There are various options to fly between Tokyo and Bangkok. Not all of them have First Class, so I was somewhat limited since I wanted to maximize my award redemption. When I saw the Thai flight on the 777-300ER configured with “suites with doors”, I knew that’s the option I wanted to take. Its not the newest product anymore, but its still a pretty nice way to fly. Jet Airways bought these planes, configured them, but then has leased them out to various carriers. I first flew this configuration a few years ago when it was operated by Turkish Airways.
my view from seat 1A, the only other passenger was in 2K, making for a very private cabin
Suites with doors!
After leaving the ANA Suites Lounge, I headed to the departure gate, where the aircraft was already boarding. Once the gate agents saw my first class boarding pass, I was personally escorted to my seat. The in flight crew warmly welcomed me on board. I was offered a glass of champagne. They made a point to display the bottle of Dom Pérignon, so it didn’t take much to twist my arm.
Once seated I was offered an amenity kit, menus, and various newspapers and magazines. The other First Class passenger was not a native English speaker, so they really pushed the English reading materials to me. The Tumi amenity kit was quite nice. Darren at Frequently Flying did a detailed review of this kit, and I think he gave it a justifiably high score on his rating system. Please see his excellent Thai First amenity kit review.
Soon we were ready to depart, and I was on the proper side of the plane to witness the classic wave from the Narita ground staff. Sadly my stay in Japan was over.
Thai Airways First Class on the 777W (leased from Jet Airways)
Sayonara Japan!
Here are some views of the Jet Airways First Class Suites:
View of ottoman and IFE screen. This can be used as a seat for dining with a partner.
This view shows the narrow closet within the suite
A Tumi amenity kit and headphones were waiting in the suite when I sat down
This touchscreen near the armrest is used to adjust the seat and control lighting within the suite.
Storage cabinet which is a bit worn, also containing the IFE controller, headphone jack, power and USB ports
A word about the in flight entertainment. The screen is large, and the content is decent, but the interface is quite outdated. Switching between programs or fast forwarding is painfully slow. Its a pretty minor complaint in what is otherwise a lovely seat.
A view of our planned routing
Despite my snacks in the ANA Suites lounge before departure, I decided to eat again on the flight. Oh the life of a First Class passenger…
Here are menus from the meal service:
THAI’s Cellar in the Sky
THAI’s carefully chosen wine list featuring superb champagnes, fine wines as well as excellent liquors from master winemaker’s. And, what could be more enticing to round off your THAI dining experience than a glass of Otard, the Extra Cognac 1895. Distinguished port, aged whiskies, sherries, Excellent chilled beers and selections of other beverages are also here to tempt you, wherever you fly with THAI.
May the wines and other beverages included in this list give you as much pleasure to drink, as they have given us in selecting them.
Our champagne and wines have been carefully selected by experts.We are delighted to serve them to our premium passengers on a rotation basis. Please consult with cabin attendants for the availability, so that you can experience these special wines at different times when you fly with THAI.
White Wine:
Le Chênes des Bouscaut 2009
Chablis 1 er “Montmains” 2010
Red Wine:
Château Berliquet 2007
Beaune 1er Cru les Grèves 2007
Please accept our apology if your preference is not available.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2003
Veuve Clicquot Rosé Vintage 2004
795 Extra Cognac OTARD
Beverages
APERTIFS
Campari, Gin Martini, Screwdriver, Bloody Mary, Black Russian, Vodka Martini, Warre’s Warrior Port, Bristol Cream Sherry
SPIRITS
Rum, Gin, Bourbon Whisky, Whisky, Vodka
LIQUEURS
Otard Extra, Kahlua, Drambuie, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
BEERS
Heineken, Chang Beer, Singha Beer
SOFT DRINKS
Fruit Juices, Diet Soft Drinks, Perrier Mineral Water, A Range of Soft Drinks
BEVERAGES
Espresso, Cappuccino, Decaffeinated Coffee, Special Blended Coffee, Ceylon Tea, Oolong Tea, Earl Grey Tea, Japanese Green Tea, English Breakfast Tea, Peppermint Tea, Camomile Tea, Chocolate Malt 3 in 1
The Taste of a Masterpiece
For 50 years, THAI has been renowned worldwide for its legendary Royal Orchid Service.
This year we take great pleasure in welcoming you onboard with the “Chef Gallery by THAI“. Five renowned international chefs will select the finest ingredients from across five continents and apply their outstanding talents in culinary masterpieces for THAI.
Let us delight your senses with world-class cuisine. Savour the delicious appeal of both authentic Thai and international dishes for a truly memorable experience.
Enjoy the art of fine dining with THAI, smooth as silk.
Narita – Bangkok
Savoury
Japanese Yakitori on Skewer, Scallop with Shishito Pepper on Skewer
First Course
Salmon Terrine, Salmon Roe, Olive Oil, Lemon, Black Pepper Dressing
Soup
Lentil and Sausage Cream Soup
Main Course
Black Pork Fillet and Mixed Vegetables, Steamed Japanese Rice with Black Sesame, Japanese Soya Butter Sauce or Salt and Lemon Wedge or
Chicken Massaman Curry (Chicken Cooked in Coconut, Chilli Paste, Peanuts, Potato, Onion), Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, Stir-fried Pickled Japanese Turnip with Egg or
Pan-fried Monk Fish and Prosciutto Ham with Red Wine Sauce, Creamy Risotto, Boiled Turnip and Carrot, Sauteed Zucchini and Spinach
Assorted Bread, Butter, Assorted Cheese, Fresh Fruits
Dessert
Nougat Bavaroise, Vanilla and Chocolate Sauce, Tea, Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino
* * *
Refreshment
Ice Cream
The meal service in photos:
notice the Thai logo on tablecloth
Savoury course
Salmon terrine
bread basket
Lentil and sausage cream soup
Main course: chicken massaman curry
Must stay hydrated in flight: (L-R) Dom, wine, tea, water.
Thai logo on glassware
Nougat Bavarois dessert
fruit and cheese course
Japanese tea
After dining, I refreshed myself in the lavatory and prepared to take a little nap. Some interesting features of the main First Class lavatory, are shown below.
additional toothbrushes available in lavatory
bidet control in First Class lavatory
I went back to my suite, and closed the doors, for a nice private uninterrupted experience. The flight departed mid-afternoon, and arrived in Bangkok in the evening. Though I wasn’t ready to sleep for a long time, but might as well take advantage of the comfortable flat bed seat.
doors closed, ready for a nap
Final thoughts
This was a very comfortable 6-7 hour flight. We arrived in Bangkok in the evening, and I was escorted through immigration, since I was staying one night at the Park Plaza in Bangkok before my onward flights to Chiang Rai.
