I just reserved a late November BKK trip. I recalled hearing that a new airport was supposed to open in the near future. A google search suggests the much delayed airport will open Sept. 28 th.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvarnabhumi_Airport

Does anyone have a definitive update? I am going on to HKT. Will the new airport have a hotel for short stays?

Will domestic flights leave from the new airport or will one have to travel to the old airprt for domestic connections?

About the only thing you can count on is that they aren't likely to make that opening date.

-David

Uncivil, personal attack posts deleted.

Thread moved to the appropriate forum, since not United-related

cblaisd
Moderator, United

My friend works for TG and last time I talked to him (which was way back in Jan) he said that it won't open till 2007......(you know Thai people too much corpution)

This thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=562861&page=3) in the TG forum has the latest publicly available info on when Suvarnabhumi will open. At the moment, the first commercial flights are scheduled for late July; they're just test flights on TG and some LCC's from elsewhere in Thailand. Standards testing and IATA certification has begun, I understand. The biggest open issues have been cracks in the runways and terminal tile floors. The biggest question will be, can the Thais actually pull it off? (Recall, the switch from Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok was not exactly a smooth one in the early days.)

The September 28th date continues to hold, at least for now, and the government is basically ordering all airlines to operate all flights through Suvarnabhumi from that date, like it or not. At this point, the opening date is a political football, with "caretaker" PM Thaksin Shinawatra pushing firmly to open by September 28, which just happens to be a few days before the on-again-off-again general election in which he evidently hopes to mount a comeback as a "can do" kinda guy. TG is doing the government's bidding, and the foreign airlines are politely avoiding confrontation (though they may be putting behind-the-scenes pressure on IATA to withhold certification). The September 28, 2006 date is also 365 days after the first-ever flights into Suvarnabhumi, so it's a bit of facing-saving for the officials who pushed to take that ceremonial flight a year ago.

Since it doesn't look like Don Muang will (be able to) handle the peak Thailand travel season in December-January, an opening something between September 28 and the Loy Kratong festival in late November seems likely, however well- or ill-advised it may be. My guess is ff100 will be flying through Suvanabhumi, though my guess is as good as anyone's.

Whenever it opens, both domestic and international flights will operate through Suvarnabhumi, so no cross-town connections for flights to HKT. (That would be a huge PITA for all the Scandinavian travelers and others who winter on Phuket, so Phuket's tourism industry would never permit it.) Accor is slated to open a Novotel at the new airport, but there's no telling when that will be ready for guests.

- Sept 28th is in fact the currently scheduled date. Yes, it has been postponed several times before. Not such a shock since they've been working on this for 35 years already. So, plan on it, but be ready to change plans.

- The Airport code will temporarily be NBK, allowing for some promotional domestic flights later this month. This will change to BKK the day that flights are diverted from Don Muang.

- Don Muang will not remain open for scheduled flights. Maybe some cargo, some military; in the future it could possibly be used for LCC's, though it seems unlikely.

- Suvarnabhumi is pronounced with the "i" at the end as silent.

- There is no information readily available regarding transit hotels. In fact, the official Airports of Thailand site makes no reference to the new airport at all.

My personal predictions, based on no concrete info whatsoever, but some experience of Thai face-saving and business practices, are:

- The airport will open on Sept 28, 2006, but on some sort of limited basis. Not sure how they'll do it, but I could see eg. only TG and subsidiaries shifting at first, and even they might fly only select (international?) flights. As a reference point, when SZB migrated to KUL in Malaysia, MH moved all int'l flights but kept most domestic flights at SZB until forced out.
- The first few days or weeks will be a massive clusterf***, especially if they are foolish enough to attempt an overnight big-bang migration. Both at HKG and SZB/KUL, baggage handling and cargo ops were particularly badly affected (http://www.limkitsiang.com/archive/1998/July98/sg1133.htm).

If I can help it I'll be steering well clear of Bangkok in October... :(

We will be flying to BKK in September, arriving on the 28th (AY), flying out again on 10/3 (TG) and 10/10 (AY) -- be interesting to see if we will use the old or new airport or both...

Cheers,
T.

