Flight Review: Thai Airways Business Class Frankfurt (FRA) to Bangkok (BKK)

In February 2023, I flew Thai Airways in international business class between Frankfurt and Bangkok as part of a longer trip from the United States to Southeast Asia.

Overview of Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER Business Class

I flew from Buffalo, New York to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on a United Airlines business-class award ticket that included four segments:

• United economy class from (BUF) to Washington (IAD)
• United business class from Washington (IAD) to Frankfurt (FRA)
• Thai Airways business class from Frankfurt (FRA) to Bangkok (BKK)
• Thai Airways business class from Bangkok (BKK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

I briefly discussed the first and last flights in my Southeast Asia trip report introduction and wrote a separate review of the United Airlines flight between Washington and Frankfurt.

This review addresses the flight between Frankfurt and Bangkok in Thai Airways Royal Silk Class, which is Thai Airways’ business-class product.

Thai Airways is a Star Alliance member airline, and it operates international long-haul flights, as well as flights within Asia and domestic flights within its home country, Thailand. Most of the Thai Airways international long-haul flights operate to and from Bangkok. Thai Airways uses multiple types of planes for its international flights, but even my short flight from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur was on a plane with lie-flat seats.

How I Booked a Thai Airways 777-300ER Business-Class Flight

As noted above, this flight was part of a four-segment itinerary from the U.S. to Southeast Asia. I detailed the booking process and considerations in my United Polaris Washington to Frankfurt flight review, so I won’t repeat those details. In summary, I found a great redemption through United Mileage Plus and booked a one-way itinerary for 60,000 miles plus $42 in taxes and fees.

The United flight review discusses options and prices for booking the complete U.S. to Southeast Asia trip and the U.S. to Europe segment, so I’ll focus here on options for booking business-class flights from Frankfurt to Bangkok.

Award and cash prices between Frankfurt and Bangkok vary widely depending on when the flight is booked, the booking program, the operating airline and the route. The examples below are for business-class flights in February 2024 and reflect availability and pricing 10 to 11 months in advance.

• Nonstop Thai Airways flights booked with points: If booked through United MileagePlus, the lowest price is 110,000 miles one-way per person. If booked through Thai Airways’ Royal Orchid Plus program, the same flight costs 144,000 miles. As detailed in the United Polaris review, it’s easy to obtain United Miles through co-branded credit cards or transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy. Thai Airways is a Capital One transfer partner.
• One-stop flights on other airlines booked with points: With one connection, the lowest prices for business-class awards from Frankfurt to Bangkok are 75,000 miles one-way on Qatar Airways or Royal Jordanian flights booked through American Airlines or British Airways programs. Air Canada Aeroplan has award flights starting at 80,000 miles one-way on several of its partners. For each loyalty program, there are multiple ways to earn miles, including co-branded credit cards and transferring flexible currency points. Air Canada and British Airways have more flexible currency transfer partners than American.
• Flights booked with cash: About 10 to 11 months in advance, the lowest paid business-class fares during February 2024 were about $2,140 for the nonstop Thai Airways flight and started at about $1,940 for one-stop flights on other airlines.
• Flights booked through bank travel portals: Major flexible currency programs have travel portals where you can use points instead of cash to book most flights. Points are redeemed at a fixed rate of 1 to 1.5 cents per dollar, depending on the program and specific credit cards you have. For example, a flight costing $2,000 would require between 133,333 points—for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders redeeming Ultimate Rewards points at 1.5 cents per point (cpp)—and 200,000 points with programs and cards where the redemption rate is 1 cpp.

Thai Airways Check-In at Frankfurt (FRA)

I checked in at Buffalo (BUF) before my first flight and received boarding passes for all four segments of the trip. My luggage was checked through to Kuala Lumpur.

My flight from Washington (IAD) landed at Frankfurt (FRA) almost two hours before the scheduled departure time for the Thai Airways flight.

I didn’t have to go through security at Frankfurt (FRA), but before boarding began at the gate, I was called to the desk and asked to provide my passport information. The Thai Airways agent printed new boarding passes for the final two flights.

