Thai Airways business class review: I found the friendliest flight attendants in the sky
She's standing inside the door of a Thai Airways plane, dressed head-to-toe in a stunning purple and gold Ruean Ton and sporting the warmest smile I've ever seen on a stranger.
'Welcome aboard, Mr Molloy,' she smiles, gently escorting me to my seat in the pointy end of the Airbus A350-900.
As we walk and I settle into my temporary home in the sky, we chat about how beautiful the weather is in Sydney at the moment, where I'm headed – Copenhagen via Bangkok – and the flight time, which is a touch under 22 hours.
I don't know this person, but she is so effortlessly personable and kind that it feels like I do.
Moments later, I'm approached by another delightful member of the cabin crew, carrying a tray of juices and water.
'Thank you for joining us, Mr Molloy,' she gushes, as though I'm bestowing some kind of honour on the airline.
In reality, I'm on a work trip and I've scored an upgrade, otherwise I'd probably be down the other end of the plane – a million miles from this slice of nirvana I find myself in.
'Could I possibly have a glass of bubbles?' I ask, trying my luck.
It's not the standard offering right before takeoff, but she nods gently, smiles and floats away, returning moments later with a flute of Laurent-Perrier.
Over the years, I've been lucky to fly long-haul a lot, and on a dozen or so different airlines. Some have been bad, most good, but very few great.
I don't know it for sure just yet, but this one is about to fall into the latter category.
Sure, the business offering on big-name carriers like Emirates and Qatar is flashier, but the Thai Airways experience still punches above its weight.
The business cabin on this aircraft is a one-two-one configuration, meaning everyone has direct aisle access.
On the first leg of my trip, I'm in a window seat, which offers a bit more privacy. The middle seats have a raiseable partition separating you from your next-door neighbour.
The cabin is bathed in lavender and gold tones, which is a nod to the official colours of Thailand, while seat pods have wood accents for an extra touch of class.
Cabin mood lighting in dazzling shades of purple, orange and pink mixes perfectly with the subtle scent of aromatherapy lingering in the air.
The seat is a lie-flat bed measuring just under 190 centimetres when fully extended and it comes with a soft pillow and warm blanket for bedtime.
When it comes to reclining, passengers are in full control of its orientation from start to finish, offering a host of combinations to get your head, neck, back, legs and lumber positioning just right.
I'm using much of my flying time to Europe to smash out some writing, so I'm impressed by the size and orientation of the fold-out tray table. There's room for my laptop, dictaphone and notebook, and handy USB and power outlets in proximity.
Dotted throughout my pod are a few storage nooks and cubbies to stash my belongings, including my shoes, which I swap for a pair of supplied cotton slippers.
There's a large screen offering 150 movies and 200 television shows, absorbed via noise cancelling headphones. In-flight Wi-Fi is available on most services for a charge, but I'm choosing to disconnect from the ground for a while.
The amenities kit, a beloved staple of business class flying, is one of the best I've seen.
Even the satchel itself is beautiful – a silk pouch made by the famed brand Jim Thompson, named after the American art enthusiast credited with reviving Thailand's silk industry in the 1950s onwards.
Inside are a selection of high-end Erb cosmetics including an intense hydration hand cream, moisturising lip balm, and aromatherapy relaxation oil.
There's also a toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs, warm socks, and a biodegradable shoehorn.
And as a preview of the delicious treats to come, I'm gifted a KanVela chocolate bar.
Once we're at our cruising altitude and settled in, the first meal of my journey is served – and it's spectacular.
An amuse bouche of chilli and lime prawn skewers with goats cheese and onion jam on crackers, followed by smoked salmon and chive crème fraiche with a mixed salad.
For the main course, I select the braised beef short ribs with porcini mushroom, serviced with horseradish mashed potatoes.
A basket of breads makes its way through the cabin and I opt for a garlic loaf, which is warm and buttery.
For dessert, I'm blown away by a raspberry and coconut mousse dome with caramel crunchy pearls.
Throughout the flight, there are a range of snacks and drinks on offer, and it seems like the cabin crew can read my mind.
Just as I start to think about ice cream or a packet of chips, someone appears to check if I need anything. Magic.
The second meal a few hours out from Bangkok is just as tasty as the first.
In a sign of how basic I am, I skip past the duck breast and hoisin crispy pork belly bao buns and go for the lamb shepherd's pie, which has one of the fluffiest mashed potato tops I've encountered.
It's accompanied by fresh fruit, more bread, and finished with a jaw-dropping white chocolate brownie with crème anglaise.
I've absolutely gorged myself silly and before I know it, it's time to prepare for landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
The transit is an absolute breeze, with friendly ground staff on hand to point me in the direction of the Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge, where I can freshen up before my next flight.
