Check-in and LHR pre-departure the usual nightmare that BAA seem to run!
Made our way over the Terminal 3, to find the place very busy. Found the Thai First class check-in desk one person just finishing off, and the whole process was very swift. Ensured that I had the seat I wanted, that the bags were tagged with priority labels and a first class baggage tag and that I knew where the London Lounge was. Went upstairs to join the queue for fast track, aid goodbye to the other half and slowly made my way through security it took almost 15 minutes to get through, and that is with all the VS passengers now having their own separate security area. The departure lounge was very busy and did the little bit of shopping that I had to do and then headed for the London Lounge. This is no club house, but was an area of sanctuary from the lounge waiting for the flight. They dont make any announcements in the lounge, so headed down to the gate about 5 minutes after it was called. When I got there, there was a long queue for security, although I simply went to the front and showed my gold boarding pass and was straight through. The gate area quickly filled up and we seemed to wait for ages for boarding. One thing I noticed was that Thai had 2 jettys, meaning that first and business boarded at the front and economy further down. Initially they called economy families and then started boarding economy by seat row, with no explanation of why first and business werent boarding. After about 10 minutes, and 5 minutes before scheduled departure, they called first and business for boarding down the front jetty.
On board experience AMAZING!!!
Once on board, it was a real haven of tranquility. The first class area at the front of the plane is amazing only 10 seats and loads of space all round. The seats are like big armchairs, with a movable foot stool and it kind of glides down to form a bed. There is a huge wood paneled area next to the chair, which houses the large TV monitor, massive table and some storage area. It is video on demand in first and business, although the choices arent as good as vPORT! Once I had settled in, they came over with my lilac/purple pjs slightly odd colour but very comfortable. Pre-take off drinks were served dom champagne poured in glasses as the seat. There was an array of international newspapers laid out in the middle to choose from. There was also a large pillow and slippers at each seat, with an amenity kit that puts VS to shame.
After push-back, it was the usual slow taxi round at LHR before take-off. Once we were airbourne, the drinks trolley was set up and everyone was served at their seat very rapidly, along with a bowl of nuts. The area in front of the middle seats was then set up into a bar area, and a selection of drinks left out for self-service and also extra of anything that anyone had had. I changed into my pjs and as soon as I was out of the toilet, someone took my clothes from me and hung them in the locker at the front of the plane each hanger already being labeled with the passengers name and details. There are 2 toilets for 10 people which is pretty good. The first cabin is curtained off from business, with a curtain that is very well fixed both sides to the wall, meaning no-one can get in or take a peek. The right-hand side of the plane is the galley, which allows easy access for the crew into first class.
Dinner consisted of a well presented and served 6 course affair, with all the courses served piping hot where appropriate! The dinner service was delivered by 3 cabin crew and the FSM being in charge of wine service and the all important cheese (see below).
Warmed pre-dinner snack crab claws with plum dipping sauce
Appetizer lobster claw and tail meat served with a thousand island dipping sauce, and a salmon en croute with fig compote
Soup cream of celeriac with cheese crouton
Entr_e grilled fillet of beef with mushroom gravy, roast potatoes and mixed vegetables
(there were 5 on board options all of which looked very nice, although this was pre-ordered by myself)
Cheese (4 whole blocks), crackers and a range of fruit served from a cheese trolley at the seat by the FSM
Desert little hazy here but from memory a chocolate and biscuit based tart served with a raspberry coulee.
These courses were served with a choice of 2 vintage white and red wines it seemed customary to try both the wines before selecting, with generous measures being poured for the tasting. There was also plenty of dom champagne and a very tasty vintage port for the cheese. Finally came the coffee and some very expensive fine cognac.
After all that, I managed to do a little work and also watch some TV. Before I had a snooze, I went for a wander down the back, having prized myself under the curtain! Business downstairs is 2-2 since there is the large galley area against the window side, and economy is 3-4-3, although the leg room looks pretty good down there. Having said that they do still have to watch the films on a large screen in economy!! Looked like a full flight with no spare seats anywhere!
I think I had about an 1.5 hour snooze, and as soon as I stirred one of the attendants came over and said would I like afternoon tea. I think one of them was permanently standing at the back of first throughout the flight incase some one needed anything and then immediately ensured any requests were dealt with. The afternoon tea was presented very nicely sandwiches, a selection of mini-cream cakes and a scone with cream and jam. There was also a cup of tea, although it was a little bumpy up front so I did spill a little bit of it.
Sat back to watch TV and then about an hour later, it was the breakfast service. People were woken gently with the lights coming on, and a round of a choice of 6 different fruit juices. The initial service was served from the trolley again. Not an airline trolley, but more a table with wheels covered in a linen table cloth. There was a selection of warmed pastries, croissants and toast, with fresh fruit salad, cereal or yoghurt. This was followed by a choice of 5 hot breakfast items I didnt fancy any of the oriental ones, but settled for the filled omelet, back bacon, mushrooms (served in a cream sauce and pastry basket) and tomatoes. All too soon it was time to get dressed again and freshen up. The toilets are a little small to change into, but they have the nice touch of lilies everywhere, baskets of toothbrushes and linen hand towels to use. The landing was a little fast, but maybe that is because I am not used to traveling in the nose area!
Arrival in Bangkok
Once at the gate, first were allowed off and collected in groups of three by a Thai airlines representative with a name board, and put onto an electric buggie to rush up to immigration. Here we were taken to the diplomatic passport area, and then collected individually by our personal baggage assistant. My bags were number 2 and 4 off on the luggage belt that is what I call priority baggage service. I was then whisked through customs and into a cab and was at my hotel in downtown Bangkok within 40 minutes of landing very impressive!
Overall impression
An amazing flight, with superb service and cabin crew, for whom nothing was too much trouble and were attentive throughout the flight. The wines and food were amazing, as was the choice of champagne served on board. A once in a lifetime experience (apart from the return on the 16th!) and a really good use of BMI miles in combination with the same amount of cash as an economy fare!!
