Experiencing Business Class on Thai Airways A320: A Flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok

Introduction to the Flight

On my journey back to Bangkok for an international trip after celebrating my birthday in the Golden Triangle, I had the chance to experience Thai Airways' business class on an Airbus A320 from Chiang Rai (CEI) to Bangkok (BKK). This flight lasted only 70 minutes, yet it offered many memorable experiences.

Why Choose Thai Airways

Thai Airways, one of the largest airlines in Thailand, has recently refurbished its A320 fleet to offer a more modern configuration with business class amenities. While the airline previously operated A320s for domestic flights, this upgrade allows passengers to enjoy a more comfortable experience than before.

Ticket Information and Pricing

We booked a round-trip ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai for $330.24 per person. Compared to economy class, this fare is about $50 higher each way, but it's well worth the premium for the business class experience.

Check-in Process and Departure

We arrived at Chiang Rai Airport around 9 AM for our 10:10 flight. The airport is small, and the Thai Airways check-in area was quite empty, allowing us to quickly obtain our boarding passes. However, there was no lounge available for business class passengers, but each person was given a voucher worth 150 THB (~$5) to use at Black Canyon Coffee.

Business Class Cabin

Upon entering the business class cabin, I was welcomed by two friendly flight attendants. The cabin features 12 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration. The seats recline 5 inches and offer ample legroom, making the short flight much more comfortable compared to domestic flights in Vietnam.

In-Flight Amenities

While the seats do not have personal entertainment systems, they can connect to the in-flight Wi-Fi. Thai Airways provides online entertainment with over 130 movies and 75 TV shows, which is particularly useful for this short flight, especially with the variety of entertainment options available.

Dining and Beverage Service

The in-flight meal service was quite satisfactory, with dishes served alongside bottled water and wet towels. Although alcohol was not served, this wasn't a significant issue for a short flight. However, it might be a downside for those who enjoy a drink while flying.

Safety and Departure

The flight commenced smoothly and efficiently. By 10 AM, we were informed of our 70-minute flight time. The Airbus A320 took off on time, and the journey was calm and incident-free.

Comparison to Economy Class

Compared to economy class, business class passengers felt less cramped, with more spacious surroundings. However, this can also depend on the flight time and the number of passengers. On this flight, economy class was only about half full.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

When flying from Vietnam to Thailand, you can easily find flights from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN) to Bangkok (BKK). A visa is not required for Vietnamese citizens for stays under 30 days in Thailand. Round-trip fares range from 4 to 6 million VND, depending on the timing.

For those looking to experience business class on Thai Airways, it’s advisable to book early for the best prices and choose a suitable travel time, with the ideal period being from November to February for visiting Thailand.

Thai Airways frequently offers promotional deals, so be sure to check their website regularly to catch any savings opportunities.

Reference and editing sourced from: One Mile at a Time