TominScotland flew Bangkok Airways Economy, on a A320 (22/03/2013 13:49)

I took an hotel minivan from the city to Phnom Penh International Airport for my flight to Bangkok (and onwards to the UK). The minivan driver looked about 12 and did not exceed about 30 kph at any point on the journey - lucky I was in plenty of time!!

There was no queue at check-in and I was curious to see whether they would check my case all the way through to Glasgow as the nature of my ticketing was such that there was no obligation to do so. Indeed, unlike my journey in the other direction, the system permitted through tagging for luggage and I was pleased as this would mean no immigration and bag collection in Bangkok. A few days previously, I had changed the first leg of my journey (for a princely $5) so as to avoid any connection issues and i was glad to have done so when my flight showed an hour's delay. Had this happened on the later flight, things might have been a tad tight!!

I went upstairs to international departures and availed of the free wifi which is avaiulable throughout the airport while enjoying a coffee. Asian airports really have stolen a march on most of their European counterparts who still only offer paid-for wifi to the general public - maybe this will change some time in the near future?

Boarding, when it started, was civilised and quick and we pushed back, as announced, 60 minutes late. Bangkok Airways have an all-singing, all-dancing (literally) safety demonstration (on video, I should add) which was amusing. I was seated in 6C, just behind the curtain, with good legroom and general comfort.

The flight was announced as just 50 minutes but, even in that time, the crew managed to serve a hot meal to all passengers and do a drinks and tea/ coffee run - impressive stuff. I opted not to eat as I was banking on a lounge dinner but what was served looked tasty enough - noodles, chicken and vegetables.

We landed about 45 minutes behind schedule and, after a comprehensive tour of the airport, parked at a remote stand. Steps were wuickly in place, front and rear, and two buses lined up to take us back into the terminal. Once there, I was soon en route to the transfer security and upstairs to the BA/ Qantas Lounge ahead of my flight to London.

TominScotland flew Bangkok Airways Economy, on a ATR72-500 (13/03/2013 03:29)

I took this flight to Phnom Penh as the final leg, after travelling from the UK. Having failed to collect my luggage in Bangkok from my BA flight, I was landside but, armed with my boarding pass, issued in Glasgow, headed straight back through security and Immigration to the departures area in very good time for my onward flight. Bangkok has to be the very best airport in the world for exercise and the architects should be congratulated on creating an athlete's dream but a traveller's nightmare!! Having no lounge access for this flight, I obtained my free wifi docket from Information and settled down to catch up on the world for a while. I then headed to the distant gate in good time for my flight.

Boarding was via a bus ride and started 40 minutes before depature - all 20 or so passengers quickly transfered to the aircraft well ahead of schedule. We taxied immediately and were airborne soon afterwards. Service for a short, regional flight was excellent on "Asia's Boutique Airline" and included an excellent hot meal of chicken and rice. We landed over 30 minutes early and, after disembarking, the e-visa system had worked well so Immigration was a breeze. With no luggage to collect (my suitcase was still in T3 at Heathrow or so I had been led to believe), I was landside in no time and into my waiting taxi.

An excellent regional flight of just over one hour - very different to European experiences!!

Ian_from_HKG flew Bangkok Airways Economy, on a A320 (02/01/2013 08:05)

ARRIVAL AT AIRPORT AND "CHECK-IN"

We were connecting from a CX HKG-BKK flight onto this PG flight to Chiang Mai. We only had an hour between flights, 15 minutes less than the minimum connection time, so were most grateful when Cathay agreed to check our bags through (having made it abundantly clear that they did not take responsibility for our bags making the connection) and also said they would telex ahead to try to ensure our bags were transferred in time. This had an added bonus, since on the arrival of our CX flight in BKK we were met by ground crew who whisked us most of the length of the airport in a buggy to ensure we got to the transfer desk in good time. Lots of brownie points to Cathay for that

On arrival at the transfer desk, PG were unable to confirm whether our bags had been transferred since we had only landed shortly before, but they processed our "check-in" and issued boarding passes quickly, and directed us to the lounge.

LOUNGE

This really is one of the huge advantages of Bangkok Airways. All passengers, regardless of frequent flyer status or class of travel, are given access to a lounge. Now, as one might expect of a lounge for non-frequent economy passengers, this is reasonably basic and doesn't include champers - or any other booze, for that matter. However, it was light and reasonably spacious, with ample seating, and we fairly quickly found a group of four seats. There were hot drink machines dispensing a variety of coffee options, tea, or a surprisingly creamy and pleasant hot chocolate. There was also a decent range of snacks, both Thai and Western. There were a number of rather tourist-oriented magazines available for passengers, and Thai decorations (including a hagiographical screen telling of HM The King's contribution to Thai agriculture). Free WiFi of an acceptable speed was available, as well as a very limited number of walk-up computers. Altogether, a pleasant way to start this leg of the journey.

BOARDING

This was done by zones - zone 2 (the rear half of the aircraft) first, followed by zone 1. We were just into zone 2 at row 14, so were able to board quickly. There was ample room for hand luggage to be stowed in the overhead lockers, and boarding was reasonably quick and efficient

IN-FLIGHT

The seats were comfortable, with surprisingly generous legroom for a short-haul (domestic) economy flight. Take-off was delayed for only a few minutes, and drinks - albeit only water or an unpleasantly saccharine and artificial "orange juice" were provided shortly after take-off. This was fairly quickly (about half an hour after take-off - acceptable given we were in the middle of the plane) followed by lunch. The food, unfortunately, was not as good as we have experienced on other PG flights. A small selection of fruit and a bread roll, some nameless cold Thai main course (do not misconstrue this - I am a huge fan of Thai food - just not whatever it was they served on this flight!), all of which were rather disappointing, but with a surprisingly moist and tasty carrot cake dessert. Another round of water and fluorescent orange liquid was offered before landing.

The seat itself was comfortable enough, with ample legroom even for my 6'3" frame. In-flight entertainment was a selection of short programmes (Just for Laughs, and the cartoon version of Mr Bean) on overhead screens.

LANDING AND LUGGAGE

We landed only slightly behind schedule, fairly smoothly. We had not cleared immigration n Bangkok so were directed to the international luggage collection area and to immigration (which was quick and efficient). Despite our short layover in Bangkok, our bags did indeed make it through onto the flight. However, while I am not sure whether it was simply a slow unloading from the plane or the time taken to separate our bags from those which were being delivered to domestic arrivals,, we did have to wait some time for the luggage to be delivered. Eventually, though, it came through.

Chiang Mai is a small airport, and so once our bags arrived we were quickly landside and collected by our hotel car.

CONCLUSION

Although the in-flight F&B was a little disappointing, and luggage was slow to arrive at our destination, the pre-flight experience was excellent for a domestic economy flight and there was really nothing else to complain about. Certainly beats our experiences on THAI domestic, so if we were to do the same again we would again choose Bangkok Airways

Swissdiver flew Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon (business), on a A319 (two class) (27/08/2011 16:47)

USM - SIN, Business Class, August 2011

This is one of the best short-haul business class service I ever experienced. Of course the lounge facility in USM is limited: this is a very small airport. Still there is a lounge with dedicated business class facilities and boarding. We were brought to the plane and had time to take our seats.
The seat was extremely comfortable, better than anywhere in Europe or in the US. We were offered a drink upon arrival and the late lunch menu was presented, and order taken. Soon after take-off, lunch arrived with the drinks (in my case that day, a first course, followed by a yellow curry of chicken with a nice white wine). Then we had time to relax (flight time was about 90 minutes) before landing.
Flight was smooth, crew very attentive. Well a perfect flight...

Stephen787 flew Bangkok Airways Economy, on a A320 (06/11/2010 06:35)

BKK to HKT 28/10/10 We chose Bangkok Airways over Thai Airways due to the huge price differential, and I'm glad we did. Easy to book, easy to check in at BKK, and best of all they have their own lounge for economy passengers. I'd read online about the BKK lounge and it didn't disappoint. The lounge has free drinks, snacks, internet terminals, wifi and newspapers. Why pay double to fly with Thai? We were bussed out to the brightly painted aircraft at a remote stand. The 1hr 20 min flight was smooth and event free. Aircraft was spotless and the good looking crew did their job well. A savoury filled croissant, along with juice, water or coffee was offered on this short flight. The only odd thing was the in-flight entertainment on the drop-down screens which was a "funniest home videos" program from the 1980's. But this was not needed for the short flight. Once at Phuket our luggage was quickly on the carousel and we were out of the airport within about 15 mins from landing. This is an airline that gets it right!

businessISpleasure flew Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon (business), on a A320 (31/08/2010 18:29)

This was my first experience travelling with Bangkok Airways. Previously we had been ardent and loyal customers of both British Airways & Virgin Atlantic. However, after 11 years of business travel I am yet to find an airline that made me feel as welcome and as valued as Bangkok Airlines.