Lounges at Frankfurt (FRA)

While neither United Airlines nor Thai Airways operate lounges at Frankfurt (FRA), as a business-class passenger arriving and departing on Star Alliance carriers, I was able to access Star Alliance business-class lounges.

The Star Alliance lounge finder tool identifies lounges and provides access rules. Besides the lounges I visited, the tool identifies two other Lufthansa business-class lounges, the Panorama Lounge, and the Luxx lounge. At the time of writing, the Luxx lounge participated in Priority Pass, but since that lounge is landside, it wouldn’t be a good option for passengers connecting post-security in Frankfurt.

There were two lounge options in Concourse B, the location of my flight to Bangkok. One was an Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge, and the other was a Lufthansa business-class lounge. I stopped briefly at both lounges. Neither lounge required waiting in line for admittance, and neither lounge was crowded once I entered.

Although I didn’t eat or drink anything and only spent 10 to 15 minutes in each lounge, I found the Lufthansa lounge to be much nicer. Both lounges had buffet areas and shower facilities. The Lufthansa lounge was larger overall, and it had a greater variety of food and beverages available.

I visited the Air Canada lounge first, since it was closer to the middle part of the terminal. The Air Canada lounge looked dated and worn. The food and beverage options were limited and didn’t look appealing. The worst part about the nearly empty lounge was that there were uncleared tables everywhere. I walked through the lounge, used the restroom, quickly checked email and left.

The Lufthansa business-class lounge was located near the gate for my flight to Bangkok. It had modern furnishings and multiple seating areas, and the lounge was bright and airy. It even had a children’s play area and an outdoor area.

The Lufthansa lounge buffet had an assortment of beverages and snacks along with more substantial food. I didn’t eat or drink anything, due to limited time at the lounge and not being hungry.

Boarding Thai Airways at Frankfurt (FRA)

Boarding for my Thai Airways flight was scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. and actually began about 20 minutes later. I arrived at the gate a minute or so after boarding was supposed to begin, and I didn’t hear an announcement explaining the delay.

Boarding, at least for business class, was organized with passengers boarding from a jet bridge. Two different plane doors were used for boarding business and economy class passengers.

Thai Airways Business-Class Takeoff from Frankfurt (FRA)

Takeoff was behind schedule, since boarding started about 20 minutes late, and we waited at the gate after boarding was complete.

Business class on this flight was quite full, but I don’t know how full the flight was in other cabins.

Once the plane left the gate, takeoff occurred quickly and was smooth.

Thai Airways 777-300ER Business-Class Cabin and Seats

Thai Airways business class, which the airline refers to as Royal Silk class, on its 777-300ER planes consists of 42 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The business-class cabin is divided into two zones with six rows in the front section and four rows behind it. The first row in the rear section only has two center seats.

Alternating rows are staggered to save space by having footwells in different positions. The single seats next to the window alternate rows with one seat closer to the window (storage area next to the aisle) and the next row with seats closer to the aisle (storage area next to window). The middle section similarly alternates rows with two seats closer together (storage areas next to aisle) and two seats separated by storage areas.

The best seats for solo travelers are the single seats on either side of the plane. My personal preference is a single seat closer to the window, so I have more privacy from people in the aisle. I selected a seat in the second row of the front section on this flight. The rows in the middle section that have more separation between seats are the next best option for solo travelers if single seats aren’t available.

The best seats for people traveling together who want to communicate during the flight are the middle section seats next to each other. These seats have partial sliding dividers, to provide an option for some privacy if needed.

There was plenty of overhead storage, with large, numbered bins for each business-class seat.

There was an area in the front galley where a few snacks (apples, oranges, wrapped cake) and beverages were set up between meal service.

The seat itself had all of the expected functionality and features, but my first impression was that the seats looked somewhat worn.

Storage, overall space and lighting were acceptable. There was a console to the side of the seat with a large table area. There was a storage area under the arm rest large enough for a water bottle, headphones and personal items such as eyeglasses. There was an overhead light and a side light.

