All videos taken during this trip will be uploaded onto YouTube, as well as here. However, please take note that for safety reasons, commenting on any of my YouTube videos is strictly prohibited, as is the display of advertisements. You may post your comments via private mail or message.
Part 1 ~ The Opening
After much pondering on where to go to for the one-month school vacation, my parents decided to bring my brother and I on a birthday vacation to Japan. When I heard the news, I was most pleased since I would be going to Japan again for my birthday. This would be a special birthday treat, which meant that I would get two birthday flights on Thai Airways International.
Thai Airways International would be my second birthday airline after Etihad Airways in June 2012. I knew that I would enjoy every trip to Japan, and this would be ninth time since I first went there in September 2001, and this special birthday trip would certainly be better than my previous winter holiday in South Korea in December 2012.
On Wednesday (5 June), my brother and I woke up at around slightly past noon. Noticing that we had yet to pack our baggage, we decided that it was best to do so after having a shower and lunch. According to my parents, we had arranged for a MaxiCab to come and pick us up at six o' clock towards Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 later that evening. At that time, I felt like I was cheering, "Hooray! My wish has come true!"
Our itinerary for the journeys would be to fly with Thai Airways International on flight TG 410, which would depart Singapore Changi Airport at 8.50 p.m., and arrive in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 10.10 p.m.. Upon arrival into Bangkok, we would have a short layover for approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
Then, we would connect to Thai Airways International flight TG 642, which would depart Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11.50 p.m., and arrive in Tokyo's Narita International Airport at 8.10 a.m. on Thursday (6 June). Knowing that all the other direct non-stop flights were sold out, Thai Airways International via Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) was our only option.
After spending the afternoon packing our baggage, the pre-arranged MaxiCab finally arrived at our doorstep at 5.55 p.m.. The driver got out, and offered to help us load our baggage into the boot of his cab. Soon, we left the house at six o' clock for a journey time of 25 minutes towards Singapore Changi Airport. It was raining very heavily across the Republic of Singapore.
Upon arriving at the drop-off area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at 6.20 p.m., we grabbed three baggage trolleys to put our baggage on. Before we entered the terminal building, we thanked the MaxiCab driver for his services. With that, we went into the departure hall of the terminal building towards the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge to check in for our flights.
Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal in Singapore Changi Airport. This terminal opened on 1 July 1981, coinciding with the opening of the airport. Today, many foreign carriers flying to and from Singapore use this terminal. Philippine Airlines will re-locate its operations here from Terminal 2 on 28 October 2013.
However, some airlines either moved to Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 in the late 2000s and early 2010s. These are the airlines that used to operate their flights from Terminal 1. They are:
1) Air India (Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009)
2) Air India Express (Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009)
3) All Nippon Airways (Star Alliance carrier - Moved to Terminal 2 on 1 October 2008)
4) Asiana Airlines (Star Alliance carrier - Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009)
5) China Eastern Airlines (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)
6) Garuda Indonesia (Future SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)
7) Jet Airways (Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)
8) Korean Air (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 2 on 29 March 2009)
9) Qatar Airways (Future Oneworld carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)
10) Saudia - Saudi Arabian Airlines (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)
11) SriLankan Airlines (Future Oneworld carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)
12) United Airlines (Star Alliance carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 25 March 2008)
13) Vietnam Airlines (SkyTeam carrier - Moved to Terminal 3 on 22 February 2011)
*Asiana Airlines will shift its operations at Singapore Changi Airport from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 on Monday, 30 September 2013.
Some airlines also used to operate out of Terminal 1, but later, they either suspended or terminated service to Singapore:
1) Air Seychelles (terminated service to Singapore in November 2011 due to unprofitability)
2) Kingfisher Airlines (terminated all international flights in March 2012 due to financial crisis)*
3) Swiss International Air Lines (Star Alliance carrier - suspended Bangkok-Singapore service in April 2009 due to unprofitability)**
*Kingfisher Airlines initially commenced service to Singapore using Terminal 3 on 17 September 2009, but later shifted its operations to Terminal 1 in mid-2011.
**Swiss International Air Lines resumed service to Singapore on 12 May 2013, using Terminal 2. It currently offers direct non-stop flights between Singapore and Zurich, using a 3-class Airbus A340-300 aircraft.
Thai Airways International is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Kingdom of Thailand. It is one of the five founding members of Star Alliance, the world's first and largest airline alliance formed in 1997. This airline, along with four other carriers, namely Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, and United Airlines banded together to create the airline alliance. Its frequent flyer program is known as Royal Orchid Plus.