I'm on the ground for three-and-a-bit hours before it's time to make my way to the gate.
The Bangkok to Copenhagen services is on an older Boeing 777 and the business class fit out is a more dated style.
But it's still fairly comfortable – and the service is just as top-notch.
I can barely keep my eyes open given I've not yet slept and I'm slipping in a food coma, so my memories of the 11-hour journey are a little hazy. I'm asleep for the vast majority of it, which means I can jump-start my whirlwind trip to Europe with ease.
Thai Airways flies twice daily from Sydney and Melbourne to Bangkok, and once daily from Perth, with connections to Europe and beyond.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Hotel Woolstore 1988 Sydney: Stunning hotel with mind-blowing tapas restaurant
As one of the most popular cities in Australia to visit, Sydney guests are really spoiled for choice when it comes to places to dine and stay. Whether you're looking for five-star dining, family-friendly amenities, proximity to beaches, shopping, tourist attractions, night-life, or a specific cuisine – Sydney offers something for everyone. But there's one thing arguably in short supply in the thriving foodie capital, and that's tapas. A recently opened restaurant, set against sandstone walls and centuries old wooden beams, and nestled inside the stunning Hotel Woolstore 1888 in Pyrmont, has set out to change all that. Percy, which opened its doors in December, is a Spanish-inspired wine bar with Executive Chef Eli Lozada and chef Rosy Scatigna behind the grill. Drawing inspiration from Barcelona's lively and infamous tapas bars, Percy is about as close to Spain as you can get, without actually leaving the city. Scatigna, an Italian-born Australian-based chef, even spent time in San Sebastian, tasting the flavours, sipping the wine and soaking in the atmosphere, before landing on her approach to the cosy and charming wine bar, hidden in an unassuming pocket of the city. The laid-back, yet refined space is the perfect for a cosy date on a rainy night, or an intimate catch up with friends. The menu Menu highlights include small plates perfect for sharing, such as grilled octopus with thinly sliced kipfler potatoes, slow-cooked smoked chorizo, with sweet peppers, paprika and butter beans, and deep-fried roasted cauliflower. Larger dishes include succulent striploin, chargrilled pork chops, pan-roasted Blue Mackerel fillet, and of course, Paella. Desserts options on the menu include lemon sorbet, sponge cake served with cheese and white chocolate custard, Spanish custard made with caramelised white chocolate, and a cheese platter served with quince and dried muscat grapes. With wine bottle candlesticks on each table, dark red walls lined with bottles of Spanish wine, and dimmed lighting, the whole vibe inside the 50-seat venue embodies true Spanish style. I was lucky enough to dine at Percy with my sister, a rare night out together without small children, where we tucked into a handful of tapas, gobbled up Paella and shoestring fries, and washed it down with a few signature cocktails each. For a couple of hours, we were kid-free, carefree, and if we squinted our eyes while sipping on our second Spanish martini each, you could almost hear the waves lapping from the beachside promenade in San Sebastian. Stay If you're looking for somewhere to stay in or around Pyrmont – close to The Star, Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX, Cockle Bay dining, and walking distance to the Sydney International Convention Centre, the Lyric Theatre, the QVB and Pitt st – Hotel Woolstore 1888 needs to be on your radar. As the third Handwritten Collection property in Australia, the hotel's storied history as a century-old Sydney landmark is what sets it apart. The unique Sydney property is part of Accor's global portfolio of 17 boutique hotels within Handwritten Collection, following its purchase by the new owners, Shakespeare Property Group. The restored wool store, originally built in 1888, is the fourth-oldest of the 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney. The four-level sandstone and brick building features industrial interiors such as ironbark beams and exposed brick, with flourishes of pop art throughout. The intention of the hotel's recent transition was to respect the building's rich heritage and historical character, while enhancing it with contemporary touches. With 90 guestrooms, including four suites with panoramic views and penthouse options, each room type has been renamed to honour historical sheep breeds and pastoral culture. In a nod to the hotel's original character, the breakfast menu even features the Sheepherder's breakfast, a hearty meal of baked eggs and potatoes. 'We are confident that our enhancements of Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney will position the hotel as a leading destination for discerning travellers. We invite guests to come and experience where history and bespoke service intertwine for an unforgettable stay,' General Manager Roya l'Anson said.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Annoying Hunter Valley problem finally solved
