Our Thai Airways Business Class review looks at the Royal Silk experience. Does the blend of comfort and Thai culture make it worth the price?
Royal Silk Class, the Business Class offering from Thai Airways, serves as a vital link between Europe, Australia, and the heart of Asia. In this Thai Airways business class review, we explore the nuances of the A350 and 777 products. As the airline navigates a period of modernization, we examine if the current offering meets the expectations of the discerning luxury traveler.
The modern Royal Silk cabin typically utilizes a 1-2-1 staggered configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all. On the Airbus A350, this feels particularly spacious due to the aircraft's wider cross-section. The seats are upholstered in the signature Thai purple, providing a vibrant yet professional atmosphere. When reclined into a fully flat bed, the seat provides a solid platform for rest. Our team finds the side tables to be particularly useful for keeping work documents or tablets at hand during the meal service.
Thai Airways is famous for its 'Samrap' Thai meal service in Business Class—a concept that presents a variety of dishes simultaneously to allow for a balance of flavors: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. This approach is a refreshing departure from the standard appetizer-and-main-course format. Is Thai Airways business class worth it for the food? If one appreciates authentic regional cuisine, the answer is a resounding yes. The Western options are also well-executed, though they lack some of the flair of the Thai menu. The wine selection is curated to complement the spice profiles of the food, often featuring aromatic whites and medium-bodied reds.
Business Class passengers have access to the Royal Silk lounges across the Thai network. In Bangkok, the lounges are expansive, providing a variety of zones for work and relaxation. While the massage treatment is shorter than that offered to First Class passengers (thirty minutes as opposed to an hour), the 30-minute foot or neck-and-shoulder massage remains one of the best Business Class perks in the industry. It effectively clears the tension before a long-haul flight.
The amenity kits are often designed by brands like Furla or Mandarina Duck, containing essential Thann or Institut Karité products. The 'Thai touch' in service is evident here as well; the crew is attentive and treats the service with a level of formality that feels appropriate for the cabin. However, on shorter flights within Asia, the service can feel slightly hurried due to the high passenger count in the large A330 and 777 cabins.
We particularly enjoy flying the A350 with Thai Airways. The quietness of the engines and the tail-camera view provide an enhanced sense of travel. The entertainment system is stocked with a generous array of Hollywood and Asian titles. One area for improvement is the consistency of the Wi-Fi service, which can be intermittent depending on the specific aircraft and route. For the business traveler, this lack of reliability is a factor to consider.
Thai Airways Royal Silk Class offers a distinct cultural experience that sets it apart from its regional rivals. While some of the older aircraft in the fleet do not provide the same level of seat comfort, the A350 and 777-300ER products are world-class. When one considers the ground services and the exceptional dining, the investment is well-justified for those seeking a graceful and culturally rich journey.
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