Flying First Class on Thai Airlines and a Giveaway

January 7, 2013 - Rick

My first international first class experience was on Thai Airlines to and from Bangkok and Sydney. It was part of an award from the US on United Business Class to Bangkok and then onward to Sydney in First Class.

Here are the memorable parts of the experience:

Katy got a massage in the Royal Orchid Lounge.
We sat at a table in Bangkok while they checked us in.
A golf cart drove us to the lounge and on the return picked us up at the plane and drove us to immigration.
I was supposed to be impressed with a bottle of Dom “something or other” offered on board. Interesting how they presented the bottle with the label pointing directly at us. We don’t drink and could have cared less.

And here is what really mattered:

The food was no better than United Business Class.
The entertainment selections were about the same.
I slept soundly in both business and first class.

I’m a three star kinda guy. Always have been. Always will be. First Class meant nothing special to either of us. It just cost a few more miles.

I know there are a bunch of you that get all hepped up over that stuff. I’ll try to stay out of your way by booking business class as my first option. But if the miles difference is not that great and all I can get is First Class, I guess I’d paid the extra miles to get the dates and flight times I wanted.

To me, it was no big deal. I’ve got two sets of First Class pajamas still in the wrapper (Size XL) and two First Class Amenity kits from Thai Airlines to give away.

Comment in the blog for the giveaway about your experiences in International First Class. We’ll use random.org to give the stuff away and I’ll pay the shipping. (US only.)

Deal of the Day

For today’s Deal of the Day American Airlines AAdvantage® has provided 2500 AAdvantage® miles for the best deals, fares, promotions, anything related to American Airlines, their oneworld partners or AAdvantage ® partners. Add it to the comments section of this post or this afternoon’s Deal of the Day post by 11:59PM ET (with your first name, last initial, and home airport) to be eligible to win.

boxedlunch

I can only assume that int’l first is better than domestic first…ask me again in April after trying out CX
AKold

“I was supposed to be impressed with a bottle of Dom “something or other” offered on board. Interesting how they presented the bottle with the label pointing directly at us. We don’t drink and could have cared less.”

They do that at restaurants when they bring you a bottle of wine to show it’s the real thing. The reason United doesn’t do it becaus they serve crap champagne/sparkling wine.

“The food was no better than United Business Class.”

I highly doubt that, but please spread the word so that there are more Thai F seats for me!

Richard Ingersoll

I actually like the braised beef on united better than the Thai food. It was overlooked steak on Thai. maybe I made the wrong choice

Jason

I’ve only flown on international business class technically since they were all two-cabin planes, but in my head I called it first class.
Xavier

Air New Zealand is still one of my favorites!
snakedoc1

Economy has served me well for years, but as I get older…….. I turn 66 on Wednesday…… First class looks better and better! I’ll take that bottle mentioned in the article!
Ketan S

I have travelled in LH First and omit was worth every mile. The service, food and seats were simply amazing.
http://www.facebook.com/lou.harrison Lou Harrison

I recently flew FC on American from the US to Tokyo and back, and when I booked, it was 50000 miles for coach (each way) and 62500 for FC (each way). No brainer, IMO. Love the pajamas and amenity kits. Food was good, but lying flat to sleep is the big draw for me, I cannot sleep in a coach seat.
http://www.facebook.com/masonatkinson Mason Atkinson

I’m looking forward to my first 1st class flight experience someday.
Brian H

Still collecting miles to get that elusive low-level Intl FC experience
Brian H

Still collecting miles to get that elusive low-level Intl FC experience
Isaac McGraw

not yet but I’m working on it
Lauren

Flying first class to India in March and am really looking forward to the decent sleep I expect to get!
Kathryn Ivey

We flew first class to Japan on Japan Airlines. It was amazing from the lounge access at the airport to those comfy seats and entertainment on board. Plus no sporks in first. Awesome experience.
Kathryn I -OKC
Marc

Flew F class from JFK to ZRH on LX. Wonderful experience and they really pampered me on the flight. The wine selection wasn’t great but the service more than made up for everything! – Marc
Kathryn Ivey

American is offering up to 15,000 bonus miles for purchasing miles. It isn’t as good as the offer last month but better than nothing.

Also do not forget to register for all their promotions. For example, You can earn up to 100,000 bonus AA miles for roundtrip flights to Europe through the end of this month. Double miles DFW to PBC. There are more. It does not cost to register and then you are covered. You won’t miss an opportunity to earn the bonuses. They all add up!!
Kathryn I -OKC
http://twitter.com/hickyme hickyme

Main experience with F is wistfully looking to the left as I board to the plane and head right…hopefully sometime soon though!
Iowan

My only 2 First Class experiences were Thai (BKK to HKG) and United (HKG to ORD). Thai massage and food service at BKK were extraordinary. The on flight experience was comparable between Thai and United. The FAs were friendlier in Thai
Chung Sau Li

