Bangkok AirwaysPG

Bangkok Airways is Thailand's boutique airline, distinguished as a full-service regional carrier that offers premium amenities typically associated with larger international airlines. Founded in 1968 as Sahakol Air (later renamed in 1986), the airline pioneered commercial aviation to many of Thailand's resort destinations and holds the unique position of owning and operating three private airports in Thailand: Samui (USM), Sukhothai (THS), and Trat (TDX).

With a fleet of approximately 25 aircraft including Airbus A319, A320, and ATR 72 turboprops, Bangkok Airways serves over 20 destinations across Southeast Asia and connects Thailand's tourism hubs. The airline has won numerous Skytrax awards including "World's Best Regional Airline" multiple times. Unlike low-cost competitors, Bangkok Airways includes checked baggage, complimentary meals, and lounge access for all passengers on most routes.

Bangkok Airways operates as an independent airline without alliance membership but maintains codeshare partnerships with major carriers including Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.

Carry-On Allowance

All Classes (Economy and Blue Ribbon/Business):

Item	Dimensions	Weight	Notes
Cabin Bag	56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in)	7 kg (15 lbs)	Must fit in overhead bin
Personal Item	36 x 25 x 18 cm (14 x 10 x 7 in)	5 kg (11 lbs)	Under seat

Total Combined Weight: 12 kg (26 lbs) maximum for both items combined

Note: Bangkok Airways enforces carry-on weight limits. Bags are weighed at check-in and sometimes at the gate.

Checked Baggage

Bangkok Airways includes checked baggage on all fares, setting it apart from low-cost carriers in the region.

Domestic Flights:

Fare Type	Included	Weight Limit
Promotional	1 bag	15 kg (33 lbs)
Economy Saver	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Economy Standard	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Economy Flex	1 bag	30 kg (66 lbs)
Blue Ribbon (Business)	1 bag	40 kg (88 lbs)

International Flights:

Fare Type	Included	Weight Limit
Promotional	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Economy Saver	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Economy Standard	1 bag	25 kg (55 lbs)
Economy Flex	1 bag	30 kg (66 lbs)
Blue Ribbon (Business)	2 bags	40 kg (88 lbs) each

Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) total linear dimensions (length + width + height)

Excess Baggage Fees

Domestic Routes:

• THB 200 per kg (~USD 5.70)
• Prepurchase online: THB 150-180 per kg (~USD 4.30-5.15)

International Routes:

• THB 350-500 per kg (~USD 10-14), depending on destination
• Cambodia/Myanmar: THB 350 per kg
• Other international: THB 400-500 per kg

Prepurchase Discount: Book excess baggage online at least 24 hours before departure for 15-25% savings.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee
24-32 kg (53-70 lbs)	THB 2,000-3,000 (~USD 57-86)
Over 32 kg	Not accepted; must split into multiple bags
Oversized (159-200 cm)	THB 1,500-2,500 (~USD 43-71)
Over 200 cm linear	Not accepted

Important: Maximum weight per piece is 32 kg. Bags over this limit must be split or shipped as cargo.

Elite Status Baggage Benefits

FlyerBonus Status	Additional Allowance
Blue Member	No extra
Silver Member	+5 kg on domestic, +10 kg international
Gold Member	+10 kg on domestic, +15 kg international
Platinum Member	+15 kg on domestic, +20 kg international

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	THB 700-1,200 (~USD 20-35)	Per set, route dependent
Skis/Snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts toward allowance
Surfboards	THB 1,500 (~USD 43)	Per piece, max 280 cm
Bicycles	THB 2,000 (~USD 57)	Must be boxed, pedals removed
Dive equipment	THB 1,000 (~USD 29)	Per set
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Advance notice recommended
CPAP/Medical	Free	Does not count toward allowance

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at bangkokair.com/baggage-information before traveling.

Bangkok Airways positions itself as Asia's boutique airline, offering full-service amenities on all flights regardless of duration.

