If you’re thinking of flying Business Class with Thai Airways, then you might need to take out the tape measure before you buy those tickets.
Source: Khaosod
A recent report in The Nation has clarified that size matters when it comes to buying flights on their new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. You have to pass the waist test first because if you have a waistline that’s wider than 56 inches (142cm), you’re not allowed to fly business class on that plane. No, it’s not because they are discriminating anyone!
That’s because this is actually for the passengers’ safety and well-being, not just to be difficult. Flight Lieutenant Pratthana Pattanasirim, Thai Airways director of security and flight standard division explained that passengers with waists wider than 56 inches will have trouble fitting into the safety belt.
Source: The Nation
The business class seats on the Dreamliners have been installed with new safety belts and airbag system that are in accordance with the safety standards of the US Federal Aviation Administration. He said that these new safety belts are not meant to accommodate passengers with waists that are larger than 56 inches.
In addition, parents who want to bring their child with them on business class are not allowed to do so as the new safety belt system cannot fit a parent with a child sitting on their laps. The two new Dreamliners were sent to Thai Airways in September 2017 but the airline only made the announcement about the business class requirements on March 6. The economy class seats do not have these requirements.
Source: Coconuts
Thai papers had recently published that the state-owned airline was banning “fat people from flying on the Dreamliner” and Pratthana had to explain the situation.
So, remember to ensure that your waistline is under 56 inches if you want to fly Business Class on this airline!
Also read: Malaysia Airlines Flight Makes U-Turn to London Due to No Running Water in Toilets