My personal predictions, based on no concrete info whatsoever, but some experience of Thai face-saving and business practices, are:

- The airport will open on Sept 28, 2006, but on some sort of limited basis. Not sure how they'll do it, but I could see eg. only TG and subsidiaries shifting at first, and even they might fly only select (international?) flights. As a reference point, when SZB migrated to KUL in Malaysia, MH moved all int'l flights but kept most domestic flights at SZB until forced out.
- The first few days or weeks will be a massive clusterf***, especially if they are foolish enough to attempt an overnight big-bang migration. Both at HKG and SZB/KUL, baggage handling and cargo ops were particularly badly affected (http://www.limkitsiang.com/archive/1998/July98/sg1133.htm).

If I can help it I'll be steering well clear of Bangkok in October... :(

Accor is slated to open a Novotel at the new airport, but there's no telling when that will be ready for guests.

I'm fairly certain this hotel is already open.

I haven't heard anything about any airside transit hotel?

For travel at the end of November I'd expect to transit Suwannapoom, i.e. the new airport.

I'm interested to hear how UA and NW will handle the opening day. With one flight in/out per day, will they land one night at Don Muang, then ferry the plane to Suvarnabhumi overnight for a departure the next morning? I think a few people will miss the flight. :)

edited to add:

Loy Kratong is Sunday, 5 November 2006; it is not a national holiday.

IATA and ICAO do not have any certification authority, that might be required in order for a new airport to commence operations.

I'm fairly certain this hotel is already open.
Interesting -- Novotel's site (http://www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/6183/fiche_hotel.shtml) for the hotel seems to imply they're up and running, but it also says the airport is expected to open in December 2006! The booking engine seems to accept dates in Sept, but no earlier.

Bangkok Post Editorial, 11 July 2006

EDITORIAL

Rush to the flight gates

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his cabinet are taking an enormous gamble with their arbitrary plan to open the new Suvarnabhumi Airport without the full support from every airline, expert and company involved. The prime minister has tried for several years to present the airport as some sort of national treasure, and as a huge achievement of his own administration. Neither of these claims holds water.

By failing to get the agreement of all parties involved, the premier in fact is risking Thailand's reputation. Airport openings always are chaotic and even traumatic. Those who disagree with opening Suvarnabhumi in September will now be able to claim that the government is to blame for everything that goes wrong on opening day......


I put the link back in,

http://www.bangkokpost.com/110706_News/11Jul2006_news15.php

so the full text should be available for a week or so.

Couldn't agree more with the Bangkok Post's editorial. ^ ^

Today I was picking up my transit hotel voucher from my local Thai airlines office for my flight in early November which involves an overnight. I noticed that they wrote out the voucher for the Amari airport hotel, which is the hotel attached to Don Muang (the old airport). So, I said "but isn't the new airport opening Sept. 28th?" The Thai agent looked at me for a moment, laughed and then said you will be flying in to the old airport. I kept asking and they seemed quite sure that the new airport would not be operational in November. I finally got the instructions for changing on the off chance the new airport is open in Nov. It is pretty interesting that the Thai air employees are banking on the airport not opening in September. They seemed to think it was quite comical that I would even ask about the possibility of it being open. We shall see...

I have a flight in November , I am betting on the old airport,

But if it is the new airport thats OK too , its basically the same cost Taxi ride , and taxis are dead cheap in BKK,

it was 150 baht , $4 from my hotel to the old airport , plus 60 baht expressway toll , July 13th 4am

So $5.50 total :eek:

Rally

I have a flight in November , I am betting on the old airport,

But if it is the new airport thats OK too , its basically the same cost Taxi ride , and taxis are dead cheap in BKK,

it was 150 baht , $4 from my hotel to the old airport , plus 60 baht expressway toll , July 13th 4am

So $5.50 total :eek:

Rally

Unfortunately I am committed to fly in/out of BKK in early October :eek: (in with CX, out with QF). Sounds like a last minute guessing game as to whether the new airport will be open, and if so, which airlines will operate there in the early days.

Will watch with interest...

By the way, the above post seems to indicate that the new BKK will be about the same distance from the city as the old? I am planning on staying Riverside ~ will that be convenient for reaching the new airport?

Thanks in advance.

