absolutelyBangkok archive · Food & Wine
Originally published Aug. 3, 2008
Had no other option, had to fly
Thai Airways to Europe and back. Economy class it goes without saying. To let you know upfront: How much deeper can the service of a renowned airline fall.
Thai Airways should get a disservice award. Not only that there couldn’t be any less space inbetween seats (try an Arab carrier for comparison), the food is a celebration of utter minimalism.
Take this: In the middle of the night, somewhere before the Himalayas, the air passenger is overcome by a slight appetite. He gets up, walks to the back of the plane and kindly asks for a sandwich. “Sorry sir, no snacks.”
In the middle between continents, hours away from the next bite, having paid a ton of money for the ticket, the national airlines of the kingdom of Thailand has no snack on board for a just about hungry passenger.
An even only slightly impressive national airlines can do so much for the rep and image of the represented nation. But if the nation boasting itself with some of the best food on earth, and the respective airlines doesn’t even provide most basic service on board, either the airline or nation suffers a considerable credibility problem.
Back to the plane. What I got was some cocktail nibbles. And there I went back to the seat, nibbling nibbles. And all I got was more hungry.
There, a cabin attendant! Politely I gave it another try and asked, unteachable, for a sandwich. And said the cabin attendant: “Not sure, but follow me.”
Me, the paying air passenger, follows the cabin attendant.
Nah, not that the flight attendant would have come back to my seat, in case he’d found a sandwich. There I went, following his trail.
Another telling manifestation of the airline’s hidden slogan: “We’ll slim you down” — for we want slimmer passengers munching less food which translates into less aviation fuel and other expenses.
But a miracle happened: In the back of the plane, cabin attendants were eagerly laughing and chatting with each other. Eating sandwiches. But not any sandwiches. Clearly labeled Crew sandwiches.
The flight attendants showed mercy and handed over two sandwiches.
And you ever doubted that other airlines offer whole little buffets between mealtimes on intercontinental flights?
With fruits, instant noodles, fresh sandwiches, an array of drinks and such?
I’m neither spoiled nor asking for too much. But then again, we should at least be happy that Thai Airways meanwhile installed an onboard entertainment system.
Not too long ago all rucksack class passengers had to stare at the same screen enjoying movies you’d never have bought at your DVD shop.
Or am I just the unlucky guy?
Why are people still traveling with Thai?
It all comes down to having no choice and a great, slightly sexist marketing with the probably oldest advertising slogan on earth. “Smooth as Silk.” Backed up by lousy performance.
Next time I’ll have to fly intercontinental with Thai I’ll arm myself preemptively with homemade sandwiches and such. Like that friend. Even when flying business class on Thai he brought along some a fully stuffed bag from Burger King and enjoyed an ample meal on board.
How glorious that junk food suddenly looked to the dearly paying business class passengers — there up high in the air, in the hands of Thai Airways.
+++ Contacted Thai Airways Customer Service with this complaint. Let’s see how they answer.
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