The flight was on time, the amenities more than sufficient, the staff pleasant, professional and warm. Aboard the flight, my every need was attended to and I was asked on average every 30/40 minutes if I needed anything at all. The result was a seamlessly professional and very pleasant experience. One that I will, without doubt, be both repeating and recommending to my friends and colleagues. I arrived at Bangkok International Airport feeling refreshed and invigorated rather than depressed and aching!

TonyKennah flew Bangkok Airways (04/02/2010 12:57)

Beautiful service, facilities and staff. When you're having to wait around in Bangkok or Ko Samui airports it's such a welcome treat to have a wonderfully air conditioned lounge in which to relax. Then when your flight finally arrives you are treated like royalty until you leave

Survivor flew Bangkok Airways Economy, on a A320 (13/10/2009 07:14)

Being allocated on row 1 gave us lots of privacy for a one-class flight. The cabin service for this boutique airline is flawless - great start to a holiday.

Amethyst flew Bangkok Airways Economy (19/10/2008 19:52)

Both going to and returning from Koh Samui, our flight was delayed by about an hour each. Going was because of poor visibility due to bad weather in the island and returning was for some unexplained reason.

Riding a budget airline, I guess you have to make all sort of allowances.

My friends and I learned about the delay only when we got to the airport but decided to make the best of it by exploring the new shops that had opened in the new shopping arcade. Gosh, this airport has come a long way from being a thatched hut affair when it started out years ago – then it looked like somewhere in the South Pacific – to what it is now. I first visited Koh Samui somewhere around the mid-90s, and thought I had landed in Tahiti or something. Oh well, that is progress for you.

After checking out what was on offer, we settled down in a tea house that was offering an extensive fruit tea menu. I had a ham and cheese and lychee tea, which was so refreshing I ordered a second one. I could see the runway from our table which was shining with the afternoon sun bouncing off the tarmac. We strolled around some more and I wandered into the Bookazine shop and picked up a glossy magazine.

The new departure hall is like no other. After a recent big expansion, it has more space and more amenities. The concept here is still open air as is the entire airport. Everyone waits in stylised pavilions whose ceilings reminded me of the original basic structures. There are enough seats for everyone especially during the peak hours, and even deck chairs in some corners facing the runway. (You’re always reminded you’re in Paradise!)

There is also a buffet section that everyone is welcome to. Fruits are abundant (I kept scarfing the bananas trying to get in my potassium fix). And flat-screen monitors are placed strategically around the room, although I wasn’t interested in the soccer match that was being aired. I preferred to read. And did I mention the loo? It had an aquarium at the entrance that I thought at first I had made a mistake and was going into a fish exhibition room at a zoo! It was nice and clean inside and large.

Soon they were calling our flight and to get to our aircraft, we had to board these gaily painted trolleys. Since our seats were at the back, we went through the second entrance of the plane at the rear. On this A319, economy class seating was a 3-3 layout. We didn’t have far to go as our row was third from the galley, and I had a window seat, while my two friends occupied the middle and aisle seats.

The three of us are not exceptionally tall people so we found the leg room to be extremely comfortable. I squished my bulging haversack under the seat in front of me and was able to get it in. I could have put it in the overhead storage but it’s so much easier to reach for it when it’s in front of you.

We were quickly up and away, and after a while, a meal service commenced. Being so near the kitchen, we got our trays immediately – yippie! For a low-cost carrier (but Bangkok Airways also calls itself a “boutique airline”), the snacks are generous. We were handed a sesame bread sandwich packed with chicken, tomato, cucumber and lettuce along with mocha crumble cake and fresh fruit. Drinks included OJ, coffee and tea. I didn’t want to really eat after stuffing myself earlier but the sandwich tempted me, and so I gave in. I wasn’t disappointed as I love chicken in any form.

This being a 50-minute flight, it was over before I could even take a nap. Thank goodness, this was a Sunday evening and we didn’t have to contend with Bangkok’s infamous gridlock on our way to our nice five-star hotel by the Chao Phraya River.