My flight from Delhi to Bangkok was my 11th in 7 months so it seems fitting that I received the best service to-date after paying my dues to the air gods.
The plane was my biggest of the trip, a Boeing 747 jumbo jet. I always loved the second level afforded to passengers on these planes, not that I'd ever spent time up there. Walking back to my requested window seat, which sat in the middle of the plane's gigantic wing (and thus affording little in the way of a view), my eyes lit up at all the space in cabin, especially the width of the seats and legroom.
I settled into my seat, thankful to yet again have no one sitting directly adjacent to me I began leafing through the airline's in-flight magazine, Sawasdee. In celebration of their 48th year in operation, a feature article was dedicated to listing the ” 48 most beautiful destinations across the globe.”? Curious to see how I stacked up to the editors' list, I started checking off destinations I'd seen in life. Thanks to a family vacation (Grand Canyon), a post-collegiate summer in Europe (Sistine Chapel, Prague) and this trip (Taj Mahal, Fraser Island, The Remarkables, Golden Temple, Himalaya, Kathmandu Valley, Great Barrier Reef), I'd managed to see 35% of their list (with the hope of upping it to 58% by year's end). Of course it dawned on me that many of these places likely lie on a THAI Airways route, however it was still a fun exercise for my ego.
When I realized my earphones were broken while waiting at the Delhi airport, I felt annoyed at having to buy a third pair in less than two months, let alone spending the flight without my favorite tunes. THAI Airways solved the problem in the form of free ear bud headphones. Like the previous two cheap pairs I bought in India, they were far from the best, but I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Our 747 was airborne before I knew it, and complimentary drinks were being offered. I decided to take advantage of this arcane concept by imbibing two screwdrivers with my tasty chicken and rice lunch. Feeling on top of the world, and being there physically at 40,000 feet, I made productive use of the travel time (and lack of view) by writing about my final days in India.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking uses and recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours
- Skyscanner for researching flights
- Hostelworld for booking hostels
- Airbnb for renting rooms and homes
- Rail Europe for train passes
- World Nomads for travel insurance
You should try and get onto the Airbus A380, now that is real fun!!!!
We are gonna try and get on to a flight withthe A380 when we start our trip in May 2009
Good idea….I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled though I didn’t realize it was in service already.
You should try and get onto the Airbus A380, now that is real fun!!!!
We are gonna try and get on to a flight withthe A380 when we start our trip in May 2009
Good idea….I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled though I didn’t realize it was in service already.
In the picture of the airplane I can see your free Tibet t-shirt in the reflection ! Dave just to let you know my daughter was born last night and all is well yea :grin: I thought I was busy before :shock: well stay safe and keep up the great posts! I will tell you one more time your writing creates a avenue for all of us to get away and enjoy this world we live on (even if it is only in our minds)!!!
Good eye and congrats to you and your wife! :)
In the picture of the airplane I can see your free Tibet t-shirt in the reflection ! Dave just to let you know my daughter was born last night and all is well yea :grin: I thought I was busy before :shock: well stay safe and keep up the great posts! I will tell you one more time your writing creates a avenue for all of us to get away and enjoy this world we live on (even if it is only in our minds)!!!
Good eye and congrats to you and your wife! :)
What a great airline. I also love Virgin Atlantic, which seems to be comparable to what you describe on Thai.
What a great airline. I also love Virgin Atlantic, which seems to be comparable to what you describe on Thai.