Find cheap Bangkok Airways flights

While it might not be well known outside of the region, Bangkok Airways has a sterling reputation within Southeast Asia. The carrier refers to itself as "Asia's Boutique Airline.” It originally was founded in 1968 and has a solid reputation for quality and attention to detail. Here’s everything that you should know if you’re considering a flight with Bangkok Airways.

What makes Bangkok Airways different

Bangkok Airways positions itself as a “boutique” carrier, offering direct access to smaller, more niche destinations. These are locales that are sometimes overlooked by larger international airlines. In other words, part of what makes the carrier so unique is where it flies. Its primary hub is in Bangkok, as you might expect.

Don’t expect private jet-like luxury, but the airline certainly has a more elevated feel than traditional carriers. First of all, passengers get complimentary pre-departure airport lounge access, regardless of ticket class. This is a rarity in the industry. Lounges vary from airport to airport, but at the very least, expect free drinks, snacks, fast WiFi and a comfortable place to relax pre-flight.

The carrier is unique in that it owns and operates several airports within Thailand, including Samui, Sukhothai and Trat. While this ensures a consistent travel experience, with reduced competition, it also makes airfare a bit more expensive. The airline has a competitive advantage, particularly in Koh Samui, where it holds a near-monopoly on flights to the island.

Where Bangkok Airways flies

Bangkok Airways has a strong network in the Southeast Asia region and plays a crucial role in connecting major cities within Thailand. Bangkok (BKK) is linked with some of the country's most popular tourist destinations which include places like Samui (USM), Phuket (HKT), Sukhothai (THS), Krabi (KBV) and more.

Outside of Thailand, Bangkok Airways operates international flights to several other cities in Asia, most notably Siem Reap (Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat temple), Luang Prabang (the UNESCO-listed city in Laos), and Male (one of the few carriers providing direct flights between Thailand and the Maldives). The airline also has flights from Samui to Hong Kong and Singapore.

Types of aircraft

The airline has three different types of planes, most notably the ATR 72-600 which is a turboprop aircraft that serves Bangkok Airways’ shorter domestic and regional routes, especially those to smaller airports where runway length is a limiting factor. For travelers who don’t love small planes and loud engines, keep in mind this isn’t a large aircraft; there are only up to 70 seats, all economy configured.

Meanwhile, the airline also flies two other plane types: the workhorse Airbus A319 and Airbus A320. Some of these planes offer a business-class section, but the vast majority of Bangkok Airways’ narrowbody fleet is economy-only in a 3-3 setup. However, even the economy cabin is a pretty comfortable experience (more on this below).

Cabin types

While Bangkok Airways provides a better-than-average flying experience for all passengers, there are still a few different fare classes and cabins to choose from. The carrier isn’t a traditional full-service airline, but it offers comfortable seats, thoughtful service, and in some cases, premium seating for passengers seeking a more luxurious flight.

Economy class

Passengers in economy get ample legroom compared to many low-cost carriers with 31 to 32 inches of seat pitch. Some Airbus aircraft feature seatback screens with access to a variety of movies, TV shows, and music. On other routes, passengers are provided with access to streaming entertainment via the Bangkok Airways app.

Business class (“Blue Ribbon Class”)

On select routes operated by the Airbus A319s and A320s, Bangkok Airways offers a business class product known as Blue Ribbon Class. These seats have around 44 inches of pitch, allowing for plenty of legroom and recline. Passengers also enjoy an enhanced dining experience, with multi-course meals and premium beverages, including wine and champagne.

Ground experience

Here’s what the ground experience is like for Bangkok Airways passengers.

Airport lounges

A unique feature of Bangkok Airways is that it offers complimentary lounge access to all passengers. Economy passengers get access to the “Boutique Lounge” which has a variety of Thai desserts and international snacks, plus fruit juices, coffee, and tea. Meanwhile, business class passengers can use the more exclusive “Blue Ribbon Lounge,” with amenities such as dishes cooked to order, shower rooms, massage chairs, and more. (Try the khao tom mat or steamed banana in sticky rice, it’s a Thai staple and absolutely delicious.)

Carry-on and checked luggage

Checked bags are included for all fares, another rarity in a world of airlines nickeling and diming guests. Instead of a specific baggage number, Bangkok Airways weights bags to determine how much you can bring on for free. Economy travelers get 20 kilos (approximately 44 pounds) while business class passengers get 40 kilos (approximately 88 pounds).

Expect digital luggage scales at every Bangkok Airways check-in counter at all airports; I found them to be pretty strict about this. Excess baggage fees are in place on a per-kilo basis and you can pre-pay online or at the check-in desk. In addition, your carry-on will be weighed.

Other important tidbits

The Bangkok Airways check-in counter will close 40 minutes before domestic departure flight time and 50 minutes before international departure flight time. While this is very generous compared to other airlines who often close check-in (and checked bag drop-off at the one-hour mark), BKK Airport often has long lines. Therefore, it’s better to arrive on the earlier side.

Onboard experience

Here’s where the Bangkok Airways experience really shines through: the onboard experience.

Amenities and features

Bangkok Airways provides in-flight entertainment on select Airbus A319 and A320 planes. Passengers can access a selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games via seatback screens or through their personal devices using the airline’s app. However, keep in mind that not all planes offer power outlets.

Food and drink

Despite short flight times (many travel durations within Thailand are around an hour or less), Bangkok Airways will always feed you—and meals are not only edible but often they’re delicious. Where most other airlines have tightened their budgets, Bangkok Airways comes through as best in class. And as mentioned, that’s regardless if you’re in economy or business.

The meals are typically high quality and are often inspired by Thai cuisine, adding a cultural touch to the in-flight experience. For business class passengers, the meal service is even more elaborate, featuring a multi-course menu and premium drink options. The airline places a strong emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Service

The airline has a solid reputation for its excellent customer service, with cabin crew trained to deliver a high level of hospitality. (Also, you’re in Thailand, where the service is just better than in many parts of the world.) The airline’s boutique philosophy is evident in the attention to detail and the friendliness of the crew.

Airline partners, earning and redeeming miles

For travelers looking to earn loyalty points, Bangkok Airways has a frequent flyer program called FlyerBonus. It rewards passengers based on both the distance flown and the fare class of the ticket. Points can be accumulated on Bangkok Airways flights, as well as with select airline partners. As you might expect, business class tickets earn more points.

FlyerBonus offers an elite status tier called “Premier Membership” for the most frequent Bangkok Airways travelers. Member benefits include priority check-in and boarding with reduced wait times at the airport; additional baggage allowance above what’s on your ticket; and complimentary access to the Blue Ribbon Lounges, even for those in economy.

Although Bangkok Airways is not a member of any of the major global airline alliances (SkyTeam, oneworld, or Star Alliance), it has established a number of partnerships with other carriers. These agreements give travelers more connectivity, particularly for international connections through Bangkok to other parts of the world.

Bangkok Airways has codeshare agreements with a variety of airlines, allowing passengers to book seamless connections. Some of its key codeshare partners include Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Air France, and Korean Air. These partnerships allow passengers to book through-tickets on Bangkok Airways and their codeshare partners, providing access to a wider network of destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.