The Last Aeroplan Hurrah: Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa Bangkok

Lucky for you there was a cart available for you. When I flew BKK-NRT last Nov they were scrambling around looking for a cart and never did find one. So they led me and another pax out through some side door downstairs to the nonsecure area (after we had obviously already gone through security prior to entry to the lounge). There was a regular golf cart downstairs which we drove in to near the E gates. But then we had to reclear security there with a NoS. I was royally pissed off. Then from there we had to walk down to the gate. I thought it was completely stupid. I would have preferred just taking the long walk myself without having to go back through security. When I first tried to leave the lounge they made me wait and said they would come get me to drive me to the gate. I guess maybe it is worth noting that TG likes F class to board last.

Since the massage is comped, is a tip expected?

@ Robert -- I've never gotten the impression a tip was expected, especially since it's such a multicultural environment, though I always do, usually around $10USD. It's a lot of money for them, and at the same time less than I'd pay for a massage anywhere else.

A tip is definitely expected. It has nothing to do with multicultural tourists -- tipping is an important part of Thai culture.

NO TIP only in the US does (bad) service requires tip. Of course nothing stops you from doing so

@ Voice of reason -- Since when is tipping an important part of Thai culture?

Is there +1 allowed into the Thai First Class lounge is one passenger is in F and the the other in C?

Lucky, next time you're in the lounge, can you take a pic of the fishnet underwear before you put them on? If they really don't cover you up, why bother making people wear them instead of wearing your own, more covering shorts or underwear or whatever?

@ John -- There sure is, you're allowed one guest.

@ Andy -- Will do. They're the same ones they have at most "luxury" spas in Thailand. I don't think they're really even designed to cover you up, since they massage pretty close to the "goods."

Here is what Frommers says about tipping in Thailand...

"Tipping -- If no service charge is added to your check in a fine-dining establishment, a 10% to 15% tip is appropriate. In local shops, tipping is not common. Airport or hotel porters expect tips; 50B is acceptable. Feel free to reward good service wherever you find it. Tipping taxi drivers is appreciated. Carry small bills, as many cab drivers either don't have change or won't admit to having any in the hope of getting a tip."

I would certainly add massage therapists to the tipping class. Many Thais make very little compared to Western wages. I'm generally inclined to tip for good service while visiting Thailand. I never tip for lousy service no matter what the country. Thais are certainly familiar with tipping thanks to interaction with Americans during and after the Vietnam War.

I've never seen a Thai worker refuse a tip, just like I've never seen a Japanese worker accept a tip, but I have seen a Japanese customer tip a Thai worker. I think that should put the whole tipping question to rest, no?

Perhaps from tourists it has become expected but certainly from locals tipping is not common practice. While I was in Thailand last I didn't have porters or bellman hang around like they do in the US waiting for a tip. I guess Thailand would be one of those countries where it is what you are comfortable with. Not expected, but appreciated if you do.

As per Tripadvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel-g293915-s606/Thailand:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html

@Voice of reason: Tipping is an imported practice that has no origin in Thai culture.

Lucky, none of us want to hear about your genital area. If you want to take jaunts across the planet with another male and stay in the same bed and do some hanky-panky that is none of our business. Just don't turn a travel blog into a porno.

@Frank - actually I do.

@Frank lighten up. I don't think there was anything wrong in his reply. I never knew that about spas in Thailand, but if I go, I'll definitely be packing a bathing suit for use in the spas.

Anyway, let's not feed the troll further.

@Frank Are you serious? It's his blog, he can turn it to whatever he wants. And it's nothing close to a porno. You're a ridiculous little man.

@Frank: Are you worried that if you hear about the body of another man you may not be able to contain your curiosity? If so please keep in mind that you're always free to leave this travel cum porno blog and go back to to watching the Disney channel or listening to AM Radio or whatever else you consider to be wholesome entertainment. Meanwhile, those of us who are not scared of the human body will continue to discuss topics that may or may not be sanitized enough for your sensitive little eyes.

