Welcome to the fourth section of my Lunar New Year weekend vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, in February 2015. This will officially be the final segment of the entire trip report. There will be mainly two focus topics, excluding the concluding credits, that will be covered up in this final section of the entire trip report. They shall mainly be the road journey back to Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the regional afternoon return flight back home to Singapore. Part 1 ~ The Road Journey Back To Suvarnabhumi Airport
After spending six enjoyable days of shopping, dining and celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand, for the Chinese New Year season, it was finally time to head back home to Singapore. Part 2 ~ The Flight Back Home To Singapore Airline: Thai Airways International Flight No.: TG 413 From: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK / VTBS), Bangkok, Thailand To: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore Aircraft: Airbus A340-642 Registration No.: HS-TNA (Named "Watthana Nakhon") Class: Royal Silk Class (Business Class) Seat No.: 2A Date: Sunday, 22 February 2015 After spending about 1 hour 05 minutes of having some refreshments in the Royal Silk Lounge located near Concourse E, the clock was ultimately showing 10.30 a.m.. Knowing that boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore would commence in half an hour's time, we packed up our belongings and departed the Royal Silk Lounge by 10.35 a.m. for Gate No. E7. The entire walk from the Royal Silk Lounge near Concourse E to Gate No. E7 took not more than approximately five minutes. Soon enough, we finally arrived at the entrance to Gate No. E7 at 10.40 a.m., which was just in good time to commence in 15 minutes' time. Entering the passenger waiting area, we could see that Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore would have a half-load today, with more passengers gradually beginning to fill the passenger waiting area. However, due to ground technical issues, the flight was delayed slightly by approximately five minutes, with the new departure timing shifted to 11.35 a.m.. Today, Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore would be operated using an Airbus A340-600 aircraft, with the registration HS-TNA and powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 556A2-61 engines, also bearing the name "Watthana Nakhon". HS-TNA was delivered brand new to Thai Airways International on 29 June 2005 as the first Airbus A340-600 and the third Airbus A340 for the airline. The overall delivery would make the aircraft approximately 9.7 years old today.
One final look at the Royal Silk Lounge located near Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport as we begin to make our way to Gate No. E7
Approaching Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport while heading in the direction of Gate No. E7
Walking across Concourse E to Gate No. E7 at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A330-243, registered B-LNJ, receiving her last-minute preparations at Gate No. E3 in preparation for her regional afternoon return journey back to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Hong Kong Airlines flight HX 772 bound for Hong Kong
A Kuwait Airways Airbus A340-313X, registered 9K-AND, being serviced at Gate No. E5 for her continuing journey to the Philippines from the State of Kuwait as Kuwait Airways flight KU 411 bound for Manila from Kuwait City via Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
Finally arriving at the main entrance to Gate No. E7 in Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The
passenger waiting area at Gate No. E7 shortly after we had arrived for our flight back home to Singapore
Our
aircraft for today, HS-TNA, being serviced at Gate No. E7 in preparation for her regional afternoon journey to the Republic of Singapore as Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore
A
closer view of HS-TNA being serviced at Gate No. E7 in preparation for her regional afternoon journey to the Republic of Singapore as Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore
9K-AND about to be pushed back from Gate No. E5 for her continuing trip to the Republic of the Philippines as Kuwait Airways flight KU 411 bound for Manila
The
passenger waiting area at Gate No. E7 slowly filled with waiting passengers for Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore
One final gaze at HS-TNA being serviced at Gate No. E7 in preparation for her regional afternoon flight to the Republic of Singapore as Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore
A Lufthansa Airbus A340-313X, registered D-AIFE, taxiing to the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport after her long overnight trans-Indian Ocean journey from the Federal Republic of Germany as Lufthansa flight LH 772 from Frankfurt
A Thai Airways International Boeing 747-4D7, registered HS-TGO, being serviced at Gate No. E9 in preparation for her long afternoon journey to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Thai Airways International flight TG 614 bound for Beijing
The
passenger waiting area at Gate No. E7 shortly before the first boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore were made
After spending approximately 20 minutes of anticipated waiting in the passenger waiting area at Gate No. E7, the first boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 413 bound for Singapore were finally made at 11.05 a.m.. The Royal Silk Class passengers, together with the Royal Orchid Plus club members and special needs passengers, were called out to board the aircraft first. As we were among the first passengers being called out to board first, we rolled up at the front for the boarding process to commence.
Walking along the jet bridge to Door A, we were finally on board HS-TNA at 11.10 a.m., in time for an 11.35 a.m. departure. At the front entrance, two cheery flight attendants warmly welcomed us on board and showed us the direction to our seats in the Royal First & Royal Silk Class cabins. The Royal Silk Class seats my mum and I would be using were the first generation of the new long-haul Royal First Class seats. Despite being Royal First Class seats, these seats are marketed as Royal Silk Class (Business Class) on regional runs (i.e. Bangkok to Singapore).
My dad and younger brother, on the other hand, were seated at the rear Royal Silk Class cabin just behind my mum and myself. Stowing our belongings in their respective storage spaces, I settled comfortably into my assigned Seat No. 2A for the regional early afternoon return flight of 2 hours 20 minutes back home to Singapore. This would indeed be a very special treat, as it would be my first time experiencing a First Class seat on a commercial airliner, though it was marketed as Business Class on shorter regional routes.
