Review: Thai Airways First Class Boeing 777 (BKK-NRT)

For the next portion of my Allegris round the world journey, I flew Thai Airways’ Boeing 777-300ER first class on the 5hr30min flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (NRT). My gosh, what an incredible flight this was, as it was so nice to be back on Thai Airways, experiencing the carrier’s “new” first class.

To be honest, Thai Airways’ 777 first class hard product leaves a bit to be desired. The seats don’t have much privacy, for reasons I can’t quite figure out, and the cabin also isn’t being maintained well, in spite of being only a few years old.

However, everything else about the experience was truly exceptional. The service from the flight attendants working first class exemplified Thai hospitality, the food was delicious, and the amenities were excellent. The soft product more than made up for the just okay hard product here, and I can’t wait to fly this product again.

How I booked my Thai Airways first class ticket

Thai Airways belongs to the Star Alliance, so you can redeem miles from a variety of Star Alliance programs for travel on the airline. However, the airline is quirky when it comes to making award seats available, and often the airline only makes one award seat available per flight, and does so way in advance.

So when I planned this trip, unfortunately Thai Airways didn’t have award availability on the flight I was looking at. However, for an international first class ticket, the fare wasn’t that awful. The one-way first class ticket cost $1,881. Rather than outright paying cash, I used Amex Pay With Points, so since I have the Amex Business Platinum, this ended up costing me 122,265 Amex Membership Rewards points.

Specifically, I booked the following flight:

5/05 TG676 Bangkok to Tokyo Narita departing 7:35AM arriving 3:45PM

Like I said, it’s most definitely not the greatest value on earth, but it allowed me to review this experience with a very convenient schedule, so I was happy with it in the end.

Thai Airways first class lounge & boarding

I’ve already reviewed the Thai Airways First Lounge, which is the carrier’s most premium lounge. Boarding was scheduled to start at 6:55AM, 40 minutes before departure, from gate D2.

Thai Airways ordinarily escorts first class passengers to the plane, though I elected to walk myself to the gate early, so I could board ahead of other first class passengers, and get some good cabin pictures.

Boarding ended up being delayed by about 20 minutes. Finally at 7:15AM boarding began, with premium passengers being invited to board first.

Thai Airways 777 first class cabin & seats

I boarded through the second set of doors, where I was greeted by the fabulously friendly crew, and was escorted left into the first class cabin. This required first walking through the small mini business class cabin, consisting of just two rows of seats in a staggered, 1-2-1 configuration.

Thai Airways’ 777 first class cabin consists of a total of eight seats, also in two rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration. On the surface, this is a pretty standard-looking first class cabin, with open suites that offer a lot of personal space.

I immediately noticed that the cabin had a bit of pizzaz. Rather than the entire cabin being beige and grey (as is the case on so many airlines), the cabin had several tones of yellow and gold, plus a cute orchid pattern on the rear bulkhead. It’s an interesting contrast to the heavy use of purple in business class.

Those traveling with someone will probably want to select one of the center pairs of seats, so that you can enjoy the flight together. There’s a partition between seats that can be raised or lowered, depending on whether you’re traveling with someone or not.

Solo travelers will prefer the window seats, which give you access to the windows and the aisle. I selected seat 2K, the window seat on the right side in the second row.

I must say, I do find it quite strange how Thai Airways elected not to install doors in first class on these 777s. The seats don’t have much privacy at all, as there’s simply a small shield by the side of the seat that can be extended maybe a bit over a foot.

Each seat does have a small wardrobe, which extends out from the side of the seat, to store a jacket or garment bag. I suppose you could use this as a door, much like in SWISS’ 777 first class, but I didn’t find that to be necessary.

As far as seat features go, each seat has a 24″ HD monitor. That’s a fairly modestly sized screen compared to some other first class products (like the 43″ monitors you’ll find in Japan Airlines’ A350 first class), but it was sufficient, I thought.

Each seat also has an ottoman that doubles as a buddy seat, should you want to dine face to face with someone. There’s also a storage compartment underneath the seat, which is quite large.

In the front corner of the seat, there’s a smaller storage compartment, where many of the amenities were placed during boarding.

Further back in the seat is the table, which is one huge tray, so it’s quite a task to take it out and store it again.

Then you have the actual part of the suite you sit in, which features a padded seat, and there’s a storage compartment to the side of that.

The seat controls are on a panel to the side of the seat, and are easy to use. There are both pre-set buttons, plus a screen that allows you to customize the seat to a greater extent.

Near that, you’ll find the entertainment controller, which can be extended for easier use, thanks to a retractable cord.