I found the entertainment screen and controllers to be satisfactory. The screen was large and featured touch screen capability as well as a remote control. There were sufficient plugs for headphones and chargers in logical locations.

Seat controls were located on the arm rest above the entertainment controller. Seat controls were customizable, and it was easy for me to adjust the seat to bed mode. The seats had the standard buttons.

The tray table folded down from the back of the seat in front. The seat was movable, and I liked being able to slide it away, so I could get up without having to store the table.

The footwell space was comfortable for me, but it might be a little tight for a taller person or someone with large feet.

There were no individual air nozzles on this plane.

Thai Airways 777-300ER Business-Class Bathrooms

The plane has three bathrooms for business class; one at the front of the plane and two between the two business-class sections. I didn’t have to wait to use the bathroom.

The bathrooms were adequate but on the smaller side. Amenities were limited to some large bottles of hand lotion, as well as soap and paper towels.

The most memorable thing about the bathrooms was that the cabin crew closely monitored and maintained their condition during the flight. When I used the bathroom mid-flight, both toilet paper rolls were folded into triangles, like at a hotel.

Thai Airways 777-300ER Amenities

At boarding, amenities, including bedding, headphones and an amenity kit, were present at each seat.

Thai Airways Business-Class Amenity Kit

The amenity kit bag was designed by Thai designer, Vvon Sugunnasil, and the information card in the bag noted biodegradable materials used in packaging and selected items.

Items provided in the amenity kit included:

• Hand lotion
• Lip balm
• A toothbrush and toothpaste
• Socks
• An eye mask
• Earplugs
• A shoehorn

The overall quality and assortment of items seemed about average.

Thai Airways Business-Class Entertainment

The headphones provided were labeled as “AKG” and were of average quality.

The entertainment system was easy to use, but the entertainment options that I prefer—English language movies and television shows—were fairly limited compared to what was offered on my previous flight on United Airlines.

Thai Airways Business-Class Bedding Amenities

One blanket, one pillow and a seat topper were provided on this flight.

Thai Airways Business-Class Pre-Departure Amenities

Pre-departure beverages were offered and choices included: water, juices, a purple lime drink and champagne. Before drinks were served, warm clothes were provided. Beverages were served in real glassware.

Thai Airways 777-300ER Wi-Fi

The entertainment screen was vague about Wi-Fi availability. I didn’t pursue it since I didn’t need to be online during the flight.

Thai Airways Business-Class Menus

A paper menu was available for the flight and included options for the two meal services, other inflight dining and some non-alcoholic beverages.

Thai Airways Business-Class Lunch

Although the menu differentiated the two meals as “First Serving” and “Second Serving,” based on the early afternoon departure time and food options, I considered the first meal service to be a multi-course lunch.

Orders for both meal services were taken before takeoff, and meals were served at predetermined intervals. For lunch, I selected the chicken and bamboo shoots red curry option.

Lunch was served in courses. A ramekin of nuts was served first, and flight attendants came through the cabin with the drink cart. The lunch courses in order of service were: amuse bouche, starter and bread choices, main course, cheese plate and dessert. Beverages were proactively offered throughout the lunch service.

The quality of the food was generally good, and the amount of food should be enough for most people. It was too much food for me, and I skipped dessert entirely.

Cabin lights were dimmed and bottles of water distributed after the end of the first meal service, about two hours after takeoff. I thought the pace of service was good, considering this was an afternoon departure and a multi-course meal was served.

Thai Airways Business-Class Breakfast

The second meal service began with beverages being offered approximately 1 hour 45 minutes before landing. Since orders had been taken before takeoff, food was served shortly after the beverage service.

I selected the cheese omelet with ham, asparagus, mushrooms and tomatoes on the side. It was served with a potato patty, fruit, yogurt and choice of a roll or croissant.

Similar to the first service, I thought the food quality and taste were good.

Thai Airways Business-Class Bed

One blanket, one pillow and a seat topper were available at my seat upon boarding. The pillow was large enough, and the blanket and seat topper were comfortable.