There's nothing quite like a mini escape to your own backyard, especially when it's as peaceful and beautiful as 'Wine Country' – also known at the Hunter Valley. Australia's oldest wine growing region has always been popular among Sydneysiders who want a quick weekend away as it's just a couple of hours north of Sydney. It's far enough from the hustle and bustle with a variety of great food options, stunning scenery and of course, world-class wineries. But, while it's a fabulous quick escape, some would argue one of the most annoying things about it is choosing who will be designated driver – because let's face it, if you're going to the Hunter, the main goal is to drink wine (and lots of it). My sister and I decided to have a cute, sibling getaway last month – but the moment I told her we'd be going to Wine Country the first thing she said (and made clear) was, 'I'm not driving''. Normally, that conversation would end up in an argument, but luckily (for her) we were staying at The Lane Retreat. Apart from feeling like you're actually in Tuscany (we'll get to that later), the expansive 15-hectare accommodation offers complimentary transfers to and from Bimbadgen Estate and Emma's Cottage – two very popular venues in the region. It actually allowed us to really appreciate the local wineries and enjoy our time together as it removed the worry over who will be driving. I had a quick chat to Jordan Rodgers, general manager of Hunter Valley operations at Mulpha, the company that owns Lane Retreat, and he said one of the biggest challenges for visitors is transport between venues. 'Especially when everyone wants to enjoy wine tastings without worrying about who's driving,' he tells me. 'We wanted to remove that barrier by offering complimentary transfers … [and] we've created a seamless experience for our guests that's both safe and enjoyable.' It's just a taste of what you can expect at the secluded destination that boasts 60 luxurious studio retreats. I mean, it's perfect for couples, and we did see plenty, but it's also a great option for friends (or siblings) who just want a peaceful getaway (in the grounds of Bimbadgen's 50-year-old vineyards). The studios are also far enough apart that you don't have to worry about being too close to your neighbours. Each has king bedding and a massive bathroom with a double vanity which comes in very handy when you're two sisters (if you know, you know). The private deck was also a massive winner especially in the morning while we had our gourmet breakfast provisions (supplied daily). It was nice to be able to relax with a cuppa in hand and take in the calm and peaceful surroundings of Broken Back Range. The room has a kitchenette with a coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar – but if you prefer barista-made coffee then a walk to The Pantry is a must. It's located on the property and also has a fridge stocked with local wine, spirits, grazing boards and artisanal gifts. Free transfers For our first night we headed to Esca Dining for a three-course meal with paired Bimbadgen wines. It was as easy as letting the lovely staff know about 15 minutes before we wanted to leave to take us to the restaurant located at Bimbadgen Estate – talk about VIP service. We wasted no time getting stuck into the truffle ravioli, beef tartare, spanner crab crumpet, confit duck leg, lamb shoulder and grilled pork belly – all great, tasty options. While the dessert menu looked amazing, we decided to go all out on the seafood and meat options instead. But, if you're a sweet tooth, I hear their chocolate mousse is a winner. The next morning after our brekky and coffee, we did a (free) bike ride (provided by the accommodation) around the vineyards – it really gave Tuscany vibes. We then returned to our studio and were greeted by two lovely ladies ready to give us a in-room one-hour massage, and boy was it a much-needed treat. That's the other great aspect about the Lane Retreat – they work closely with local wellness professionals to offer personalised services like massages, yoga (perfect on your private deck) and guided meditation. Jordan tells me it's all designed to bring relaxation and balance to guests' stay. 'Whether it's a solo retreat, romantic getaway or corporate wellness escape, these services are a huge drawcard and a key part of what sets The Lane Retreat apart,' he tells me. Relaxed more than ever, we then rugged up and headed out to Alter Wines Cellar Door (housed at Emma's Cottage) for a much-needed wine tasting. Again, we let the staff know when to pick up us up and they were right on time. It takes around five minutes to get to Emma's Cottage – super close. We also got to enjoy a hearty charcuterie platter before being taken to Bimbadgen Estate for another round of wine tasting. Safe to say, the wines were on point – we bought two bottles – Bimbadgen NV Sparking Semillon and the limited release Sangiovese 2023. They also make their own spirits which is pretty cool including vodka, gin and rum. By this point we were ready to carb up and headed outside to the Tuscan Courtyard to indulge in some woodfire pizzas. It was a great evening chit-chatting away as we embraced the spectacular views to the Barrington ranges, and watched the sunset. Once we were done, we let the staff know we were ready to head back home – and right on time they were. We got our marshmallows out and headed straight to the on-site fire-pit taking in our last starry night among the vineyards, with a glass of wine in hand (of course), to top off what was a perfect mini-getaway. The accommodation currently has a Winter Escape Package priced from $341 per night when staying a minimum of two-nights in a premium studio retreat – it's on now until August 31, 2025. It includes breakfast provisions, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, a Smore's Kit to toast by the outdoor fire pit and a wood-fired Pizza lunch at Bimbadgen for two.