:)

From what I have read so far, it will not be any more convenient to get to the riverside area. At least not until they get all the new transportation systems in place. We will arrive in December on JAL and plan on the old airport still. I asked some of my family outside of BKK last week about the sept date for the new airport and they just laughed.

Recent stories....

http://www.bangkokpost.net/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=111871

First commercial flight lands on Suvarnabhmi Airport

The first commercial test flight from Don Muang Airport to Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airportof of Thai Airways International (THAI), the national flag carrier, landed successfully on the new airport Saturday morning as scheduled.

The THAI's Boeing 747-400 aircraft, TG181 flight, carrying Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, other cabinet members, senior government officials and other passengers, historically landed on Suvarnabhumi Airport's runway at 08:09 a.m.



http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/29Jul2006_news02.php

SUVARNABHUMI / MINISTER'S REACTION TO REPORT

AoT confident airport will be safe for September opening

AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) has attended to risk areas at Suvarnabhumi airport and is confident that it will be safe for the commercial opening set for Sept 28, caretaker Transport Minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal said yesterday.

He was commenting on a report by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on the eve of a test run for 21 local flights today.

The ICAO report identified 93 risk areas, including a lack of safety at the ends of runways.

Mr Pongsak said the risks the ICAO had identified were based on information that was not up-to-date.

To boost public confidence in the airport's safety, the Aviation Department would confer with the ICAO again with the latest available information.


http://www.bangkokpost.com/280706_News/28Jul2006_news01.php

Airport has 'high risk' areas

Int'l civil aviation body questions its readiness

AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK & SARITDET MARUKATAT

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has questioned the readiness of Suvarnabhumi airport for its official opening on Sept 28.

The ICAO report, based on its information collected and observations made between last month and early this month, identifies 29 high-risk areas - or about one-third of the 93 items on its checklist.

Forty-three are rated as medium-risk and the rest low-risk.

It defines a high-risk item as one which "will most probably not be possible to resolve" before the opening date and could delay the opening plan.

It seems like things went pretty well yesterday...

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30Jul2006_news01.php

Carnival atmosphere on test day

Small hiccups cause minor inconvenience, but security systems at airport performed well, says Thaksin

Suvarnabhumi airport resembled a shopping and entertainment hub yesterday, throwing a fun fair extravaganza to welcome passengers of the first commercial test flights and airport visitors amid some infrastructural hiccups.

More than 10,000 people packed the airport, drawn by heavily discounted merchandise on offer at shopping stalls contracted to operate in the airport.

I'm flying HKG-CMB via BKK in late September. I hope the airport is open then I'd love to see what it looks like anything has to be an improvement on Old BKK.

Does anyone know will "King Power" still have a monopoly on everything at the airport :D

Does anyone know will "King Power" still have a monopoly on everything at the airport :D
Yes. (Seriously (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/23/national/national_30009354.php).)

I can see I'll be as likely to spend my money on Duty Free in the new airport then as I was in the old airport in BKK in that case (as in, not at all). I guess they don't see the success that airports like SIN have had in having *good* prices for things in the airport - I know it's one place I'm happy to do my duty free shopping!

I can see I'll be as likely to spend my money on Duty Free in the new airport then as I was in the old airport in BKK in that case (as in, not at all). I guess they don't see the success that airports like SIN have had in having *good* prices for things in the airport - I know it's one place I'm happy to do my duty free shopping!
Yup. And you can also get a decent bite to eat without paying too much of a premium, unlike BKK, otherwise a city of amazing food (IMHO better than Singapore), where the best option is a KFC and even they yank up their prices a few hundred percent compared to the city. :mad: Incredibly shortsighted, but obviously the folks behind King Power are making such a killing that they can pull a few strings...

from TTG Asia

Airport confusion

September 28 deadline has trade scrambling to be ready

By Mark Bode and Sirima Eamtako

BANGKOK – A resolve by the Thai government to stick to its latest opening date for Suvarnabhumi Airport, September 28, has forced industry players into a last-minute scramble.

During a tour of the new airport on Saturday, TTG Asia was told by the Airports of Thailand (AoT) airlines had to be ready for the shift from Don Muang, which would close regardless of their preparedness.