The flight attendants then distributed the pre-departure beverages, newspapers and in-flight dining menus to the Royal Silk Class passengers. Upon receiving my dining menu, the flight attendant came by to take my main meal order for the in-flight lunch later on. I chose the classic sweet and sour red snapper with egg-fried rice and oriental vegetables as the main course. As for my pre-departure beverage, I had my normal pre-departure glass of champagne and settled down for the return trip back home to Singapore.
A view of my seat, 2A, during the boarding process at Gate No. E7 in Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The 'fasten seatbelt' sign illuminated during the boarding process at Gate No. E7 in Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A pre-departure glass of champagne to commence the return flight to Singapore with
The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the segment between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore
Reviewing the in-flight dining menu for the segment between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore
The cover page for the wine list for the segment between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore
Reviewing the wine list for the segment between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Singapore
Planning out the final segment for the return flight on my blog at Gate No. E7 in Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Reading
through the most comical sentence in the first chapter of "Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets" on iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon
throws a temper tantrum at the breakfast table after Harry tells Dudley
to say 'please' to attain more bacon – "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered
his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN
OUR HOUSE?!"
Awaiting pushback from Gate No. E7 at Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The flight route indication map indicating our stationary position at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The view of the Thai Airways International Airbus A340-600 Royal First Class cabin (marketed as Royal Silk Class seats on regional routes) from my seat shortly before pushback from Gate No. E7
After the clock struck precisely 11.30 a.m. sharp, all the aircraft doors were closed, and the aircraft finally pushed back from Gate No. E7, which was just as scheduled. With the safety briefing information video being shown on our personal video screens, the aircraft began to make its taxi to our assigned runway in preparation for the regional afternoon trip back home to Singapore, taxiing past several local and foreign aircraft parked at the Main Terminal and on the tarmac close to the aircraft hangars along the way.
It was not that long until we finally approached our assigned runway for take-off after taxiing for approximately 10 minutes. Soon enough, the four Rolls-Royce Trent 556A2-61 engines spooled into action, and the aircraft finally lifted off from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11.40 a.m. for its regional early afternoon flight duration of 2 hours 05 minutes over the West Malaysian Straits to the Republic of Singapore. We then climbed into the bright early afternoon sky for a regional early afternoon return flight of 2 hours 05 minutes back to the Republic of Singapore.
Finally pushing back from Gate No. E7 at Concourse E at Suvarnabhumi Airport
A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-343X, registered HS-TBE, about to be serviced at Gate No. E9 at Concourse E in preparation for an early afternoon journey to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Thai Airways International flight TG 638 bound for Hong Kong
A Thai Airways International Boeing 777-2D7/ER, registered HS-TJW, resting near the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. She will soon have a mid-afternoon regional journey to the Republic of Singapore as Thai Airways International flight TG 407 bound for Singapore later that afternoon
A Qatar Airways Boeing 777-3DZ/ER, registered A7-BAP, being serviced at Gate No. E1 at Concourse E for her continuing journey to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from the State of Qatar as Qatar Airways flight QR 828 bound for Hanoi from Doha via Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
A Thai Airways International Boeing 777-3AL/ER, registered HS-TKO, resting near the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. She will soon have a long mid-afternoon transpacific journey to the United States of America via the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as Thai Airways International flight TG 692 bound for Los Angeles via Seoul (Incheon) later that afternoon
Taxiing along the tarmac past the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport to our assigned runway for take-off
A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-343X, registered HS-TBF, being serviced at Gate No. B6 at Concourse B in preparation for her regional domestic journey to northern Thailand as Thai Airways International flight TG 110 bound for Chiang Mai
Finally approaching our assigned runway for departure to Singapore
Thai Airways International Flight 413 ~ Afternoon Departure From Suvarnabhumi Airport
Finally climbing into the bright early afternoon sky back home to Singapore
All the seatbelt signs were switched off at 11.45 a.m., which was approximately five minutes after taking off from Suvarnabhumi Airport. As the flight attendants sprung into action so as to commence the in-flight service, I went to the lavatories and got out my laptop for the purpose of self-entertainment during the flight. Soon enough, a flight attendant came up to my seat to ask me what I wanted to have first before the main courses for the in-flight lunch service were served to the Royal Silk Class passengers. To commence the lunch service, I decided to have my usual glasses of orange juice After a short taxi on the main airport tarmac of approximately 10 minutes to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, we finally docked onto our arrival gate, Gate No. D46, at 2.55 p.m.. With the seatbelt signs being turned off, we unbuckled our seatbelts and retrieved our belongings from their storage areas in preparation for the disembarkation from the aircraft to commence. The aircraft doors were also opened by the cabin crew members once the jet bridges were completely connected to the aircraft.
Thai Airways International Flight 413 Score Report
Welcome to the second segment of my Lunar New Year special report about my Chinese New Year family vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, in February 2015. This second sub-segment of the report will cover a total of two main focus sub-topics. They will mainly be visiting MBK Center on the first two days cum Chinese New Year family reunion dinner at Summer Palace Chinese Restaurant at the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok, dining and shopping at Siam Paragon.
