Experiences with Bangkok Airways
On short routes, Bangkok Airways often feels like the pleasant counter-model to the classic “in, sit down, out.” There’s warm food. Just like that. No haggling over snacks, no mid-air credit-card choreography. Add lounge access on the ground — even on domestic flights — and checked baggage included. In Southeast Asia, this feels almost charmingly down-to-earth luxury and clearly sets the airline apart from many low-cost competitors.
Of course, not everything that smiles is gold. Tickets tend to be a bit more expensive, and anyone seated on a Boeing 717 will quickly notice that “legroom” here is more of a philosophical concept than a measurable condition. And the service? Friendly, warm — but very Thai. Everything arrives, nothing rushes. If you travel with German punctuality in mind, you’ll inevitably learn patience. Or practice it.
In the end, what remains for me is a genuinely good feeling. Bangkok Airways gets me reliably from island to island, from city to city — with a smile, a warm meal, and the gentle reminder that travel isn’t a race. It’s more like a slow walk toward the horizon. And sometimes, that’s the real luxury.
Bangkok Air - in testing
I’ll admit it: I boarded this flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui with fairly modest expectations — short haul, regional airline, barely over an hour in the air. And then this happened: Bangkok Airways actually served a warm mini meal. Not a symbolic cracker tragedy, but fish with potatoes. Warm. Edible. And — here’s the twist — genuinely tasty.
For a brief moment, I checked whether I had somehow ended up on a long-haul flight or accidentally wandered into business class. Spoiler: no. It was simply a very pleasant surprise.
The service? Attentive, friendly, and refreshingly calm — as if someone had decided that even a short flight deserves to feel like a small travel experience. No tray-slamming, no annoyed glances, just that very Thai sense of “we’ve got you.” Maybe not at top speed, but definitely with heart.
All in all, Bangkok Airways genuinely won me over. Far more than expected for a short hop — and exactly why I’d happily board again anytime. Sometimes the travel feeling doesn’t start at the destination, but somewhere between boarding and warm fish with potatoes.
What travellers often celebrate
1) Warm meals & drinks — even on short hops
Many reviews point out that even on short routes you’re served a (small) meal — not just air with a hint of cookie flavor. Compared to some other short-haul experiences, this feels like a relic from a friendlier era of flying.
2) “Boutique” feeling: lounge access for (almost) everyone
A real signature move: Bangkok Airways offers boutique lounges with snacks and drinks and openly promotes this as a benefit. Many travelers see this as a major plus — a chance to briefly “reset” before the flight. Some lounge reviews are downright enthusiastic about entering vacation mode the moment you walk through the door.
3) Service: friendly, attentive, often above expectations
On Skytrax and TripAdvisor, one thing keeps popping up: crew and ground staff are described as helpful and genuinely caring — especially for a regional airline. No glamour circus here, just a calm “we do things properly.”
4) Free baggage & seat selection as a sense of value
Many travelers appreciate the fact that (depending on the ticket) sensible inclusions are part of the deal — making the flight feel less like “every little thing costs extra.” Bangkok Airways itself highlights these boutique services, including baggage allowance, seat selection, lounge access, and catering.
Where travellers tend to roll their eyes
1) Delays & operations: “great — when it’s rolling”
Alongside the praise, Skytrax reviews also mention frustration with longer waits or delays. It doesn’t seem to be the norm, but when it happens, it sticks — as delays tend to do.
2) Extra costs & baggage: sometimes a sensitive topic
A recurring point of annoyance in reviews is excess baggage fees or discussions at the check-in counter. That’s usually the moment when the mood shifts from “boutique” to “receipt with wings.”
3) Seat comfort varies by aircraft and route
Some passengers report decent legroom, others complain about tight seating — often depending on the aircraft type or the specific row. With Bangkok Airways, comfort doesn’t appear to be entirely consistent across the fleet.
4) Lounge reality: basic, busy, without the “wow”
As charming as the concept is, some travelers find the lounges rather simple or overcrowded — which, to be fair, comes with the idea that “everyone’s welcome.”
The Air Bangkok website and app
The website — functional, friendly, a little old-school
The Bangkok Airways website doesn’t feel like an over-ambitious tech startup, but more like a reliable travel companion saying: “Come on, we’ll get you there — design awards can wait.” Booking flights, choosing seats, checking baggage rules — it’s all there and easy to find. No design fireworks, no spinning globes on endless scroll, but a clear structure and surprisingly little booking stress.
What’s especially pleasant: information about services like lounge access, baggage, or onboard catering is communicated openly. You don’t feel like you need to play detective just to figure out what’s included and what isn’t. For travelers who prefer planning over guessing, that’s a genuine plus.
The app — not a toy, but a tool
The Bangkok Airways app is built very much like the website: functional rather than flashy. Boarding passes, flight status, managing bookings — it all works smoothly, without unnecessary acrobatics. Sure, it doesn’t compete with the glossy apps of big Gulf or premium airlines, but it does exactly what you need while traveling. And it does so reliably.
What many travelers appreciate: the app is pleasantly quiet. No constant push notifications, no relentless “upgrade now!” shouting. It accompanies the journey without demanding attention — almost meditative, in its own understated way.
10 facts about Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways isn't loud, hip or perfect – but it is surprisingly pleasant. And sometimes that's the greatest luxury you can have when travelling.
Bangkok Airways describes itself as ‘Asia's Boutique Airline’. At first glance, this sounds like advertising jargon, but it is surprisingly consistent in practice: service, lounge, catering – all part of the basic concept, not an upsell.
Even on flights lasting around an hour, a hot meal is usually provided free of charge. Not just a token snack, but a proper meal. For many travellers, this comes as a bit of a culture shock – in a positive sense.
Bangkok Airways operates its own airports, including those on Koh Samui, in Sukhothai and Trat. This makes the airline an important gatekeeper for some of Thailand's most beautiful destinations.
Yes, you read that correctly: Economy passengers are also allowed in the lounge. Snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, air conditioning – your holiday mode begins even before boarding.
The airline mainly flies domestic and regional routes. Ideal for island hopping, cultural trips and anyone who prefers to arrive rather than change planes.
Bangkok Airways is considered reliable, but is occasionally criticised for delays. Welcome to Southeast Asia: mostly relaxed, sometimes chaotic – but rarely heartless.
The on-board service is often described as friendly, attentive and unhurried. No entertainment circus, just that quiet feeling of being in good hands.
The airline mainly flies Airbus A319/A320 and ATR 72 aircraft. These are not design icons, but solid workhorses – perfectly suited to the regional focus.
Bangkok Airways is not a low-cost airline. However, flying with them does not feel like a puzzle of additional costs. Many things are included, and that is exactly what many people appreciate.
In international rankings, Bangkok Airways is consistently listed as one of the best regional airlines in the world. Not because of glamour – but because of the details.
Conclusion: Bangkok Airways is not an airline for grand gestures, but rather for small, pleasant surprises. And sometimes that is precisely what constitutes true luxury when travelling.
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