West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
The rise and rise of solo cruising
The popularity of solo cruising is on the rise, accounting for 12 per cent of passengers in 2024 according to the latest industry intel. As a regular sole cruiser myself on work trips I appreciate the opportunity to meet fellow solo travellers to enrich the experience. Likewise, I value the option to dip in and out of the social scene as I choose. Peak body Cruise Lines International Association reports cruisers choosing to sail solo reached 12 per cent last year, doubling in proportion from 6 per cent in 2023. When considered in the context of overall passenger growth to 34.64 million in 2024 versus 31.69 million in 2023 (up 9.3 per cent), it's a clear trend involving a very big cohort of travellers. CLIA also reports cruise lines are offering more single-occupancy cabins. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance last year more than doubled solo accommodation capacity across its 19-ship fleet. It added 1000 staterooms available to book as solo cabins for less than the cost of a double occupancy room. I recall a voyage last year aboard NCL's Norwegian Escape during which I had access to a key-activated Studio Lounge dedicated to solo travellers. It included an optional lounge get-together scheduled every late afternoon, with free cafe-grade coffee, drinks and snacks, an excellent host . . . and nice company, of course. On a recent cruise aboard Ponant Expeditions ship Le Lyrial, an invite to a hosted group dinner for English-speaking solo travellers was unexpected but the ideal way to settle into the voyage. The delightful three-course meal hosted by travel ambassador Charlotte Thomas at elegant onboard bistro, Le Celeste, was the beginning of a week of shared experiences and laughs in between exploring the wilds of Svalbard. Weeks later, we're in touch and checking in. We know from research globally that solo travel more broadly is a top emerging trend, and it appears cruising is a beneficiary. Further to that it's interesting to hear the reasons people travel and cruise solo. Some interesting points emerged when chatting to my new cruising colleagues, particularly among the females. Sharon Garrick, 64, from the Sunshine Coast, tells me she's travelling alone because 'hubby doesn't like the cold'. She too is a loyal Ponant cruiser. Sharon was drawn to the single supplement-free fare and 'wanted to see polar bears, glaciers, walruses and reindeer' so went ahead and booked her maiden solo voyage. 'I was quite apprehensive to travel by myself, but it's given me confidence to do more travelling by myself and it's quite safe,' she says. 'It's the first time I've kayaked in the ice flow — I wouldn't be doing that in Queensland!' Sydney-sider Gillian Burke is originally from New Zealand and worked in banking. She is on her fourth Ponant voyage but this trip is her first solo cruise experience. She tells me: 'I think particularly Ponant's been really good about introducing me to other singles. 'All my other trips have been with friends and so this was the first time (travelling solo). 'And I was a little concerned about being on my own. But I've found it so easy . . . it's been really good.' It's no surprise Gillian's trip highlight was seeing a polar bear in the wild — it was mine too. Seasoned solo traveller John Drummond, 76, is a former chemistry teacher and headmaster from Cambridge, New Zealand. He says: 'I'd been wanting to go to the Arctic for some time, then I saw this particular cruise advertised with no solo supplement, and that's what clinched it for me. Without that, I would never have done it.' Ponant's supplement-free fare was a key deal-maker among our sole-traveller group. But what's clear is that tailoring experiences to this growing segment of cruise travellers goes beyond simply making cabins more affordable. Cruise options for solo travellers: + Ponant: More than 300 Free Solo Supplement cruises to the polar regions, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and British Isles, Greenland, South Pacific and other destinations. + Hurtigruten has year-round solo traveller offers on selected sailings updated monthly — no solo supplement on sailings generally within three months of departures. A spokesperson tells me: 'Our world-class Expedition Team go out of their way to make you feel welcome. They will invite you to a get-together with your fellow solo travellers and help you get involved with as many activities and excursions as you choose.' + Aurora Expeditions: No Solo Supplement offer for all Antarctica voyages for the 2025-26 season; and all Arctic and Global Discovery expeditions through to September 2026. This offer can be booked until September 30, 2025. + Scenic: Save up to 75 per cent off the single supplement on select departures and suite categories in the Arctic/Antarctica; Australia and South Pacific; the Americas; and Europe. + Coral Expeditions: Sole occupancy promotions on several late 2025, and 2026 voyages. These include supplement reductions of 25 per cent to the Kimberley and Tasmania, and a waived sole supplements on its Equatorial Adventure Across North Borneo cruise (16 nights), departing December 19, 2025. + Norwegian Cruise Line: Pay less than a traditional double occupancy room in a choice of three categories: Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony. + Celebrity Cruises: There are dedicated events including the solo travellers gathering and dinner hosted by the Activity Team, and an unhosted solos table every night thereafter on board its newest class of ships — the Edge series — and Millennium and Solstice-series ships. + Oceania Cruises: Up to 50 per cent reductions on its single supplement in select categories on 99 cruises, including on the brand new Oceania Allura in dedicated veranda cabins.
