Good afternoon from Guangzhou. I just enjoyed a pleasant journey from Bangkok to Guangzhou and want to provide my initial impressions of Thai’s A350-900 in business class.
First, I had a very nice morning in the first class lounge and Royal Silk Spa. Since I was connecting to business class, I was not entitled to a one-hour full body massage, but I did enjoy a superb one-hour treatment that included feet, neck, and shoulders. I also enjoyed far too much coffee and freshly-squeezed apple juice in my private little compartment in the lounge. Put simply, the Thai Airways ground product for first class passengers remains excellent.
Anyway, since I was connecting in business class, there was no golf cart escort to my gate…and it was quite a hike. Boarding was delayed slightly thanks to a heavy downpour outside, but we ended up pushing back just a few minutes late.
Thai’s A350 has staggered 1-2-1 seating similar to what you find on Alitalia or Iberia. My “true” window seat in row 20 was perfect for the short journey to Guangzhou. Wi-Fi was also available onboard…my first Thai flight with wi-fi.
After takeoff, lunch was served. I had pre-ordered a meal and after so much red meat the last couple days opted for salmon in a dill tarragon sauce with pasta. It arrived promptly after takeoff with salad, bread, and fruit and was quite tasty.
Thai’s business class blanket has improved since the last time I flew business class on Thai. It actually reminded me of the Westin bedding that Delta offers. I took a nap after lunch and managed to sleep for an hour.
Although the captain did not announce why, we landed about 25 minutes late into Guangzhou and pulled up to our gate near a beautiful China Southern A380 I will soon take to Beijing.
CONCLUSION
Let’s recount: lie-flat bed, good bedding, tasty meal, wi-fi, seatback IFE, and friendly service on a 2.5-hour flight. Yep, you cannot really ask for more than that.
I’m often hard on Thai for the poor financial shape it is in and for its dated business class on the 747 and 777. But the A350 is a great plane to fly business class on.
Their 787s have a nice reverse herringbone seat. My wife and I enjoyed that to Auckland last year for the 11.5 hour flight. Sure beat the heck out of the 777 with their old seats the year prior to New Zealand.
Thai needs to upgrade the 747 First Class it’s old needs refurbishment promptly.
Matt – I agree with you on this bird. One of my preferred ways to get back to Mel.
My question stems from the spa services offered when going from F to J. Where does it state you are not entitled to the 1 hour full body massage? Also, it you are not entitled to the 1 hour full body, how are you able to have the 1 hour shoulder/feet? I was under the impression it was one hour full-body or 1 hour shoulder/feet vs 30 min of either for J pax.
I want to say I have received it multiple times after SYD-BKK in F followed by BKK-ICN / BKK-TPE / BKK-HKG in J. The only time I opt for the 1 hour shoulder/feet is when time is off the essence.
Thanks,
David
+1
Confusing article …
When does 1 hour not = 1 hour?
“not entitled to the 1 hour full body = 1 hour shoulder/feet”
“The only time I opt for the 1 hour shoulder/feet is when time is off the essence”
Good to know re: F-J class, I will try to get my massage when I return from LHR before flying back to SIN.
This is a very good compliment for their service, far from what l thought of my experience.
How are the seats any different on the A350 to the 777-300ER they fly? It looks identical. Ok, so the 777-300ER has an older and a newer seat, but this looks exactly like the newer seat. It’s too short to sleep comfortably in if you’re over 180cm tall, but it’s at least nicer than Singapore Airlines regional business seat in bed mode, as I could barely move in that one and I’m not that big.
Hi, Matthew, I am following your trip–fun! Next year, we anticipate a trip to visit friends who are moving to Shanghai this month–otherwise, China wouldn’t have been that high on our list, but we like to visit friends and, if they are living in exotic places, so much the better. I look forward to having you book good flights for us. 🙂 Alison
Well .. OP was lucky & must have gotten a newer & better maintained aircraft for his flight
Check out the pics of the A350 J seats here –
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thai-airways-royal-orchid-plus/1792364-thai-a350-flights-vs-777-er-3.html