Thai Airways doesn’t publish seat size, but similar seat configurations on other airlines have a length around 6.5 feet and a width around 2 feet. The seat and bed size were fine for me, but I’m about 5.5 feet tall and thin, so most business-class airline seats are comfortable for me.

I slept lightly for about two hours on this flight. Even though the flight arrived in Bangkok the next morning local time, this didn’t feel like an overnight flight, since we left Frankfurt early in the afternoon. Rather than trying to force myself to sleep as much as possible, I decided to nap when I felt tired.

For those who prefer to sleep most of the flight, cabin lights were dimmed shortly after completion of the first meal service, and partially brightened just before the pre-arrival meal service.

Thai Airways 777-300ER Arrival

Arrival was a few minutes late, and the landing was smooth. We didn’t have to wait for a gate.

My scheduled connection time in Bangkok (BKK) was 2 hours and 20 minutes, which was sufficient despite slow transiting at Bangkok (BKK). Upon deplaning, I followed the signs for transit passengers. Once I got near the area where the path diverged for passengers transferring to domestic flights, transferring to international flights or entering Thailand, things got a little confusing. The line for transferring to an international flight was backed up and wrapped around so it wasn’t clear initially where to go. The transfer involved going through security again.

By the time I had cleared security and was in the concourse for my next flight, about 25 minutes remained before the scheduled boarding time.

Thai Airways is in Star Alliance, and as a connecting passenger on a business-class ticket, I was able to access Star Alliance business-class lounges at Bangkok (BKK). Given the limited time, I only visited the Thai Airways Royal Silk lounge closest to my gate for a few minutes. I took a quick walk around the lounge and used the bathroom. I had wanted to take a shower but didn’t have time. I also didn’t eat or drink anything or take pictures.

It was a huge lounge but looked somewhat old and worn. I’ve been in other Thai Airways lounges in the past and felt the same way about them. Aesthetically, I think that Thai Airways’ color scheme and upholstery choices make both the plane interiors and lounges look dated.

Thai Airways 777-300ER Business-Class Family Friendliness

The cabin has a layout somewhat well-suited for families traveling together. It’s good for two people who want to sit next to each other, specifically in the middle section in alternating rows with seats positioned further from the aisles and closer together. These seats would work for someone needing assistance or close monitoring during the flight. The cabin doesn’t have seats where more than two people can be close to each other during the flight.

Children’s selections were available on the in-flight entertainment system, and baby and child meals are available as special meals.

Overall Impression of Thai Airways 777-300ER Business Class

My overall impression of Thai Airways 777-300ER business class is positive. The most important factors for me when flying business class as a solo traveler are: lie-flat seats, having a single seat in a 1-2-1 configuration, onboard service and food. My flight met or exceeded expectations in each area.

Since I flew United business class and Thai business class back-to-back on similar length flights and similar planes, it seems appropriate to make a few comparisons:

• The cabin and seats on the United 777-200 seemed newer and more attractive compared to the Thai Airways 777-300ER.
• Service was more proactive and polished on Thai Airways. I think this reflects a cultural difference between Asian and U.S. carriers.
• Food was better on Thai Airways.

Service differences are exemplified with my experience ordering a glass of wine on the two flights. Neither airline distributed a printed list of wine options. While the United flight attendant responded in an acceptable manner and answered my question about the varieties available, the Thai Airways flight attendant told me what wines were available and proactively offered me—and I noticed the same thing with another passenger—the opportunity to taste the two white wine choices to see which I preferred.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed my Thai Airways business-class experience, both on this flight and the approximately two-hour long connecting flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). The airline’s food and service were good on both flights, and the seats were comfortable. Although the 777-300ER plane to Bangkok seemed a little worn, the 787-800 plane from Bangkok had a nicer interior.

My transit experience reminded me that Bangkok (BKK) isn’t one of my favorite airports, since connecting or terminating there has been slow in my experience. If I made this trip again, I would definitely consider alternatives to connecting through Bangkok (BKK), or at least make sure I had a long layover to mitigate transit stress.

This article is part of a larger Trip Report on Southeast Asia, where you can learn about flights, lounges and hotels within this route.