This is the seventh flight of the series:
1. American Airlines, AA5941, LAX-SFO, First Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-12916.html
2. Japan Airlines, JL1, SFO-HND, Business Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-12932.html
3. Japan Airlines, JL25, HND-PEK, Business Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-12939.html
4. Dragonair, KA997, PEK-HKG, Business Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-12953.html
5. Cathay Pacific, CX474, HKG-TPE, Business Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-12978.html
6. Hong Kong Airlines, HX253, TPE-HKG, Business Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-12991.html
7. Thai Airways, TG601, HKG-BKK, First Class [This report]
8. Thai Airways, TG614, BKK-PEK, First Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-13015.html
9. Air China, CA887, PEK-LAX, First Class - http://flight-report.com/en/report-13022.html
It was time to go back from Asia to the US… not quite yet. I had two more overnight stopovers - Bangkok and Beijing. The routing was created to stretch my miles as much as possible and to maximize my flying experience. The itinerary was booked with Avianca Lifemiles and took me several hours on the phone speaking with some of the most incompetent agents in the world (one of them didn't know what Bangkok is), but the reward was worth the effort.
Thai Airways check-in counter is located at Terminal 2 at HKG. There is a designated line for first class on the left.
There were only a handful of people checking in. It was about one hour before departure. Most passengers must have checked in already.
First time ever on first class! On an A380! I was super excited.
This was my first time departing from Terminal 2. It looks more like a shopping mall than an airport!
I thought Terminal 2 was mostly utilized by budget airlines - no idea why Thai is located there. The terminal itself doesn't have gates - just check-in counters, shops and restaurants, and immigration and security. The line for security check was quite long. While Hong Kong people are super efficient, I start to wonder why there isn't a designated line for premium cabin passengers, as many bloggers have complained. I guess it's another first world problem. After security, I had to take the APM back to Terminal 1 east, and then another one to the west side.
The Royal Orchid Lounge is located near Gate 40. It was 15 minutes from boarding - another rushed stay at the lounge. The first class section is located on the right side of the lounge and features a mini bar and some couches. It was used by only four passengers and was pretty quiet. Lounge attendant offered me a lunch menu, but I declined due to lack of time for a meal.
Nice tarmac view from the lounge
Lounge agent informed me of a slight delay. I was full from breakfast, but was craving for some sweets. Soup, salad and a few hot dishes were also available at the buffet.
Ready for boarding
Both J and Y lines were long. There's a designated line for F. No rush to board.
I'm not boarding without taking some pictures of the aircraft first. My second ride on A380. Still in awe.
The ascend to the upper deck
I was warmly greeted and guided to my suite - 2A.
There are three rows of seats in 1-2-1 configuration. Cabin and seats are very new. I like the color theme - calm and elegant.
Newspaper, menu, blanket and pillow were waiting for me in the suite.
Dom Pérignon and Oshibori
After hopping around in excitement and taking many pictures of the cabin and the seat, I settled down in my seat.
Another glass of Dom. I'm not an alcohol person, but man, this tastes so good!
Taking off from 07R
Dom and sparkling water
Amuse-bouche. I was offered a second one. Why not.
The screen
Appetizer, along with bread basket and garlic bread. I'm usually happy with garlic bread and find the bread basket quite wasteful.
Lobster thermidor for entree, which I pre-ordered online. It tastes very good!
Entree with bread and more Dom
Cheese and fruits. Not particularly fond of cheese, but I finished it anyway.
Dessert and tea, perfect way to end the meal.
A little lounge area
First class lavatory is huge
I was offered a free 10MB Wi-Fi access card.
I took a nap after a filling lunch. The bed was very comfortable.
Approaching BKK
Another TG A380 parked on the tarmac
Vietnam Airlines @ BKK
Golf-cart ride to immigration or connecting flight. This is just the beginning of the over-the-top ground service offered by Thai Airways.
After reaching immigration, I got off the cart and walked to immigration myself, but was called back by a TG employee, who was going to escort me through immigration, take me to baggage claim, retrieve my bag from the belt, and walk me to the Airport Rail Link station on the lower level. This was my first time receiving this kind of VVIP treatment and I was totally blown away. I almost felt too embarrassed because I redeemed miles for this.
It was time to go back from Asia to the US
- That was short! granted, I've done weekends to HKG and SIN from the US East Coast, lol, so this is a bit longer.
First time ever on first class! On an A380! I was super excited.
- That is exciting!! One of the major reasons I switched from DL Skymiles to AA Advantage was the ability to be able to redeem for International First class.
I thought Terminal 2 was mostly utilized by budget airlines - no idea why Thai is located there.
- Same here. The only times I've been to Terminal 2 is to check in for a TG flight same as you.
While Hong Kong people are super efficient, I start to wonder why there isn't a designated line for premium cabin passengers, as many bloggers have complained.
- That annoys me as well, but security and immigration go so fast that I usually don't care once I'm through.
Cabin and seats are very new. I like the color theme - calm and elegant.
- TG always does a good job with color schemes and interiors (on newer planes anyway).
The catering looks great and Dom Perignon on a 4 hour flight makes this a truly First class experience!
Unfortunately AA miles will devalue soon. First class awards are getting harder to redeem.
I have nothing to compare to, but this flight certainly sets a high standard!
Yeah, it's a shame that AA miles are being devalued, but the redemption levels will still be about the same as DL and UA's, which are currently higher than AA. The biggest shame is the mileage accruals going to a revenue-based system, which is again copying DL and UA.