I never flown first class before but from my day dreaming, I would love to be in Cathay Pacific first class. It will have a spacious flat bed. Every thing can be set thru the control from entertainment to seat. The food will be top notch. I wish i can travel on first class some time in the future.
Jim

I appreciate you Rick, I’ve never flown international first, only business. From the looks of all the trip reports, the food looks way too fancy for me. I’m a steak and chicken kind of guy, not a steak tartare and foie gras guy.
Abyssian

Flying first on a United flight from EWR-MAD for a European backpacking dream trip solidified my love and admiration with the miles and points game. And this is the blog that started it all for me 2 years ago!
http://twitter.com/BrianKlick Brian Klick

I have to agree with you – there isn’t that much of a difference in 1st and Business international for me to pony up extra $ or points unless absolutely necessary (or if the difference is incredibly small).
DaleM

very similar sentiments, having done UA Global First to Greece this summer … bidness class is plenty good, and the difference would rarely be worth the cost in points, and I can’t fathom (!) in cash. Per your Dom somebody experience, the drinking thing up front gets kinda weird, and the FAs (most recently on some AA runs to Paris and Frankfurt, also UA to Shannon ) seem to actually treat you grumpily when not much interested, but fawn all over those downing umpteen of whatever they’ll serve up. Maybe it’s some sort of tried and true calming of nerves … I don’t think so.
Todd Jennings

I’ve never flown business or first class on an international flight. But even after this review, I’m sticking with my current plan to save up enough miles for a 1st class trip across the Pacific, rather than settling for business.
Andy

I’d love one of the amenity kits. I’m generally a business class guy as well, but when I need to sleep sometimes business class seats don’t cut it. In first class usually you get a mattress pad of some sort, which really helps the seat be more comfortable for bigger guys.
frenchman619

Still haven’t flown international first class… perhaps some day i’ll make it
Chris G.

Was actually impressed with AA first class (only first class I have flown in), but I agree…seems like business class is just as well with a fully lie-flat product
Ted James

I have not flown international first class as yet either but would surely liked to…
JB

I was able to treat my wife and myself to a R/T flight to Asia in Cathay’s Pacific First Class shortly after we were engaged (we called it an engage-a-moon). It was an amazing experience from the 7 course dinner, to our deluxe pajamas, the amazing mini-suite, to the fantastic service from the flight attendants. Best use of miles ever spent.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1494104836 Jordan Whitehead

last May flew CX F because I could. Only spent 3 nights in HKG. Route was ORD-HKG-YVR-JFK. Loved every minute of it. 4 oz. or so of caviar on the return also did not suck.
Brandon

I flew first class on American Airlines to Costa Rica… I thought the food was amazing, but funny thing about the wine was when they offered red or white at dinner I asked what kind they were and the FA had no idea and looked at me like I shouldn’t care either!! It wasn’t Dom
Marc W, JFK

Here is a great way to save $75 when changing an award flight from one airport to another. If you book a flight in Business SAAver for instance and want to change the airport from let’s say LGA to JFK, ordinarily there would be a $75 charge associated with the change per person. However, a clever and easy trick is to ask the agent to rebook you in Economy AAnytime at the new airport (JFK) which costs the same amount of miles for your trip as a Business SAAver most of the time and does not include the $75 change fee since no change fee is charged for an AAnytime ticket. Once your ticket is officially ticketed (pretty short wait), call back AA and have the agent just rebook you in Business SAAver instead of Economy AAnytime. This will allow you to change to your preferred airport once availability opens up and for no charge at all…just a couple of phone calls to AA.
Torontosportsmedia

Flying Air Canada international business class is like flying in a hotel room. For a big guy, 6’2 being able to stretch out and sleep for long hauls there is nothing like it. Twice i’ve had to fly overseas after having knee operations and there is no way I could have done it flying in the back of the bus. Then, the long haul flight from Toronto to Vancouver and then to Sydney was easy flying up front. I had no jet lag and immediately adjusted both ways.
disqus_KoP8GRVXSq

I won’t fly any other way Internationally other than Business/1st, however I just first get enough miles for 2. Once you fly this way you are spoiled. I once traveled coach to the UK and hated how crowded and cramped I was. USAIR has new seats that recline fully and you have your own Pod for privacy. It is fantastic!
Ricardo Seir

I flew American Airlines with my wife from Miami to Buenos Aires first class on a 777. 125000 miles per person, for an 10 hour flight. No massages, no special or different food than business (my food option was not available). The pre boarding treatment was terrible and the onboard worst. If I would have paid for that ticket, I would still be complaining. Nothing was really wrong, but nothing was impresive either. The layout of the plane was very nice, and the completely flat bed, with comforter and amazing pijamas were fantastic. But the experience was ruined by really not very nice people. The hardware was very good.
Leslie Gaunt

I have never flown First international, but I am loving reading all the comments! I’m also a three star gal, so I’m not sure First would be worth the extra points for me. Plus, I don’t really care about the food – I don’t eat meat and I’d actually rather just eat the snacks I bring.
http://twitter.com/MichaelSpain Michael Spain

