BKK-HEL on A350 AY - short TR

[biba]

I have travelled this route a number of times over the years – mainly in A330, sometimes A340 and even MD-11 (back a few years now). So when I booked late last year was pleasantly surprised to see the flight would be on the new A350. I think AY has only one in operation so far. Good opportunity for a short TR

 

[OATEK]

Yes, there are plenty here would like a report on the AY A350!

 

[biba]

Early morning start from downtown Bangkok. Train from Makkasan Station to the airport runs every 15 minutes and is a fast trip and not too crowded early in the morning – beats the Bangkok traffic snarls. Cost is only THB 35 and takes 20 minutes. A real bargain. Train arrives at the basement level of the airport.

 

[Major]

BP scanned

 

[biba]

Fast checkin at J counter – no waiting.

AY will direct J passengers to the Louis Tavern but as OWE I always head straight to the CX lounge (QF lounge now departed). This lounge (and the new HND lounge) are definitely the best CX lounges outside HKG. So much better than the previous lounges at BKK. Quick dim sum and coffee then off to the gate for boarding.

 

[biba]

First impression of the J cabin is the feeling of space as there are no centre overhead lockers, only along the sides. This is similar to the 787. The Y cabin still has the centre overhead lockers.

The seats are the Zodiac Cirrus design in a 1-2-1 config, similar to CX, but there seems to be less room to stretch out compared to the CX product. It is certainly a tight fit to get your feet into the narrow pointed end. I found it better to remove shoes first.

 

[moa999]

Looks nice, albeit a bit boring grey/white colour scheme.
The IFE screens look a bit small compared to other new seats - with a massive edge.

 

[drron]

Doesn't sound comfy for my size 12.5s.
Will be checking it out later in the year in reverse.

 

[docjames]

Thanks for the TR - useful addition given AT now have the A350.

How (easy/hard) was luggage storage and hand luggage in flight access without centre bins?

 

[Cossie]

Interesting, last October I was directed straight to the CX lounge, which was nice, but I thought a bit small, there was unfortunately a rather large rowdy group going to coughet or Koh Samui which as annoying. Also they was very little available reading matter, imo.
However the food was very good and I'm looking forward to being back there in a couple of months.

 

[biba]

There is limited storage space in a small compartment beside the seat but only suitable for small items. Nowhere to store a laptop which is a problem.


This vent on the floor makes it uncomfortable when in the sitting position. Can't decide whether to put my feet on top of the vent or on the floor.


Not a good design. The pointy end is where your feet go when reclined.

 

[biba]

Thanks for the TR - useful addition given AT now have the A350.

How (easy/hard) was luggage storage and hand luggage in flight access without centre bins?

There was no problem with stowage. The luggage compartments over the window seats are large enough for the carry ons.

 

[biba]

IFE has certainly improved and there is a 16-inch touch-screen. On the A330 and A340 there is very limited choice of movies and TV series. On this flight there are around 100 movies with a good selection of foreign films. The route map has the ability to zoom and rotate the view and select a left and right window view. Pretty smart – no need to raise the shades.

 

[TomVexille]

The route map has the ability to zoom and rotate the view and select a left and right window view. Pretty smart – no need to raise the shades.

I like the sound of that

 

[biba]

As a OWE I received a meet and greet - first time this has happened on AY. The purser said there are currently three A350 in service. Inflight internet is available at a cost of €5 for an hour or €15 for the whole flight. Finnair Plus Platinum and Gold get it for free. For some reason I received an internet voucher so I could log in for free. Very slow connection. There is a note to say internet connection is not available in Chinese airspace.

 

[biba]

Standard AY J meal and wine selection.


Two reds (French and Italian), two whites (French and German) and an excellent sauterne. This is the seared tuna starter and their signature Blue Sky drink (blueberry liqueur and champagne).

 

[biba]

Arrived HEL about 15 minutes late due to late departure out of BKK. Wow, what a difference in temperature: +35 deg in BKK, -17 deg in HEL.

 

[biba]

Conclusion. The A350 is great way to fly. Smooth flight and a very quiet cabin. Really appreciated the lower cabin pressure and improved air filtration. Consistent AY service which is usually reliable on these intercontinental flights from Asia. Improved IFE selection and larger touch screen is great.

It is a pity that AY has decided to squeeze more seats into the A350 resulting in reduced personal space and a slightly claustrophobic feel. The CX seat, similar design, provides more room and the new QF 1-2-1 business seat, although a different design, also provides more space. Looking forward to more A350 flights. My return flight with AY, however, is on the A340.

 

[OATEK]

Thanks biba for the TR so that we better understand the +/- of AY A350. I think it is definitely in the mix for us if the price is right notwithstaning the slightly more cramped space than say CX or QF 1-2-1 configs.

 

[codash1099]

Thanks for the TR. I'm doing the HKG-HEL leg in March on the A350, so this is a good intro.

I guess the squeeze is a small price to pay in return for AY's competitive fares.