Check-in
Although meal and seat selection were more cumbersome than Singapore Airlines,’ online check in was straightforward.
Thai Airways’ counter is located just next to the Priority Lane given that BKK is their home ground. Baggage drop was quick and the check in counter even has stools for one’s convenience.
Once done, you can enter the priority security lane (which has quite a long list of eligible persons). Going through security was a breeze (took me less than 5 minutes for both security and immigration).
Lounge
Once through, there is a direct escalator to go down to the lounge. There is a common counter connecting both Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge (to the right, newer) and Royal Orchid Lounge in concourse D.
The combined floor area of both lounges is huge, and one is free to move from one section to the other. Additionally, the Prestige lounge has a separate First-Class section (with option of curated ala carte menu).
I was looking forward to trying out the Royal Orchid Spa but unfortunately it was closed during my trip (the staff says that it is only temporary).
The food selection was plentiful with a live noodle station available. There is also a small halal corner near to the entrance where I came in. Further down there is another entrance for passengers coming in from the non-priority queue.
Hardware
Flying us to Hong Kong was HS-THR, 6.5 years old A350-900. The last time I was on a TG A350 was back in 2019 with their staggered 1-2-1 layout. There was no info on SeatGuru as they only listed a 350 with 1-2-1. This A350 was using a 2-2-2 forward facing configuration like that of the Air China CA 976 I took recently. Compared to Air China, the seat was wider and more comfortable while the pitch was shorter making it easier for one to reach the screen.
Footrest at the base of the screen allows one to store their shoes.
Like the Air China configuration, there is a lack of personal storage space. The AC and headphone plug may require some body contortion to reach it (for tall chaps like me).
The screen was big and bright, and the touch screen responsive.
Although the cabin looks clean in general, wear and tears can be seen especially with my remote holder nearly coming off!
The toilet seems spacious and stocked with basic amenities including dental kit.
Software
Much can be said about the service, not in a great way unfortunately. Firstly, my reserved seats were given away to another person (something I have not experienced on Singapore Airlines). Although the crew offered to change it for me, I decided to let the matter rest as it was a short flight and there was no distinction between the bulkhead and regular seats.
Towel and welcome drink were not served automatically as I boarded later than most passengers and I had to request it before it was served. On Singapore Airlines, this would have been automatic even if I were the last to board.
The crew were friendly, but not very responsive. During the flight, I had my call bell on for more than 5 minutes with 2 crew walking past me and no one bothered to address me. In the end, I had to resort to flagging them down.
The saving grace was the food. They were able to separate the sauce from my main dish despite being just a 2.5-hour flight (something that EVA air could not do on a nearly similar duration BKK-TPE route).
I loved the cod fish which was juicy, and the salt level is acceptable to me.
Food was on a single tray service given the short flight duration.
Impression
Thai Airways have a good lounge and the hardware for this flight feels comfortable despite the wear and tear. The service however, lags far behind than other competitive Asian air
That Time Of The Year! 