But during a test of the airport by local carriers that day, airline lounges and offices at Suvarnabhumi were not ready, while roadworks around the airport were moving at a feverish pace.

Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) president, Mr Brian Sinclair-Thompson, said: “What I can say now is that we (international airlines) are not ready to move – the deadline is so unrealistic. But to be certain, we are conducting a survey on all international airlines’ readiness in all areas – offices, lounges, ground handling, operations, etc – to see which airlines are ready to move and which are not ready.”

Mr Sinclair-Thompson said BAR would consult with AoT if it was found a large number of airlines were unable to meet the deadline.

He added: “Airlines have been given a September 28 deadline to start all commercial operations out of Suvarnabhumi Airport. We were told to shift all operations prior to the date. The AoT said it would definitely close down operations at Don Muang on September 28.”

Scandinavian Airlines Ground Services (Thailand) managing director, Mr Axel Blom, said carriers needed a contingency plan in the event they could not meet the deadline, adding they required government support to overcome potential problems that could prevent them from being operational on time.

He said: “We know that it is beyond the authority (AoT) – it’s now the government’s order. The government has also repeatedly told airlines the airport will be ready for operations as of (September 28). We have no other choice but...there should be a contingency plan in case we are not fully ready.”

British Airways and Qantas manager for Thailand, Ms Julianne Rogers, admitted the rush was on to finish her airlines’ lounge on time.

Agents are also concerned. Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) president, Mr Anake Srishevachart, told

“I would suggest we slowly transfer operations instead of all moving in one go.”

Thai Travel Agents Association president, Anake Srishevachart

TTG Asia: “TTAA has requested for a site inspection of the new airport for our members, but was told by the AoT they were ‘not ready to accommodate our request’. After several calls, they have finally given us a September 11 date, but it’s too late considering the airport will be opened in two months. We should see it now, so we know what to prepare for our outbound operations. We need to tell customers what to do, where to meet, etc.

“We are confused as we understand the airport is not ready, nevertheless the prime minister has repeatedly insisted it would be ready for the September 28 opening.

“What is important is airlines must be able to complete their offices and lounges before moving to allow smooth operations. If all are not ready, I would suggest we slowly transfer operations instead of all moving in one go.”
Mr Anake said airport transfers were not a concern as two highways, Bang Na-Trat and Bangkok-Chonburi, linked the capital to Suvarnabhumi. Taxi cost to the city centre is expected to be similar to the cost from Don Muang.

Inbound operator, LTU Asia Tours managing director, Mr Raymond Honings, said: “What is more important is the incoming business: where we can park, where guides can welcome clients. There’s no indication as yet how that will function. It’s an area that’s often overlooked. The main focus is on airlines, but people still need to be dropped off and picked up.”

He added: “What I’m concerned about is the road works. The ramp that you need to exit off the elevated highway to get to the airport is not ready yet, and there’s no sign it will be soon. At the moment, you have to leave the elevated highway and travel about 10km to 12km on a heavily congested parallel road to get back on the elevated highway. The other approach on the motorway looks okay to me. The lack of a ramp will also hinder access to and from Pattaya.”

Diethelm Travel Asia COO, Mr Richard Brouwer, said: “For us, it’s more important to know where the ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents) parking area is, where the guides will be standing, how many exits will be in place.”

Hoteliers are also preparing. Marriott Resorts & Spas Thailand group general manager, Mr Jonathan Wigley, said his group had identified transfer routes and trained staff accordingly. “We are also changing collateral, website information and any related operation procedures.”

Best Western vice-president international operations, Mr Glenn de Souza, said his staff and agents had told him directional signs needed to be improved, while the parking facilities were not useful for pick-ups and drop-offs. “You also have to take a bus to the taxi stand at the airport.”

Last week, the Thai government slammed an International Civil Aviation Organisation report identifying 29 high-risk areas on a 93-item checklist, insisting the airport would be ready on time.


