Experiencing Thai Airways Business Class on the Airbus A321neo from BKK to CEI

Flight Overview

On a birthday trip to the Golden Triangle, I had the chance to experience Thai Airways' Business Class on a short 65-minute flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Chiang Rai (CEI). Even though it was a domestic flight, I was excited to try out the airline's latest Airbus A321neo equipped with flatbed seats in Business Class.

Booking and Flight Details

We booked a round-trip ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai at a total cost of approximately 7,800,000 VND (about 330 USD) per person. This was about 1 million VND more than the economy class fare at that time. Our flight departed at 11:35 AM and arrived at 1:10 PM.

The return flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok was operated by an A320, allowing me to compare the two flying experiences within the same trip.

Airport and Business Lounge

We arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport around 10 AM. The Business Class check-in area had no lines, enabling us to complete our procedures quickly. After that, we headed to the Thai Airways lounge located in Concourse A near gate A1. The lounge wasn't too crowded and offered a basic selection of hot and cold food that was sufficient for our needs.

Boarding Process

Our flight departed from gate B4. Although there was a slight delay of 15 minutes due to cabin preparation, the boarding process was very efficient. Business Class passengers and those needing extra time were invited to board first.

In-Cabin Business Class Experience

The Business Class cabin on the Airbus A321neo features 16 seats arranged in a staggered configuration with a 2-2 and 1-1 seat layout, providing passengers with more privacy. Notably, Thai Airways has reduced the use of purple in their new aircraft, creating a more harmonious atmosphere.

Each seat comes with horizontal storage space and USB charging ports, along with universal power outlets. However, if you choose a single seat, be aware that legroom may be a bit cramped.

Amenities and Entertainment

Each seat is equipped with a generously sized pillow and blanket, and bottled water is ready for passengers upon boarding. The 17.3-inch 4K entertainment screen offers a variety of movies, TV shows, and games, although I found the picture quality to be slightly washed out.

Thai Airways also claims to provide in-flight Wi-Fi, but there was no signal on this flight. It's possible that the system had not been activated, even though I noticed the equipment onboard.

Overall Flight Experience

Overall, my experience flying Thai Airways Business Class was truly impressive. The friendly service, comfortable seating, and decent food make it a great option for domestic flights for those seeking a better experience.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're planning to fly with Thai Airways from Vietnam, note that you will need a visa if your flight transits in Thailand. Ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Bangkok typically range from 3 million to 5 million VND, depending on the booking time. You can easily connect flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai with domestic airlines like Thai Airways, AirAsia, or Nok Air.

If you plan to visit the Golden Triangle and want to save costs while still having a great experience, consider flying during the dry season from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best.

Article inspired and edited from: One Mile at a Time