PG 806
18 July, 2012
Koh Samui (USM) - Bangkok
Scheduled: 19:40-20:45 (1:05)
Airbus A319, HS-PGX
After a lovely stay, it was time to head home to AMS via BKK. Our flight would depart quite late and the hotel was kind enough to give us an extra 2 hours in the room. After waiting the remaining hours in the reception area, we were picked up and driven to Koh Samui airport. We first let our bags be sealed again, as the layover in BKK was quite long and we didn’t want anything to happen with our luggage. We had checked in online the day before, so could make use of the premium check in desk (Blue Ribbon Business Class and Premier card holders), where we were attended immediately by a friendly agent. Checking our bags through to AMS on CI was no problem (also checked in online the day before, so had our BPs) and I asked if they could be tagged priority as Elite on the CI leg. She commented she didn’t have tags but I had luckily brought them along, which she kindly attached. We were given a special sticker indicating we were ‘CIQ’ pax, meaning we would clear immigration at USM even though it is a domestic flight. Our bags were also tagged with a large red CIQ label.
Check in
Other airlines at USM
We thanked the friendly lady and went to the gate. Koh Samui airport is almost completely outdoors and there is a lot of vegetation around the walkways. We went to the only international gate at USM. Security was quick and we passed immigration without hassle. Strange thing is domestic pax are on the same plane, but board from a different gate and of course don’t pass immigration. Kind of odd but the CIQ was very, very convenient so we didn’t need to clear immigration at BKK, where there are often long lines.
Luckily it didn’t rain
The international gate 6 featured enough seating, free WiFi (password from attendant), a small shop/café and a ‘courtesy corner’, part of the ‘boutique lounge’. There were some cookies, pastries, coffee/tea and unbranded soft drinks. Quality of the food wasn’t as good as in Chiang Mai. From the gate we had a great view of the runway and it was quite cool to be outside the whole time and hear/see aircraft take off from up close.
Gate area
Courtesy corner
My selection