I flew first class on Lufthansa from Dallas to Athens in 2011. I really enjoyed the food and personal attention. I thought the rose they put on my food tray and then later in the armrest was a nice touch. My only regret was not being able to stay awake for the entire flight to fully enjoy all the amenities. Oh, and I left my fancy PJs on the shuttle to the terminal #firstworldproblems
Mihai V (SLC)

MIA-SLC $202 r/t all-in. Works for SLC-MIA as well.
http://www.facebook.com/wrightbro2 Trevor Wright

I was once upgraded on United to first on a domestic round-trip between SEA and DEN…for no reason whatsoever. No status, nothing. I think I smiled just right at the flight attendant. Other than that, I stretch out my miles by flying internationally in economy.
http://www.facebook.com/rdimperio Richard Dimperio

American flies out of Rochester. I fly out of Rochester. What a good combination!
Tom

If you want the good food, it’s all about ANA. Especially the kaiseki!
Biggles209

I remember the glory days of United International First Class at the turn of the century. Suites has just been installed, and they had Dom and caviar (I love them both) and great food. Just a memory now…
http://www.facebook.com/prayergeek David Esquiliano

I generally fly in Y. I’ve had some short and medium haul flights in C with UA, BA, CX, and F with TG. TG’s service was by far the best, and among business I liked CX and UA. I’ve had long haul flights in F with TG, QF, and next June BA will join this list. After having gone to Latin America and Asia in Y, I hope that in the future I’ll be able to afford at least C, because my back can’t take Y anymore.
http://twitter.com/Mileage_Update Mileage Update

Doesnt the upcoming trip always feel better when u know you have a Biz or FC seat? I know we all get there at the same time etc etc but much like getting a Suite or great view room in a hotel it just feels good.
Kathryn Ivey

Do not forget to sign up for Hilton’s Double Miles or Points first quarter promotion at http://www.hiltonhonors.com/Q12013. With the base stays at certain properties being 500 AA miles – that is now 1,000 AA miles. Take advantage for sure!!!

Kathryn I -OKC
Lisa T. (LAX)

I haven’t flew International First yet, but looking to do so on my birthday trip this year. I can’t wait to see the difference in International First and “other” class (economy).
Ralph

Never been in international First Class but looking forward to it soon!
Corey Malone

I’ve never been in First Class but I love how you’re like me: 3 star is enough. My girlfriend said the same thing and that makes me stress a lot less =]
Hunter

If you really want good food, go online and choose from the vegetarian options at least 72 hours before your flight. I’m not a vegetarian, but the meals on those menus are a lot higher quality than the regular food they serve. Here’s a link that gives you a link to the vegetarian menu of many airlines. http://www.happycow.net/travel/air_travel.html

Eat well and Travel far
disqus_JWGT8oCTyb

I love me some free Dom
Shirley

I’ve only traveled First Class on B.A. and Delta. Like several others, in terms of cuisine, I prefer Business Class! On the other hand, there is nothing like having almost a 1:2 or 1:1 ratio of flight attendant service to passengers as one receives in First Class and the boarding on and off treatment. On a separate note, thank you for your forthright insights and helpfulness to those of us who are “newbies” to this travel community!
Chris

I’ve never flown first class or business class on an international flight. I would rather fly more places than pay extra for a class upgrade.
http://twitter.com/asreese Aaron Reese

I agree that the flight experience (to me) was roughly the same – but where it can’t compare is the First class lounge! Flying BA F and using the LHR first lounge was like the best restaurant I’ve ever been to where everything is free!
Harlan V.

My first international biz class flight was on Air France to Paris when I was 21. I barely remember it. The FAs kept refilling my wine glass.
Teresa S.

Flew Delta first class to Barcelona three years ago and enjoyed some of the amenities. Trying to sleep in their “flat beds” was a joke. Decided it wasn’t worth the extra points for a few perks, so I flew coach to Ireland this year.
Victor b

I was upgraded once to first on united from france but i was sick as a dog and did not enjoy the trip.
Guest

never flew in first class yet, but my first trip is coming up in April- cannot wait!
Joanna K

Never flew in first class yet (always been fine with economy), but my first trip is in April and I cannot wait! Cheers to flat bed seats!
Brian S

i haven’t flown first class yet, but i’d love the pj’s so it looks like i did!
http://www.facebook.com/viketh.lobo Viketh Lobo

First class on Asiana was very nice!
R Gage

First is great for having more personal space!
dante

Would love to fly Thai First. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Andrew r

Andrewryan108@yahoo.com, first first class stilll to come, big fan of Cathay business
Thomas W

Thanks for the “what really matters”. It gives a better insight when weighing how much to spend for the upgrade.
Pingback: Steps to Take Before My Next Churn | Frugal Travel Guy

Flying First Class on Thai Airlines and a Giveaway

Related Posts