Flying Business Class with Thai Airways: A Premium Experience in the Sky

Return Flight from Bangkok to Milan

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience Thai Airways' Business Class aboard a Boeing 787 on a flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Milan (MXP). The 11-hour and 30-minute journey brought back fond memories of flying with Thai Airways after several years of not traveling with them.

It had been quite a while since I last took a long-haul flight with Thai Airways, and I must say that this is one of the most enjoyable air travel experiences that many people might not know about. From the moment I boarded, I could feel the comfort and excellent service the airline is known for.

Booking the Flight

I booked the entire return trip with a single ticket. I used 87,500 Aeroplan points from Air Canada and only paid an additional $138.02 in taxes and fees for the following segments:

11/22 TG940: Bangkok to Milan, departing at 12:35 AM and arriving at 7:10 AM.

11/22 LX1613: Milan to Zurich, departing at 10:30 AM and arriving at 11:35 AM.

11/22 LX52: Zurich to Boston, departing at 5:30 PM and arriving at 8:00 PM.

The value of using Aeroplan points from Asia to the US via Europe is really excellent, especially when you want to make a stop in Europe for just an additional 5,000 points. This is truly a fantastic way to enjoy two trips for the price of one.

Business Class Lounge and Boarding Process

Before the flight, I visited several lounges at Bangkok Airport, including those of Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and EVA Air. Having access to multiple lounges thanks to Star Alliance membership was incredibly convenient.

My flight was scheduled to depart from gate D7, with boarding expected to begin at 12:05 AM, which is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The boarding process was very orderly, although there was an unusual incident where an Italian passenger was escorted onto the plane by security.

Business Class Space on the Boeing 787

Upon boarding, I was warmly welcomed by the friendly cabin crew. The Business Class cabin on Thai Airways' Boeing 787-9 features 30 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration across eight rows.

The airline uses Safran Cirrus seats, a popular choice with a reverse herringbone design. Although not the latest technology, I still appreciate the unique cabin space that the airline offers, as many others tend to opt for simpler, less distinctive designs.

Seating and Amenities

Travelers flying with friends can choose middle seats for closer proximity, but for solo travelers like myself, a window seat is the best option. I selected seat 19A, a window seat in the last row. The seat was quite comfortable and equipped with several amenities, including a side storage area for headphones, a reading light, and a USB-A charging port.

Additionally, the dining table was easily foldable. However, the seat did not come with a USB-C port or wireless charging; it only featured an AC outlet and a USB-A port as available options.

Entertainment and Wi-Fi Connectivity

The entertainment screen in Business Class is a 16-inch display that can be adjusted for a better viewing angle. While I didn’t have high expectations for the entertainment system, I was quite satisfied with the selection of movies and shows available, although it may not be the best in the industry.

Notably, I really enjoyed the map feature, which allowed me to track our journey throughout the flight. Wi-Fi on board, provided by Panasonic, had decent speed, but it still doesn't compare to Starlink or Viasat.

Service Quality

What impressed me the most about Thai Airways was the attentive and caring service from the cabin crew. They were very professional and always ready to assist passengers. The meals were also a highlight, featuring delicious dishes, including caviar, which left me feeling truly satisfied.

In conclusion, this flight provided me with a wonderful experience, not only due to the quality of service but also the comfort it offered. Thai Airways is indeed a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a premium flying experience.