Flight Details:

A330 Business Class 11B

Check-in and luggage allowance:

Checking in at Phuket International Airport can be stressful as it seems the airport is bursting at the seams.  As soon as one enters the terminal, passengers and their luggage must undergo x ray security checks before being given the green light to proceed to check in desks.  It seems this system has operated for years, but still causes confusion and commotion kerbside, with long queues greeting flyers upon arrival.  Unlike in the US where one undergoes this security check after receiving their boarding pass, one could easily miss their flight if arriving late at the airport.

Following the checks, I proceeded to the Thai Business Class counter where I was immediately served by a polite and friendly check in employee who processed my 25kg bag, tagging it all the way to Sydney via Bangkok.

In Flight:
The aircraft is configured in the same 2-2-2 seating as the flights to Sydney from Bangkok, but this one having arrived from Hong Kong earlier had an extra bonus, a copy of the day’s South China Morning Post newspaper. 

Entertainment:
Although each seat was fitted with its own flat screen TV, shows were displaying however after requesting a pair of headphones I was advised that none had been loaded onto the aircraft.  Presumably this is done on all short-haul flights.

Customer service:
Friendly staff handed out cold towels and juices after helping me put my hand luggage in the overhead compartment and shortly after delivering newspapers and magazines, we sat back and waited for lift off.

Meal and snack service:
I was surprised that there was a hot meal served during the 60 minute flight which departed around 1:30pm, but soon everyone was receiving a chicken rice dish, however, choosing to avoid meat, I was nicely advised a crab sandwich was soon on its way for me (presumably from Economy class).  Only juices and soft drinks were offered to accompany the meals.

On-time performance:
Arriving on time in Bangkok, I went straight through the transfer area to the Silk Lounge, which was situated close to my gate for my onward flight. 
Flight Frequency: