Thai plane cafés take off

The pandemic has disrupted the plans of countless travellers across the globe. Yet in Thailand, the creation of “plane cafes” has allowed would-be fliers to get a little of their travel fix.

In the coastal resort city of Pattaya, passengers can board a retired A330 commercial jet complete with boarding pass in hand.

After savouring a coffee in comfy, first class seats, guests pose for selfies with imitation carry on luggage. They can even head to the cockpit to take off in their imagination.

A “plane café” at the headquarters of Thai Airways caters for travellers seeking the delights of in-flight meals. Customers waited on by cabin crew are served spaghetti carbonara and Thai-style beef on familiar airline trays.

Thailand, second to close its borders after China, has experienced very low rates of transmission and exceptionally few deaths. Keen to open up travel, the government is examining the possibility of creating travel bubbles with countries where infection rates are low.

Until these take off, stay grounded at a plane café. View Less