Flying Thai Airways 787 Dreamliner To The Land of Smiles

Welcome to my Trip Report of my first flight of my March 2016 Flying Adventure! 

*Aircraft photos are credited to the respective photographers from Airliners.net 

Introduction

Initially, I wanted to fly to Seoul to try out Korean Air's Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft, but because I had some stuff to do in Ho Chi Minh City, I decided to postpone that plan and instead plan a trip to Ho Chi Minh and go there by a more exciting way. Normal travellers would fly there direct but for me and a few others, I want to fly new airlines and do some stopovers before heading there. After doing some brainstorming, I decided on Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh route to try out Jet Airways - first thing that came into my mind. As the ticket was around S$80, I did the booking not long after. After that, I had a look at my Singapore - Bangkok option. Scoot came into my mind as it offered the cheapest airfare and the 787 Dreamliner aircraft which is a joy to fly on, but I decided to skip it because I didn't want to go to DMK Airport and besides I found something else more exciting - Thai Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on one of the daily flights (BKK-SIN-BKK sectors) and after checking the airfare, it was actually cheaper to book one way than the return, so I decided to do the one way sector and possibly fly back to Singapore from Ho Chi Minh City. I would then be staying a week in Ho Chi Minh City and since I had ample time, why not do a joyride? I had already done Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350 (trip report) on the SGN-HAN-SGN sectors, so perhaps this time I should try out the airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Later on, much later on, in fact, I decided to fly to Manila with Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific's A330-300 from Manila to Singapore. Airfare from Ho Chi Minh to Manila isn't cheap - I paid about S$240 for the one-way sector while for my Manila to Singapore flight, I paid about S$133 for it including seat selection and meal. Once that was done, I confirmed my accommodation and waited for the day of departure to come. 

My flights for March 2016

           1. SIN-BKK (Thai Boeing 787-8 ) - This Trip Report

2. BKK-SGN (Jet Airways Boeing 737-900ER) - Click here

3. SGN-HAN (Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9) - Click here

4. HAN-SGN (Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9) - Click here
5. SGN-MNL (Philippines Airlines Airbus A321) - Click here

6. MNL-SIN (Cebu Pacific Airbus A330-300) - Click here

SIN - Singapore

BKK - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi 

SGN - Ho Chi Minh City

HAN - Hanoi 

MNL - Manila 

Without further ado, let's begin!

Airline's website 

No change since my last flight with this airline, taken place in 2009. This is the Amadeus system, not a fan of it but at least it works. 

Price is more expensive than the Low-Cost Carriers, but I am booking it just to experience the airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. 

During this time, the Boeing 747-400 aircraft was operating on TG403/404 flights. 

For the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, pick TG413/414. The rest are either operated by Boeing 777-200 or -300 and if you are lucky enough, you may get the Boeing 777-300ER. 

I wanted to select the seat near the front but they were most probably blocked so I had to try my luck when I do my web check-in. 

You have an additional option to pay for your ticket, I think that is quite convenient for those who prefer paying by cash. 

Within a few minutes, my booking was completed. 

History of Thai Airways

Thai Airways is the international carrier in Thailand formed in 1960. Its headquarters is based in Bangkok and flights are operated out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. This airline has a 39% stake in Nok Air and has operated a regional carrier called Thai Smile operating Airbus A320 Aircraft. This airline is also one of the founding members of the Star Alliance. 

Back in the 1960s, this airline has a joint venture between itself and SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and the European did lease some aircraft to Thai Airways for it to operate on some flights. By 1977, the Thai government bought out the remaining shares by SAS and it became a government-owned airline since then. In 1997, this airline formed the Star Alliance together with United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and SAS. 

The fleet of Thai Airways (Past and Present)

In both old and new livery, can you recognize them? 

ATR 72-200 (Retired)

Airbus A300-600R (retired)

Airbus A310 (retired)

Airbus A320 

Airbus A330-300 (Royal Barge livery) (The first batch of the A330 including this aircraft below has been retired) 

Roll Royce powered Airbus A330-300 are currently in service 

Airbus A340-500 (Retired)

Airbus A340-600 (Retired)

Airbus A380 

Boeing 737-400

Boeing 747-200 (retired)

Boeing 747-300 (retired)

Boeing 747-400 (Retro livery - no longer exist)

Boeing 777-200

Boeing 777-300

Boeing 777-300ER

DC-8 (retired)

DC-10-30 (retired)

MD-11 (retired)

Airline's current destinations 

International routes

Domestic routes

Mobile web-check in 

For Thai Airways flights, you can check-in 24 hours before the day of departure. 