Blue Ribbon Class (Business)

Feature	Details
Configuration	2-2 on A320/A319
Seat Pitch	38-40"
Seat Width	20-21"
Recline	6-8"
Power	USB and AC on most aircraft

Blue Ribbon Amenities:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Expanded meal service with premium options
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages
• Amenity kit on longer routes
• 40 kg checked baggage (2 bags on international)
• Blue Ribbon Club lounge access

Economy Class

Aircraft	Pitch	Width	Configuration
Airbus A320	31-32"	17-18"	3-3
Airbus A319	31-32"	17-18"	3-3
ATR 72-600	30"	17"	2-2

Economy Features:

• Above-average seat pitch for regional flights
• Personal entertainment on A320 (seatback screens on some aircraft)
• USB charging ports on newer A320s
• Leather seats on most aircraft

Complimentary Meals

Bangkok Airways provides complimentary meals and beverages on all flights, a rarity among regional carriers:

Flight Duration	Meal Service
Under 1 hour	Snack box, beverages
1-2 hours	Hot meal or substantial snack
Over 2 hours	Full hot meal, beverages

Meal Options:

• Thai cuisine and international options
• Special meals available with 24-hour advance request (vegetarian, Muslim, children's)
• Complimentary soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea
• Alcoholic beverages complimentary in Blue Ribbon, for purchase in Economy

Entertainment & Connectivity

Feature	Details
Seatback Screens	Select A320 aircraft
Streaming	Bangkok Airways app (some routes)
Magazine	Fah Thai in-flight magazine
WiFi	Not available on most flights

Note: Given short flight durations (most under 90 minutes), Bangkok Airways focuses on meal service rather than extensive entertainment systems.

Booking:

• Book Bangkok-Samui directly on bangkokair.com; this route is exclusive to Bangkok Airways
• Promotional fares offer significant savings but have 15 kg baggage limit and change restrictions
• Blue Ribbon Class is often only THB 1,500-2,500 (~USD 43-70) more than Economy on short routes
• Check codeshare availability through Qantas, Emirates, or JAL for points redemption

Samui Airport (USM):

• Only Bangkok Airways operates here - no alternatives
• Open-air terminal with tropical garden atmosphere
• Blue Ribbon Lounge has excellent Thai snacks and garden seating
• Short walks across tarmac - wear appropriate footwear
• Arrive early; limited seating during peak times

At Bangkok BKK:

• Blue Ribbon Club lounge is complimentary for all international passengers
• Domestic lounge requires FlyerBonus Silver status or purchase
• Bangkok Airways operates from Terminal 1 (same terminal as international)
• Short connection times are possible due to single-terminal operation

Baggage:

• All fares include checked baggage (unusual for Southeast Asia)
• Prepurchase excess baggage online for 15-25% discount
• 7 kg carry-on limit is enforced - pack accordingly
• Golf equipment has fixed fees; may be cheaper than excess baggage

FlyerBonus:

• Join before first flight for 500 welcome miles
• Silver status at just 10,000 miles/year provides lounge access
• Miles from partner airlines count toward status
• Platinum miles never expire - worth pursuing for frequent travelers

Meals:

• Complimentary meals on all flights - rare for regional carrier
• Pre-order special meals 24 hours in advance
• Thai-style meals are generally excellent
• Hot towel service adds to boutique experience

Best Routes:

• Bangkok-Samui: Flagship route, frequent departures, no competition
• Bangkok-Sukhothai: Only commercial service to the UNESCO heritage site
• Bangkok-Trat: Fastest access to Koh Chang and islands
• Samui-Singapore: Convenient connection avoiding Bangkok

Common Issues:

• Samui exclusivity means higher prices on this route
• ATR 72 turboprops on some routes (Sukhothai, Trat, Lampang) - smaller aircraft
• WiFi not available on most flights
• Monsoon season (November-January) can affect Samui schedules
• Promotional fares have restrictive change/refund policies