TG 202
HKT-BKK
B747-400
February 9, 2011
10:05A-11:35A
Seats 1AK
One of the best and most comfortable one hour flights I've had in a long time.
This is one of those TG flights that operates with a three class international 744 yet is sold only as a two class. So seats in the First Class cabin are available on a first come first served basis to those that know enough to ask for it. OLCI produced the now fully expected pre-assigned seats, with no changes permitted. Presumably due to my *G status, I was assigned 3A in the First Class cabin, but Mrs. SFO (on the same PNR) was assigned 25F (aisle seat "in the galley") in the lower Business Class cabin.
At check-in I asked the agent about changing seats resulting in this exchange.
Agent: Would you like seats in the upper deck?
SFO: I'd prefer two seats in the First Class cabin since I'm already there.
Agent: I don't have two seats together in that cabin, but I do have 1A and 1K.
SFO: Those would be great thank you!!
Smugly satisfied with my "coup" we head for our third Royal Silk lounge of the week, with funky 80's decor...
Then off to the gate...
And the usual handwritten TG sign...
Time to board....
Talk about spacious! All one hour domestic flights should be this nice.
Our classy cabin mates...
Giving me the evil eye...
TMI, TMI...
PDB included ginger tea which was very nice. Post departure, warm towels and another tasty hot fish dish, and more ginger tea, served by another friendly and efficient cabin crew.
Our flight path on descent into BKK...
Orient Thai 744 on final just ahead of us...
Taxing to the gate...
In summary, while TG's ground and boarding process leaves something to be desired and isn't even in the same league as AA, once on board, TG is a very good product. And while not the most current hard product, I'd definitely like to try long-haul TG First.
This was our first visit to Thailand, and we were so taken by the friendliness, personality and caring nature of so many of the Thais we met. What a great experience!