japan where passengers had the opportunity to exit the plane and stretch their legs—takes a total of around 19 hours, with the 15 hour time difference, baggage claim process and transportation, I did not arrive in the lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel until around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22nd. As I stand at a height of almost 6’4”, I’m delighted to tell you I flew Royal Executive Class. THAI holds Executive Class passengers (and all passengers, really) among its most valued customers.

Many say, and I’ll agree, the quality of Royal Executive Class on THAI rivals first class on most international airlines, and seeks to provide “consistent excellence.” In fact, “even before boarding, Royal Executive Class passengers are already aware of their special status, with advance seat allocation, exclusive check-in and luxurious departure lounges,” according to an official THAI brochure, and I’ll vouch for them! However, don’t necessarily expect to be whisked away by an airline executive with movie stars to the VIP room, unless you are a movie star, or in case you happen to publish one of the world’s increasingly influential travel and entertainment-focused web sites (and as far as I know, the NotesFromTheWorld.com family of web sites have only has one publisher).

As you embark on your own adventures, whatever you do, don’t leave your appetite at home! Shortly into the flight, I was presented with some of the toughest choices of my trip:

Los Angeles – Osaka

First Serving Spicy Crab Meat on Prosciutto Cottage Cheese, Mixed Julienne Vegetables And a choice of: Sautéed Beef with Chili, Onion, Basil Leaves
Steamed Thai Rice, Stir-fried Vegetables

Or:

Duck Breast with Caramelized Raspberry Sauce, Vegetables

Or:

Chicken Breast Thai Curry “Kaeng-khua”
Steamed Thai Rice, Chinese Chicken Sausages

Or:

Grilled COHO Salmon Teriyaki, Japanese UDON, Vegetables

And:

Assorted Breads, Crackers, Butter
Cheese Tray, Basket of Fresh Fruits

Brazilian Chocolate Cake
Tea, Coffee, Espresso, or Cappuccino


Second Serving

Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Stir-fried Noodles and Chicken with Dark Soy Sauce

Or:

Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Prosciutto Sauce
Assorted Petit Fours

Tea, Coffee

Osaka – Bangkok

Sushi with Cod Roe
Foie Gras with Apple Terrine
Marinated Prawns with Seaweed Salad

Mixed Green Salad with French Dressing

And:

Grilled Eel Kabayaki
Steamed Japanese Rice, Vegetables

Or:

Chicken Jibuni
Steamed Japanese Rice, Vegetables

Or:

Australian Beef Fillet with Sesame Sauce and Shimeji Mushroom Vegetables

Or:

Deep-fried Fish with Gingered Sweet and Sour Sauce
Steamed Japanese Rice

And:

Assorted Breads, Crackers, Butter
Cheese Tray, Basket of Fresh Fruit

Green Tea Cake

Tea, Coffee, Espresso or Cappuccino

I know. Now you’re hungry! Well, you’re not alone, because so am I. By the way, THAI’s legendary Royal Orchid Service includes Thai herbs in their in-flight Thai dishes. For example, the Kaeng Khua Curry Paste includes salt, garlic, shallot, Galangal, dried chili, Shrimp paste and Lemongrass. Also available with your meals are the finest wines from the best vineyards. In both upper classes, meals are served “restaurant style in individual courses” with “fine table linen, silver cutlery and crystal glassware.” It’s true!

With all this pomp and circumstance, how can Royal First Class be better? Well, as THAI expresses, “The distinction of flying First Class is achieved by only a very few. It is a recognition of having attained the highest professional or social status, a level that expects and deserves outstanding service when traveling.” I have to tell you, I felt this way in Royal Executive Class, but I’m sure that Bai and Rachel enjoyed “the absolute luxury” of their 180 degree reclining sleeper seats. As a mater of fact, I believe I glimpsed Bai in her pajamas!

Now, for those of you who fly Economy Class, have no fear, because it still comes with the Royal Orchid Service, and if Thai Royal Executive Class is comparable to first class on other airlines, than it’s safe to say that THAI Royal Economy Class is comparable to executive class on other airlines. My friend travel agent Pat del Fante has flown both classes on THAI, and was quite content in both—and in some ways preferred her economy experience.

I also have a point of comparison. I flew Economy Class on the way home, but was actually thrilled to do so, because the passenger load was unusually light and I had four seats across on which to sleep. After my intensely wonderful experiences in Thailand, I was grateful for the opportunity to stretch out and pass the time in dreamland. The food was equally satisfying, and the crew equally warm and beautiful, inside and out.

Premium Economy

Thai Airways International Premium Economy Class

Since this story was written, they've launched Premium Economy! Here's what they say about it:

An entirely new concept has been introduced on selected services to bridge the gap between the traditional Economy
Class and Business Class formats, providing a new dimension in passenger choice.

THAI's Premium Economy Class cabin, with its elegantly contemporary Thai-style décor and subtle ambient lighting,
is specially designed to promote feelings of relaxation and wellbeing, with larger seats and wider aisles.

The chairs in this exclusive cabin are the finest, most advanced design available to any airline, with many extra features. They are wider, and longer, with a 42-inch pitch providing extra leg room and a 135° angle of recline to encourage restful sleep. Arm rests are also wider and the seats are equipped with adjustable leg rests. In-seat 115VAC power points are fitted so that travellers can use their laptops on Airbus 340-500 aircraft.

Here's what I say about it:

I loved flying Premium Economy. Let's face it, we can't all fly business class, but many of us can afford a step above Economy. And for some of us, frankly, we are simply too big for most basic economy classes. The absolute worst flight experience of my life happened on a different airline (not Thai). I legs were physically too long to even fit into the seat, the person in front of me reclined, and I was literally trapped in this seat for over 12 hours. I vowed that I will never fly another long flight in a section of an airline that cannot accommodate a person of my stature (it's the height not the weight that is the challenge). So, any time I fly Thai Airways International, I will at the very least choose Premium Economy.

Back to the Movies

Why THAI sponsorship of the BKKIFF? “Thai Airways International is very pleased to be a sponsor for the film festival,” explained Cortez, who shared that THAI is the most-utilized airline by Hollywood filmmakers who travel to Thailand to make movies.

“I think the best part of my job is meeting the passengers and getting to know them better,” explained Cortez. “In my last 30 years with THAI I have met a lot of different personalities from diplomats to royalty to movie stars.

Okay, so what are you waiting for? Make your reservation, and perhaps I’ll see you on the flight!

…Nicholas Snow

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Thai Airways International