Part 1 ~ First Day At MBK Center Cum Reunion Chinese New Year Dinner
1) China Southern Airlines Boeing 777-31B/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (526791)
2) Lufthansa Airbus A340-642 "Fanhansa" Herpa Scale 1:500 (526845) 3) Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-3F2/ER Herpa Scale 1:500 (527330)
Dear bloggers, please accept my most sincere apologies for the lack of posts for the past two months owing to my College Year 3 Common Test and preparations for my additional school commitments. Nevertheless, welcome to this recent new blog report about my Chinese New Year family season vacation in Bangkok, Thailand, in February 2015 in celebration of the Lunar New Year season. This blog report will be divided into a total of four sub-segments, for which, this will be the first section of the report itself.
There will be a total of two focus topics, not counting the opening credits, that will be covered in this segment of the entire report. They will mainly be the evening in-bound flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and the road trip to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok. While the videos in this report can also be accessed via my YouTube channel, please note that it is forbidden to post any comments on these medium for safety reasons. Violations of this policy may result in the removal of the published comments. Part 1 ~ The Opening Credits
Shortly after finishing my College Year 3 Common Test, my parents decided to bring us on a family vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, in celebration of the 2015 Chinese New Year season. Over the past few weeks before my Year 3 Common Test in school, I became very excited and pleased about this as it had been five years since we last spent Chinese New Year away from Singapore. It was also considered a case-by-case whether we should celebrate Chinese New Year overseas, as it would depend on personal circumstances.
On the morning of Tuesday (17 February), I woke up at 6.15 a.m. and went to attend my usual post-Common Test school lessons. With my last school lesson of the day finishing at 2.10 p.m., my mum immediately picked both my younger brother and I up from school. She then took us home to allow us some time to have lunch and have a shower. After that, we had to pack and prepare the remainder of our belongings in preparation for the upcoming mini-Lunar New Year family vacation to Bangkok, Thailand.
For the late evening in-bound journey to Bangkok, we would be scheduled to fly with Thai Airways International on flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), which would be scheduled to depart from Singapore Changi Airport at nine o' clock in the evening, and arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 10.20 p.m.. My parents had arranged for a MaxiCab to come and transport us to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 5.30 p.m. a couple of weeks in advance before the trip.
After we had finished packing up our belongings in preparation for the trip, we laid out our baggage in our living room. Soon enough, our pre-arranged Maxi-Cab finally arrived at our front gate at 5.20 p.m.. The driver, who was a Chinese gentleman, got out and offered to help us load our baggage into the cab boot, while we got in. Once everything was loaded in, we finally departed the compound of our home at 5.30 p.m. for a short 25-minute road trip to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1.
Soon enough, we finally arrived at the departure and drop-off area outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 5.55 p.m.. While my parents paid our Maxi-Cab fare and helped the driver unload our baggage from the cab boot, I went to claim three baggage trolleys to load our baggage on. Thanking the Maxi-Cab driver for his services, we went into the departures and check-in hall in the direction to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge located on the other side of the hall.
Terminal 1 is one of the three passenger terminals operating at Singapore Changi Airport. It is currently the oldest airport passenger terminal at Singapore Changi Airport, having opened in collaboration with the opening of Singapore Changi Airport on 1 July 1981. The terminal is currently used by a majority of foreign carriers serving Singapore, though some foreign airlines moved their operations to either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 in the late 2000s and mid-2010s. Terminal 1 underwent renovations between mid-2009 and mid-2012, with the car parking area currently closed for re-development.
The departures and drop-off area located outside the departures and check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
The interior of the departures and check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 filled with departing travellers for the Chinese New Year season
Looking up at the transparent glass ceiling in the departures and check-in hall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on the way to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge
After a short walk from the departures and drop-off area located just outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, we finally arrived at the entrance to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at six o' clock. Entering the lounge itself, two lounge porters assisted us with the baggage trolleys, while we headed to one of the check-in desks to check in for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). The whole check-in process lasted no more than approximately five minutes.
Thai Airways International (Thai: บริษัท ภารบินยใทย จํากัต) is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Kingdom of Thailand. Established on 1 April 1988, the airline maintains its head office in Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, and maintains its largest airport hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Secondary hubs are located at Chiang Mai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Seoul's Incheon International Airport. The airline offers a total of 78 destinations throughout Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, using a mixed fleet of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing.
The airline also owns a low-cost subsidiary airline, Thai Smile, and its frequent-flyer program is known as Royal Orchid Plus. Thai Airways International is one of the co-founding members of Star Alliance, which is the world's first and largest airline alliance formed on 14 May 1997, together with Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and United Airlines. Outside of fellow Star Alliance members, the airline maintains codeshare agreements with some other non-Star Alliance airline members, such as SkyTeam's China Southern Airlines Oneworld's Japan Airlines and Emirates. The airline is expected to end its service to the United States from 25 October 2015.
