Ever wondered about that airline with the gorgeous purple logo that seems to fly everywhere in Southeast Asia? Bangkok Airways might not be a household name like Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines, but this boutique carrier has quietly built a reputation as one of the region’s most pleasant flying experiences. And honestly? They deserve way more attention than they get.
Introduction
Here’s what makes Bangkok Airways different from your typical budget carrier: they own their own airports, offer complimentary snacks and drinks on every flight, and actually treat passengers like humans rather than cargo. Founded in 1968 as a small charter operation, they’ve grown into Southeast Asia’s largest boutique airline while maintaining that personalized touch bigger carriers lost decades ago. Whether you’re island-hopping in Thailand, flying to Laos, or exploring Cambodia, there’s a good chance Bangkok Airways connects those dots. But flying with them isn’t quite as straightforward as booking with major carriers—their route network is unique, their pricing structure differs from typical budget airlines, and their policies have quirks worth knowing before you book. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about flying with this gem of an airline.
What Makes Bangkok Airways Special
Let’s talk about what actually sets this airline apart, because “boutique” gets thrown around a lot without meaning much.
The Airport Ownership Advantage
Bangkok Airways owns and operates three airports in Thailand: Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat. This is basically unheard of for a non-government airline. What does this mean for you? Well, Koh Samui Airport is genuinely one of the most beautiful airports in the world—open-air pavilions, tropical gardens, and none of that sterile terminal feeling.
But more practically, it means Bangkok Airways has near-monopoly on certain routes (especially to Samui), which affects pricing. They control the slots, the schedules, and basically the entire operation. It’s efficient but does mean less competition on those routes.
The Complimentary Service Model
Unlike budget carriers where you pay for literally everything including oxygen (kidding, but barely), Bangkok Airways includes:
- Free checked baggage (20kg economy, more for business)
- Complimentary snacks and beverages on every flight
- Free lounge access for business class and FiveStar members
- In-flight magazines and amenities
- No hidden booking fees
This positions them somewhere between full-service and low-cost carriers. You’re paying more than Air Asia but getting more comfort and convenience.
The Route Network Nobody Else Offers
Bangkok Airways specializes in destinations other airlines either skip or underserve. Want to fly directly from Bangkok to:
- Koh Samui
- Luang Prabang, Laos
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Chiang Mai
- Phuket
- Krabi
They’ve got you covered with multiple daily flights on many routes. They also codeshare with major international carriers, so you might book a Bangkok Airways flight thinking it’s on Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways.
Fleet and Flight Experience
Let’s get into what you’re actually sitting in when you board.
Aircraft Types
Bangkok Airways operates a mix of ATR turboprops (for shorter routes) and Airbus A319/A320 jets (for longer regional flights). The ATRs are perfectly fine for 1-2 hour island hops—they’re not glamorous but they’re maintained well and get the job done.
The Airbus fleet is where things get more comfortable. We’re talking 3-3 seating in economy (standard for narrow-body jets), leather seats in business class, and generally clean, well-maintained interiors. Nothing revolutionary, but solid.
Cabin Classes Explained
Economy Class: Seat pitch of around 32 inches, which is decent for regional flights. You’re not getting long-haul comfort, but for 1-3 hour flights it’s perfectly acceptable. The complimentary snacks vary—sometimes it’s a sandwich box, sometimes pastries, sometimes just cookies depending on flight duration and time of day.
Blue Ribbon Class (their business class): Roomier seats with actual recline, priority boarding, better meals, and lounge access. The price premium over economy varies wildly—sometimes it’s $50 extra, sometimes $200+. Worth it for longer flights if the price difference is reasonable.
In-Flight Amenities
Don’t expect personal entertainment screens on most Bangkok Airways flights. We’re talking regional carrier here, not Emirates. Bring your iPad or phone loaded with content. WiFi isn’t available on most flights either—embrace the digital detox or download everything beforehand.
The complimentary beverage service includes soft drinks, juice, water, and sometimes beer or wine on longer flights. The snacks won’t win culinary awards but they’re edible and free, which beats paying $8 for a sad sandwich on some other carriers.
Booking Smart with Bangkok Airways
Here’s where things get interesting from a pricing and strategy perspective.
Direct Booking vs. Third-Party Sites
I’ve noticed that booking directly through the Bangkok Airways website sometimes offers better flexibility for changes and customer service, but third-party sites occasionally have slightly better prices. The tradeoff is worth considering.
If you book through Expedia, Skyscanner, or similar aggregators, make absolutely sure you understand the change and cancellation policies. Bangkok Airways’ own policies are already somewhat strict, and third-party bookings add another layer of complexity.
Fare Classes and Restrictions
Bangkok Airways has multiple fare types:
- Promo/Economy Saver: Cheapest, most restrictive, often non-refundable
- Economy Flex: Bit more expensive, allows changes with fees
- Blue Ribbon: Business class with full flexibility
Read the fine print before booking. That $120 fare might look great until you realize changes cost $75 plus fare difference, making it less of a bargain if your plans aren’t locked in.
The FiveStar Frequent Flyer Program
Bangkok Airways’ loyalty program is called FiveStar, and honestly, it’s… fine. Not amazing, not terrible. You earn miles based on distance flown and fare class. Benefits include:
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Lounge access at higher tiers
- Extra baggage allowance
- Award flights
The catch is their limited route network means fewer opportunities to earn and burn miles compared to massive airline alliances. But if you fly Bangkok-Samui frequently, it adds up quickly.
They partner with several airlines (Etihad, JAL, and others), so you can sometimes credit Bangkok Airways flights to partner programs or vice versa. Check out my guide on maximizing Asian airline miles for more on this strategy.
Navigating Bangkok Airways Routes and Destinations
Let me break down their network in a way that’s actually useful for trip planning.
The Samui Connection
Koh Samui is Bangkok Airways’ crown jewel. They fly there from Bangkok multiple times daily, plus connections from Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and other regional hubs. The airport experience alone is worth it—think open-air pavilions, tropical plants, and an actual sense of arrival rather than the usual airport misery.
Flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Samui take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Prices vary wildly based on season—low season (May-October) you might find round-trips for $150-200, while peak season (December-February) can hit $300-400 or more.
Laos and Cambodia Routes
Bangkok Airways is one of the easiest ways to reach Luang Prabang, one of Southeast Asia’s most charming destinations. Direct flights from Bangkok take under 2 hours. Similarly, their Siem Reap connections make Angkor Wat accessibility a breeze.
These international routes sometimes offer better value than you’d expect—I’ve seen Bangkok-Siem Reap for under $100 one-way during promotions. Subscribe to their email list for flash sale alerts.
Domestic Thailand Network
Beyond Samui, Bangkok Airways connects Bangkok to:
- Chiang Mai (multiple daily flights)
- Phuket (several times daily)
- Krabi (daily service)
- Chiang Rai (select days)
- Sukhothai (limited schedule)
For domestic Thailand travel, compare Bangkok Airways prices against competitors like Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and budget carriers. Sometimes Bangkok Airways is competitive when you factor in included baggage and snacks; other times budget carriers win on price alone.
Airport Lounges and Ground Experience
The ground experience matters, especially when you’re traveling all day through multiple airports.
Bangkok Airways Lounges
Bangkok Airways operates lounges at their hub airports, and they’re actually pretty decent for a regional carrier. The Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) lounge offers:
- Hot and cold food buffet (quality varies by time of day)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Comfortable seating with decent WiFi
- Shower facilities
- Newspapers and magazines
Access is included for Blue Ribbon class passengers and higher-tier FiveStar members. Some credit cards also grant access—check your benefits.
The Samui Airport lounge is smaller but has that relaxed island vibe. Don’t expect luxury, but it’s comfortable with decent coffee and snacks.
Check-In and Boarding Process
Bangkok Airways generally boards 30-40 minutes before departure. They’re pretty strict about gate closure times—20 minutes before departure means 20 minutes, not 19. Get there early.
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and is highly recommended, especially during busy travel periods. Mobile boarding passes work fine at most airports they serve.
Baggage claim is usually quick on Bangkok Airways flights, another advantage of their boutique size and controlled airports.
Baggage Policies and Fees
Let’s talk luggage because this trips up a lot of travelers.
Standard Allowances
Economy Class:
- Checked baggage: 20kg included
- Carry-on: 7kg (usually not strictly weighed unless obviously oversized)
Blue Ribbon Class:
- Checked baggage: 30kg included
- Carry-on: 7kg
These allowances are more generous than typical budget carriers but less than most full-service international airlines. For most travelers doing 1-2 week trips, 20kg is plenty.
Excess Baggage Costs
If you exceed your allowance, expect to pay. Fees vary by route but generally run 200-400 Thai Baht per additional kilogram (roughly $6-12 USD per kg). This adds up FAST—a 5kg overage could cost $30-60.
Pro tip: If you know you’ll have excess baggage, pre-purchase additional allowance through their website before your flight. It’s usually 20-30% cheaper than paying at the airport.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
Golf clubs, surfboards, and bicycles have specific policies and fees. Generally, these count toward your baggage allowance if they’re within weight limits, but oversized items may incur additional charges. Contact Bangkok Airways directly before your flight if you’re bringing anything unusual—their customer service is actually responsive.
Tips for First-Time Bangkok Airways Passengers
A few things I wish someone had told me before my first flight with them.
Seat Selection Strategy
Most fare types include free seat selection, but premium seats (extra legroom, front rows) cost extra—usually $10-20. For flights under 2 hours, saving the money probably makes sense unless you’re particularly tall.
On ATR turboprop flights, seats toward the front are slightly quieter as you’re farther from the propellers. Not a huge difference, but noticeable on a 90-minute flight.
Airport-Specific Considerations
Samui Airport is beautiful but small—arrive 90 minutes before international flights, 60 minutes for domestic. There’s limited shopping and dining once you’re through security, so don’t plan on much browsing time.
Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is massive and can be hectic. Bangkok Airways operates from the main terminal—give yourself plenty of time to navigate, especially if you’re connecting internationally.
Weather and Schedule Reliability
Bangkok Airways has decent on-time performance, but remember these are often small planes flying to island destinations. Weather delays happen, especially during monsoon season (June-October). Build buffer time if you have tight connections.
The airline is generally proactive about rebooking if flights are cancelled due to weather, but their limited schedule means your options might be next-day rather than a few hours later.
Your Boutique Flying Experience Awaits
Look, Bangkok Airways isn’t trying to be Emirates or Singapore Airlines, and that’s perfectly fine. They’ve carved out this unique niche as Southeast Asia’s boutique carrier, offering service that’s genuinely better than budget airlines without the premium pricing of full-service carriers. For certain routes—especially anything involving Koh Samui, Laos, or Cambodia—they’re often your best or only direct option.
What I appreciate most is their consistency. You know what you’re getting: decent planes, included amenities, and relatively pleasant service. No surprises, no hidden fees for basics, no fighting over overhead bin space because everyone bought priority boarding. It’s just straightforward, honest flying.
Is Bangkok Airways perfect? No. Their monopoly on some routes means pricing can be steep during peak seasons. Award availability is limited. WiFi is non-existent. But for regional Southeast Asian travel, they’re a solid choice that often delivers better value than it initially appears.
So next time you’re planning trips through Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, don’t automatically default to the big-name carriers or the obvious budget options. Check what Bangkok Airways offers. You might discover that their combination of convenience, comfort, and included services makes them the sweet spot for your journey. Safe travels, and hopefully I’ll see you in one of those gorgeous open-air terminals soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangkok Airways a budget airline?
No, Bangkok Airways positions itself as a “boutique” airline—somewhere between budget and full-service carriers. They include checked baggage, complimentary snacks and drinks, and seat selection in their base fares, unlike true budget airlines. Prices are higher than Air Asia or similar low-cost carriers but typically lower than full-service airlines like Thai Airways.
Does Bangkok Airways have WiFi on flights?
Unfortunately, WiFi is not available on most Bangkok Airways flights. They operate primarily regional routes with flight times under 3 hours, and the aircraft aren’t equipped with inflight WiFi. Download any entertainment, work documents, or content you’ll need before boarding. Some newer aircraft may eventually get WiFi, but it’s not currently standard.
Can I earn airline miles on Bangkok Airways flights?
Yes, through their FiveStar frequent flyer program or through partner airlines. Bangkok Airways has partnerships with airlines like Etihad, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, allowing you to credit flights to those programs instead. Check the specific partnership terms as earning rates vary. If you fly Bangkok Airways regularly, joining FiveStar makes sense for benefits and miles accumulation.
How strict is Bangkok Airways about baggage weight?
Moderately strict. They typically weigh checked baggage but are less aggressive about carry-on weight unless bags are obviously oversized. The 20kg checked baggage limit for economy is enforced, and excess baggage fees are significant ($6-12 per kg over limit). Weigh your bags before the airport if you’re close to limits, and consider pre-purchasing extra allowance online to save money.
What happens if Bangkok Airways cancels my flight?
Bangkok Airways will rebook you on their next available flight at no additional cost, which may be the same day or next day depending on their schedule. For weather-related cancellations (common during monsoon season), they’re generally accommodating but aren’t required to provide hotel accommodation. Travel insurance is recommended, especially during rainy season (June-October) when delays are more common.
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