Embarking on a journey becomes a delightful odyssey when one is embraced by the cocoon of privilege known as Business Class. While I am no stranger to flying with Kenya Airways or experiencing Business Class, this marks my first trip to Bangkok, Thailand—a destination that has been on my bucket list for a couple of years. Oh, and I must mention my love for Thai cuisine.
Recently, Kenya Airways, the pride of Africa, resumed its scheduled services to Bangkok, Thailand, signaling its return to the Southeast Asian market. The route was initially launched in 2001 and suspended in 2020 due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Bangkok, a city rich in ancient beauty, culinary wonders, and warm hospitality, served as the perfect backdrop for immersing myself in the Southeast Asian culture, which I have come to admire and love.
Having secured the golden opportunity to travel on this flight, my preference for the finer things in life led me straight to the soft life of Business Class, referred to as Premier World on KQ. This review chronicles my journey—a firsthand account unveiling the good life, comfort, and impeccable service experienced at 41,000 feet. Join me as we soar through the skies in style, delving into the myriad perks and pleasures that define the modern epitome of air travel.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is renowned for its passenger comfort and advanced cabin features. It is a modern plane with large windows and improved pressurization.
Kenya Airways (KQ) 886
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Seat: 5C (Premier World)
Nairobi (NBO) – Bangkok (BKK)
Tuesday 21st November 2023
Depart: 23: 45 NBO Terminal 1 A, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Boarding Gate 10
Estimated Duration: 9h 45m
Arrive: 13: 30 BKK, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Distance: 7232 km
The time difference between Kenya and Thailand is 4 hour (s)
I arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 8. 20 pm, well ahead of my scheduled flight which was scheduled for 23:45 PM. You might be wondering why so early, right? When it comes to airport excursions, I’m meticulous about time management. I despise rushing under any circumstances, so I prefer arriving early to take care of necessary tasks and indulge in the amenities offered at the Business Class lounge. Rushing through airports is simply not part of my vocabulary.
Checking In – Sky Priority
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport isn’t exactly my preferred destination (considering its role as a major gateway in the region, there’s room for improvement in ensuring passengers have a delightful airport experience). However, what keeps me sane amidst the hustle is the luxury of traveling business which means, I get to have a smooth/ hassle free transition.
Upon my arrival at the airport, I effortlessly maneuvered through security checks and headed straight to the dedicated check-in counters exclusively reserved for Premier World/Business class passengers. This exclusive lane not only streamlined the check-in process but also whisked me past the usual queues. In no time, my travel essentials were efficiently handled, and I found myself ready to explore the premium privileges that awaited beyond the security checkpoint.
Asante Rewards
Upon reaching the check-in counter, the staff promptly apprised me of a mandatory requirement for travelers to Thailand: the completion of a Yellow Fever Health Declaration Form (T.8) for entry into the Kingdom of Thailand, accessible at www.thaihealthpass.com. This comprehensive form entails various steps, including the uploading of a picture of your passport’s bio-data page and your yellow fever certificate. Only upon successful completion of this online process are passengers allowed to check in for their flight, receiving an email confirmation for reference upon landing in Bangkok.
It’s worth noting the recent introduction by Kenya Airways of the Asante Rewards a new loyalty program aimed at expressing gratitude for customer loyalty. I highly recommend enrolling to accrue miles and enjoy a multitude of benefits. As a privileged gold member, I am fortunate to enjoy several perks, such as a 75% bonus on earned points, complimentary lounge access for both myself and a guest, Sky Priority services at all airport touch-points, and the additional benefit of an extra piece of checked baggage at no cost, applicable on Kenya Airways and partner airlines.
At the check-in counter, I took great pleasure in showcasing my membership and earning my points.
Kenya Airways Pride Lounge, terminal 1A first floor
Following a seamless check-in process, followed by the immigration process where my finger prints were taken as is procedure and finally the second and last security check, I was more than happy to venture towards the exclusive sanctuary of the Pride Lounge at JKIA—a state-of-the-art haven promising comfort and refinement. I must remind you to always look out for the sky priority counters at the airport. With that, you don’t have to make the long queues at either the immigration or security centres.
This is one of the reasons why I like to arrive early at the airport whenever I am traveling, allowing me to bask in an atmosphere where time seems to slow, and the art of relaxation takes center stage. Notably, the Pride lounge recently introduced new features, including a live cooking station, providing an exquisite touch to the dining experience. One can also personalize their meal with the chef in the process and watch the entire meal preparation every step of the way. Give it a try, you will definitely like the new features and additions at this Lounge.
On this particular evening, my focus was on savoring my favorite drink, Prosecco, elegantly served by the attentive staff. I didn’t eat anything here because I wanted to ‘preserve’ my appetite for the meals on board so as to write this review.
Priority Boarding (GATE 10)
Boarding began at 23. 10 PM.
The privilege of being ushered to the front of the boarding queue, a hallmark of flying Business, transforms the pre-flight experience into a seamless and exclusive affair. As the boarding announcement echoed through the gate, signaling the commencement of boarding, Premier World passengers were invited to step forward. This subtle yet impactful gesture underscored the airline’s commitment to providing a heightened level of service and comfort for those fortunate enough to indulge in the elevated class of travel.