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
The SATS Premier Check-in Lounge information screen in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 detailing the list of foreign carriers using the check-in lounge for their First & Business Class passengers. Note that EVA Airways will re-locate its operations to Terminal 3 on 2 July 2015
The interior of the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 decorated with lanterns in preparation for the Chinese New Year Season
After finishing the whole check-in process for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we finally received all our boarding passes and lounge invitation passes at 6.05 p.m.. The check-in agent then notified us that tonight, Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be expected to depart at nine o' clock from Gate No. C25. Boarding would also commence at 8.30 p.m., approximately half an hour prior to the scheduled departure timing.
With our belongings, we thanked the check-in agent for her services and headed to the lounge passageway leading to the passport control area. To clear the passport control area, we went via the thumb fingerprint checkpoint, where local Singaporean residents and foreigners who are permanent residents have their thumbs scanned before being allowed to enter a particular area in certain government infrastructure. Clearing the passport control area, we were finally in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 6.10 p.m..
Since there was still plenty of time before our evening flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we decided to head up to the Royal Silk Lounge first to charge up our electronics and have some light bites and beverages. With that, we walked across the airside and stopped at a currency exchange counter to change some Singapore dollars into Thai baht. At the money exchange counter itself, I changed a total of S$626, receiving ฿14,400 in return. I also did some plane-spotting on the way to the Royal Silk Lounge.
The
interior of the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge at Singapore Changi
Airport Terminal 1 decorated with lanterns in preparation for the
Chinese New Year Season shortly after completing the check-in process
for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok
(Suvarnabhumi)
Finally in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
My boarding pass for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
The departure flights information screens in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
Stopping at a perfume & cosmetics duty-free shop in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on the way to the Royal Silk Lounge
Walking across the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on the way to the Royal Silk Lounge
A
Japan Airlines Boeing 777-246/ER, registered JA709J, resting at Gate
No. D34 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her
long afternoon journey from eastern Japan as Japan Airlines flight JL
037 from Tokyo (Haneda)
A
Qantas Airbus A330-303X, registered VH-QPE, resting at Gate No. C13 at
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 after arriving from her long
afternoon trip from the Commonwealth of Australia as Qantas flight QF
051 from Brisbane
The tarmac view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 under the early evening sky on the way to the Royal Silk Lounge
About to take the escalators up to the airline lounge level in the airside at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
Approaching the Royal Silk Lounge in the airline lounge level in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
After a walk of almost half an hour across the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, we finally arrived at the entrance to the Royal Silk Lounge at 6.40 p.m.. Entering the lounge, a lounge agent scanned our Royal Silk Lounge invitation passes before allowing us to enter the lounge. Entering the lounge, we immediately found a seating spot in the lounge and took out our electronic devices to be charged up so that we could entertain ourselves while we waited for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to arrive. Inside the lounge itself, I observed that there were no changes made to the lounge, and it still appeared like what it was before when I last stepped foot into it in March 2014. It retained its former appearance somewhat like the Slytherin Dungeon in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Nevertheless, since I was feeling somewhat peckish, I headed to the self-service food and beverage corner to help myself to some deep-fried fish fritters with a can and ice glass of Diet Coca-cola, also doing some personal matters on my laptop for the rest of the evening.
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
The interior of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 shortly after entering the lounge with our baggage
The self-service food and beverage corner in the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
A
small platter of deep-fried fish fingers with a can and glass of Diet
Coca-cola for myself in the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi
Airport Terminal 1
The interior of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during our lounge relaxations
Planning out the first section of the report detailing the in-bound trip to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) in the Royal Silk Lounge, using Optima as the main typeface for the report
Reading through the most comical sentence in the first chapter of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" on iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon throws a temper tantrum at the breakfast table after Harry tells Dudley to say 'please' to attain more bacon – "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN OUR HOUSE?!"
The interior of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 shortly before we departed for Gate No. C25
Part 2 ~ The Flight To Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
Airline: Thai Airways International Flight No.: TG 410
From: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Singapore To: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK / VTBS), Bangkok, Thailand Aircraft: Boeing 777-3D7/ER Registration No.: HS-TKU (Named "Acharasobhit") Class: Royal Silk Class (Business Class) Seat No.: 21A
Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2015
After spending about 1 hour 20 minutes of relaxations, charging our electronic gadgets and having some light beverages in the Royal Silk Lounge, the clock was finally showing eight o' clock. Knowing that boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would commence in half an hour's time, we immediately packed away all our belongings and left the Royal Silk Lounge for Gate No. C25. The walk linking from the Royal Silk Lounge to Gate No. C25 took approximately 15 minutes.
Soon enough, we finally arrived outside the entrance to Gates No. C19, C25 and C26 at 8.15 p.m., which was just in good time for boarding to commence in 15 minutes' time. With just a rapid and hassle-free security check, we were finally in the passenger waiting area at Gate No. C25 before 8.20 p.m.. Observing the number of passengers waiting in the passenger waiting area at Gate No. C25, I knew that Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would have a half load tonight.
Tonight, Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be operated by a Boeing 777-300/ER aircraft, registered HS-TKU and powered by two powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines, also named "Acharasobhit". HS-TKU was delivered new to Thai Airways International on 21 January 2014 as the sixth fully-owned Boeing 777-300/ER for the airline. The overall delivery would make the aircraft approximately 1.1 years old today, making it one of the newest Boeing 777s in Thai Airways International's fleet.
The Boeing 777-300/ER is the fourth marketing version of the Boeing 777 family in revenue passenger service today. It has a similar body as its original counterpart, Boeing 777-300, but sports a few differences. The Boeing 777-300/ER is powered exclusively using two General Electric GE90-115B engines, which are the world's most powerful jet engines, and has raked wingtips. Its direct competitors from Airbus are mainly the Airbus A340-600 and the future Airbus A350-1000, which due to enter revenue service in 2017.
The first aircraft, F-GSQA, was delivered to Air France on 29 April 2004. Currently, most major carriers are placing orders for the Boeing 777-300/ER over the regular Boeing 777-300 as part their fleet renewals of replacing their older aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400, in their fleets. Unlike the earlier Boeing 777 models and four-engine aircraft, such as the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747, the Boeing 777-300/ER, together with the Boeing 777-200/LR, is capable of flying much longer ranges and saving more fuel efficiently.
Bypassing
the SATS Premier Lounge shortly after leaving the Royal Silk Lounge on
the airline lounge level in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport
Terminal 1
Overlooking
the many duty-free shops in the airside from the airline lounge level
in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on the way to Gate No. C25
Bypassing some duty-free shops in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on the way to Gate No. C25
Walking across the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on the way to Gate No. C25
Finally arriving at the main entrance to Gates No. C19, C25 and C26 in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
Finally arriving at the main entrance to Gates No. C19, C25 and C26 in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
The passenger waiting areas at Gates No. C19, C25 and C26 with some travellers waiting for the boarding calls for their flights
Our
aircraft for tonight, HS-TKU, being serviced at Gate No. C25 in
preparation for her late evening return trip back home to the Kingdom of
Thailand as Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok
(Suvarnabhumi)
A
closer view of HS-TKU being serviced at Gate No. C25 in preparation for
her late evening regional return trip back home to the Kingdom of
Thailand as Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok
(Suvarnabhumi)
The
passenger waiting area at Gate No. C25 shortly before the first
boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for
Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were made
One final gaze at HS-TKU being serviced at Gate No. C25 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 shortly before the first boarding announcements for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were made
After spending approximately 10 minutes of anticipated waiting in the passenger waiting area at Gate No. C25, the first boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were finally made at 8.30 p.m.. The Royal Silk Class passengers and the Royal Orchid Plus club members, together with the passengers needing special assistance, were called out to board the aircraft first. As we were among the first passengers to be called out to board, we rolled up at the front for the boarding process to commence.
With the first boarding calls being made, we rolled up at the front of the line for the boarding process to commence smoothly. Walking along the jet bridge to Door A, we were finally on board HS-TKU at 8.35 p.m., which was just in good time for a nine o' clock departure. At the front entrance, two cheery flight attendants warmly welcomed us on board and showed us the direction to our seats in the Royal Silk Class cabin. Stowing our belongings in their storage spaces, we settled down into our assigned Seats No. 20B, 20E, 21A and 21D for the regional evening flight of 2 hours 20 minutes to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi).
The Royal Silk Class seats being used for this regional evening trip to Bangkok were the new sets of Royal Silk Class long-haul lie-flat seats arranged in a staggered configuration. These seats can recline to a full 180º, allowing passengers to have a completely lie-flat rest during long-haul flights. They were introduced following the delivery of Thai Airways International's fully-owned Boeing 777-300/ERs in August 2012, and are mainly found on the Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300/ERs.
Once the in-flight dining menus were distributed to the Royal Silk Class passengers, the flight attendants went about taking down the main orders for the in-flight late night supper later on. I opted to have the fried marinated snapper with spicy lemon grass sauce, steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, carrots and French beans as the main course. With the flight attendants distributing the pre-departure beverages and newspapers to the Royal Silk Class passengers, I had my usual pre-departure glasses of orange juice and apple juice as for certain reasons, alcoholic drinks could not be served before take-off.
A view of my seat, 21A, during the boarding process at Gate No. C25 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. C25
A glass of orange juice and apple juice for myself to commence the flight with
The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
The cover page for the wine list for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
Reviewing the in-flight dining menu for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
Reviewing the wine list for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
Reading
through the most comical sentence in the first chapter of "Harry Potter
and the Chamber of Secrets" on iBooks, where Harry's Uncle Vernon
throws a temper tantrum at the breakfast table after Harry tells Dudley
to say 'please' to attain more bacon – "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU," thundered
his uncle, spraying spit over the table, "ABOUT SAYING THE 'M' WORD IN
OUR HOUSE?!"
Awaiting pushback from Gate No. C25 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1
The flight route indication map indicating that we are still boarding in Singapore
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat shortly before pushback from Gate No. C25
After the clock struck exactly nine o' clock sharp, all the aircraft doors were closed, and the aircraft finally pushed back from Gate No. C25, which was just as scheduled. As the safety briefing information video was being shown on allour personal front seat video screens, the aircraft began to taxi away from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for its take-off positon to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), bypassing several aircraft at Terminals 2 and 3 along the way.