At this section, you can choose to change seats. Flying with Thai Airways for the aircraft type is kind of risky because you never know when will they change aircraft type. I had it before and you check it out at this trip report.

The front section of the Economy Class cabin 

The rear section of the Economy Class 

I settled for seat 36K hoping that no one would sit in the middle.

Once I filled out the essential information, I was done with the check-in. No problem at all with the mobile application. (IOS)

Thai's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Seat Map ( 6 aircraft: HS-TQA to HS-TQF)

On the day of departure 

Flying trips always excite me, fortunately, I managed to get a good sleep the night before. Waking up around 10 in the morning, I made my way to the airport not long after. Packing was completed the night before so everything was done quickly. 

Once at the airport, I was searching high and low for the early check-in counters, only then I noticed the Early Check-in Lounge, it was overcrowded and small. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait very long as a separate counter for Thai Airways and a few others opened after 10 minutes of waiting and I was the 1st to be called.  

Terminal 1 Departure Hall (Landside)

The number of flights available that day 

Thai Airways Counter at Terminal 1 

The recently opened Early Check-in lounge (March 2016)

Do take note of this! 

Most of the passengers were either flying with Emirates or British Airways.

Choosing the airline option and flight number, I was in the queue not long after. 

Time to wait! Some vacant seats were available so I went over and waited till my turn came. The wait took around 10 minutes. 

Someone was earlier than me. I was 2nd to check-in for the flight taking off about 5 hours later. 

Once I was done, I made my way to the airside to grab a bite. 

The long queue at the baggage storage at the airside (near the viewing mall).

The little garden at the airside (Departure Hall)

Lots of shops at terminal 1 airside 

I settled for a Brownie Cake at Coffee Bean, found a good spot to enjoy the plane movement at the central apron. 

While enjoying the cake, I did a check on what aircraft was flying me to Bangkok and the honour goes to HS-TQC! 

The 787 Dreamliner made a detour along the way, I guess it could be a weather issue. 

My aircraft was placed on a holding pattern before arriving at Changi Airport. 

When the departure time came, I made my way to the gate. 

My ride: HS-TQC 

A couple of Airbus aircraft passing by 

HS-TQC 

Flight route: SIN-BKK

Miles: 875

Date of departure: 6th March 2016
Airline: Thai Airways
Flight: TG414
Route: SIN-BKK
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: HS-TQC (Leased from DP Aircraft)
19th ride on the Boeing 787 (16th ride on the -8 version)
Delivered on 29th October 2014
Engines: 2 X Roll Royce Trent 1000
Aircraft name: Pran Buri
Line number: 226
Seat: 36K
Gate: C22 
Departure Terminal: 1 
Load: 100%
FL: 430 
Duration: 1 hrs 50 mins
Scheduled departure: 1555
Boarding: 1538
Push back: 1557
Take off: 1607
Scheduled arrival: 1715
Actual arrival: 1706
Departure runway: 20C
Arrival runway: 19L 

Flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has definitely excited me more than the other aircraft types. I was looking forward to this ride especially comparing to my previous experience on the 787 (Scoot), this one is equipped with IFE system and In-flight meal so everything is taken care of by the airline.

Once onboard, I was welcomed by the purser and the junior crew members as I walked towards my seat. Boarding of this aircraft wasn't organized as no one paid attention to the boarding procedure so those Elite members and Business Class passengers would probably be disappointed with the arrangement. 

Here are some photos of both Business Class and Economy Class cabin. For the Business Class cabin, I had to snap them quickly as the cleaners were already coming in. 

Business Class cabin

(Sorry for the poor quality)

2-2-2 seating configuration for the 787's J class cabin, personally I don't find this too bad. 

The buttons to adjust the switch during cruising. For takeoff and landing, the seat must be at the original position, due to safety reason.

For the AC Charging ports, it is located just behind your seat. I find it to be inconvenient. 

The TV screen is big enough for my liking. 

Overall I find it to be quite comfortable, better than the staggered style J class cabin definitely. The divider as you can see in the photo above provides some privacy, not much but at least when sleeping it helps. 

