My 8½ hour flight became a 19-hour endurance test

The airline: Thai Airways International

• The flight Sydney to Bangkok, flight TG476. Shortly after take-off the plane returned to Sydney with a mechanical issue; subsequently the flight was cancelled. Passengers who choose to do so, later flew to Melbourne (via Qantas) and joined an 11.30 pm Thai departure to Bangkok on TG462.
• Frequency Twice daily
• Aircraft A350-900
• Class Economy, seat 40F (ex-Sydney) and 37H (ex-Melbourne).
• Flight time Scheduled: Eight hours and 25 minutes. Actual: From Sydney take-off to Bangkok landing, 19 hours.

The writer’s flight returned to Sydney shortly after take off.Credit: Getty Images

Checking in

Having completed an online check-in and seat selection, and with a very short bag-drop queue, this is my fastest-ever check-in at Sydney. Five minutes.

Baggage

Checked baggage allowance for my economy fare is 35kg, with 7kg hand carry. As a Royal Orchid Plus Silver member, I’m eligible for 10 extra kilos.

The loyalty scheme

Royal Orchid Plus, with points applicable on Star Alliance’s 25 partner airlines such as Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.

The seat

The A350 and its 3-3-3 economy cabin.

The layout is 3-3-3. My aisle seat is in the aircraft’s centre block and has a pitch of 32 inches (81 cm) and 18 inches (46 cm) width. It is comfortably padded, and allows legroom and some stowage space under the seat in front. The traveller ahead of me is considerate and keeps their seat-back upright during meals and most of the flight. Each passenger receives a pillow and light blanket (necessary, given the chilly air-conditioning), plus disposable earphones. There is one USB port and one power outlet per seat.

Entertainment + tech

The touch-screen, simple handset and 11-inch (28cm) screen gives access to 100 films and 150 TV programs. The movie options are predominantly mainstream Hollywood (recent and past) releases, with almost no art house or European content. Bland, unadventurous programming. There are numerous Thai, Indian, Chinese and Korean options, plus kids’ films and a range of documentaries, audio programs and music albums. Thai’s Sky Connect Wi-Fi system allows access to three paid, “unlimited” packages: internet chatting (about $12), surfing ($37) or streaming ($60). With the morning flight from Sydney having become an overnighter from Melbourne, I opt for little screen time and no internet, and try for a few hours’ sleep before the 5.15am landing at Bangkok.

Service

The cabin is clean and the overhead luggage bins sufficient. Having served a light meal soon after take-off, the crew dim the lights and confine themselves to their stations but remain on-call. Optional drinks are not offered but can be requested at the galley or via the call button, and are promptly delivered.

Food

The first meal is a pasta dish, with a side salad, followed by tea, coffee or alcohol. The wine and spirits choice is limited, but the measures are generous. The second meal, 90 minutes before landing, is a low-spice chicken pad thai, plus salad and tiramisu dessert.

Sustainability

Passengers can choose Thai’s Carbon Offset Program when booking on the airline’s website. *

One more thing

Mechanical issues happen with all airlines. Neither the aircraft nor passengers were in any danger and the non-emergency return to Sydney was routine. Matters thereafter were less satisfactory, with the ground staff rarely seen and information minimal, if at all. When the flight was eventually cancelled, the by-now disembarked passengers were given the option of an overnight Sydney hotel stay and the following day’s flight, or being flown (free) to Melbourne for an 11.30pm Thai service to Bangkok. I was among those who chose the latter, which then entailed standing in a three-hour queue in Sydney while re-ticketing was done. Not the airline’s finest hour.

The price

From $1347 for Sydney to Bangkok roundtrip, economy class.

The verdict

Fine in the sky. Pity about the support act.

Our rating out of five

★★½

The writer flew at his own expense.

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three to four months from the time of publication and subject to change.

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