Flying with Bangkok Airways

‘Asia’s boutique airline’ – that’s the tag line used by Bangkok Airways. Boutique can often translate to expensive, but I’ve found that isn’t always the case with Bangkok Airways. For instance, when I was comparing prices for a recent flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok Airways were not only cheaper than Thai Airways, they also had a better price than the low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air. But cost alone isn’t always the deciding factor and even on short-haul domestic flights within Thailand, the little extra touches and convenience can make a big difference. I’ve happily used Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Airways in the past and will continue to do so in the future, but when it comes to quality of service Bangkok Airways is difficult to beat.

Advantages of flying with Bangkok Airways

• Easy-to-use online booking process with no sneaky hidden charges
• They are a full-service airline which means there is more flexibility with tickets and baggage can be forwarded on if you have a connecting international flight
• Luggage allowance is 20kg as standard (30kg if you are a flyer bonus member)
• A meal is served on flights
• Efficient web check-in service
• Passengers on flights from Bangkok have access to the Bangkok Airways lounge (located near Gate A3 domestic terminal) which includes free wi-fi and free snacks and soft drinks
• Flights to and from Bangkok use the main Suvarnabhumi international airport which is often more convenient for onward connections and transport than Don Muang airport which is used by low-cost carriers

Bangkok Airways lounge at Suvarnabhumi airport

In-flight meal

Disadvantages of Bangkok Airways

• The choice of routes is more limited than some other carriers such as Thai Airways
• Some routes are expensive (e.g. Bangkok-Samui and Bangkok-Trat (for Ko Chang))

Compare fares

I’ve heard some people in Thailand dismiss Bangkok Airways as being too expensive and it’s true that on some routes where there is little or no competition, prices can be high. However, if you are flying domestically within Thailand, I would advise always checking prices between all of the main carriers such as Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. The latter two often run some excellent promotions during low season and promotional fares are sometimes available at other times of the year too. Never assume that the low-cost carriers will always provide the lowest fares. Sometimes they will and sometimes they can be the best option, but from my experience Bangkok Airways are often very competitive on prices and also provide all of the advantages already listed above.
Bangkok Airways website »