And we've chosen to check-in at the Airport, rather than the Kowloon Airport Express station this time, to fully experience the Thai First Class service.

...erm, that really was quite a long walk to security and immigration, followed by a train ride that seems, to Willard, to be suspiciously back in the direction we've just come. Followed by likely yet another train ride to the far gates now we are Airside.... Willard seeks clarification as to exactly why we didn't just check-in at the station and then go via the main security in Terminal 1, and he does seem to have a point....

But after a seriously dodgy transit train connection, we make it to the lounge complex above gate 40-42, and Willard decides to try out the United Airlines First Class lounge first, since he has some time to spare before his flight.

And he is glad to see that he is welcomed in with open arms (and just a polite reminder that there are no boarding announcements for Thai flights in this lounge). This is the way that lounge access is supposed to work for First Class passengers within Star Alliance - if only all lounges could work this way!

The lounge provides a nicely stocked buffet and bar, and Willard has sniffed out some Champagne on offer!