Bangkok Airways is a regional carrier that’s been operating for decades, positioning itself as “Asia’s Boutique Airline”, and is recognised for its quality and attention to detail. While it might not be well known outside Southeast Asia, the airline has built a strong reputation within the region. Here’s everything 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 destinations like Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat that larger international airlines often overlook. Part of what makes the carrier unique is where it flies, with its primary hub in Bangkok serving as the gateway to these smaller airports.
Don’t expect private jet-like luxury, but the airline has a more elevated feel than most carriers. Economy passengers get complimentary access to the Boutique Lounge, while business class passengers and eligible elites enjoy access to the Blue Ribbon Club Lounges. This is a rarity in the industry.
Lounges vary from airport to airport, but you can at least expect complimentary snacks, hot and cold drinks, fast WiFi and a comfortable place to relax before your flight.
The carrier is also unique because it owns and operates several airports within Thailand, including Samui, Sukhothai and Trat. While this ensures a consistent travel experience, it also means less competition, which can make 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 connecting Bangkok (BKK) with Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, including the islands of Samui (USM) and Phuket (HKT), plus Sukhothai (THS), Krabi (KBV), and more. The airline plays a crucial role in linking these destinations within Southeast Asia, particularly for travelers heading to beach and cultural hotspots.
Outside of Thailand, Bangkok Airways operates international flights to several other cities in Asia. The airline flies to Siem Reap (home to Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat temple) and Malé (one of the few carriers providing direct flights between Thailand and the Maldives), among other destinations. The airline also has flights from Samui to Hong Kong and Singapore.
Cabin types
Bangkok Airways offers economy class on all flights, with business class (Blue Ribbon Class) available on select Airbus A319 and A320 routes. The carrier isn’t a traditional full-service airline, but it provides comfortable seats and thoughtful service that’s better than what you’ll find on most low-cost carriers.
Economy class
Passengers in economy get ample legroom compared to many low-cost carriers. Some Airbus aircraft feature seatback screens with access to movies, TV shows and music. On other routes, you can stream entertainment via the Bangkok Airways app on your own device.
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 offer generous legroom and recline. Blue Ribbon Class passengers can order from a selective menu on demand, with premium beverages including wine and champagne.
Types of aircraft
Bangkok Airways operates three aircraft types, including the ATR 72-600 turboprop for shorter domestic and regional routes to smaller airports where runway length is a limiting factor.
For travelers who don’t love small planes and loud engines, keep this in mind: the ATR 72-600 has 70 seats in an all-economy configuration, so it’s not a large aircraft.
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 on select routes. Even so, the economy cabin is a pretty comfortable experience.
Ground experience
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, international snacks, fruit juices, coffee, and tea.
Business class passengers can use the more exclusive “Blue Ribbon Lounge,” with amenities like dishes cooked to order, shower rooms and massage chairs. (Insider tip: Try the khao tom mat, a steamed banana in sticky rice. It’s a Thai staple and delicious.)
Carry-on and checked luggage
Bangkok Airways includes checked bags for all fares, using a weight-based system rather than a piece count. Economy travelers get 20 kilos (approximately 44 pounds) while business class passengers get 40 kilos (approximately 88 pounds), which is generous compared to airlines that charge for every bag.
Expect digital luggage scales at every Bangkok Airways check-in counter. I found them to be pretty strict about this. Excess baggage fees are charged perkilo, and you can pre-pay online or at the check-in desk. Your carry-on will likely be weighed too.
Other important tidbits
The Bangkok Airways check-in counter closes 40 minutes before domestic flights and 50 minutes before international flights. While this is generous compared to other airlines, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok often has long lines. It’s always better to arrive on the earlier side.
Onboard experience
Amenities and features
Bangkok Airways provides in-flight entertainment on select Airbus A319 and A320 planes. You can access a selection of movies, TV shows, music and games via seatback screens or through your personal devices using the airline’s app. Just keep in mind that not all planes offer power outlets, so charge up beforehand.
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 delicious. Where other airlines have tightened their budgets, Bangkok Airways stands out.
This applies regardless of whether you’re in economy or business, which is rare in the industry.
The meals are typically high quality and inspired by Thai cuisine, adding a cultural touch to the flight. For business class passengers, the meal service is even more elaborate, with Blue Ribbon Class passengers able to order from a selective menu on demand and premium drink options. The airline also puts a strong emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Service
The airline has a solid reputation for its strong customer service, with cabin crew trained to deliver a high level of hospitality. (Also, you’re in Thailand, known for its hospitality and attentive service.) The airline’s boutique philosophy is clear in the attention to detail and the friendliness of the crew.
Airline partners, earning and redeeming miles
Bangkok Airways operates FlyerBonus, its frequent flyer program that rewards passengers for their flights. Points can be accumulated on Bangkok Airways flights, with business class tickets typically earning more points than economy.
FlyerBonus offers elite status tiers including “Premier” and “Premier Plus” for frequent travelers. Member benefits include priority check-in and boarding, an additional baggage allowance, and complimentary access to the Blue Ribbon Lounges, even when flying in economy.
Although Bangkok Airways isn’t a member of any major global airline alliances (like SkyTeam, oneworld, or Star Alliance), it has partnerships with other carriers. These agreements give travelers more connectivity, particularly for international connections through Bangkok.
Bangkok Airways has codeshare agreements with a variety of airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Qantas and other major carriers. These partnerships allow you to book seamless connections on a single ticket, opening up a wider network of destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
