Flight Review: Thai Airways Business Class SYD-BKK
Smooth as Silk? We take a seat on Thai Airways’ Royal Silk Class from Sydney to Bangkok.
Flight: Sydney to Bangkok
When: Saturday 11 June 2016
Aircraft: 747 – TG476
Class: Royal Silk Class (Business Class)
Configuration: 2-2-2
Seat: 16K (Upper deck, exit row)
Duration: 9.20 hours
Verdict: 8/10
Frequency: Thai Airways operates daily flights between Sydney and Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport.
Frequent Flyer: Thai Airways has its own Royal Orchard Plus frequent flyer programme, but is a member of Star Alliance.
Lounge: Thai Airways does not have a dedicated lounge at Sydney International Airport, instead shares Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand’s recently refurbished lounge. Royal Silk (Business) Class customers can utilise this lounge (as I did) before jumping on board.
Baggage: Thai Airways economy passengers are afforded a whopping 30kg check-in, while Royal Silk (Business) Class customers are treated to 40kgs.
Checking in:
So this happened. While a regular trip for me to Sydney International Airport usually takes approximately 20 minutes, on this unfortunate Saturday, the journey took over an hour leaving me with just under 60 minutes before my flight (and the cut off time for dropping off baggage). Thankfully, as I rushed through the airport doors and breathlessly approached the check-in counter, the polite Thai Airways staff were extremely cordial, blaming roadworks and increased weekend traffic instead of me for my tardiness. Apparently, even flight crew were delayed due to the external factors and the flight took off 20 minutes later than scheduled, though arrived on time. I was immediately checked-in, handed an express path card and told to enjoy the lounge, albeit for a few minutes, as thankfully it was located just next to the boarding gate.
Onboard:
The Thai Airways Boeing 747-400 has 375 seats in total and is configured in 3 classes, Royal First Class with 10 seats, Royal Silk Class with 40 seats and Economy taking up the bulk with 325 seats.
The jet has two levels, with the second exclusively for Royal Silk Class (Business Class) customers. I was kindly offered assistance with my hand carry up to level 2. The aisle was spacious, and as soon as I stored my luggage in the overhead compartment, the morning’s frazzled state dissipated as I was handed a hot towel and offered juice, water or champagne (Veuve Cliquot). Needless to say, there were a few options picked!
Seat:
While Thai Airways’ fleet of A380s and its new Boeing 777s and 787s all feature 180-degree fully lie flat beds, its older 747 fleet, which services the Sydney to Bangkok route, offers Business Class customers seats angled to about 160-170 degrees. There’s also a button I realise as soon as I hit it that provides a ‘massage’ option on the back rest, pretty cool. There’s also a privacy screen should you prefer to separate yourself from your travelling mate. As I was on an exit row, my entertainment unit was stored within my arm rest, and had to be brought up for viewing. However, this didn’t affect the comfort of the seat nor my exaggerated leg room due to the exit row seat, making for a very comfortable day flight.
Passengers are provided with a travel accessories kit (Samsonite no less!) filled with the usual travel accessories of earplugs, an eye mask, socks and an assortment of hand and face creams.
Service:
Thai Airways crew are renowned for being extremely polite and helpful, and this experience was no exception. There was at least 6 cabin crew attending to the handful of passengers on board, so even more extremely attentive to their passengers.
Meals:
Menus are handed out before take-off to give passengers enough time to peruse what they’re in the mood for.
There aren’t any decisions to be made for starters (Pork Gyozas) and entrée (Roast beef and lobster with tomato chutney) as everyone is offered the same, but there’s a whopping four options for mains incorporating Western and Asian flavours.
Before meal service commences, cabin crew circulate to take orders, which is great for a slow eater like myself, as they don’t rush you for the sake of other passengers – everyone is served individually. I opt for the Roast Hake fillet with roast vegetables, and wasn’t disappointed. The creamy dill sauce complimented the fish, which was served piping hot – just the way it’s meant to be. Despite being overwhelmingly full, the meals are generous, I tuck into the cheese selection and crackers but decline the macadamia apple tart which is on offer for dessert.
With regards to the beverage selection, there was a good array, including Veuve Cliquot as their chosen Champagne served, as well as a number of non-alcoholic choices.
Entertainment:
Business class passengers can navigate what to watch on 16 inch flat screen TVs, loaded with about 100 movies, TV and music programmes. The headsets were noise cancelling and I can see why cabin crew come along to collect this before landing – they were pretty nifty. Power points are also available in seats, as well as USB ports. I opt for a Rom-Com and the flight hours pass by quickly.
Daisy flew to Bangkok as a guest of Thai Airways.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
bangkok Bangkok Airport business class Royal Silk Class sydney Sydney Int thai airways thailandLatest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.