It was not that long until we reached our assigned runway in preparation for take-off after 20 minutes. Soon enough, the aircraft's two powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines roared into life, and Thai Airways International flight TG 410 finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at 9.20 p.m.. We then climbed into the pitch dark night sky for a late evening regional flight duration of 1 hour 45 minutes over the West Malaysian Straits and South China Sea to the modern urban metropolitan capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand.
Finally pushing back from Gate No. C25
The
safety briefing information video being shown on my front seat video
screen and indicating the possible hazards of on-board smoking
About to taxi away from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 to our assigned runway for take-off
An Emirates Boeing 777-31H/ER, registered A6-ECF, being serviced at Gate No. C22 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her continuing journey to the Commonwealth of Australia from the United Arab Emirates as Emirates flight EK 404 bound for Melbourne via Singapore from Dubai
A
British Airways Boeing 777-336/ER, registered G-STBH, being serviced at
Gate No. C21 at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for
her continuing late night journey back home over the Indian Ocean to the
United Kingdom from the Commonwealth of Australia as British Airways
flight BA 016 bound for London (Heathrow) via Singapore from Sydney
Crossing the East Coast Parkway expressway on the way to our assigned runway for take-off
Taxiing past a small tarmac area near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 on the way to our assigned runway for take-off
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat during taxi to our assigned runway for take-off
Finally approaching our assigned runway for take-off
Thai Airways International Flight 410 ~ Night Departure From Singapore Changi Airport
Finally climbing into the night sky after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
The seatbelt signs were switched off at 9.25 p.m., which was approximately five minutes after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport. As the crew unbuckled from their take-off positions to commence the in-flight service, I paid a visit to the lavatory and got my laptop out to plan out further details for the upcoming blog report on my blog. Soon enough, the in-flight crew members began to hand out packets of mixed nuts to the Royal Silk Class passengers, before coming by each seat with the beverage cart mixed with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Once the beverage cart came by to my seat, one of the stewardesses asked me whether there was anything that would interest me before the main meal courses arrived. I then asked for a glass of Chablis Champs Royaux 2013 white wine to commence with. With my wine glass at my dining table, I sat back and finished off my mixed nuts while working out my blog report and reading on iBooks on my laptop. The white wine went pretty well with the mixed nuts as an appetiser before the main meal courses were served.
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seatbelt signs were switched off
A warning sign in the lavatory reminding passengers that smoking is forbidden at all times on board and that tampering with, disabling or destroying smoke detectors in the lavatories is a criminal offence under national Thai aviation regulations
The rear view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during cruising altitude over West Malaysia
A view of my seat, 21A, during cruising altitude over West Malaysia
The beverage cart mixed with lots of beverages for Royal Silk Class passengers near my seat
A glass of Chablis Champs Royaux 2013 white wine and a packet of mixed nuts for myself to commence the in-flight dining service
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat shortly before the flight attendants re-appeared with the main course trays
The flight route indication map indicating our cruising altitude over Kuantan in West Malaysia
After spending approximately 25 minutes of enjoying my appetisers and personal surfing on my laptop, one of the flight attendants finally re-appeared with the main course trays at 9.50 p.m. This time, she had my fried marinated snapper with spicy lemon grass sauce, steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, carrots and French beans. With my main meal course finally placed on my dining table, I tucked in. The snapper tasted good for my liking, along with the Thai Hom Mali Rice, though the carrots and French beans were somewhat dry on the side.
Furthermore, the apple tartlet tasted alright, though it could have been slightly crustier in it. Once I was finished with my in-flight dinner, the flight stewardess came back to collect my meal tray and asked whether there was anything else I wanted. Feeling too full for anything more to eat, I simply ordered a cup of hot milk tea. With my cup of milk tea brought to my seat promptly, I sipped it down in less than a few minutes and was left to my laptop surfing until the seatbelt signs were illuminated for descent into Suvarnabhumi Airport.
My main course: Fried marinated snapper with spicy lemon grass sauce, steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, carrots and French beans
Cruising somewhere over the South China Sea between the borders of Malaysia and Thailand late at night
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the borders between Malaysia and Thailand
The rear view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin during cruising altitude between the borders of Malaysia and Thailand
A view of my seat, 21A, during cruising altitude between the borders of Malaysia and Thailand
The flight route indication map indicating our cruising altitude between the borders of Malaysia and Thailand
A cup of hot milk tea with sugar to conclude the in-flight dinner service
A deleted scene in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), where Harry's Aunt Petunia reacts in shock upon seeing many owls attempting to deliver her nephew's Hogwarts acceptance letters outside her garden window
Planning out the first section of the report detailing the in-bound trip to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) during cruising altitude between the borders of Malaysia and Thailand
Cruising somewhere over Hat Yai and Phuket in Thai airspace late at night
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat shortly before the seatbelt signs were illuminated again for landing in Suvarnabhumi Airport
The flight route indication map indicating that the aircraft is approaching Bangkok
In accordance with the Thailand Standard Time, the seatbelt signs were illuminated at 9.50 p.m., approximately 15 minutes in preparation for the descent into Suvarnabhumi Airport to commence. Knowing that we had limited time left before our evening arrival into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), we promptly packed away our carry-on belongings and stowed them back into their respective storage spaces before buckling up our seatbelts in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Suvarnabhumi Airport. The sky was dark as the aircraft commenced its final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport, with the cabin lights also being dimmed in preparation for the descent. After a short late evening regional flight duration of just 1 hour 45 minutes over the West Malaysian Straits and South China Sea from the island city-state of the Republic of Singapore, we finally touched down in Suvarnabhumi Airport at 10.05 p.m., which was approximately 15 minutes ahead of schedule, before taxiing to Concourse C located at the main terminal. Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูนิ) is an international airport in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakhan Province near Bangkok, Thailand. It is currently the central international airport serving the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, and is one of the two airports serving Bangkok, with the other being Don Mueang International Airport. The airport serves as the largest hub for Asia Atlantic Airways, Bangkok Airways, Business Air, Jet Asia Airways, Orient Thai Airlines, Thai Airways International and Thai Smile.
