My 2nd trip this year is again another of the frequent hops to Bangkok. TG offers frequent sales on the SIN-BKK route and for a full-service flight, the prices were definitely a steal when the flights were booked less than 3 months prior.
Fast forward to the day of departure, headed home after work, picked up my bags and rushed to the airport for check-in slightly more than 1hr before STD. This Friday evening flight is usually very popular with business and leisure travellers and hence I was surprised that deals were also offered for this flight. Checked in at T1 and got my colourful boarding pass.
With the AirAsia group having moved to T4, T1 is now dominated by the Qantas group (mainly Jetstar flights).
There was a late gate change from C13 to D47 due to a late departure aircraft at the original assigned gate. Flight also arrived slighly late due to air traffic congestion.
02 February 2018
Thai Airways
TG 410
Singapore (SIN) - Bangkok (BKK)
A350-900
HS-THB
Economy Class
Flight Time: 1H58M
The flight was originally scheduled to be a B747-400, but was changed a month back to the new A350. Not that I minded either, one a classic and the other the newest aircraft. TG's beautiful 1st A350 being prepared for the flight back to Bangkok.
Boarding was slightly delayed due to the late arrival, and after a quick turnaround, boarding commenced 10min before STD with priorities and sequences strictly enforced. Welcomed by the beautiful TG crew in traditional thai uniforms at the door.
TG's A350s are densely configured in 32J/289Y for a total of 321 pax. Compare that to SQ's A350 which only seats 255 pax. Already placed on each economy seat is a pillow and blanket.
A wet evening outside.
Legroom was adequate, but felt slightly tighter than TG's B777s and 747s.
Pillow, blanket and headphones.
Inflight magazines
Boarding for the full flight was completed very quick and efficiently.
After the last passenger boarded, doors were closed and we pushed back. Safety video was played.
Finnair A350 beside. The A350 is now becoming a very regular sight in Changi.
TG's A350 is enabled with a live camera view through its IFE system. Here we are taxiing to the runway.
Turning onto the runway.
Departure from Rwy02C.
Once we were airbourne, I activated the IFE system. TG's IFE system is touch-screen enabled and very responsive, though you may also use the small handset below the monitor. Entertainment choices is decent with the latest movies available, though the range may not be as many as EK's or SQ's latest IFE systems. I selected to watch an action comedy.
Meal and drink carts were swiftly rolled out and meal service commenced in a very efficient manner, with meal trays and wines offered from the meal cart and the beverage cart following behind.
This evening, we were offered a choice of Chicken with noodles or Fish curry with rice. Me and my friend both opted for the fish curry as through past experiences, the curries on TG were very tasty. The meal came with a tuna salad appetiser, warm roll with butter, thai-style dessert and a bottle of drinking water.
Tuna salad is fresh and bread roll is warm and soft.
The main of Thai-style fish curry with rice and preserved turnip with egg definitely did not disappoint. It is very local thai dish, delicious and flavourful!
The dessert, which consisted of yam, jelly and coconut milk, was also very tasty!
Bar cart came down the aisle offering the full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. I only had an apple juice.
Enjoying my very satisfying meal. Looking at my seatmate's meal, the chicken with noodles was actually a western-style chicken with spaghetti.
Crew then came down with the coffee/tea cart, offering hot beverages or drinks top-up. I had a tea with lemon. The senior crew also walked arond offering additional breadrolls.
Meal service was completed very efficiently within an hour of flight. Visited the lavatory which was clean and well-designed. Amenities were basic except for the inclusion of a cologne.
View of the cabin. Cabin ambience was relaxing despite the full flight.
Cabin light were dimmed for the remainder of the flight till we started the descent into Bangkok.
Descending into Suvarnhabumi.
Landing on Rwy19R a few minutes behind schedule.
Taxied to the terminal and parked at the D gates, right at immigration. Coincidentally, another Finnair aircraft was also parked beside at BKK.
Passing the Business Class cabin during disembarkation.
Immigration was quick as there were not too many other international arrivals and it was a 30min Airport Train ride direct to Phaya Thai, where my hotel stayed would be. Stayed ay The Sukosol on this trip, which is a very recommended hotel with convenient transport links, big and comfortable rooms, great service and housekeeping.
View from my room.
Dessert at YenlyYours in Centralworld. Touted as the place for the best mango desserts, it really lives up to its name with sweet, chunky mangoes and the smoothest mango ice-cream ever eaten.
Delicious Isan food for dinner at Isan Rod Ded.
Visit to Chatuchak on sunday morning, of course along with some street bites.
Lunch at the neighbouring OrTorKor Market across from Chatuchak.
A new pedestrian linkway is built between MBK Shopping Mall and Siam Discovery Center.
Dinner feast at Jae Oh, a very popular local dinner place.
Ending with some thai traditional desserts.
