Overview
Thai Airways is based in Bangkok, the Thai capital, and now operates as one of Asia’s largest airlines. The airline was founded in 1960 and currently operates domestic and international services to more than 70 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Europe.
Pre-Flight Information
Check-In Information
Thai Airways has different check-in policies depending on whether your are flying domestically or internationally, as well as special conditions for checking in at certain airports.
International Flights
Thai Airways’ airport check-in times vary according to the airport. Counters, however, usually open between 3 and 2 hours prior to departure. The counters close anywhere between 1 hour and 20 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time.
Departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport
Thai Airways check-in counters open 3 hours before the scheduled flight time and close 40 minutes prior to departure.
Domestic Flights
Airport check-in for flights departing Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Krabi opens 2 hours ahead of departure and closes 30 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time. Check-in for flights from Khon Kaen opens 2 hours ahead of departure and closes 20 minutes prior. Passengers travelling from Penang and Surat Thani may check-in between 2 hours and 30 minutes before their flight and 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport
Check-in opens for passengers travelling within Thailand 3 hours prior to departure and closes 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled flight time.
Online Check-In
Thai Airways’ online check-in service is available for domestic and international flight passengers, from 24 hours ahead of the scheduled flight time to 1 hour before departure. Online check-in is not permitted for passengers who require special assistance at the airport or are in transit.
Kiosk Check-In
Kiosk check-in is available at the following airports:
- Bangkok
- Frankfurt
- Copenhagen
- London (Heathrow)
- Tokyo (Narita)
Passengers choosing to use kiosk check-in may select or change their seats up to 12 hours prior to departure, dropping their bags off at the designated counters upon arrival at the airport.
Mobile Check-In
Mobile check-in is available for domestic Thai Airways flights departing from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and international services departing Bangkok only. The service is also available for flights departing from destinations outside of Thailand where Advanced Passenger Information is not required, and all proper travel documents have been provided. Mobile check-in is not permitted when special assistance is required. This mode of check-in is open from between 24 hours up until 1 hour prior to departure.
Baggage
Thai Airways has different baggage allowances depending on whether your are flying domestically or internationally, as well as different policies for Orchid Plus members.
Cabin Baggage
Thai Airways passengers may travel with one piece of cabin baggage that weighs no more than 7kg, as well as a handbag, wallet, purse, walking stick, infant food, or notebook or laptop that does not exceed 1.5kg. Star Alliance Gold Status members travelling with two or more Star Alliance carriers and in Business Class or First Class can travel with two pieces of cabin baggage.
Checked Baggage - Domestic
Those flying domestically within Thailand in Royal Silk Class are welcome to carry up to 40kg of checked baggage. Premium Economy Class and Economy Class passengers may travel with up to 30kg of checked baggage.
Royal Orchid Plus and Star Alliance Gold members are welcome to travel with an additional 20kg of checked baggage, while Royal Orchid Platinum members enjoy an additional allowance of 30kg. Royal Orchid Plus members may also travel with an additional 10kg checked baggage allowance.
Checked Baggage - International
Thai Airways’ checked baggage allowance is calculated by piece or weight, depending on your destination. Baggage allowance is indicated upon booking.
Weight (flights to and from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa and the Middle East)
Passengers travelling in Royal First Class may carry up to 50kg of checked baggage, and Royal Silk Class and Premium Economy Class passengers are permitted a total allowance of 40kg. Economy Class passengers may travel with up to 30kg.
Star Alliance Gold members and members of the Royal Orchid Plus program are welcome to travel with an additional 20kg of baggage. Royal Orchid Platinum members travelling on flights operated by Thai Airways enjoy an additional allowance of 30kg. Royal Orchid Plus Silver members may add 10kg to their checked baggage allowance.
Piece (flights to and from the USA and Canada)
Royal First and Royal Silk passengers making their way to or from the USA and Canada can travel with two checked bags with a maximum weight allowance of 32kg per piece. Economy Class passengers are permitted two checked bags with a maximum weight of 23kg per piece. Royal Orchid Plus Gold Card members and Royal Orchid Platinum members are welcome to carry one additional bag on top of the standard allowance for any class of travel.
Royal Orchid Plus
Thai Airways’ loyalty program is Royal Orchid Plus. It features four membership or status tiers: Basic, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The benefits of membership differ according to status level but may include airline perks such as dedicated service centre assistance, additional baggage allowance, priority boarding and even free round-trip for members who have obtained the upper tiers. The program’s Qualifying Miles are calculated based on the distance flown and the class of travel chosen. Miles are available upon booking flights with Thai Airways and other Star Alliance partner airlines. Miles may be redeemed for flights and travel class upgrades, as well as hotel stays, airport lounge access, and additional baggage allowances. Royal Orchid Plus is free to join.
Flights
Airfare Specials
In-flight Images
+2 more Royal First Class
Royal First Class seats with Thai Airways are luxurious, comfortable and beautiful. Passengers receive the highest level of service and ammenities on their journey.
