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Trip Report on Royal Brunei flight Melbourne to Bangkok Economy class return March 2013

This was my first flight on this airline and I was really interested to see what it would be like. I brought my economy ticket during their January sale earlier this year. It was cheaper than a low cost carrier by the time one added in all the extras LCC ask you to pay.

I wanted to check out the qualitative difference as well. Would my expectation of superior seating, meals and service be met?

Check in was fast , cheerful and efficient. Check in person was most helpful and acceded to my request for an aisle seat in middle section, preferably with a vacant seat in the middle. Luckily it was not a full flight and she was able to provide such a seat.

My husband needed a wheel chair which was provided and we were taken to the gate lounge and would have been taken to the door of the aircraft but he felt he could manage that short distance with his walking stick.

He left me at the door as he needed the extra comfort and almost flat bed that was available in Business Class. He was very impressed with the level of service, food and comfort there. He sat in sea 11A which gave him all the extra leg room he needed but meant the video screen was too far away for him to see. He had taken a book and his sodoku just in case.

A selection of newspapers was on a stand prior to plane entry door. One local Melbourne paper, the Borneo Times, and another in Bahasa Malay. this was available for all passengers.

A sincere welcome aboard and direction to the furthest aisle in economy section. Took my seat and was immediately asked if I would prefer my hand luggage stowed in the locker above but I chose to keep it with me.

The service was fantastic. Unobtrusive but constant. Fruit juice was plentiful as was water. When I explained that I always drank a lot on flights, a large bottle was provided although I had brought my own small water bottle to be refilled. Although Royal Brunei does not serve alcohol , if you bring a smaller than 100 ml container of spirits or wine, they will pour it for you and add ice if you can't survive without a drink!

A small packet of roasted peanuts was provided with second drink run. I asked for, and was given a second packet as I was starting to feel peckish.

Just over an hour and a half after take off, we were served lunch. This was good timing as it was about lunch time at our destination and all the articles on Jet Lag suggest it is better to get your body time clock into sync with your destination. The choice was lamb and roast potatoes and beans or Chicken Bryani with rice.

I thought I would try the lamb and it was delicious . I was pleasantly surprised. It was accompanied with a small potato and vegetable salad. Cheese and biscuits. More juice or water. Also tea or coffee. Ice cream in a paper cup was served later as dessert.

The plane seating and interior was on a par with Thai airlines when I last flew them 8 months ago, adequate but not squeaky new. Royal Brunei's seating colours varied between two different colours which may prove jarring to those who prefer the same all over colour scheme. Serviceable rather than current. I found the seat has a spacious 33 inch pitch and was comfortable,even had the folding wings that go either side of your head if you need them. Foot rests are good too if you are the right size to use them. Blanket and a pillow were also provided.

Toilets were clean and tooth brushes and toothpaste provided. One of the toilets was larger and would be suitable if you needed to transfer with a narrow wheel chair which is great for accessibility.

There was a travel prayer included in the first page of the Inflight information guide. I found it interesting to read and reassuring for nervous travellers. I especially liked the words: "O Allah, You are our companion on this journey and the Protector for the family we leave behind." There was a prayer said at the beginning of the return segments from Brunei to MEL.

As I was travelling outside holiday time there were plenty of spare seats and staff were happy for passengers to choose alternative seats once doors were closed and all had boarded. I find noise cancelling headphones useful as they enable me to listen to music in stereo and can also plug into my android Tablet as well as aircraft IFE..

IMPIAN is the name of Royal Brunei Airlines' in flight entertainment guide. It had a modern design feel and excellent layout and graphics. I was pleasantly surprised with the selection of current films offered such as Life of Pi, Anna Karenina and the latest James Bond film.

There was also a broad selection of TV programs. Many were in English, others often had English subtitles. There was also an extensive audio selection from which to choose.

Page 36 of the Impian magazine has very clear detailed instructions on how to use the hand set and navigation guide. The best I have seen. The screen size is quite small about 15 cms but has clear definition.

At Bandar Seri Begawan there was a short one hour stop over in Brunei's very small airport before we transferred into a smaller plane for the remaining 2 hours of our journey to Bangkok. Similar standard of comfort to that of our larger domestic carrier in Australia. Excellent service. Food not quite as delicious.Zillion time better than Jetstar.

Airport also has a small stop over area downstairs where you can hire a room with a bed and shower and toilet for $30 for three hours and up to 8 hours for $40 – longer time subject to availability. Toilets downstairs adequate and the last one was western style rather than squat. Another room had 2 basic shower areas. Maybe you could hire towels? Notice they are building a new terminal.

Had stop over in Brunei on way home and had to buy Visa. Five Brunei dollars. Singapore and Brunei dollars are interchangeable in Brunei. Useful to know if you are shopping at airport. Change is given in Brunei coins.

In summary, the level of service is excellent, the food was great and I was comfortable throughout the trip. The plane took off on time and arrived early in Brunei and Bangkok. What more can you ask for? Royal Brunei offers good value and they have a sale on economy seats until April 30 – see their web site.

During the last 12 months I have flown with Qatar and Thai airlines in economy. My first trip with Royal Brunei has shown me that I will have no hesitation in flying with Royal Brunei airlines to Bangkok again. My friends tempt me with good tales of similar great service to London. With RB you get great service and real value for your money. Arrived home in Melbourne 10 mins early.

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Thanks for the report I think Poppy used them last year to get to London

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We used them from NZ because they had childs fares up to 17. They were also lower priced than other mainstream airlines if they ran a special but the entry of AA and Jetstar with their flights to SEA saw them pull out.

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Agree they are a great airline and the sale prices are even better. Didn't notice any prayer being said on my flights.
I would definitely fly with them again.

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Its said at the very beginning, think during taxi time.

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Thanks for the report, Joy. They definitely sound like an airline to consider.

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westwood, as I said didnt notice it, guessing my fellow travellers didnt either as no one commented but plenty of discussion about other minor stuff.

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The only plane I ever remember with a prayer before we flew was a small (about 10 seat) plane we chartered from the Seventh Day Adventists in Solomon Islands.

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The only thing worth praying for on a plane is competance in the pilots.
God and his staff don't use planes.

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Poppy, not doubting you but if you're not familiar with Muslim prayer, you wouldnt really notice it.

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Thanks for the detailed report JoyVee

Did you really measure this? ;-)

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No. I knew I forgot to pack something...Forgot to pack tape measure and relied on airline quality which said 31 -34 inch pitch and as I felt comfortable, plumped for 33! Next time I should pack a lazer measurer and be accurate but maybe not! LOL JoyV

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How exactly does one measure seat pitch?

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This site has a great illustration Ozzie.