Once inside, the delightful amiable air hostess graciously directed me to my seat in the Premier World cabin—a sanctuary within the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Premier World Cabin (Business Class)
The Dreamliner, a personal favorite, is meticulously designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable flying experience. In this particular configuration, the aircraft had a 2-2-2 configuration. 21 are in a larger, forward cabin, whilst the remaining 12 are separated by a galley in a smaller second cabin. They say the Dreamliner has the largest windows of any passenger jet. But what fascinates many, if you haven’t traveled on this passenger jet is the electro-chromatic dimmable window that does not require window shades to block out external light.
The lie-flat capabilities of the seats, extended to a restful 6-foot length, particularly appeals to a tall traveler like myself. Equipped with an intuitive control panel featuring a memory function, the seats allowed for seamless adjustments to personal preferences. The seats are always very comfortable to be honest. There’s plenty of storage space here for carry-on bags or shoes. The blankets on such long-haul flights should be heavier, for that utmost warmth. It was a very cold night on this flight.
This particular plane doesn’t offer one privacy partitions in the cabin if you are solo traveler, but on the other hand, for couples or friends traveling together, the ‘openness’ is really convenient and intimate.
Once seated, we were offered complimentary beverages: a choice of water, juice or champagne, as the other passengers entered the flight and looked for their seats. Hopefully one day they will serve champagne in flutes.
Take Off
The flight was supposed to take off at 23.,45 pm, but for some one or two reasons, we took off, wheels up, at 01.01 am.
Amenities on the Flight
Every Premier World passenger received a comprehensive amenities kit containing essential comforts such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, an eyeshade, socks, ear plugs, and a pen—all meticulously arranged to ensure total comfort throughout the flight. We were also given head phones. These thoughtful details exemplify why choosing to fly Business Class is often synonymous with unparalleled comfort. One thing missing and should be included (in my opinion) is some hand lotion and a sanitizer.
Entertainment on Board and WIFI
While the absence of WIFI onboard remained a mild disappointment, the flight offered an array of entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, a moving map, and a selection of music. Eager to address the WIFI query, I inquired with one of the air hostesses, who explained the ongoing challenge. Despite this, I immersed myself in the available entertainment, alternating between music and movies, eventually succumbing to a restful nap.
I totally enjoyed watching the movie, Hangover 2, which coincidentally was shot in Krabi, a coastal province in the south of Thailand.
Food
From the moment of settling in, the attentive air hostess began the culinary journey by offering a choice of drinks—water, juice, or champagne. Opting for the latter, as one naturally does in pursuit of the soft life, I indulged in champagne while perusing the menu. This was before the plane took off.
Once we were airborne and settled, the flight attendants began to hand out the in-flight menu. Having not eaten anything at the Pride Lounge, I was ready to indulge into the detailed menu. An airlines food menu plays a huge role in making someone either want to fly that airline again or not. As a frequent flier on this airline and cabin, I am familiar with the menu but you know what, for the purpose of this article, I will still go ahead and document it.
Dinner was served at 01. 45 am.
The menu read as follows:
This is what I had for dinner on the flight.
Hot beverages were served around 02:34 am, and the beverage service persisted throughout the flight, affording passengers the opportunity to savor their preferred drinks at their leisure.
At this juncture, having been sufficiently nourished, my primary desire was to retreat into a restful sleep. The air hostess graciously approached to assist in configuring my flat bed, ensuring my comfort and readiness for the much-needed slumber.
Inevitably, I must have succumbed to profound sleep, as my next awakening, as per Thailand’s local time, marked 11:00 am. With approximately one hour and twenty-four minutes remaining until the conclusion of the flight, lunch was promptly served.
I sincerely enjoyed enjoyed the in-flight dining experience (dinner and lunch). The flavors were well-balanced: from the appetizers to the main course and dessert, each dish left a positive impression, making my journey not just about reaching a destination but also savoring a pleasurable culinary adventure at 41,000 feet.
If I were to make a suggestion for improvement, I would recommend expanding the champagne variety on the menu to include esteemed options such as Moët. While the existing beverage selection was satisfactory, introducing renowned brands like Moët could elevate the in-flight dining experience to a new level of luxury. The addition of such premium choices would not only cater to passengers with discerning tastes but also contribute to an overall sense of sophistication and indulgence during the journey.
Landing Time: 13. 34 PM Bangkok Time
Upon disembarking from the plane, my first stop was the health screening offices, where officials promptly requested the completed yellow fever declaration form—yes, the same one diligently filled out back at JKIA right before check-in. With the necessary paperwork in hand, a signed and stamped note was handed to me, and I moved on to face the daunting immigration desks, besieged by seemingly endless queues. In that moment, the absence of the once-cherished sky priority privilege was keenly felt. The wait in line stretched agonizingly for nearly 45 minutes, making me reflect on the convenience and efficiency I had grown accustomed to.
Other Experiences
Lavatory: There were three lavatories, one at the front of the cabin and the other two at the rear, all for premier world passengers only. They were absolutely clean at all times.
Crew/ service. Excellent/ attention to detail and pleasant staff.
In conclusion, my journey from Nairobi to Bangkok aboard Kenya Airways’ Business Class was a symphony of refined experiences. The meticulous attention to detail, the seamless integration of modern amenities, and the unwavering commitment to passenger comfort all contributed to an exceptional flight.
