On a recent bleisure trip I flew from Bangkok to Melbourne in business class on Thai Airways’ A350 aircraft. If you are about to as well, then you’ will experience one of the airline’s modern offerings in the realm of business class travel. With 12 A350s in its fleet, Thai Airways presents a distinctive two-class configuration on this aircraft, featuring 321 seats in total: 32 in Business Class and 289 in Economy Class.
What plane is Thai Airways A350-900?
It’s an Airbus and Thai Airways currently has 12 of them as part of its fleet. It is a two class aircraft and has 321 seats. 32 Seats in Business Class at the front of the aircraft and directly behind it are 289 Seats in Economy Class. Knowing your aircrafts and their configurations is important. By getting the best business class hard and soft product you get bang for you buck. In fact, doing your research is paramount, because there is business class, and then there is business class. In fact many airlines have started rolling out their A350’s yet not all are the same. Turkish Airlines picked up 4 from Aeroflot which have mini suites. On the other hand Cathay Pacific flies their A350’s again as a different configuration.
Seat Map and Configuration
Thai Airways’ A350 business class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout, providing passengers with direct aisle access and a sense of privacy during their journey.
Unlike some competitors, the business class seats on Thai Airways’ A350 are lie-flat and straight, ensuring a comfortable rest without the inconvenience of angled seating arrangements.
It’s important to note the seating nuances, particularly regarding window seats. Unlike the herringbone seating configuration on Cathay Pacific A350-1000 for example, the single window seats on Thai are divided into true window seats and aisle window seats. This distinction requires passengers to choose their seats mindfully, considering their preference for direct access to the window or easier aisle accessibility.
Amenities and Facilities
Thai Airways offers amenity kits in business class, although they do not currently provide pyjamas, a feature found on some other airlines.
The airline’s business class also includes power plugs, albeit tucked away on the side of the seats, which can be slightly inconvenient when navigating in and out of your seat or attending to personal needs.
The tray table folds neatly away, and the small coat hook is a thoughtful addition for hanging shirts or jackets. There is also plenty of space for shoes or a small bag just under the TV Screen.
This keeps everything easily accessible throughout the flight without the need to open and close overhead lockers repeatedly.
If you are travelling with kids or babies the baby bassinet seats are at the front and rear of the business class cabin. Some may find the rear seating more practical as the bassinet is positioned next to the seat rather than in front. (see image below)
In terms of connectivity, Thai Airways provides inflight Wi-Fi, although it comes at an additional cost. It’s worth noting that some passengers have reported issues with the Wi-Fi service, experiencing connectivity challenges throughout the flight. I for one, could not connect at all during the duration of the flight.
Ground Experience and Dining
Before boarding, passengers can enjoy Thai Airways’ lounge in Bangkok, which offers a simple yet spacious environment with various private spaces. The lounge features food and drink stations stocked with refreshments and snacks, along with well-maintained restroom facilities.
Onboard dining experiences vary, with passengers offered to pre-book meals 72 hours before the flight to secure preferred options. I didn’t think this was necessary at the time, but will certainly opt of this in future.
Overall Impressions
Reflecting on the overall business class experience aboard Thai Airways’ A350, passengers can expect a comfortable and reasonably priced journey, with one way tickets typically priced around $2400 per person for J Class. While it may not rival the luxury offerings of airlines like Emirates (especially Ek409 from Melbourne to Dubai) or Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways’ A350 business class provides a commendable level of comfort and amenities that make it a competitive choice for travellers seeking a balance between quality and affordability.
Summing Up
Thai Airways’ A350 business class offers a solid travel experience, particularly for those looking for a reliable and comfortable journey at a reasonable price point. It is the second time I am flying them and certainly not the last. By being mindful of seat choices, pre-booking meals, and managing expectations regarding inflight amenities, passengers can make the most of their business class experience with Thai Airways on board the A350 aircraft.
Safe Travels 😊
