5 Reasons To Love Bangkok Airways
TPG International Contributor Lori Zaino just returned from spending two months in Southeast Asia (see her review of Thai Airways Economy Boeing 777-200ER — MAD-BKK and 12 Tips for Your First Trip to Southeast Asia), and one of her favorite experiences from the trip was flying with Bangkok Airways. Read on to find out why.
Bangkok Airways markets itself as "Asia's Boutique Airline," a tagline presumably targeted (successfully) to fans of boutique hotels. The Thai carrier flies between some of Thailand's most popular destinations, such as Bangkok (BKK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Krabi (KBV) and Koh Samui (USM), and also operates international flights to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Bangladesh and the Maldives.
I flew Bangkok Airways for the first time in 2014 and had an amazing experience — though I assumed the airline simply forgot to charge me for my checked baggage and accidentally served me a meal on the 50-minute trip from BKK to USM. However, after flying Bangkok Airways four more times this past summer, I can confirm that the carrier's consistently fantastic.
I'm not alone in my love for Bangkok Airways — the airline has won Skytrax's "Best Regional Airline" award six consecutive years (2004-2009), and in 2015, it took second place — but here's why I think Bangkok Airways is awesome:
1. A full meal is served on every flight. It doesn't matter how short your flight is, you always get complimentary full-course meal with Bangkok Airways. A meal is served on flights as short as 45 minutes long. Although the meals may not be state-of-the-art cuisine, I find it refreshing that the airline still values giving you something to eat on board without charging you extra. Depending on the hour of the day, meals vary from breakfast-style foods to sandwiches, wraps or noodle and meat dishes. You can also request special meals when booking your flights. There are a variety of options, including children's meals, raw vegetarian meals, gluten-free meals and even bland meals, if you happen to have a stomach bug.
2. You get complimentary Departure Lounge access. Bangkok Airways' departure lounges are found at every airport where the carrier operates flights.
Once you arrive at the departure lounge nearest your boarding gate, you can simply show the Bangkok Airways representative your boarding pass and they'll give you a Wi-Fi code and access to the buffet, drinks and snacks — including free popcorn from a popcorn machine!
Note that Bangkok Airways also provides its premium flyers with access to its own Blue Ribbon Club Lounges. Many of these lounges are being renovated to include services such as hot meals, personal shower rooms and massage parlors. They also offer library quiet rooms and meeting rooms.
3. Passengers get a free checked bag on any domestic or international flight. With the exception of Southwest Airlines and a few European and Asian carriers, there aren't many airlines left that allow passengers — especially those in coach — to check bags free of charge. Instead, you'll generally have to hold a co-branded credit card or have airline elite status in order to avoid checked baggage fees. Bangkok Airways allows each of its passengers to check one bag free of charge on both domestic and international flights. Each bag is allowed 20 kilograms (44 pounds) on the carrier's domestic Thai flights and 30 kilograms (66 pounds) on its international flights.
4. You can sign up for the FlyerBonus Program to earn points. Members of the FlyerBonus program can earn points for flying, which can then be used to purchase flights or upgrades (points are valid for three years). There are two levels, Priority and Premier, and perks include Blue Ribbon Lounge Access, discounts and extra baggage allowance.
According to the FlyerBonus point accrual chart shown below, Thai domestic flights in economy will earn you 10 points one-way, and in business class, 15 points one-way. A business/Premier flight from Thailand to the Maldives (MLE), Mumbai (BOM) or Dhaka (DAC) will earn you the loyalty program's biggest haul, which is 35 points one-way.
FlyerBonus awards begin at 100 points for a one-way domestic flight and 150 points for a one-way international flight. In order to redeem points for flights, FlyerBonus members have to visit the FlyerBonus website and complete an online award redemption request at least five days in advance of travel.
To sweeten the deal, Bangkok Airways also has the following airline partners on which you can redeem FlyerBonus points:
- Japan Airlines
- airberlin
- Cathay Pacific & Dragonair
- Etihad
5. The airline has excellent customer service. The carrier recently changed one of my flights and offered me Blue Ribbon Lounge Access for the inconvenience. Customer service quickly responds to emails, and there's also a 24-hour live chat option on the website. (This is especially convenient when you're traveling and don't want to make an expensive phone call while roaming.) In-flight customer service is great as well, in addition to friendly reps at check-in and boarding. During the flight, the attendants really hustle to get all the food and drinks served make sure everyone is happy during the flight, many of which are just about an hour.
I can't wait to fly with Bangkok Airways again. Sadly, it only flies within select countries in Asia, because if the airline operated in Europe or the US, I would be forever a loyal customer. Not yet convinced, yourself? Then I leave you with the Bangkok Airways safety video — and you're welcome.
TPG readers, have you ever flown Bangkok Airways? Do you like them as much as I do? Feel free to share your comments below.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.