Besides fellow Star Alliance members, the airline has codeshare agreements with other airlines which are not Star Alliance members. Some of them include SkyTeam partner China Airlines and Oneworld partner Japan Airlines.
At Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 1, these are the following airlines that use the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge for their First and Business Class passengers. As of 1 June 2013, they are:
1) Air China (Star Alliance carrier)
2) Air Niugini
3) British Airways (Oneworld carrier)
4) China Southern Airlines (SkyTeam carrier)
5) EVA Airways (future Star Alliance carrier)*
6) JAL - Japan Airlines (Oneworld carrier)
7) Qantas (Oneworld carrier)
8) Thai Airways International (Star Alliance carrier)
9) Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance carrier)
10) Xiamen Airlines (SkyTeam carrier)
*EVA Airways will become a full member of Star Alliance on 18 June 2013.
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| The departure curbside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on a wet and rainy evening |
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| The departures and check-in area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on a wet and rainy evening |
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| The exterior view of the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The entrance to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| A television screen by the entrance to the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge showing the list of airlines using this special check-in lounge for their First and Business Class passengers |
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| The list of airlines using this special check-in lounge for their First and Business Class passengers in a brighter version |
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| The check-in counters in the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The interior of the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| My two boarding passes for the sectors towards Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Tokyo (Narita) respectively |
After checking in for our flights at the SATS Premier Check-in Lounge, we received our boarding passes for both sectors towards Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Tokyo (Narita). According to the check-in agent, Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would depart at 8.50 p.m. from Gate No. C1, and that boarding would commence at 8.20 p.m., half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
With that, we went through the passport control area, and decided to have dinner first before heading to the Royal Silk Lounge. In the airside, we went up to the upper level and stumbled upon a Chinese restaurant named Peach Garden Noodle House. Upon getting a table, we looked through the menus, placed our orders, and had a sumptuous dinner at Peach Garden Noodle House. I also did some plane-spotting at the same time.
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| The airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The airside in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 towards Concourse C |
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| The exterior view of Peach Garden Noodle House in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The cover page for the food and beverage menu of Peach Garden Noodle House in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| Reviewing the food and beverage menu of Peach Garden Noodle House in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The interior view of Peach Garden Noodle House in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-342, registered B-HLF, resting at Gate No. D32 after arriving from her regional journey over the South China Sea as Cathay Pacific flight CX 735 from Hong Kong |
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| A Qantas Airbus A330-303, registered VH-QPB, being serviced at Gate No. C15 for her evening journey home to the Commonwealth of Australia as Qantas flight QF 082 bound for Sydney |
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| Another Qantas Airbus A330-303, registered VH-QPA, being serviced at Gate No. C13 for her evening journey home to the Commonwealth of Australia as Qantas flight QF 036 bound for Melbourne |
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| An Air France Boeing 777-328/ER, registered F-GSQA, resting at Gate No. D34 after arriving from her long trans-Indian Ocean journey from France as Air France flight AF 256 from Paris (CDG). She will soon head for her long trans-Indian Ocean journey back home to the French Republic as Air France flight AF 257 bound for Paris (CDG) |
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| The tarmac view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| An Etihad Airways Airbus A330-243, registered A6-EYH, taxiing on the tarmac towards Terminal 2 after arriving from Australia as Etihad Airways flight EY 473 from Brisbane. She will soon head back home to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates after having a short break in Singapore |
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| Several foreign carriers parked at Concourse D in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 on a rainy evening |
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| The upper floor in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 at dusk |
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| The interior view of Peach Garden Noodle House in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during dinnertime |
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| A platter of sautéed fish with ginger sauce and vegetables |
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| A plate of seafood hor fun for my brother |
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| A platter of sautéed fried tofu and mixed vegetables |
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| Another plate of seafood hor fun for my parents |
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| A bowl of soup for my mum |
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| A platter of sautéed beef with peppers and vegetables |
After having a sumptuous dinner at the Peach Garden Noodle House, the clock was finally showing 7.15 p.m.. We decided to head to the Royal Silk Lounge to charge our electronic gadgets before the flight bound for Bangkok. Upon payment of our bill, we immediately grabbed our belongings and headed towards the lounge.
The Royal Silk Lounge looked kind of old, and a kind of a gloomy-looking airline lounge. Based on my observation, the lounge hasn't changed since we last used it. There were no windows at all for natural light to come in, which made it look like a dungeon in a castle (i.e. The Slytherin Dungeon in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets).