Suvarnabhumi connections

Suvarnabhumi Airport is located 15km on the eastbound Bang Na-Trat Highway, about 25km from Bangkok’s downtown. Five bus routes connect the airport to Bangkok. Taxis are available, and the AoT is conducting bids to have two private limousine operators (one to operate about 40 premium cars and another to operate between 100 and 130 standard cars). Thai Airways International will also provide a limousine service. The Thai Cabinet in June approved a 30 billion baht (US$789.40 million) budget for an elevated express train system from central Bangkok to the new airport. Construction will take about two years and is slated to begin later this year.

Found this article re: dayrooms and contract lounges...

link to article (http://www.thailandoutlook.com/thailandoutlook1/top+menu/investor+news/2006/Hotel+chief+sees+room+for+growth.htm)

Monday, July 17, 2006
Hotel chief sees room for growth

Miracle Hotel owner spending Bt300 million on 'day rooms', snack bars and lounges at new airport

Aswin Ingkakun, the owner of the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel and Louis' Tavern Hotel, is spending Bt300 million on facilities at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, including hotel rooms, shops, waiting lounges and a hair salon.

Aswin is spending about Bt100 million to open a "day-room" hotel, called The Miracle by Louis' Tavern, which will be located inside the passenger terminal. The hotel will have 80 rooms and is scheduled to open when the airport begins operating at the end of September.

Aswin said the hotel would provide the same services as hotels outside the airport and its room rate would be Bt1,000 for six hours.

Also found this reference site...

http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/

I finally realized why Thaksin's pushing so hard to get the airport open by the end of September -- it'll be election time a few weeks later in October. Here's hoping he's smart enough to open it with some kind of partial face-saving measure instead of going for an almost-certainly-doomed big bang.

I finally realized why Thaksin's pushing so hard to get the airport open by the end of September -- it'll be election time a few weeks later in October. Here's hoping he's smart enough to open it with some kind of partial face-saving measure instead of going for an almost-certainly-doomed big bang.

This theory has been bouncing around since the last election was voided, and the Election Commision, with Royal Decree, set the new election date for 15 Oct. He's way ahead in the polls. His constituency (rural, lower class) could care less about when the airport opens. Pushing to open the airport sooner rather than later, with the associated problems that are sure to happen, seems like it is all downside for TRT?

Airport opens on 28 Sep. Lot's of minor or even major problems. Democrats say how corruption and mismanagement led to all these problems. TRT is swept from office.

I think the push is on for 28 Sep because it is the one-year anniversary of the ceremonial landing, and the need to get things running before high-season and to just push people to finish the job. Setting a hard date, and pushing for it, is the only way to get the task completed.

This article has got some tidbits related to the new airport

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/index.asp?id=54510&nav=20

Yesterday's Nation reported that the government now wants to move some domestic flights already starting on Sep 15, and today's Bangkok Post says that Thai is actually going to do this for a couple of flights a day. Free shuttle buses will be provided for people who need to transfer.

This is actually a fairly smart move if you ask me, hopefully they can work out some bugs in the two weeks before the Big Bang... and if they are willing to deal with two simultaneous airports, it would also seem to hint toward my earlier prediction of a staggered opening of some sort.

Yesterday's Nation reported that the government now wants to move some domestic flights already starting on Sep 15, and today's Bangkok Post says that Thai is actually going to do this for a couple of flights a day. Free shuttle buses will be provided for people who need to transfer.

This is actually a fairly smart move if you ask me, hopefully they can work out some bugs in the two weeks before the Big Bang... and if they are willing to deal with two simultaneous airports, it would also seem to hint toward my earlier prediction of a staggered opening of some sort.


A way dumb move, IMO. Jury is till out...how many bugs can you work out? But we welcome your predictions. :rolleyes:

Quote: (Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 August 2006)

Next week, the board members who are responsible in developing Suvarnabhumi Airport will have a discussion on the possibility of this issue. Three alternatives will be discussed, and they include the transfer of all domestic flights, the transfer of flights that do not fly abroad afterward, or no transfer at all until September 28th. During the first two weeks, limousines in Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang will provide free services to the commuters.

Just hope you do not fly into the old airport and your connecting flight is at the new airport :(

This is going to be a mess , mostly because everyone except these officials know its not ready yet,

but then again they have a month to change the timing again

Rally

Just hope you do not fly into the old airport and your connecting flight is at the new airport :(
Thai seems to be opting for shifting those domestic flights with comparatively few international pax, namely Phitsanulok and Ubon Ratchathani. Frequencies will also be very limited (one daily flight per destination max).

