Thai Airways has just taken delivery of one (from two ordered) 787-9 registered HS-TWA. Delivery flight arrived Bangkok on 16th September 2017 and scheduled to fly inaugural flight on 23rd September as TG 102 Bangkok – Chiang Mai. The aircraft’s entire domestic service consist of TG102/103 TG110/111 (Bangkok – Chiang Mai v.v.) TG220/221 (Bangkok – Phuket v.v.) until the end of September. Cabin configuration is 30 Business Class in Reverse Herringbone (1-2-1) layout and 268 Economy class in 3-3-3 layout.
My personal bucket list is to tryout all of the Business Class seat installed in Thai Airways fleet (which we already have 3 versions – Cradle seat in 744 and A330, B/E Aerospace Diamond in 787, Stelia’s Solstys in 77W /380) and we are adding 4th versions – Zodiac Cirrus Reverse Herringbone seat with the introduction of B787-9 . So I found myself reserving a seat on TG 102 (23 Sep on Business Class ) and TG 111 (24 Sep on Economy Class).
It turn out to be a hectic and (unpleasant) surprising trip. Anyway, let’s get the hunt begin.
24 hours prior to the flight, I promptly complete my online check in, got my preferred seat (the one that I already made sure to be a “window seat with window”. e-boarding pass is already in my wallet app. Everything looks great. I prepare to get to bed and ready for tomorrow’s early flight
1 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrThen the horror begin. Some of my fellow aviation enthusiast message me and remind me to check my itinerary again. The aircraft type was changed to 777-300er as TG cannot yet obtain approval for some kind of crucial document from Government Agency. I quickly revisit my check in and sure enough. The seat layout has been completely changed to a sadly familiar Solstys Stagger seat
2 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrAs most of you guys might be already familiar with that seat, I will just go roughly through the flight, giving general idea about the service. You can guess that I am not really in the mood for photos after such disappointment.
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7 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrMy flight back, TG 111 on the following day (24th Sep) does not surprise me. B787-9 already start flying in the afternoon of 23rd Sep. However, I did book economy class for this returning flight. So again I miss my point of this journey.
Anyway, here she comes.
10 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrFlight information
Airlines : Thai Airways
Flight : TG 111
From : Chiang Mai International Airport ( CNX/ VTCC)
To : Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport ( BKK/ VTBS )
Date : 24 September 2017
Departure Gate : 5
Boarding Time : 16.50 hrs.
Departure Time : 15.10 hrs.
Actual Departure Time : 15.23 hrs.
Flight Duration : 1.10 hrs.
Arrival Time : 16.28 hrs.
Arrival Gate : A3
Aircraft : B797-9
Registration : HS-TWA
Name : Phatthana Nikhom
Class : Economy Class
Seat : 61 A
9 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrBoarding begin approximately 15.00, into a cramp 3-3-3 set layout in typical 787 economy class cabin. I select the furthest aft windows seat which the aircraft curvature force the reduction of seat to 2-3-2 across
Despite the cramp configuration, the color scheme looks great, I had to admit.
12 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrSeat pitch is 32 inches, quite standard and reasonably comfortable (if we can disregard tight shoulder room)
16 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrIFE is the latest Panasonic EX3 with a USB. There are 2 Power outlets for each of 3 seat set, and fold up footrest
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20 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrToward runway and take off roll
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15 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrSnack and refreshment service begin afterward – a usual Stromboli Sandwich. This time a Chicken Teriyaki sauce filling served with a bottled water. There is also a round of tea/coffee/juice service.
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23 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrA quick toilet visit, which is nothing to write home about.
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26 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrThen it’s time for an descending/ landing
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29 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrThe following week (30 Sep/1 Oct) I tried my luck again. This time I reserve both outgoing and incoming flight in Business class, just in case. The 789 fly this route inconsistently, being absent for a few days here and there but my flight seemed to be fine.
24 hours before flight time, I faced a surprise of my life. My paid, and confirmed ticket was changed to Standby. I cannot complete internet check in, and will only be allocated a seat at the airport. What?????
30 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrA few phone call an hour (total of 20ish call within that day), a few discussion with my travel agent does not seemed to work. At the end of the day, I travel to airport and approach a check in agent, insist that I be checked in for the flight with boarding pass issued.
31 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrSeveral minutes of awkward multi-department coordination, I got what I need. With boarding pass in my hand, I go back home and get ready for the flight, still fully frustrate of what is going to happen tomorrow morning.
Early next morning, I travel to BKK airport, checking that the flight still operate as scheduled (it is), aircraft is still 787-9 (it is), drop my bag and settle in the lounge.
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36 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrFlight information
Airlines : Thai Airways
Flight : TG 102
From : Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport ( BKK/ VTBS )
To : Chiang Mai International Airport ( CNX/ VTCC)
Date : 30 September 2017
Departure Gate : A5
Boarding Time : 07.05 hrs.
Departure Time : 07.55 hrs.
Actual Departure Time : 08.28hrs.
Flight Duration : 1.10 hrs.
Arrival Time : 09.15 hrs.
Arrival Gate : 6
Aircraft : B797-9
Registration : HS-TWA
Name : Phatthana Nikhom
Class : Royal Silk Class
Seat : 19A
37A by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrProceed to the gate, and boarding without any (further) event
37 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrReverse Herringbone seat does not seemed that much different from other airlines’ seat I have read about. But I am a bit disappointed that, despite a more modern look and more storage space, it feel more cramp than stagger seat that I am familiar. Back massage function are missing too.
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44 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrHot Towel and welcome drink to begin with
45 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrPush back and taxi to runway
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49 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrTake off clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLZ498fEHiw
I played around with the famous electronic dimming function. For the seat without direct sunlight, it looks fine.
50 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrPlaying around with different seat position. Personally, I think this seat is not my most preferred one. It’s fine for long haul, but it’s a bit cramp when comparing to the older stagger seat we also have.
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53 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrToilet is exactly the same as Economy class, with just addition of a bottle of Eau de Toilette
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55 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrMeal service begin; Mushroom and Cheese Omelet, Chicken Sausage, long bean, tomatoes, Chinese donut, Croissant and mixed fruit jelly.
56 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrSlightly after the meal tray is cleared, we begin descending
57 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrLanding clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joFSqoqluxg
58 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrFarewell to HS-TWA at CNX airport
59 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrBonus – Flight back to Bangkok on 777-300er, 1st October as TG117
I arrive at Chiang Mai airport expecting a flight back home to depart at 19.20. But it turn out that boarding was rescheduled to 19.40. Minor delay I presume.
60 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrThai Airways Lounge is now closed for renovation. So a part of Antiquate Thai Airways Restaurant is blocked for Business Class passenger service. This result in an even lower variety of snack/ drink than usual (which is already minimal), but one hot dish is available for each C passenger’s selection.
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64 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrOur boarding time keep pushing back, and I overheard their communication radio instructing lounge attendant to located some connecting passenger and transfer them to Thai Smile fight or TG flight that is supposed to depart after us. I am not in a hurry but the wait in this uncomfortable makeshift lounge is quite boring.
Boarding begin at 21.00 with total delay of 1 hour 40 minutes
65 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrA bit of inflight service, in a more comfortable seat (with my favorite massage function), larger table and more premium looking restroom
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72 by Nuti DAMRONGPHATR, on FlickrFinally arrive at Bangkok Airport. I would like to conclude my long review here. Thank you for visiting my thread.
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