How to Find and Book the Best Seats on Thai Airways: A Complete Guide

Your journey isn’t just about where you’re going, but it’s also about how comfortably you get there. Thai Airways is a full-service airline with a wide international network based in Bangkok, and your seat choice can make a big difference to your overall travel experience.

The airline offers a range of seating options depending on your class, route, and fare type. For example, you can upgrade to Preferred Seats, which let you enjoy extra legroom or sit closer to the front of the aircraft. If you’re flying in Royal First Class, you’ll experience fully flat-bed seats with exceptional comfort and privacy.

Simply put, choosing your seat early, whether in Economy or First Class, can make your flight more comfortable, relaxed, and stress-free.

What is a Thai Airways Seat Reservation

A Thai Airways seat reservation simply means choosing and securing the seat you want before your flight. When you make a seat selection, you’re deciding exactly where you’d like to sit, such as by the window, in an aisle seat, or in a row with extra legroom.

Thai Airways also offers something called Preferred Seats, which are special seats located in the front rows, exit rows, or even in the First Class zone on certain flights. These seats can be purchased for extra comfort and convenience.

Seat reservation rules may vary depending on your travel class (Economy, Royal Silk Business, or Royal First) and whether you’re flying domestic or international. For example, on domestic Thai Airways flights within Thailand, advance seat selection is not available.

In short, yes, you can select seats on Thai Airways, but it depends on your fare type and flight route.

Methods for Seat Selection

Thai Airways offers several easy ways to select or reserve your seat, depending on when and how you book your flight. Here’s how you can do it:

1. During Booking:

The simplest way is to choose your seat when you buy your ticket. This gives you the best chance to pick your preferred spot, like a window or aisle seat. However, some seats (especially Preferred Seats) may have an extra fee depending on your fare type.

2. Through ‘Manage My Booking’:

If you didn’t select a seat during booking, you can log in later using your booking reference and surname. This lets you browse the seat map and change or upgrade your seat anytime before departure. Keep in mind that fewer options may be available as the flight fills up.

3. Online Check-In:

Online check-in opens about 24 hours before your flight. You can use this time to confirm or change your seat, especially if you skipped selection earlier. Availability may be limited, and some premium seats might not be offered at this stage.

4. At the Airport Counter:

If you haven’t chosen a seat in advance, you can ask for one when you check in at the airport. Sometimes, if seats are open, you might even get an upgrade. However, this method gives you less control, and you may end up with whatever is left.

5. Purchase Preferred Seats:

For extra legroom, front-row positions, or seats in the First Class zone, you can buy a Preferred Seat through the website or app. These are perfect for travelers who value space and comfort, but remember to book at least 48 hours before departure.

In short, the earlier you select your seat, the better your options, especially if you want more space or a specific location on the plane.

Planning a premium journey? Check out our detailed guide on Thai Airways Business Class to explore the Royal Silk experience, lounges, and exclusive in-flight comfort.

How to Reserve a Seat in Thai Airways

Step 1: Visit the Website or App:  Go to the official website or open the app to book a new flight or manage an existing one.

Step 2: Open ‘Manage My Booking’: Enter your booking reference and last name to view your flight details.

Step 3: Select ‘Choose Seat’: Click on the seat map to see available seats and pick your preferred one with window, aisle, or extra legroom.

Step 4: Confirm and Pay (if needed): Some seats, like Preferred Seats, may require an extra fee. Complete payment online if applicable.

Step 5: Get Confirmation: You’ll receive an updated booking or e-receipt with your seat number.

Step 6: Recheck During Online Check-In: Around 24 hours before departure, confirm or modify your seat during online check-in.

Tip: Book your seat early to get the best options, especially for extra-legroom or front-row seats.

Quick Tips:

• Do this early if you have strong preferences (window, aisle, seats together for family).

• Check your fare class (some cheaper fares may limit seat selection or charge extra).

• For international flights, those extra seats (bulkhead or exit row) may cost more via Preferred Seat.

Thai Airways First Class Seats

If you’re planning to travel in ultimate comfort, Thai Airways First Class, also known as Royal First, offers one of the most luxurious experiences in the sky.

• Thai Airways’ Royal First Class offers one of the most luxurious travel experiences in the sky. This cabin is available only on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

• Each Royal First seat can turn into a fully flat bed, up to 7 feet long and 24 inches wide, giving you plenty of space to relax or sleep comfortably. The seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, so every passenger has direct aisle access and extra privacy.

• You’ll enjoy personal luxury pods with 180-degree recline, a large entertainment screen, and on-demand access to hundreds of movies, TV shows, and music options. The design focuses on both comfort and privacy, ideal for long international flights.

• Before your journey, you can unwind at the Royal First Lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which offers fine dining, private spa services, and quiet relaxation areas. Onboard, Thai Airways serves gourmet meals, champagne, and Thai-inspired dishes, all presented with its signature warm hospitality.

• Currently, Royal First Class is only offered on a few routes as Thai Airways gradually modernizes its fleet. However, those who experience it enjoy a truly premium level of comfort and service that reflects the best of Thai luxury in the air.

If your travel plans have changed, don’t miss our detailed guide on the Thai Airways cancellation policy to learn how to modify or cancel your flight smoothly.

Can you select seats on Thai Airways?

In short: yes, but with these caveats:

• For many flights, seat selection (especially of premium seats) may carry a fee (the Preferred Seat program) for economy and even business class.

• On Thai domestic flights (within Thailand), advance seat assignments may not apply or may only be available during check-in stages.

• Some fare types may restrict free seat selection or have limited seats available.

• The “preferred seats” option must be purchased at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure to be valid.

• If you change your flight, your selected seat might be canceled, and you may need to re-select.

So, yes, you can select seats with Thai Airways, but you’ll benefit by reading the fine print and acting early for the best seats.

FAQs About Thai Airways Seat

Q.1: Can you select seats on Thai Airways?

• Yes, you can. Seat selection is available during booking, through “Manage My Booking,” or at online check-in (24 hours before departure).

Q.2: What are Thai Airways Preferred Seats?

• Preferred Seats are front-row or extra-legroom seats you can buy for added comfort and faster boarding.

Q.3: How do I reserve a seat in Thai Airways?

• You can reserve a seat while booking your ticket online or later via the Thai Airways website under “Manage My Booking.”

Q.4: Are seat selections free on Thai Airways?

• It depends on your fare type and cabin class. Some Economy fares may charge extra for preferred seats.

Q.5: Are Preferred Seats available on domestic flights?

• No, Thai Airways does not offer advance seat selection on domestic flights within Thailand.

Q.6: Does Thai Airways have First Class seats?

• Yes, but only on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operating long-haul routes.

Q.7: Can I change or get a refund for seat selection?

• Seat changes are allowed depending on fare rules. Preferred Seat fees are generally non-refundable unless the airline changes your flight or aircraft.

Conclusion

Your comfort in the air starts with the right Thai Airways seat reservation. Whether you’re flying short or long haul, choosing early through Thai Airways booking gives you the best options.

With flexible Thai Airways seat selection, you can pick a window, aisle, or Preferred Seats with extra legroom for a more relaxed journey. Travelers in Thai Airways First Class seats enjoy a world of luxury, privacy, and premium service.

So, if you’re wondering how to reserve a seat in Thai Airways, it’s simple. Select during booking, manage it later online, or confirm during check-in.

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