This is going to be a mess , mostly because everyone except these officials know its not ready yet,
...and indeed Thai's labor union announced today that they'll boycott the Sept 15th opening, pointing out not only the obvious transfer hassle and how eg. 'guaranteed' connections will now break, but the fact that spare parts are still stored in Don Muang and things will go pear-shaped if a plane breaks down at Suvarnabhumi.

Found this article re: dayrooms and contract lounges...

link to article (http://www.thailandoutlook.com/thailandoutlook1/top+menu/investor+news/2006/Hotel+chief+sees+room+for+growth.htm)

Monday, July 17, 2006
Hotel chief sees room for growth

Miracle Hotel owner spending Bt300 million on 'day rooms', snack bars and lounges at new airport

Aswin Ingkakun, the owner of the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel and Louis' Tavern Hotel, is spending Bt300 million on facilities at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, including hotel rooms, shops, waiting lounges and a hair salon.

Aswin is spending about Bt100 million to open a "day-room" hotel, called The Miracle by Louis' Tavern, which will be located inside the passenger terminal. The hotel will have 80 rooms and is scheduled to open when the airport begins operating at the end of September.

Aswin said the hotel would provide the same services as hotels outside the airport and its room rate would be Bt1,000 for six hours.

Also found this reference site...

http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/


Has anybody made or found a way to make a reservaton at the "day-room" hotel?

See http://www.miraclegrandhotel.com/dayroom.html

If those numbers don't answer (say, if the new airport is really open), call the Miracle Grand.

AandT,
how do you get a voucher out of Thai? I am booked through BKK Nov1, arrive at 22:40, connect out next day at 10:35, and they show no interest in giving me a voucher for transit hotel. Emirates always used to give us a hotel in DXB on transits of that length, you just had to ask.
jp

There's a persistent rumor making the rounds in Bangkok saying that the opening will be delayed until March 2007 (!). I'd take this with a dash of fish sauce though... :confused:

There's a persistent rumor making the rounds in Bangkok saying that the opening will be delayed until March 2007 (!). I'd take this with a dash of fish sauce though... :confused:There is also the rumor that the departure tax will go up to 700 baht around that time.

There is also the rumor that the departure tax will go up to 700 baht around that time.

Departure tax has been mentioned as being increased to 600 or 700 THB on opening day, and at all airports supporting international departures. Given that AoT delayed the previously announced landing fee increase into Q1/Q2 2007 I assume they might do the same for the departure tax increase, but they are under pressure to increase revenues/profits.

Haven't heard any rumors, persisent or otherwise, regarding a delay to March 2007 other than the oddball posts ("late 2007" :rolleyes: ) on some Thailand-related forums.

Edited to add: International departure taxes will increase from 500 THB to 700 THB on 1 Feb 2007, and domestic departure taxes (I didn't know there were any; maybe these are included in the ticket price?) will increase from 50 THB to 100 THB. Landing fees will increase 15% on 1 April 2007. All according to a biref article in today's The Nation.

AandT,
how do you get a voucher out of Thai? I am booked through BKK Nov1, arrive at 22:40, connect out next day at 10:35, and they show no interest in giving me a voucher for transit hotel. Emirates always used to give us a hotel in DXB on transits of that length, you just had to ask.
jp

I am curious what is your destination city (connect out next day @ 10:35)?
Is it Chiangmai or Phuket?
Why do you think TG is responsible to give you a free transit hotel stay?
If TG thinks you are entitled to a free transit hotel, perhaps the voucher should have come with the ticket.

Just noticed on the Jetstar site that Jetstar will be moving their SIN-BKK flights over to the new airport from the 15th of September. Full details can be found at http://www.jetstar.com/sg-header/ask-jetstar.html#bkk - but it certainly looks as though things are happening now anyway!