Economy Class Cabin 

The colours match well with the cabin crew's uniform 

Bulkhead row - slightly more legroom space than the normal rows. 

My seat, 36K. Thank goodness, I had a window seat with an actual window! 

Somehow the seat colours remind me of the ones on Thai Smile. You can check out the trip report over here.

View from my seat 

Legroom space is around 32' inch. 

Once everyone was seated, the cabin was calm, especially with the Boeing Sky Interior. 

The Thai crew were at work with a full load of passengers on this flight. 

You can see the electronic dimmed windows at different settings

A few more photos of the cabin 

Since it was a day flight, it wasn't surprising that many passengers were watching movies on this 2 hour afternoon flight. 

Photos are taken from the rear cabin

The IFE system is not bad, it features quite several recent movies. Enough for medium-long haul routes. 

Beautiful Batik Painting spotted at the end of the first Economy Class cabin

In-flight Entertainment System 

This is the Panasonic system eX3 selected by the airline to be installed on its newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. I believe that the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will also use this system.

What I like about the system is it allows you to view the flight map and seat and flight info at its main page. 

You have an option of using either the touchscreen or the keypad located below the screen. For me, the touch screen works fine and more importantly, just a gentle touch is needed to browse through the pages. 

Limited contents in this system and of course it can't beat Emirates for it. But still decent enough for a long haul flight. 

This flight map system is quite common among airlines. 

My flight route for the day, of course, the flight can change course during the flight. 

Welcome on board!

WiFi was not available on my flight. 

This is very important for travellers! 

Nice to see the menu for today's flight. Not many passengers would browse through this section though. 

Chicken noodles were my choice. 

What are the other contents? 

Fleet types 

Correction: There are 6 787 in the fleet at this moment. 

I decided to catch the 'Starwars' movie, had to skip some parts as there wasn't enough time to enjoy the full movie. 

The remote control

I did a check. If you watch the movie halfway and decide to exit to check out other applications, the good news is when you return to the movie, you can resume the movie from where you stopped. 

Almost there 

Overall I find the system adequate and user-friendly for passengers. 

More photos of the Economy Class seats 

Legroom space was a bit tight

This is a drink holder, useful especially before and after the meal. 

More passengers coming on board. I was hoping for the middle seat (besides mine) to remain vacant at this time.

A football fan spotted! 

My seatmate sitting at the aisle had arrived 

I like the seat colours 

A pillow is provided for every passenger, and if you want a blanket, you have to request one from the cabin crew. 

Every row has 2 AC power sockets in Economy Class for the 3-seater. For the 2-seater, only 1. 

Few more shots before I disembark the aircraft. 

A quick trip to the toilet 

Nice to have some orchid flowers as a decoration in the toilet 

Place your hand near the sensor and the toilet flush system will be activated. 

What's inside the seat pocket?

Headset - quality is average 

Safety card of the airline's aircraft 

Credit card promotion 

In-flight magazine 

Disposal Bag 

Duty-Free Magazine 

In-flight meal 

I had a choice between Chicken or Prawn, I chose the former. 

Overall, the airline meal was decent. 

The drink was served later with 2 cabin crew doing the drink and meal service separately. 

Chocolate and Vanilla Cake - if I am not wrong. I like it - not too sweet. 

In-flight experience

Thai Airways is known for its inconsistency for its in-flight service and unfortunately, this flight set of crew wasn't very good. They were professional throughout but the lack of smiles made me wonder especially when a crew announced, "Welcome to the land of smiles!" The first thing came into my mind is the in-flight service, 'Are you sure?' 

For my flight, Gate-to-Gate IFE system was offered, meaning from the very moment you sit down at your seat, you can start watching immediately and finish off the movies when it is time to disembark. Of course, announcements and safety video will interrupt your programme. 

The 787 joyride to Bangkok was a smooth ride and some passengers noticed the difference between this and the older aircraft as I overheard their comments about the aircraft. Personally, I find the 3-3-3 on the 787 Dreamliner bearable and is definitely more comfortable to fly on than the Airbus A330 (I flew on Cebu Pacific's one - trip report to come).

As for the IFE system, passengers would be quite happy with it and as for the in-flight meal - it was pretty decent. So overall, flying with Thai Airways on regional or Australian routes with the 787 Dreamliner is highly recommended.

