Flight Details:

A340 Business Class, Seat 16B

Check-in and luggage allowance:

Having checked my luggage in Phuket International Airport, the bags were tagged and transferred to my onward journey to Sydney, saving me time avoiding having to go through immigration at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Lounge Access:
There are two Thai Airways lounges opposite each other located very close to my transit Gate.  Both the Silk Air and Orchard lounge featured almost identical food and beverage options, layout and other facilities.  Since I had transferred from the domestic Phuket flight, I decided to also test the shower facilities before boarding my longer leg to Sydney.

Having to request use of the shower with the awaiting attendants, I was pleasantly surprised when one handed me a packaged towel, showcasing that it had been sanitised for my personal use.  The shower room was clean and spacious, and a nice treat I’d recommend to anyone before having to sit on a 9 hour flight.

In Flight:
The A340 is configured in 2-2-2 offering an almost lie-flat seat, very comfortable and large in my opinion. Each seat within a cocoon backing showcases a large entertainment screen with the latest releases on demand.

Customer service:
Once onboard, we were advised we would be delayed due to the late arrival of another aircraft in which onward passengers were held up.  I took the opportunity to sit back with the French Champagne I was offered and mixed nuts offered.   The flight attendants were friendly and attentive, especially due to the changes in my special meal request which were quickly changed.

Meal and snack service:
The dinner service was promptly served as soon as we were at cruising altitude, which consisted of prawn spring rolls followed by scallop skewers and a side salad.  The four choices of mains were a black cod dish, beef filet, prawn thai curry and chicken with Asian greens.

I opt for the prawn curry which was served with rice and Asian vegetables and was as good as any local Thai takeaway, despite being served up in the air.
Cheese and crackers follow, with some fresh fruit and two desserts.

French Champagne, three different whites and two reds are available along with a selection of spirits, port, baileys, cocktails and soft drinks throughout the flight.

Entertainment:
The flat screen on the back of the cocoon seats offer a wide variety of the latest Hollywood releases, classic and foreign films, as well as television shows, documentaries and lifestyle programmes.

On-time performance:
Despite taking off almost an hour later than scheduled, we arrive in Sydney on time the following day at 07:40.
Flight Frequency: