I would be doing a couple of regional trips during the festive year end season and the 1st was to Bangkok for Xmas. Due to the King's passing away recently, the Thai Kingdom has toned down festive celebrations, though shopping and eateries were still operating as normal if you are just into these. The flight up would be on the rather new airline of the Lion-brand, Thai LionAir while return was on Singapore Airlines Business Class.
Checked in at Changi Terminal 3 and although the flight was very full, check-in queue was short. Thai Lion offers 20-30kg of free check-in baggage (depending on when the ticket was bought), free snacks and free online seat selection during online check-in (emex row included!). I had checked in online 24hrs prior and selected the best seats of the house, Emex row at row 18 with lots of legroom and reclinable seat, all at no cost! In fact, the airline's tickets are even cheaper han the usual budget airlines!
With the Pokemon craze in town, Changi was having some Pokemon festive installations at the departure hall.
Went to the T3 SATS Premier Lounge, entry compliments of Priority Pass, to grab some brunch. At that time, the staff were changing the breakfast selection to lunch, and so had a taste of both selections.
Proceeded to Gate A19 for departure.
24 December 2016
Thai Lion Air
SL 101
Singapore (SIN) - Bangkok Don Muang (DMK)
B737-800
HS-LUJ
Economy Class
Flight Time: 2H01M
Boarding already in progress.
View of our aircraft. SL's fleet are all brand new B737s.
The senior crew was at the door welcoming passengers. Note the blue moodlighting of the BSI cabin.
Proceeded to Row 18 and was welcomed by more crew. Nice start to the SL experience. Total of 4 crew on the flight. Overhead bin space was readily available as most pax had checked in their bags.
Wing view
Cabin of this 1yr old B738 is very clean and modern.
Great legroom! Crew also came to brief on the emergency door operations procedures.
Inflight magazine (tribute to the King), BOB menu and safety card.
Offerings on the BOB menu is not as diverse as other budget carriers, but prices are very reasonable. Pre-booking of meals are also available online recently, but unavailable when I booked my ticket earlier.
Pushed back for the 2hr flight to Bangkok. Safety demo was shown manually.
Crossing the bridge towards the departure runway.
Passing the structurally-completed Terminal 4.
Video of taxi to runway.
Departure from Rwy02C.
Video of takeoff from Rwy02C.
It was only almost 20min before the seatbelt signs were switched off and cre released for service. This is probably due to the expected rough weather as we were in the clouds for the initial part of the flight. Crew first came through distributing immigration forms.
Weather cleared subsequenty.
A free light snack was served. Even though it was only a packet of crackers and a cup of water, it was much appreciated still. BOB an duty-free followed thereafter. Service by the Thai Lion crew was friendly and polite.
Visit to the lavatory, which was kept very clean, but only with the basic amenities.
View of the cabin.
Cruising
Started descending into Don Muang. Spot Suvanabhumi below.
Landing preparations announcements.
Approach and landing on Don Muang Rwy21R, more than 10min ahead of schedule.
Video of the landing.
Taxi to the parking stand and spotted various DMK-based airlines. We would be parked at the remote stand.
Disembarking.
View of the aircraft during disembarkation via stairs.
Stayed at Dusit Thani Bangkok in Silom for this trip. This old dame remains as one of the best hotels in Bangkok, offering old-world luxury at affordable prices. To make it sweeter, I was upgraded to a suite!
Dinner at Talad Nam Seafood, in a hidden alley along Silom road. Delicious food at great prices!
Went to Or Tor Kor Market (opposite Chatuchak Mkt) for brunch the next day.
Explored ArtBox Bangkok, a container-styled contemporary night market, which has its location shifted every few months. Currently, it is situated beside Chatchak. It offers some shopping (not too fantastic and mainly geared towards ladies) and excellent creative street food, and a very different atmosphere from other night markets in Bangkok.