The airport was opened for passenger service on 28 September 2006, replacing the older Don Mueang International Airport on regular international flights coming into and out of Bangkok. However, Don Mueang International Airport was re-opened for passenger service on 24 March 2007 after renovations, catering to domestic flights and low-cost international flights. Bangkok serves as an important Asian gateway for most foreign carriers such as Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Airways, Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines.
The
view of the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk
Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seatbelt signs were switched on again for landing in Suvarnabhumi Airport
The lights of Bangkok shining below us as the aircraft begins to make its one final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport
Making one final approach into Suvarnabhumi Airport at night
Thai Airways International Flight 410 ~ Night Arrival Into Suvarnabhumi Airport
Taxiing along the tarmac to the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport after descent
Taxiing past several Thai Airways International aircraft parked near the Main Terminal on our way to our assigned arrival gate
An Etihad Airways Boeing 777-3FX/ER, registered A6-ETC, resting on the tarmac near the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. She will soon be flying back home to the United Arab Emirates overnight as Etihad Airways flight EY 407 bound for Abu Dhabi
A Qatar Airways Boeing 777-3DZ/ER, registered A7-BAB and painted in the special "Oneworld" livery, resting on the tarmac near the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport. She will soon be flying back home to the State of Qatar as Qatar Airways flight QR 837 bound for Doha later tonight
Taxiing to Concourse C at the Main Terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport late at night
A Thai Airways International Boeing 777-3AL/ER, registered HS-TKP, being serviced at Gate No. D1 at Concourse D in preparation for her long overnight journey to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as Thai Airways International flight TG 674 bound for Beijing
Finally docking onto our arrival gate, Gate No. C2, at Concourse C at Suvarnabhumi Airport
After taxiing on the airport tarmac for approximately 10 minutes to Concourse C at the main terminal building, we finally docked onto our arrival gate, Gate No. C2, at 10.15 p.m.. With the seatbelt signs being turned off, we unbuckled our seatbelts and retrieved our belongings from their respective storage spaces. We also conducted a check on our seating areas and the overhead compartments to see that nothing had been left behind as we prepared to disembark from the aircraft. The aircraft doors were also opened by the cabin crew once the jet bridge was connected to the aircraft. With all our belongings in hand, we rolled up behind some other passengers to disembark from the aircraft smoothly. As we disembarked from the aircraft, the entire in-flight crew sincerely thanked us for our patronage with Thai Airways International and wished us a pleasant shopping vacation trip in Bangkok, Thailand, in celebration of the Lunar New Year season, which was at its peak at this time of the year.
After flying with an airline on a particular segment, the airline shall receive a score and grade that helps me to determine whether it is worthy to fly with on a particular route in future. Out of 100 points, these are divided into the seat, food, in-flight service, aircraft cleanliness and legroom space, for which, each of these sub-sections carrying a weightage of 20 points. Each airline must attain a minimum grade of 'D' (overall 40% or above) to be eligible for a passing score.
Quality passing grades are denoted between 'A+' and 'B', while borderline passing grades are denoted by either 'C' or 'D'. However, Grades 'E' or below are considered failing grades, with 'F' being classified as ungraded. This is the airline scoring system, as of 1 February 2015, with some slight changes:
A+: 85% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance) A: 75% ~ 84% (Airline has a very good rating and performance) B: 60% ~ 74% (Airline has a good rating and performance) C: 50% ~ 59% (Airline has a satisfactory rating and performance) D: 40% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance) E: 20% ~ 39% (Airline has a poor rating and performance) F: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the pre-requisite for the minimum grade)
Thai Airways International Flight 410 Score Report
In the final score report, Thai Airways International has managed to attain an overall score of 82% for the segment between Singapore and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). This means that they have earned an 'A' grade, which is significantly a high expectation score. The seat comfort was still of high grade-quality, but the meal caterings and service could have been much better, but other than that, they were sufficiently decent and filling. Every airline has the potential to attain an 'A+' grade if they work sufficiently hard enough to attain more positive customer feedback. Part 3 ~ The Journey To The Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok
Shortly after disembarking from Thai Airways International flight TG 410 from Singapore at Gate No. C2, we walked through the passageway in Concourse C leading to the arrival and immigration checkpoints. The entire walk to the immigration checkpoints from Gate No. C2 took not more than 10 minutes. Arriving at the immigration checkpoints at 10.25 p.m., we headed to the foreign tourists section of the checkpoint to have our passports checked. The immigrations area was not that crowded with tourists given that it was already late at night.
