{"id":5823,"date":"2024-03-31T10:34:30","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T03:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thailand-real-review.com\/en\/?p=5823"},"modified":"2024-10-09T15:37:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T08:37:55","slug":"ultimate-guide-flying-first-class-on-a-budget-unveiling-secrets-under-700","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thailand-real-review.com\/en\/5823.html","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Guide: Flying First Class on a Budget – Unveiling Secrets Under $700"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hello, everyone I am Chifumi Maeda, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

a Japanese female president living in Bangkok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Thank you, guys, for visiting this <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrue comments from Japanese female presidents living in Thailand\u201d blog<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Flying First Class on a Budget: Insider Tips to Score Flights Under $700<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I have lived in Thailand for many years and my life is based here, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so I link all my credit card points to Thai Airways mileage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was still using my credit card and so I accumulated miles and ended up with 740,000 miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the past, it was possible to exchange <\/p>\n\n\n\n

airmiles for hotel accommodation tickets in addition to the airline tickets, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but after the coronavirus, I could only exchange them for airline tickets, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so I thought about how to use the large amount of miles that I had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning, I used them for traveling within Thailand <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but the round trip within Thailand is 15,000 miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

And I came to the idea that to use up 740,000 miles by the end of December 2024, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

it would be better to fly first class on an international flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally, I wanted to fly first class on Thai Airways, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and I had already booked the Bangkok-Narita and Narita-Bangkok flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

My hubby and I, we were planning a trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

He says,<\/p>\n\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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Oh no, no way! I don’t want to fly through the night!!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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Oh hell no! I am not fly a long-distance route!!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

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I think it is a very good opportunity to take a ride on an aircraft like the A380.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

He started all this\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

So, I did a lot of research to make all his wishes come true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Then I found out that Emirates Airlines is flying from Bangkok to Hong Kong!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Emirates is not a member of Star Alliance or One World, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so we cannot use miles for this flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, it was 20,000 baht (approximately 560 USD) one way per person, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so I\u2019ve booked the flight simply because we wanted to the fly first class in the daytime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
The prices vary depending on the time and day of the week.vvvvv<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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I said to my husband who has stayed in Hong Kong many times for his work,<\/p>\n\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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Hey darling, let’s have delicious dim sum in Hong Kong!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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The aircraft is an A380!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Caviar will be served as an in-flight meal!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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And the champagne they serve in the flight is Dom Perignon!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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And, and, and, the first class is a completely private room!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

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And what\u2019s more, it’s a day flight leaving Bangkok at 13:45!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For our return flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I booked us business class using Thai Airways miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Already a t this point and time, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

we totally forgot about our main purpose of using a lot of miles <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but just wanted to fly first class on A380! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our purpose has changed\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

that’s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The way to fly first class for less than US$700 was <\/p>\n\n\n\n

to fly one-way on Emirates Airlines between Bangkok and Hong Kong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
From Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Hong Kong, here we come!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Emirates First Class: Unveiling Luxury Features and Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Emirates Airlines (EK) is the largest airline in the Middle East, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and is highly rated for its luxurious on-board facilities and high-quality service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Economy class is also highly rated with its wide seats <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and delicious in-flight meals, receiving high praise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Economy class is not bad at all but I can’t help but imaging <\/p>\n\n\n\n

how it would be to be traveling in first class, the highest class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The first thing that strikes you when you enter the plane is <\/p>\n\n\n\n

how luxurious it is with its gold and brown tones!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxurious yet, it has a calm interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Yep, it’s a Middle Eastern airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The flight we boarded was a such an international flight <\/p>\n\n\n\n

with a crew made up of 20 nationalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First-Class Seat Comfort and Perks: A Detailed Analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The A380 has two floors and first class is located in the front of the second floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are 14 seats in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
A380 first class seating plan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Seats A and K face the window, and seats E and F is in the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Seats A and K are designed to be completely private rooms, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and seats E and K have a partition in the middle that opens,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

so if you have someone traveling with you, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

you can chat with the person, which I think is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

We reserved the middle seats, 1E and 1F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s a completely private room, so privacy is maintained,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

making it a private room in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There’s a 23-inch screen and tablet at your seat, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

as well as a remote control, so you can enjoy in-flight entertainment any way you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
I\u2019ve also enjoyed in-flight entertainment on a 23-inch screen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
You can also do other tasks on your tablet while watching TV.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Wi-Fi is free in first class, so you can work or enjoy social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The headphones were made by British luxury manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The manufacturer is famous for its wireless headphones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was able to enjoy them stress-free without hurting my ears <\/p>\n\n\n\n

even after wearing them for long periods of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mineral water, Evian and Perrier water are always available, as well as snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It was luxurious and it was like \u201cYour wish is our command\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gourmet In-flight Dining: A Culinary Journey in First Class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It was a short-haul flight with a flight time of 3 hours, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but of course there is a in-flight meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I was looking forward to this in-flight meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yep, it\u2019s a first class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything is top notch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I forgot to take a photo, but when you got to your seat, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

you will be served Arabian coffee and dried fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t like coffee, you can also ask for Dilmah black tea or herbal tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Emirates Airlines wants passengers to experience the rich culture of Arabia on board, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so coffee is served in Arabic tea utensils in accordance with Arabian etiquette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This coffee was very aromatic and had a good balance of bitterness and acidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
The champagne before takeoff is Mo\u00ebt & Chandon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

