Review: Bangkok Airways from Bangkok to Koh Samui and back.
The following flights were offered at a reduced rate by Bangkok Airways in return for a review. As per our policy, Bangkok Airways were not granted copy approval or influence over the editing of the review.
Much of the world today is dominated by both legacy and low cost carriers. On some routes within Thailand, the self-styled boutique airline Bangkok Airways has a complete monopoly over their services. In most environments, this would be terrible for consumers however Bangkok Airways have done quite the opposite - lets take a look. This review will cover both legs of the journey as the experience was so similar in both ways.
Bangkok Airways, history and business model
Bangkok Airways was founded in 1968 and operates a completely narrowbody fleet comprised of Airbus A319, A320 jets and ATR 72600 planes. Their model runs around a hub at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport which connects many destinations across Thailand but also as a feeder to international airlines - whilst having no airline alliance. An example of this is a person flying from London to Koh Samui, British Airways will sell people a complete connecting ticket with a BA flight from London to Bangkok and then Bangkok to Samui on Bangkok Airways. Bangkok Airways have these types of arrangements with loads of airlines including EVA Air, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Air France-KLM and more. This makes a lucrative business for Bangkok Airways and convenience for international visitors to get to more remote locations in the Kingdom.
Unique benefits
Although on routes also operated by other airlines, Bangkok Airways can be slightly more expensive but on all their tickets free baggage is provided at a decent level of 20kg. This is a big differentiator and really makes their fares a similar cost to low cost carriers once you establish the total cost of the complete flight. Similarly, Bangkok Airways have a lounge which is open to all passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Here you can get a small bite to eat and free non-alcoholic drinks which is something I've never seen prior to flying on Bangkok Airways. If flying from outstations, such as Samui, the airline offered a courtesy corner which hosted free drinks and small snacks, as well as a Premium Lounge that was only available to select customers and Priority Pass holders.
In-flight review
As most of Bangkok Airways flights are within ninety minutes, this review is not going to be super complex. Both of my flights were operated using Airbus A319 aircraft which is likely to provide a more comfortable experience than the ATR turboprops which also operate on some of their routes. This can be found on the booking page of their website.
Most Bangkok Airways flights operate from bus gates which does frustrate some people but gives a great view of the plane prior to boarding - well at least it was better than boarding a Ryanair aircraft in the rain! The Bangkok Airways ground crew did a good job to organise people onto the bus without crowding them. One frustration on our outbound flight was an 'influencer' who decided to slow down the whole boarding procedure by posing on the aircraft steps and then again at the top of the steps. Maybe I could understand if she was about to board Emirates or Singapore Airlines First Class I would get it…but this was so frustrating!
I was sat in Row 2 on the outbound and then Row 1 on the inbound with both aircraft having the same types of seats which were of a traditional style meaning a lot of padding versus the more modern slimline seating found on airlines like Lufthansa. This also meant there was a good 31 inches of legroom on the plane which was plenty for the 1-hour journey both ways - in fact this would be more than comfortable on a flight on their longest route to Hong Kong.
The crew on-board, wearing full PPE with dispoable gown and N95 masks, were extremely courteous and helpful but there was little in-flight service as a method to reduce Covid transmission. There was no entertainment or WiFi on-board. On domestic routes this is really not a problem but it may put the airline at a disadvantage on their longer international routes - where they will be up against the likes of Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and domestic competitor Thai Airways who have in-seat entertainment.
Food was provided but was in a way I've seen no other airline do so. In a similar fashion to recently announced by Air New Zealand, Bangkok Airways provide a takeaway bag at the end of your flight for your in-flight meal. Yes, you didn't read that wrong. At the end of your flight. Again, this isn't really a problem on the length of these flights and the fact that at the airports they are offering you food for free - but it does question why they are bothering. Quite clearly this is a Covid-prevention method with the thinking being that if somebody doesn't eat food then they will not take their mask off thus reducing the spread of Covid. The strange thing about the little takeaway bag provided was that the food actually tasted pretty good with a small savoury bread, cookie and water. In a world where airlines have used Covid as a reason to reduce their service offering, it is nice to see that an airline like Bangkok Airways have taken a different path.
How was the airport arrival experience?
Samui Airport is Bangkok Airways town. Bangkok Airways, currently, is the only airline that services the airport with every aircraft carrying the white livery with flame inspired logo. We arrived around the same time as another plane which meant the one luggage belt got extremely crowded very quickly. Luggage came through within 15 minutes due to the very short hop from the aircraft to the belt. On our return to Bangkok, our bags were Priority tagged and despite waiting longer than at Samui our bags were the first off the belt - which I think is the first time that has ever happened in all the times my bags have been tagged Priority.
Should you fly Bangkok Airways?
Their slogan 'Fly Boutique, Feel Unique' airline is most certainly representative of their offering. They have a clear, differentiated offering to other airlines in the market with a defined market of connecting all parts of Thailand to the capital, Bangkok. Sometimes flights may be expensive, particularly to Samui where they dominate flights, but I would feel this is worth it for the better all-inclusive experience offered. As a blogger/reviewer, I love trying new airlines so would want to compare the domestic experience with Thai Airways - but for everybody else I wouldn't hesitate in recommending using Bangkok Airways either as a connection from your international flight or as a dedicated journey domestically.
Plus if you’re departing Samui, be sure to keep an eye out for the world’s most relaxed security dog!