Incredible Service in Royal First Class
Comfortable seating, spacious interiors, luxury amenities, and outstanding service are the Royal First Class experience.
Reclining Seating in Royal First Class
All Royal First Class seats have reclining positions up to lie-flat. Beds are prepared with linens, blankets, and pillows for you to rest.
Spacious Seating in Royal First Class
Thai Airways Royal First Class seats offer incredible spaciousness, with comfortable and elegant design touches throughout.
+2 more Economy
Economy Class travellers with Thai airways on long distance flights receive a personal pillow and blanket. Thai-inspired meals and service are also provided for a comfortable journey.
Thai Airways Economy Dining
Economy passengers are treated to Thai-inspired meals with great service.
Seating in Thai Airways Economy Class
Seats are laid out in a comfortable manner, with complimentary cushions provided for each seat on long distance international and domestic flights.
In-built Entertainment
Most flights with Thai Airways include private screens built-in to the seat in front.
+2 more Royal Silk Class
Elegant and comfortable, Royal Silk Class cabins are inspired by the rich culture of Thailand with a beautiful, soothing atmosphere and a touch of luxury.
Recline in comfort in Royal Silk Class.
Royal Silk Class seats are comfortable, private, and offer a private retreat to enjoy on your own.
Reclining seating in Royal SIlk Class.
All Royal Silk Class seats have reclining position, with select aircraft offering the ability to convert into a lie-flat bed.
Cabins in Royal Silk Class
Royal Silk Class cabins are uncrowded, spacious, and offer private retreats for every passenger to relax in comfort and style.In-Flight Experience
In-flight Entertainment
Thai Airways’ in-flight entertainment system gives passengers more than 1,000 hours of films, games, music, and more. The range of viewing choices includes new-release Hollywood blockbusters, diverse TV genres, and picks from local cinema options. In-flight entertainment is typically delivered through seatback or personal touch screens.
Dining
Economy Class and Premium Economy Class
Economy Class and Premium Economy Class passengers are served either a light snack or meal on all flights. The multi-course meals are inspired by authentic Thai cuisine and seasonal produce, with offerings including a main dish, plus a salad, bread, fresh fruit or dessert. All meals can be served alongside a choice of drinks, including wine, spirits, juice and a selection of hot and cold beverages.
Royal Silk Class
Passengers travelling in Royal Silk Class are greeted with hot towels and a choice of Champagne or juice before take-off. Those on most regional and international flights receive a full meal, inclusive of an appetiser, a light first course, hot main meal, cheeses and fruit, dessert and coffee or tea. Drinks are included in meal service and are also available during the flight.
Royal First Class
Royal First Class passengers are offered the choice of vintage Champagne, cocktails, wine, soft drink and juice after take-off and are welcome to enjoy a serve of fine caviar with condiments once in the air. Meal service includes an amuse-bouche, soup, salad and a main meal, as well as cheese, fruit and dessert. Some premium beverages, including wines, spirits and aged cognac, are available.
Special Meals
Special meals catering to religious, health or dietary requirements can be ordered in advance by contacting Thai Airways. Requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Cabin Classes
Economy Class
Economy Class passengers who travel on long-distance regional and international flights enjoy wider than average seating and are provided with a pillow, blanket and ample overhead storage. Eye masks and earplugs are available upon request. Toys, games and books are also offered to children travelling on international and domestic services.
Royal Silk Class
Thai Airways’ Royal Silk Class seats transform into comfortable 180-degree fully flat beds on most A380, B777 and B787 services. The seats allow passengers to customise their head, back and leg position, and to adjust lumbar support. Passengers have access to 15- to 16-inch flat screens, as well as PC powerpoints and USB ports. Blankets, pillows and slippers are available upon request, and Royal Silk Class bathrooms are stocked with fragrances and some toiletries. Those flying in Royal Silk Class are also provided with a travel kit.
Royal First Class
The seats in Royal First Class are fully adjustable, according to a passenger’s preferences. Change the seat from fully upright to flat-lie made up with linen, blankets and pillows available. Most of the airline’s A380 and B747 services feature 8-foot semi-private suites with a seat width of 27-inches in A380 aircraft and 23-inches for B747 aircraft. Some B747 services are fitted with fully flat beds, which offer a minimum width of 21-inches and almost 7-foot of total space.
All Royal First Class passengers are given a travel kit filled with designer toiletries and accessories, and there may also be on-board lounge areas and changing rooms on some aircraft. Comfort wear and slippers are provided for international flights lasting 6 hours or more. There are between nine and 12 semi-private suites on the airline’s A380 and B747 services, while selected B747 services provide an open cabin seating configuration for up to 10 passengers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai Airways a budget airline?
Thai Airways is a full-service airline, with checked baggage, meals and more included in its airfares.
Does Thai Airways provide food?
Thai Airways does provide food on its flights, but meal inclusions and menus do vary according to the flight route and class of travel.
Does Thai Airways include baggage?
Thai Airways provides all passengers with an allowance for carry-on baggage and checked baggage. Total allowance is determined by travel class.