During our stay in the lounge, my dad and I went to the nearest money exchange counter to convert some Singapore dollars into Japanese yen. I changed approximately S$2916.85, along with the remainder of my U.S. dollars and Thai baht, receiving ¥292,100 in return. Now, from the remainder of my ¥51,000 from my previous winter vacation to Hokkaido back in December 2011, I had a total approximately ¥343,100.
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| The second level in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The departure flight information screen on the second level in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The tarmac view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 during nightfall |
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| The duty-free area from the lounge floor in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| A view of some perfumes and gadget shops in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The airline lounge floor in the airside of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| Arriving at the entrance to the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The Royal Silk Lounge as we enter the main seating areas of the lounge |
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| The food and beverage corner of the Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The interior of the Thai Airways International Royal Silk Lounge in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| A glass of Coca-cola Light for myself |
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| Writing up a draft essay report for the trip on my blogspot. Helvetica is the main typeface used for this blog report |
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
Registration No.: HS-TKA (Named "Sriwanna")
Class: Royal Silk Class (Business Class)
Seat No.: 16K
Date: Wednesday, 5 June 2013
After relaxing and having a drink in the Royal Silk Lounge for nearly an hour, the clock was finally showing 8.10 p.m.. Knowing that boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would commence in 10 minutes' time, we packed up our carry-on baggage and left the Royal Silk Lounge by 8.15 p.m. for Gate No. C1.
Soon enough, we were finally at the entrance to Gate No. C1 at 8.20 p.m., just as boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) had already commenced. With just a rapid and hassle-free security check, we were finally in the gate holding room by 8.25 p.m.. At that time, the Royal Silk Class passengers, as well as the Royal Orchid Plus club members and the passengers requiring special assistance were already called to board the aircraft.
Tonight, Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be operated using a Boeing 777-300, registered HS-TKA and named "Sriwanna". It was also powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 892 engines. HS-TKA was delivered new to Thai Airways International on 23 December 1998 as the first Boeing 777-300 and the ninth Boeing 777 for the airline. The delivery makes the aircraft approximately 14.4 years old today.
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| The duty-free area from the lounge floor in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 as we begin our walk to Gate No. C1 |
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| The passageway towards Concourse C in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| The entrance to Gate No. C1 in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| Our aircraft for tonight, HS-TKA, being serviced at Gate No. C1 for her short late-night journey back home to the Kingdom of Thailand as Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) |
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| The passenger waiting room in Gate No. C1 in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 |
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| One more view of HS-TKA, just before we boarded the aircraft |
After sorting out all our belongings in the passenger waiting room, the final boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) were finally made at 8.30 p.m.. All the remaining Royal Silk Class & Economy Class passengers, as well as the Royal Orchid Plus club members and the passengers requiring special assistance were called to board the aircraft.
Grabbing all our belongings with us, we rolled up alongside all the other passengers for the boarding process. From the many waiting passengers in the waiting room, I could tell that Thai Airways International flight TG 410 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) would be filled to the brim tonight.
As we walked along the jet bridge towards Door A, we were finally on board HS-TKA at 8.35 p.m., which was just in good time for an 8.50 p.m. departure. At the front door, two cheery flight attendants warmly welcomed us on board, and showed us the direction to our seats. We would be seated in 15D, 15E, 15F and 16K respectively for the regional flight time of 2 hours 20 minutes towards Bangkok. As this was a full flight, Seat No. 16J was taken up by another passenger.
The Royal Silk Class seats we would be using were the newer generation of lie-flat Royal Silk Class shell-like seats. These seats were introduced following the arrival of Thai Airways International’s Boeing 777-200/ERs in November 2006. They can recline to a full 180º to allow fully lie-flat rest.
The flight attendants did their usual pre-flight routines of distributing food and beverage menus, free newspapers, pre-departure beverages to the Royal Silk Class passengers. I had my usual pre-departure glasses of orange juice and water and settled down before the journey commenced.
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| The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin during the boarding process in Singapore |
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| A view of my seat, 16K, during the boarding process in Singapore |
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| A Singapore Airlines Airbus A330-343X, registered 9V-STD, being serviced at Gate No. B10 at Terminal 3 for her overnight journey towards Japan as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 636 bound for Tokyo (Haneda). I wish we could have a chance to come in via Haneda instead of Narita when going to Tokyo from Singapore one day |
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| A typical pair of Royal Silk Class seats on the Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 fleet |
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| My usual pre-departure glasses of orange juice and water |
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| The flight route map indicating that we are still in Singapore |
At exactly 8.50 p.m., all the aircraft doors were closed, and the aircraft finally pushed back from Gate No. C1. As the safety briefing demonstration video was being shown on all of our video screens, the aircraft began to make its way towards our assigned runway for take-off, taxiing past several aircraft parked near Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 along the way.