@Andy: You should consider a Thai Traditional Massage if you're concerned about nudity. These are generally done fully clothed in thin pajama style garments. However, if you choose a massage that includes oil, lotion, or powder you will probably not want to be wearing your own clothing (if any) as it is likely to come in contact with whatever is being applied to your skin. Then you'll have an oily or powdery mess to take with you (or replace) after every session.

@Frank,

You must have been raised in a sexually-repressed family who cherished Puritan values. I feel sorry for you. We enjoy Lucky's blog because it is interesting and has valuable info.

@ Dax I don't mind nudity when getting a massage as long as I can wear a towel over it 😉

Ben would you please just ban Frank's comments entirely from your blog now and forever? All he does is insulting you in every single post.

Frank obviously has nothing worthy in his life but his own negativity. He's one of those guys who just can't be happy for anyone and for anything.

We don't need to read his nasty comments here.

Does ladies massage the girls and men the guys or what

@ Mary -- They just have female masseuses.

Looking forward to this. I have. 10hr layover snd need to work. Mihht as well do it in the comfort of the first class lounge amd sneak in a quick massage.

I'll probably look like a moron arriving to the first class check in by foot tomorrow. Either way looking forward to trying out the ground services for BKK-HKG. Rinse and repeat in a few days at LH FCT.

Now it's finally my turn! Yup, tonight I fly out on Thai First BKK-MXP. Been looking forward to this part of the journey since before leaving Europe (and the inflight service out here was amazing). I was wondering though, my flight leaves right after midnight, and I would actually like to get to the lounge early to do some work. The regular departure gates open 3 hours before take off, but do you think they'll let me in at the First Class check-in say 5 hours before?
Must also reiterate the tipping thing. Service is included in bills from the more upscale hotels and restaurants but is often not shared to staff. Tip for good service, why not? It's really small change for us Westerners but good for the locals. And masseurs definitely should get a tip (provided they don't break anything 🙂 ) But Thais rarely expect tips, which in my view makes it all the better to give them if you feel it's due - they really appreciate them.

@ Andy -- You can get there as early as you'd like! Enjoy the experience!

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You wave at people from that funny cart they have? What do you expect to achieve by doing that? Or maybe you hint at your desired outcome when you express enjoyment from the pissed off faces of strangers. You sound like a very grounded and nice person.

The lounge opens at 5am...does the massage 'schedule' start immediately?

@ ER -- Yep, sure does.

We will be flying HKG-BKK-CDG in Sept.

There are only 3 hours layover at BKK - is it enough time to have one-hour body massage?

@ Happy -- Assuming everything is on-time that should be enough time.

Lucky, can you comment on the lounge food a bit more? Is the a la carte menu free? Are the food in general enough to serve as a meal, or do they only suffice as a snack?

@ JD -- Yep, no charge for anything in the lounge, and certainly can serve as a meal.

I assume that if the flight originates in HKG and ends in BKK, you could use be first class lounge in BKK upon arrival? Does Thai offer lounge services in HKG?

@ Erndog -- You can't use a Thai lounge as an arrivals lounge -- you must be connecting. Yes, Thai also has a lounge in Hong Kong.

I have a 90 minute layover in BKK in first.. Can i somehow squeeze 60 minute massage or can it be customized to 30 minutes instead? Not looking for feet or neck/shoulder massage

@ Mike -- If you're early 60 minutes might be possible, though it's definitely on the optimistic side. Not sure they can shorten the full body massage to 30 minutes, though you can do one of their 30 minute treatments otherwise.

“...reactions are priceless" "Waving to business class passengers" "...got to watch as each pissed off person stared us down for nearly running them over. Fun stuff”

Good LORD - I laughed out loud & so hard at the above cart comments that my puppy got so scared he jumped off my lap in fright & ran away; love it!

Ben,

Do you know if you are allowed to use the Thai Airways First Class Lounge in Bangkok during a connection if you are arriving on Thai first class flight connecting to a Thai business class flight on which first is not offered? SYD-BKK (first) BKK-PVG (business). Thanks,

Tom

@Tom P, was allowed to when I did LHR-BKK (F) - SIN (J). However only the J massages were available (the 30min treatments)

@Lucky- My flight next Month will be MNL(Buss)-BKK-SYD(First). Are they going to pick me up from my plane arriving from MNL?