:rolleyes: I will arrive with SAS on September 28. One month ago they told me I would for sure arrive in Don Muang. Yesterday I called SAS again, I had the question of the day. They called me back and told me I would arrive in the new airport. I am going to Chiang Mai. I hope my 2 hours connection will be okay. :confused: :D , well i will do it the Thai way, relax, dont think to much, hehe. BTW the SAS lady told me I will get champagne when I arrive...I doubt ^

Air Asia is moving their flights to the new airport a few days earlier than Sept 28 as well. They said they have notified passengers but I know people who have tickets to fly on 26 Sept (which Air Asia says will be from the new airport) and they have not been notified.

MORE good news posted on the official airport site!

*************

Airport tax will remain unchanged until 2007
Tags: News

As an incentive to promote the use of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the Airports of Thailand Pcl. (AOT) will not introduce new, higher rates on aircraft and passenger service charges until next year.

AOT had initially planned to introduce new rates upon Suvarnabhumi’s official opening on 28 September.

Airport tax for international and domestic flights will remain for the time being at 500 and 50 baht a person respectively. They will be increased to 700 and 100 baht in February 2007.

The deadline for a 15 per cent increase in commercial airlines’ landing and parking fees has also been pushed back from later this month to April 2007.

News below from the airport website... good news.. they are doing something about the Taxi situation, recognizing their original plan wasn't good.... ^

*************

Heeding passenger concerns, a taxi stand will be installed on the second floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport's passenger terminal.

Somchai Sawasdeepon, Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) general manager, said the decision was in response to problems during the September 1 test flights when many travellers had difficulty catching taxis from the public bus terminal.

The AOT's previous plan was to only allow taxi drop-offs at the passenger terminal. Pick-up service was conducted at the public bus terminal, 2.5 kilometres from the main terminal. A shuttle runs between the bus and passenger terminals.

AOT officials came to the realisation that this system would be inconvenient for passengers arriving with heavy luggage.

A stand will be established at the passenger terminal with at least 20 taxis available at all times. Somchai said officials would ensure that there are enough vehicles to serve passengers.

People will still be able to take a shuttle to the public bus terminal to catch a cab. Shuttles will be available every three to five minutes.

From the bus terminal, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority will provide service along six routes between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok.

Found this today. Important to those who are transiting via Bangkok Airways... you may be arriving (intl) at the OLD airport... but your flight is taking off from the NEW airport....

Also... EVA has confirmed they are swapping over on the 28th.

Good Luck to everyone flying the next several weeks!

*********************

Bangkok Airways announced it will take off at the Suvarnabhumi Airport from September 21st onwards – a week prior to the official opening of the mega airport on September 28th. This first phase of the Boutique Airline’s operation will include flights to and from Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Samui, Jinghong (Xixuangbanna), and Shenzhen

Idealized promotional video HERE (http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/32).

AandT,
how do you get a voucher out of Thai? I am booked through BKK Nov1, arrive at 22:40, connect out next day at 10:35, and they show no interest in giving me a voucher for transit hotel. Emirates always used to give us a hotel in DXB on transits of that length, you just had to ask.
jp


Sorry I have not visited this thread in a while as I have been traveling...

I was told by a local travel agent that I could get a voucher for a hotel stay since I had a forced overnight stopover. I ended up booking my ticket directly with the airline and I just had to ask them for the voucher. It is not for the transit hotel but for either the Amari hotel which I believe is attatched to the old airport or whatever hotel is attatched to the new one. It may have something to do with booking class... when I asked said, "your fare class includes this voucher." I booked in "H" economy class. Hope this helps!

Well, gang.. it looks like the new airport is really opening.

Activity is fast and furious... some domestic and a few international flights will be shifting over before 28 September. See here for details, especially if you are coming in International and transiting to domestic flights....

http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/taxonomy/term/1

Has anyone seen any mention of smoking lounges at the new airport?

Although most new Asian airports still include them, my guess is no. Heck, it doesn't sound as if there are enough restrooms or seats.

[Note: Please, no smoking debates. I'm just asking the question.]

Has anyone seen any mention of smoking lounges at the new airport?

Although most new Asian airports still include them, my guess is no. Heck, it doesn't sound as if there are enough restrooms or seats.

[Note: Please, no smoking debates. I'm just asking the question.]

oh come on...why so pessimistic? they will have smoking lounges ;) .....

they will even have an 18,000 square meter lounge for Thai Airways economy! class passengers....

