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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.