Taipei Chiang Kai Shek

The transfer to the airport, again a Lexus LS 430, took this time only 35 minutes and as it was this time early morning and in sunlight, so I was able to get a last view of Taipei, the suburbs and the countryside on the way to the airport. My driver just dropped me off in front of the Thai Airways Check. I entered the terminal building and had the Check in Area of the Royal Executive Class and Star Gold Members just right hand side.

The agent at the counter checked me in for all segments, including the final segment Frankfurt – Düsseldorf and printed the boarding passes for all flights. He than gave me a lounge invitation and told me the Lounge was on the second floor (which is not quite correct, as I will notice later on).

I changed my TWD in EUR and headed to the escalator. On the way to the second floor, I noticed, that the Lounge was in the Mezzanine Floor, so back the stairs to this floor – somehow strange, that the lounge level only could be reached by stairs. The Lounge was empty, as I entered, but became full in the following hour. There were some snacks available and some beverage, but nothing special to report about, beside the fact, that the Lounge has no windows.

I leaved the lounge approximately ten minutes prior to boarding time and went to the immigration hall. It took some time to pass, because all counters were busy and several people were queuing. Our Gate A 2 was again a long distance to walk and I reached it 15 minutes after I left the lounge, but boarding had not started yet.

After I spent five minutes in the waiting area, the boarding announcement was made and I boarded the plane.

14. April 2004
TPE – HKG
[Taipei – Hong Kong]
TG 609 (Thai Airways); Airbus A 300
08:30 – 10:15 [08:35 – 10:15]
Business Class
Seat 15 A

I was among the first passengers boarding the plane and went to my seat in the first part of the plane. I put my carry on in the overhead bin and asked a flight attendant, who passes by, if the plane was full, and she replies, that the Load in Business was less than 50 percent.

The seat beside my seat remains empty, so I had againa very spacious feeling. The flight attendants offered pre departure drinks and I decided to take glass of sparkling wine. I feel I get used to flying Business and I thought about how disillusioned it will be to fly Economy the next time…..I should think about to become a Senator as a friend recommended some time ago – also this means another person in the Senator Lounge.

I got the written menu some minutes after I got my pre departure drink and also get the headphones while the Economy Class passengers were still boarding the plane.

Shortly after take off, hot towels were offered and the flight attendants began to prepare the tables for breakfast. Again, the tables were laid with tablecloth, but this time no individual served menu, they used a tray.

After a look in the menue and the wine list, I had to make a selection.

I had the omelette, with tasted good, but the tomato was only warm, not really grilled. But this time, we get metal knifes and could have more rolls and croissant. Also several rounds were made to offer more coffee or tea.

The service of the flight attendants was very good and efficient.

The flight time to Hong Kong is only 1:35 hours, so a short flight. Due to the low load, the crew themselves relaxed some minutes, but had always a look for needed refills of coffee, tea or juice. I do not know, if wine was available, as I do not noticed any passenger who wanted wine to this early time.

We began our approach to Chek Lap Kok and the crew does not begin to prepare for landing. We were passing some island in the Bay of Hong Kong, as only five minutes prior to lading the crew prepared the cabin for landing. I was a little bit surprised, but they were ready in only one minute, so I think they know this would not be a problem.

We touched down and to me this was the first time landing at the new airport. My last visit in Hong Kong was 1996 and this time Kai Tak was still in use. As I had a window seat I had several views to the new building and I was impressed by this oeuvre of Sir Norman Foster.

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