After a 20-minute taxi to our assigned runway, the aircraft's two powerful Rolls-Royce Trent 892 engines spooled to life, and we finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at 9.10 p.m.. We then climbed into the pitch black night sky for a regional late night flight time of two hours towards the capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand.
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| The safety briefing demonstration beginning to show on my front screen |
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| The cover page for the food and beverage menu for the sector between Singapore and Bangkok |
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| Reviewing the food and beverage menu for the sector between Singapore and Bangkok |
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| Part of the safety demonstration video that explains the dangers and consequences of on-board smoking |
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| The cover page for the wine list for the sector between Singapore and Bangkok |
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| Reviewing the wine list for the sector between Singapore and Bangkok |
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| The dimmed Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin during taxi to our assigned runway |
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| Taxiing past the cargo terminal at Singapore Changi Airport |
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| Taxiing past a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841 resting on the tarmac near the cargo terminal |
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| Nearing our assigned runway in preparation for take-off |
Thai Airways International flight TG 410 ~ Part 1 (Night Take-off From Singapore Changi Airport)
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| Finally climbing into the pitch black night sky towards Bangkok |
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| The dimmed Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin shortly after take-off from Singapore |
The seatbelt sign was switched off at 9.20 p.m., which was just 10 minutes after take-off from Singapore Changi Airport. As the flight attendants sprung into action to commence the in-flight dinner service, I went to the lavatory before heading back to my seat. Just as I was back at my seat, a flight attendant came by to my seat to take down my dinner orders.
I opted to have the chicken thigh in Cantonese style and fried healthy noodles with carrots, celery and pak-choy with oyster sauce. With my orders taken down, the flight attendant went back to the galley, bringing out the meal trays consisting of the first appetiser courses for the passengers.
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| The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin shortly after the seatbelt sign was turned off |
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| The first course: Smoked trout on green and red apple salad with horseradish dressing |
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| The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin during the in-flight dinner service |
After finishing my first course with the plates being cleared, the flight attendant re-appeared at my dining table again. This time, she had my main course; chicken thigh in Cantonese style and fried healthy noodles with carrots, celery and pak-choy with oyster sauce. Once my main course was placed on my meal tray, I requested for a glass of Chateau La Vieille Cure 2007 red wine to accompany my meal, since, according to the menu, that it would work well with poultry dishes.
Given that I had already turned 18, the flight attendant agreed to pour me a glass of red wine. I then tucked in to my main dinner meal for the flight. Surprisingly, the chicken tasted very tender and the noodles and vegetables were indeed perfect accompaniments. Even the Chateau La Vieille Cure 2007 red wine went perfectly well with my meal. Thai Airways International would become the very first airline I have ever drank wine on board during my air travels.
After finishing off my main dinner course, the flight attendant came by to my seat to clear away my meal tray. Feeling already full, I declined dessert and before ordering a cup of hot cocoa, I went to the lavatory and was left with my own devices to keep me company for the remainder of the flight towards Bangkok. The cocoa tasted good and just right, helping me to settle down further for the journey.
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| My main course: Chicken thigh in Cantonese style and fried healthy noodles with carrots, celery, and pak choy with oyster sauce, along with a glass of Chateau La Vieille Cure 2007 red wine on the side of my meal tray |
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| The smoke detector installed in the lavatories |
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| The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin during the in-flight dessert service |
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| The route information screen indicating that we have approximately 45 minutes before arrival into Bangkok |
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| A mug of hot chocolate for myself resting on the centre armrest |
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| Continuing the draft essay report on my blogspot |
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| The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin during the in-flight duty-free service |
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| A view of my seat, 16K, during the flight towards Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) |
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| Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-412 Herpa Scale 1:500 (500852) ~ New Generation |
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| Flying into the night sky over Malaysia |
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| The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300 Royal Silk Class cabin shortly before the seatbelt sign was illuminated for landing in Suvarnabhumi Airport |
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| The flight route map indicating that we are cruising near Chon Buri closer to Bangkok |
Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the two airports serving Bangkok, Thailand. It is the main airport serving the Bangkok metropolitan area, caters to most of the international flights to and from the country, and the busiest airport in the Kingdom of Thailand. Opened on 28 September 2006, it replaced the older Don Mueang International Airport, which now caters to limited domestic flights, and limited low-cost international flights since October 2012.
