Thai Smile is a relatively small, full service, airline operating flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to regional destinations which fit into the network of an all Airbus 320 fleet. Thai Smile fly Thailand domestic routes as well as routes from Thailand to neighbouring.Their flights include a 2-class service with the first 4 rows sold as Thai Smile class (16 seats) and 160 Economy class seats. The tickets include 20kg baggage allowance, a mileage credit on the THAI Royal Orchid Plus program, and a small snack/drink service.

I checked-in online for both flights and it was quickly and easily done as I already pre-booked the seats (no charge). Bag drop at Suvarnabhumi airport was quick and efficient. The inflight service consisted of a drink service as well as a hot snack. The flight attendants were efficient and polite.

The fare prices are moderate and similar to those offered by competitor airlines such as Nok Air and Thai Airasia.  Thai Smile flights can be booked on the airline’s own website or on the THAI Airways International website.

I found both flights on Thai Smile pleasant and they were on time. The big advantage for Thai Smile are that the flights are operated from Suvarnabhumi Airport which makes it easy to connect from any international flight even though baggage through-checking is not possible.

https://www.thaismileair.com/en/

B-737-800, Configuration 20/135

Zurich-Istanbul, Economy Class

Check-in online with mobile boarding pass worked perfectly. Boarding was done in groups which was easy and hassle-free as the flight was only booked about 35 % full.

The aircraft was clean and had leather seats with individual inflight entertainment screens. Earphones were distributed by the cabin crew before take-off.

The service consisted of a hot breakfast together with 2 rounds of drinks, coffee and tea. Then “mood light” was turned on so people could watch a movie or take some rest. The cabin crew were polite and friendly. I was happy to see that Turkish Airlines still do a full meal service rather than the quick snack/drink which you normally find on intra-european flights these days. Overall, my experience on Turkish Airlines was pleasant and represented good value-for-money.

Turkish Airlines offers some very competitive fares on their extensive global route network.

Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport is a huge airport and can become extremely crowded with transit passengers.

The airport has a large immigration area which can also become crowded at times.

We used the “PrimeClass” arrival service. This consisted of a meet-and-greet service by an agent with an electro cart at the arrival gate, transportation to the fast-track immigration counter, then escort  outside where our Uber car was waiting. TAV Primeclass offer a variety of services such as Arrival/Departure Service as well as Lounges and more.

Overall, it was an effective service which made for an efficient and stress free arrival experience at Atatürk Airport.

http://www.turkishairlines.com

http://www.primeclass.com.tr

The Lounges

The Emirates Lounges both in Bangkok and Hong Kong sharethe well known cooperate identity of Emirates Airlines which can be found across the world.

The lounges typically have a dining area with restaurant-type seating and a large open area equipped with comfortable lounge chairs. The lounges also have a small business centre with computers and printers, showers and a Muslim prayer room.

The buffet consisted of a cold section which offers humus and other Asian specialities; as well as vegetarian snacks, small fish/meat bites and a sweet desserts section. The warm buffet offered about 10 different main courses including meat, fish, potatoes, rice and vegetables.

The bar was fully equipped, offering a full range of alcoholic beverages including wine, champagne,and spirits. Non-alcoholic beverages on offer included a range of soft drinks and cordials.  Many choices of coffee and tea were available plus chocolates and fresh Emirates signatures dates.

To compare the 2 lounges, I found the food offered in Bangkok tastier, while the lounge staff in Hong Kong were much friendlier. The Emirates Lounge in Bangkok is located at the D concourse mid-level with a garden view of Suvarnabhumi airport. The Emirates Lounge in Hong Kong is located near gate 40, upstairs with a nice view towards the tarmac and the departure area.

The Emirates Lounge Bangkok

The Emirates Lounge Hong Kong

The Flights 

We flew Bangkok – Hong Kong – Bangkok on Emirates. Both flights were operated with an A380 aircraft which offers 12 F, 78 C and  399 Y seats. The upper deck was is solely for premium class passengers and boarding/disembarkation was via a separate, direct aerobridge at both airports.

Business class seating was the typical 1 – 2 – 1 configuration.The middle two seats could be used as either “honeymoon-style” seats or as private aisle seats. All business class seats were equipped with a personal minibar, and a tablet which helped you navigate Emirates’ sophisticated entertainment system.

The meal service consisted of a hotel-type meal choice on both sectors. Here again, Bangkok beat the Hong Kong catering in terms of taste. Meal service was conducted all by hand using an all-in-one tray and was carried out promptly on both sectors.

Here it was also nice to see the difference of both crews. While the outbound flight crew was outstanding, chatty, and efficient (they even took Polaroid photos of the passengers and wrote a personal message on the photo frame) the inbound crew seemed a little indifferent appearing to do everything by-the-book, no more no less.Everything seemed to be rushed.  This was unnecessary as there was no cocktail or drink service before the meal,no separate coffee/desert roundand no bad weather or in-flight turbulence to delay the meal service. On the outbound sector espresso coffee was not available due to a broken coffee maker.

Both flights were very lightly booked in Business Class (about one-third full each way) and the Lounge Bar was opened on both flights.

Although it was a short flight, the entire bar selection was available including small snacks such as olives, nuts,cheese flutes plus a small choice of sandwiches and fresh fruit. This was a very impressive service offering.

Conclusion: Emirates offers a solid product with fair prices. In my opinion Qatar Airways offers a more elegant and generous service while Etihad Airways has the better crews (upbeat and cheerful).

http://www.ermirates.com

A346 NEW YORK JFK-MUNICH

March 2017

Configuration 8/56/28/189

Online check-in with seat selection was fast and efficient. No waiting time at the baggage drop counter at JFK airport. The LH lounge at JFK airport has a very bright ambiance and enjoys wonderful tarmac views. It was a sunny afternoon and “action” passing by is very nice to see. There is a darker more quiet area with relaxing chairs. The food and beverage offering was nothing to write home about and pretty much standard fare for modern airport lounges these days.