Clearing the immigrations checkpoints by 10.35 p.m., I proceeded to check which belt our check-in baggage would arrive at. According to the baggage information screens, all bulky check-in baggage from Thai Airways International flight TG 410 from Singapore would be expected to arrive at Belt No. 8. With that instant, we grabbed three baggage trolleys and went to Belt No. 8 to claim our bulky check-in baggage, However, due to some ground technical problems, there would be a delay in the baggage arrival from Thai Airways International flight TG 410 from Singapore.
Walking across the automated passageway leading to the arrivals and immigration checkpoints in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The baggage belt information screens indicating that all check-in baggage from Thai Airways International flight TG 410 from Singapore would arrive at Belt No. 8
About to claim our bulkier check-in baggage from Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Singapore at Belt No. 8, albeit a slight delay due to ground technical issues
After claiming our bulkier check-in baggage and loading them onto the baggage trolleys, we were finally in the arrivals and meeting hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport at eleven o' clock. Soon enough, a well-dressed hotel limousine gentleman holding up our names for the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok came over to meet us. He offered to assist us with our baggage trolleys while we were escorted to our waiting limousine for the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok waiting outside the arrivals and pick-up points at 11.05 p.m..
Upon reaching our waiting hotel limousine for the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok, our baggage was loaded into the boot of the limousine while we hopped on board for the late evening road trip to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok in downtown Bangkok. Soon enough, once everyone was on board with baggage loaded in, we finally departed the lively compound of Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11.10 p.m. for a short late evening road trip of just 25 minutes to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok.
The arrivals and meeting hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport late at night
The passenger pick-up point located outside the arrivals and meeting hall in the Main Terminal building at Suvarnabhumi Airport late at night
The silver hotel limousine waiting to take us to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport late at night
Finally departing the compound of Suvarnabhumi Airport at night
Travelling to the start of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Expressway from Suvarnabhumi Airport late at night
Travelling along the Suvarnabhumi Expressway near some Bangkok suburbs in the direction to downtown Bangkok late at night
Travelling alongside the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link to downtown Bangkok late at night
Bypassing Makkasan Station serving as the City Air Terminal for downtown Bangkok late at night
Travelling along the Suvarnabhumi Expressway close to downtown Bangkok late at night
About to turn to the road leading to the Pathum Wan District in downtown Bangkok late at night
Travelling across the downtown roads of the Pathum Wan District near the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok
After a short late night hotel limousine journey of 25 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, we ultimately arrived at the main entrance to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok at 11.35 a.m.. With two baggage porters offering to assist us with our baggage using baggage trolleys, we paid up our limousine fare and headed to the main hotel reception counter to check-in for the upcoming six-day Lunar New Year stay in Bangkok. The entire hotel check-in process for approximately not more than just a rapid five minutes.
Receiving our room keys at 11.40 p.m., the hotel receptionist informed us that we would be staying in Rooms No. 1818 and 1819 on the 18th floor, which were inter-connecting room suites. He also informed us that our baggage would be brought up momentarily. Taking the elevator up to the 18th floor, we finally arrived at Rooms No. 1818 and 1819 at 11.45 p.m.. Our rooms had a twin bedroom and king bedroom with two bathrooms, and a living room. We then settled down to rest while waiting for our baggage to arrive at our rooms.
Finally entering the main hotel lobby in the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok late at night
The main hotel reception counter in the main hotel lobby at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok late at night
The view of the marble staircase in the lobby lounge in the main hotel lobby at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok late at night
The first view of my bedroom, Room No. 1818, where my younger brother and I would sleep
The first view of our living room in Room No. 1819 late at night
The first view of my parents' bedroom, Room No. 1819, where they would be sleeping for the vacation
After settling down into our Rooms No. 1818 and 1819 for the night, two baggage porters and trolleys finally showed up again outside our rooms at 11.50 p.m.. Bringing our baggage into our rooms, we took out our electronics and sorted out our clothings for the upcoming days of the Lunar New Year vacation in Bangkok. Once we had sorted out our belongings, we were beginning to get hungry, so we ordered some late night supper via the in-room dining service consisting of local Thai and western dishes, like spaghetti alla carbonara.
Soon enough, our in-room dining supper dishes were brought up to our room at 12.15 a.m.. Settling down in the living room, we settled down to enjoy our late night supper. However, I was beginning to feel rather stuffed half an hour into the meal due to the snacks in Singapore and in-flight dining, so I went to have a shower and changed into my pyjamas for the night. Soon enough, once everyone was well-settled and had finished eating, we finally turned in before two o' clock for a well-earned good night's rest.
This officially brings the first sub-section of my family Lunar New Year vacation to Bangkok, Thailand, in February 2015 to a formal conclusion. Questions and / or user comments will be more than welcome as the comment forum for each trip report shall always be open. All the remaining three segments of this year's Lunar New Year special report shall be posted once I have selected the best photographs and / or videos per sub-segment. Please do be patient as time and effort are necessary for the report to look and sound good.
