THAI Airways has launched lie-flat beds for non-business class passengers.
On Facebook, Thai Airways announced its new Premium Economy Plus seats that can turn into flat beds.
Thai Airways has revealed its new Premium Economy Plus cabin[/caption]
The seats will fully recline turning into lie flat beds[/caption]
The airline has advertised them as “spacious seats” with “generous legroom, and exclusive services throughout your journey” with “a new level of comfort in the sky“.
In the images are herringbone designed seats that face inwards away from the windows with entertainment screens to the side on the internal walls.
While these are a new addition for Thai Airways, some passengers may have flown in these seats with another airline.
Thai Airways recently acquired the Airbus A330-300s that formerly flew for Virgin Atlantic – which had these 31-seat herringbone seats.
There’s one big difference, though, for Virgin Atlantic customers, these seats were once in Upper Class.
People were quick to point out they recognised them too, on the social media announcement, one man wrote in the comments: “Premium Economy PLUS? these are the old highly unpopular Virgin Atlantic’s coffin business class seats.
“As long as they are much cheaper than Business/Royal silk class, they will be acceptable.”
Another wasn’t happy and added: “That’s the now outdated Virgin Atlantic ‘Upper Class’ that they rolled out around 2002/2003. PLEASEEEEEEEEEE don’t tell me THIS is what your offering to your Business Class passengers???”
The plane will be available on routes from Bangkok to Chennai, Dhaka, Hyderabad, Jakarta, Kathmandu starting on October 26, 2025.
According to One Mile At A Time, the reason for Thai Airways selling these seats as Premium Economy Plus rather than Business or Upper Class, is because of the lack of demand.
Thai Airways announced its new cabin on Facebook[/caption]
The seats are available on certain Thai Airways routes from October 26[/caption]
The publication said: “By selling its business-class seats as a premium economy variant, the airline can fill more of its higher-cost real estate without offering the costly ‘soft product’ typically expected in business class—such as multi-course dining, fine wines, or amenity kits.”
There’s yet to be an update from Thai Airways on its pricing and whether points and miles can be redeemed for the new fare.
Meanwhile, Caroline McGuire Head of Travel (Digital) recently flew on Premium Economy with a little-known airline.
She said: “Norse’s premium cabin isn’t quite Virgin Atlantic or BA’s Premium Economy, but equally they aren’t asking close to those prices.
“Most importantly, the chairs are very roomy. With a very decent recline that allowed my whole family to get a decent night’s sleep.
“Two meals are also included – I had a decent tortellini, side salad and cheesecake-type evening meal with complimentary wine, and a hot cooked breakfast, plus a croissant, yogurt and mini fruit salad.“
Plus, hear from one Sun Editor who revealed what to expect in premium economy as a 6ft2 passenger – on one of the world’s best airlines.
And read more on why airlines are making economy seats even smaller with less legroom.
Thai Airlines has revealed it will be rolling out Premium Economy Plus on certain flights[/caption]