Window shots 

Vietnam Airlines A321 and EVA Air's Hello Kitty plane B-16722 (Click here for my trip report) are in sight! 

EVA Air's Hello Kitty departing for her flight back to Taipei. 

We pushed back on time and both Roll Royce Trent 1000 engines were started at the same time.

Once the engine start-up and take off checklist were completed, we had to wait for clearance before taxiing to the assigned runway. 

For those who don't know, pilots of their respective aircraft and the drivers of the ground vehicle have to ask for permission from the ATC (Airport Traffic Control) whenever they are using the taxiways at the airport.

Once clearance was given, we taxied via the assigned taxiway to the runway threshold and wait for clearance for taking off.  

Traffic was pretty light at that time, we waited at the threshold for a couple of departures before it was our turn. Looking at the weather, it was a beautiful day for flying.

The Roll Royce Trent 1000 doing all the work

The wing of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It's always nice to fly on this aircraft - I'm certainly a big fan of the 787 Dreamliner. 

Flying through some clouds, but nothing bad. 

Smooth ride over the South China Sea

At this point, we had started our descent. Usual announcements were made and the seat belt sign came on only when the aircraft was at 16,000 feet. 

This is what you called the Cumulonimbus cloud which can cause turbulence when flying through it, so pilots tend to avoid them if possible. This type of clouds can also produce lightning and form bad weather. 

We entered Bangkok in this hazy condition. 

Just a few turns and we were on final approach. 

On approach to runway 19 L., The flight went pass too quickly for my liking.

The sight of Bangkok Airport appeared and we landed on runway 19 Left. 

We taxied around 15 minutes before reaching our assigned parking lot at a remote parking bay.

Not many passengers were happy about the aircraft parking at the remote parking lot, but for me I was delighted as it was my first time after many 787 flights, to be able to disembark the aircraft at a remote parking lot. 

Fortunately for me, no one stopped me from snapping these photos. 

The massive Roll Royce Trent 1000 engine

Thanks for the ride, HS-TQC! 

It was my first time arriving at Bangkok using the airport bus to the terminal for international flights. 

This was where the bus dropped us. 

Took the escalator to the correct floor and we headed towards the immigration joining the queue of passengers from other flights. 

After 40 minutes or so, I was out at the arrival hall 

I took the taxi to the Phoenix Hotel for the overnight stay before heading to Ho Chi Minh City the following day with a new airline to my flight logbook, Jet Airways! 

My rating: 

Airline's website and mobile app: 6/10

Check-in experience (Early check-in lounge): 5/10

Changi Airport Terminal 1 experience: 9/10

In-flight service: 6/10

Cabin interior: 9/10

Seat comfort: 7/10

Cleanliness: 10/10

In-flight entertainment system: 7/10

In-flight meal: 7/10

Punctuality: 10/10

Overall rating: 76/100

Conclusion 

It was a good start to my March 2016 trip! Flying another airline's Boeing 787 aircraft is a great experience for me, able to compare which one has a better product. If you ask me, this airline has pretty good Y class seats, and the J class cabin looks pretty decent too. In-flight service could certainly be improved and for these crew, coming from the land of smiles, they should smile more. At least I was granted access to snap some quite photos of the J class cabin, so no complaints there and also got my food and drink as requested. Do note that the other aircraft types have different products than this aircraft so if you book yourself with Thai, and you get an older product, don't be disappointed. 

This airline hasn't been doing well financially with some routes making losses and possibly too many aircraft types. The Boeing 747-400 may be a very good aircraft but its operating cost is pretty high, fortunately, the fuel prices are currently low, otherwise, we might see them being phased out at a faster rate. What I hope to see from this airline is more consistency and standard in-flight products across the fleet, except the narrow-body (Airbus A320). For now, the Boeing 747-400 will continue to operate for a few more years, no announcement of its retirement date for the remaining aircraft (Some have either been converted to Freighter) yet. This airline will take delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 in the 2nd quarter of 2016. As for the Airbus A380, the airline is looking to offload them soon, it is not because its a bad plane, but because the capacity of the aircraft is too much for the airline. 

Overall, I am happy with my Thai experience once again and looking forward to trying this airline's Airbus A350 once it starts commercial service. 

Do check out my other trip report of Thai Airways at the links below.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers,

Charles