Boarding went fast as the passenger load was light. The well-known LH window/aisle seats are great if you travel as a couple, while the middle seats are better if you travel alone. The window seat is difficult to get out from when the passenger next to you is sleeping. (Avoid row 10 as the seats are installed between 2 toilets and the purser work station; and the galley curtains constantly get in your way.

Service was nice and pleasant. The food was delicious. (Flight attendant told us that new catering company is delivering its food to LH starting this March). Breakfast was served on an “all-on-one” tray which was perfectly fine on this 7 hour flight with early morning arrival into MUC.

The new midfield passenger terminal at MUC airport is quite convenient for connecting passengers, as many European flights depart directly from there so the distances are very short. For Munich passengers it takes a bit longer to get to the exit and the baggage claim area.

Verdict: Pleasant flight with a solid product and the usual Lufthansa quality and efficiency.

I did about 30 flight legs on Bangkok Airways in the last few years. The airline calls itself Asia’s Boutique Airline with a focus on quality domestic and international air travel.

Every passenger is entitled to visit Bangkok Airways own lounges where coffee, tee, water and orange juice is offered for free. Wifi is also available for everybody. Inflight service still consists of usually a small hot meal and a sweet item which is not to be found on any other thai carrier. Soft drinks are also offered. Crews are friendly, well trained and safety conscious.

If you are flying out of Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok I highly recommend web check-in as lines can be rather long (especially early morning). A good solid product which has not changed much over the years and still the airline of my choice for thai domestic and regional destinations.

http://www.bangkokair.com

ZURICH-DUBAI

Business Class, A330-300 Confirguration 8/45/183

Checked-in online, no waiting time at the security (very efficient as always) quick visit to the lounge and then on time boarding.

Friendly welcome on board. Switzerland Menu Cycle TICINO. Nice meal service, good quality food, friendly and charming crew and service. Flawless flight with just about the right amount of attention and a short rest time on this 5.30hr flight.

Ice cream service before landing in Dubai. Fast arrival cards already handed out on board which is very convenient.

Swiss Business Class Lounge Zurich:

Longest Lounge Bar with a view

The lounge is solid, food and and beverage choice rather basic, can be very crowded at times. There is a overflow area in the back but still tends to be full often. Upstairs is a the longest airport bar with cocktail service with a nice view.

There is going to be a XXL Lounge at the Dock E where all long-haul flights depart. This will probably bring some relief to the Airside Lounge and the shabby Panorama lounge in Terminal E. Looking forward to the its opening which should be in 4. quarter 2015.

http://www.swiss.com

Etihad Airways A333

My seat

After take-off drink with warm nuts and menucard

Vegetable soup with white asparagus and creme fraiche

warm berry mille-feuille

fresh fruit platter

July 2015:

window view (netpic)

ETIHAD AIRWAYS ZRH-AUH

Check-in in Zurich was a breeze. No line and local Etihad staff available to greet all Business Class passengers personally. Seat was assigned within seconds.

Flight was booked very light and there were only 10 Pax in C which were greeted with a glass of champagne or drink of their choice. The cabin manager came by to greet all pax personally as well.

Etihad features a “kitchen anytime” concept which leaves the freedom to the guest to choose from a regular 4-course meal or plenty of snack or à la card items from a always available menu. A food and beverage manager (white jacket) will take orders and you can choose every individual course and the time that you desire to eat.

I opted for for a soup and a dessert right after take off. The food was delicious and very nicely presented. The crew was multi-cultural, polite and professional. They seemed to be in a good mood and available for a quick chat every now and then.

Before landing in Abu Dhabi i had a delicious fruit platter and some ice cream. Fast track cards for immigration were given out. No lines at immigration whatsoever.

Abu Dhabi Airport is very old and lots of construction is going on. The building is overcrowded and most of the space is occupied with shops. The main terminal is so full that it is very difficult to move around. Almost all passengers change flights there and the terminal size is narrow and only limited space available. Bars and restaurants are difficult to find and very scarce. (Check for skytrax reviews of AUH airport)

Etihad Aiways has a very good Business Class product with nice seats which can turn to a flat bed, E-Box Entertainment, nice amenities and a very individual service.

http://www.etihadairways.com

Etihad Regional Saab 2000

Cabin view as advertised

ETIHAD REGIONAL IS A NEW SUBSIDIARY OF ETIHAD AIRWAYS. THEY TOOK OVER THE SMALL SWISS REGIONAL CARRIER DARWIN AIRLINE.

ZRH-LEJ

The managment is making big promises for the “new product” and selling out their tickets at extremly cheap fares.

Time for me to make a “flight check”. Check-in was not possible online due to software problems. According to the handling agent this seems to be the case since many weeks and no solution is in sight.

The plane was an old *ex OLT” Saab 2000 which was very worn out and tired. The old seats are not in their best condition and its really time to refurbish those aircrafts. Service is mediocre. There are mini sandwiches available and soft drinks. No wine or beer, not even for purchase. The flight attendant was not very motivated. There were only 8 passengers on board. She had obviously difficulty with the german language and also her english announcements were below standard.

Advertisments promise a new fresh cabin with a nice “Etihad”-like service. This flight was unfortunately far from it. If Etihad Regional/Darwin want to survive in the tough european market lots of homework need to be done and other major improvements are necessary..