As far as charging at the seat goes, there are USB-A and AC power outlets inside the narrow storage compartment next to the seat. I find this to be such a strange place to place that, since it’s deep in there, and it takes some effort to use (unless you have really small hands).

There’s a second USB-A outlet that’s a bit easier to access, along with the headphone jack.

The overhead console features reading lights, but unfortunately doesn’t have any individual air nozzles.

The hard product was perfectly comfortable, though not cutting edge, especially when you consider that this was introduced just a few years ago. I was surprised that there were no doors at seats, since you’d think that would be pretty standard nowadays.

What stood out to me most about the cabin, though, was how beat up it was. Pictures don’t do justice to it, but there were stains everywhere, most of the storage compartments didn’t latch properly and were loose, cords were held together by tape, the seat squeaked when moved, etc. Heck, as I walked in, two mechanics were fixing one of the first class seats.

Did Thai Airways just choose really cheap materials and finishes, is the airline not maintaining the seats, or what? This was disappointing, though ultimately didn’t detract from a lovely flight.

Thai Airways first class amenities

Waiting at each seat upon boarding were two pillows, which were later complemented by more bedding (located in the storage locker underneath the ottoman).

Also at each seat were a good pair of noise canceling headphones from AKG.

Then there was a beautiful amenity kit “case” from Porsche Design, stocked with PAYOT products. The items included socks, eyeshades, earplugs, a dental kit, a brush, lip balm, facial mist, fragrance, and body cream.

There was also a bottle of Acqua Panna water waiting at each seat, as well as a pair of slippers.

Within a moment of settling in, the cabin manager and two first class flight attendants all came up to me at the same time to introduce themselves and welcome me onboard. On and Bond, the two first class flight attendants, were absolute rockstars. Oh my gosh, they were so kind, so hospitable, and so fun.

I was offered a pre-departure drink to get the flight started. I selected a glass of champagne, and at the moment Thai Airways is pouring Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle. The airline used to serve Dom Perignon, but Emirates now has the exclusive rights to that.

The champagne was served in a proper flute, and was presented with a warm towel and a box of chocolates.

A moment later, I was given the pajamas for the flight, which were from Boggi Milano, and were comfortable, with airline branding. It’s nice to receive pajamas on a fairly short daytime flight!

Next up, I was presented the menu in a leather binder.

Last but not least, I was given a card with the code for free Wi-Fi, which is a feature of first class.

Talk about some amazing amenities for a 5hr30min daytime flight! What a contrast to my Kuwait Airways first class flight, which was longer and flew well into the night.

Thai Airways 777 first class entertainment & Wi-Fi

As you’d expect, Thai Airways offers on demand entertainment in first class. I found the entertainment system to be reasonably easy to use. The entertainment selection wasn’t bad, but also wasn’t great.

There were just over 150 movies, and just under 150 TV shows, plus a selection of music. The variety was okay — it was decent enough so you shouldn’t be bored, but there are much better airlines for inflight entertainment.

As always, my favorite part of the entertainment system was the map feature.

Thai Airways also offers Wi-Fi on its Boeing 777s, which is free in first class.

For those who don’t receive Wi-Fi for free, the pricing is as follows:

• $7.99 for an unlimited chatting pass
• $24.99 for an unlimited surfing pass
• $39.99 for an unlimited streaming pass

The speeds were decent, but didn’t compare to something like Viasat. The Wi-Fi pricing is on the steep side, and I’m always suspicious of airlines that sell packages that specifically include streaming, since that’s simply often not a realistic promise.

For what it’s worth, the free Wi-Fi pass that first class passengers get is the mid-tier surfing pass, and not the top-tier streaming pass.

Thai Airways 777 departure from Bangkok

During boarding, I had the entire first class cabin to myself for around 20 minutes, until the five other first class passengers were escorted onboard (there were two empty seats). Everyone else in first class seemed to be either Japanese or Thai.

At 7:40AM the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 5hr30min, and our expected on-time arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport. 10 minutes later, the main cabin door closed, at which point we immediately began our pushback, and the safety video was screened.

One thing I found interesting is that I’m pretty sure we were towed most of the way to the runway. Is that possible and/or common at the airport? I know sometimes pilots will only taxi with one engine at first to save fuel, but I’m pretty sure there were no engines used for quite some time.

A few minutes after our engines started up, at 8:05AM, we were cleared for takeoff on runway 19R.

Our climb out was smooth, and the seatbelt sign was turned off around five minutes after takeoff.

Thai Airways first class breakfast service

On this short 5hr30min flight, breakfast was served shortly after takeoff, and then another snack was served before landing. You can find the Thai Airways first class breakfast menu below.