While we were enjoying our coffee and champagne, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

they handed us the wine list and menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
Luxurious menu book<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

They carry a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including champagne, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 types of white wine, 4 types of red wine, port wine, and dessert wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
Champagne during the flight is Dom Perignon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I don’t usually drink alcohol, but I took the opportunity to have just one drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
Wine list: It’s fun just reading the detailed explanations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
Explanation of dessert wine and port wine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In addition, non-alcoholic cocktails and other various cocktails are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you like alcohol, you’ll probably feel high just by drinking alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, what I was looking forward to the most was the in-flight meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
In-flight meal menu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although it was an in-flight meal, the table was set up properly, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

making it look like a high-end restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Caviar seemed to be highly recommended, and everyone was having them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, I had it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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They\u2019ve also set up a pearl oyster spoon for caviar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The salty taste of the caviar and the champagne matched very well, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and even though it was quite large portion, I finished them all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Appetizers and main courses are optional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
The appetizer menu on the day of boarding.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There were four kinds of appetizers, and I had the “Salmon Tataki”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There was a Traditional Arabic mezze (traditional Arabic appetizer), <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but since I had already enjoyed it in the lounge, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I opted for the seared salmon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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It’s seared salmon with taste of soy sauce, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

which is familiar to Japanese people and made me felt at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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You can choose main course from 4 choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There were options for Thai, Chinese, Arabic, and vegetarian, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but since I had the chance, I chose the Arabic dish Prawn Machbous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
The main course on the day of boarding.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It had a hint of spice and a complex deep aroma and flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The recipe for this menu is published on the Emirates website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t South Africa<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPrawn Machbous | Emirates Food Channel | Dining | The Emirates Experience | Emirates<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRecreate the national machbous dish of Bahrain anywhere in the world, mixing the signature spices of cinnamon and cardamom with prawns and golden rice.<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There are other recipes for in-flight meals posted <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and I thought I’d try preparing them by myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

And finally, finish off with dessert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Desserts include eclairs, caramel cheesecake, and seasonal fruits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
The dessert menu on the day of boarding.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I’ve finished all the dishes so far, so I’m already full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When I was trying to decide which one to have, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CA told me that all the desserts are so delicious that <\/p>\n\n\n\n

it’s hard to beat and suggested to try them all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Thus I\u2019ve shared them all with my hubby with grateful appreciation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First
Top: Seasonal fruit. Middle: Eclair. Bottom: Caramel cheesecake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Of them all, I liked the caramel cheesecake the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

And finally, finish off with chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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As we were eating and drinking, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

we arrived in Hong Kong in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luxury Amenities: The Complete Guide to First-Class Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you first take your seat, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

you’ll see care products from Swedish luxury brand BYREDO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There is a makeup mirror at your seat and you can wash your skin <\/p>\n\n\n\n

or apply makeup right on your seat without having to go to the restroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The set includes lotion, eye cream, wet tissue, sleep oil, and pillow mist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"First
Care products by BYREDO, a luxury brand from Sweden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Airplane cabins tend to be dry, but the eye cream was very moisturizing and very good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I used it in the hotel during my stay in Hong Kong, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and the lotion was moisturizing without being sticky and was easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

And, for some reason we get tired even just sitting on a plane, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but when I applied sleep oil to my neck and massaged there, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was surrounded by a nice scent and felt very relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I applied pillow mist to bedding and gowns while staying at the hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s a different scent from at home, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and it reminded me of the special feeling of traveling <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and my experience on board with Emirates, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and it made me feel happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There were also writing utensils in the drawer at the seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s simple, highly functional, and easy to use, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so I’ve been using it since I returned to Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The ballpoint pen was especially easy to hold and write with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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I had a chance to chat with CA about various things, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and since this was our first time flying on Emirates Airlines and my first time in Hong Kong, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I received two types of pouches that were not available on short-haul flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The pouch was made by Bvlgari, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and inside contained Bvlgari basic cosmetics, perfume, and a shaving kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The perfume is a not-for-sale product used by Emirates Airlines, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and it has a nice scent to my liking, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so I put it on myself before going into bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I am falling asleep surrounded by a sweet scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion: Mastering First-Class Travel Under $700<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, I wrote about how to fly first class for less than US$700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Although it was a short 3-hour flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

it was a really great experience to fly Emirates Airlines, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

which is said to be the best airline in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Airfares vary depending on the time of year and day of the week, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but in our case, the trip cost 21,800 baht (approximately 560 USD) per person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I left the plane vowing to fly on a long-haul route next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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