Suvarnabhumi Airport serves as the main hub for Thai Airways International, the flag carrier and largest airline of the Kingdom of Thailand. Bangkok also serves as a regional gateway and an important destinations for many foreign carriers. Some of the foreign airlines that make Bangkok an important destination include Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.
Part 3 ~ The Flight to Tokyo (Narita)
Airline: Thai Airways International
Flight No.: TG 642
From: Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK / VTBS), Bangkok, Thailand
To: Tokyo, Narita International Airport (NRT / RJAA), Narita, Chiba, Japan
Aircraft: Boeing 777-35R/ER
Registration No.: HS-TKT (Named "Srivibha")
Class: Royal Silk Class (Business Class)
Seat No.: 16K
Date: Wednesday, 5 June 2013
After spending half an hour of relaxations in the Royal Silk Lounge, the clock was finally showing 11.20 p.m.. Knowing that boarding for Thai Airways International flight TG 642 bound for Tokyo (Narita) had already commenced, we immediately packed up our carry-on baggage and left the lounge for a short 10-minute walk towards Gate No. A5. Soon enough, we were finally outside Gate No. A5 at 11.30 p.m., only to find that the final boarding calls for Thai Airways International flight TG 642 bound for Tokyo (Narita) were being made.
Though the Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class passengers, as well as the Royal Orchid Plus club members and the passengers requiring special assistance were called to board the aircraft first, we were among the last passengers to board the flight. Tonight, Thai Airways International flight TG 642 bound for Tokyo (Narita) was to be operated using a Boeing 777-300/ER, registered HS-TKT and named "Srivibha". The aircraft was also powered by two General Electric GE90-115B1L engines. HS-TKT was originally delivered to Jet Airways as VT-JEC on 27 July 2007, but following rising fuel costs, the airline was forced to dry lease the aircraft to Turkish Airlines as TC-JJD.
The aircraft then received its current registration number when it was delivered to Thai Airways International on 3 November 2011. Overall, the delivery makes the aircraft approximately 5.9 years old today. Along with HS-TKT, Thai Airways International also dry leased four more Boeing 777-300/ERs from Jet Airways to bridge the gap between the older Boeing 747-400s, which are due to be retired in the long term, and the newer Airbus A380s. These five Boeing 777-300/ERs are expected to be returned to Jet Airways once the lease term has expired.
As soon as we entered the passenger waiting room in Gate No. A5, we immediately had our boarding passes checked before boarding. Upon walking along the jet bridge towards Door A, we were finally on board HS-TKT at 11.40 p.m., which was just in time for an 11.50 p.m. departure. One of the flight stewardesses, Nataya, had the courtesy to address me by name.
If you come into Japan via Tokyo, and wish to rent a car to drive to the periphery areas for your holiday, it would be difficult to come in via Haneda, given Haneda's close proximity to downtown Tokyo, and that driving within Tokyo itself can be extremely difficult. Moreover, as of 1 June 2013, most of the international flights to and from Haneda arrive either in the early morning or late night.
However, Narita is located in the suburban outskirts away from Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, so many travellers who are interested in a driving holiday in Japan may opt to come into Tokyo, and into the periphery areas, via Narita instead of Haneda.
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| An All Nippon Airways Boeing 777-381/ER, registered JA787A, resting at Gate No. 43 before her long transpacific journey to the United States as All Nippon Airways flight NH 010 bound for New York (JFK) |
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| The Thai Airways International Boeing 777-300/ER Royal Silk Class cabin shortly after the aircraft docked on to Gate No. 42 at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) |
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| Walking through the jet bridge of Gate No. 42 |
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| An All Nippon Airways Boeing 777-381/ER, registered JA734A, resting at Gate No. 41 before her long transpacific journey to the United States as All Nippon Airways flight NH 012 bound for Chicago |
If you come into Japan via Tokyo, and wish to rent a car to drive to the periphery areas for your holiday, it would be difficult to come in via Haneda, given Haneda's close proximity to downtown Tokyo, and that driving within Tokyo itself can be extremely difficult. Moreover, as of 1 June 2013, most of the international flights to and from Haneda arrive either in the early morning or late night.
However, Narita is located in the suburban outskirts away from Tokyo in Chiba Prefecture, so many travellers who are interested in a driving holiday in Japan may opt to come into Tokyo, and into the periphery areas, via Narita instead of Haneda.