You can find the Thai Airways first class drink list below.

I was amazed by the pace at which the crew sprung into action to begin the service after takeoff. Orders had already been taken on the ground, and less than 15 minutes after takeoff I had my first round of drinks. Okay, I can’t say my drink selection was terribly cohesive, but I ordered a glass of champagne plus a Thai iced tea with grass jelly, as one does.

A few minutes later, the table was set for breakfast, and what a feast it was! I liked how there were Thai, Japanese, and Western options. I decided on the Japanese option (I would have done the Thai option, but I don’t eat pork).

To start, I was served a fresh fruit plate, a bread basket, and Thai-style Chinese crullers with pandan custard and condensed milk. Yum, yum, yum, and how beautiful is that fruit plate?

That was followed by muesli, with the choice of fruit toppings.

Then there was the main course, which was comprised of a Japanese bento set with appetizers, grilled sea bass, steamed rice, and miso soup.

I can’t say enough good things about how tasty this meal was, and also how friendly and efficient the service was. The meal was done less than an hour after takeoff, which I was happy about, as I desperately needed a nap.

Thai Airways 777 first class lavatories

At the conclusion of the meal, I asked to have my bed made, and at the same time I checked out the lavatories. There were two lavatories at the front of the first class cabin by the cockpit, with one being slightly bigger than the other (the below pictures are of the bigger one).

The lavatory wasn’t too exciting, but it did have proper hand towels, plus some amenities, like dental kits. The crew did an excellent job keeping the lavatory refreshed.

Thai Airways 777 first class bed

Once back at my seat, it was time to get some rest. I asked the crew to wake me for the pre-landing snack (not because I’d be hungry a couple of hours later, but because I wanted to review it). The bed was spacious and quite comfortable.

I found the pillows to be excellent, while I thought the mattress pad could have been a bit thicker, but that’s a personal preference (and I know in Asia, many prefer a harder bed).

I fell asleep with just under 4hr30min remaining to Narita Airport…

…and I woke up just over 2.5 hours later, as we were 1hr45min from arriving at Narita Airport. While it wasn’t a long sleep, the quality was excellent, and boy did I feel refreshed!

Thai Airways first class pre-landing snack

All too soon, it was time to eat again. You can find the Thai Airways first class pre-landing snack menu below.

To drink, I first ordered the “Violet Bliss,” which is Thai’s signature drink, and is a butterfly pea limeade.

To eat, I selected the Thai rice vermicelli noodles with prawn and peanut sauce and that was served with an assortment of Thai sweets for dessert.

Bond explained to me that the dish was created in partnership with a Michelin restaurant. As I was served this, he shaved some bergamote on the dish for aroma. What a nice detail!

Both the main course and dessert were scrumptious — in particular, I’m a sucker for Asian desserts — and I was happy that they weren’t too heavy.

Thai Airways first class service

A great crew can make or break a flight, and On and Bond definitely made this flight. They were so genuinely hospitable, that they couldn’t help but make me have a very favorable impression of this experience, despite the areas in which the Thai hard product leaves a bit to be desired.

The thing is, it’s not just that they were friendly, but they were also really polished. They provided some of the most detail oriented service that I’ve had in a long time. Just to give one minor example, both times that I used the lavatory briefly, I returned to my seat to find my blanket perfectly folded. That’s attention to detail.

Both upon boarding and deplaning, the cabin manager and two flight attendants came around together to thank each passenger for flying with the airline. At the end of the flight, they presented each passenger with a box of chocolates.

Thai Airways 777 arrival in Tokyo Narita

At 2:55PM Tokyo time, the captain announced that we’d be starting our descent soon, and would be landing in about 35 minutes. We started our descent around five minutes later, and then the seatbelt sign came on around 10 minutes later.

It was a gorgeous afternoon approaching Tokyo Narita Airport, so my eyes were glued out the window throughout the descent.

We touched down at Narita Airport at 3:30PM. From there we had a roughly 10 minute taxi to our arrival stand, where the seatbelt sign was turned off around 3:40PM.

I cleared security, and then prepared for my United 777 business class flight to San Francisco.

Bottom line

My flight in Thai Airways’ 777 first class was phenomenal, despite some shortcomings with the hard product.

To start with the negative, Thai Airways’ first class seats aren’t the most private. Much worse, the cabin wasn’t at all well maintained, which really surprised me, given how new these planes are.

Fortunately everything else about the experience delighted, from the perfect service, to the delicious food and drinks, to the endless amenities. I’d love to fly Thai Airways first class on the longer route, to London, especially if I could have a crew as good as On and Bond.

What’s your take on Thai Airways’ 777 first class?