It was reported today that Thai Airways will have an economy-class lounge at the new Bangkok airport (with entertainment facilities, showers, e-service and resting corners).

Full news article from The Nation newspaper set out below.

Economy flyers get a lounge at airport
by Suchat Sritama (The Nation newspaper, Business section)

Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) will provide its first economy-class lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport, consisting of entertainment facilities, shower rooms, e-service and resting corners.

At the new airport, passengers will be surprised with several new services never before available in the Kingdom. The economy-class lounge is rare among airlines, most of which operate only first- and business-class lounges.

But THAI is following a trend at other new airports which have started offering economy-class lounges.

Charnchai Singtorij, vice-president of the cargo and mail commercial department of THAI, said the airline faced tough competition in the aviation industry, forcing it to find new ways to please customers.

The lounge, he said, would include televised entertainment such as films, music videos, sports, documentaries and world news, in addition to Internet services.

Passengers will also have a rest area that includes plenty of seating and showers in 18,000 square metres of space.

Apart from the economy class lounge, the airline will offer first-class and business-class passengers a traditional Thai spa, private movie theatre and shower rooms.

"We hope that all the lounges will convince passengers to use THAI," said Charnchai.

Although there is reason to feel excited about these innovations in Bangkok, Singapore's Changi Airport already has them.

THAI hopes to solicit feedback from travellers on how to improve services.

The carrier predicts that the number of transfer passengers going through Bangkok will increase 20 per cent in the first year of operation. Each year, Don Muang Airport receives three million transit passengers.

To reach that projection, THAI plans to add more international flights, such as a Bangkok-Johannesburg route, by the end of the year.

The airline also plans to start operating more flights to India and long-haul destinations.

THAI will operate a few international flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport on September 22 to Seoul, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

The company begins domestic flights from the new airport on September 15. All other international flights will officially operate on September 28.

Today THAI will start flying from Suvarnabhumi to Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani.

Not only will THAI start using the new airport today, Australian budget airline Jet Star will commence flights to it from down under.
//

Here some stuff on the new Airport from the BBC NEWS web site:

Bangkok's airport faces nervous start (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5345954.stm).

"An 80-room hotel called The Miracle by Louis’ Tavern Day Room will be located inside the passenger hall on the third floor. There, you can take a rest from the long haul flight before you hop off to another continent. Room rates are not yet finalized, but the minimum rental is four hours."


excerpt from this article: BKK Magazine (http://www.asia-city.com/feature/content.php?articlesid=2169&section=62&category=4&rating=&orderby=1&searchtype=issuedate&scity=1&sissuedate=2006-09-15&totalrecord=1&issuecity=Bangkok&type=&currentrecord=0&nextrecord=0&currentpageno=1)

Suvarnabhumi Airport will start full operation according to the schedule of Sept 28, 2006, said Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin today.

Earlier, there were speculations that the coup might further delay the opening of the new airport.

Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) officials also confirmed that Suvarnabhumi Airport would start full operation as scheduled of September 28, 2006.

(The Nation - Sept. 20)

My friend flew out of Suvarnabhumi yesterday to Singapore. Flight was on time, there were no baggage issues, and really no problems of any kind. And he said there was no departure tax collected! In asking around, he was told that they won't start collecting the tax until Sept 28, so this saved him 2000 baht (4 people in his party).

My friend flew out of Suvarnabhumi yesterday to Singapore. Flight was on time, there were no baggage issues, and really no problems of any kind. And he said there was no departure tax collected! In asking around, he was told that they won't start collecting the tax until Sept 28, so this saved him 2000 baht (4 people in his party).

now how i was i was travelling now instead of after the 28th!

I flew into the new "Soo-wanna-poom" airport on Monday 2nd October in the morning and out again on Tuesday 3rd October evening, and this was my experience, FWIW:

Flew in on CX J class. Long walk to immigration but very small lines (between 0 and 3 pax) at the many immigration desks, most of which were operating. I have an APEC card but did not even look for the line as no need. Baggage collection is right behind the immigration desks. First bags came out within 10 mins, but then everything stopped, and my second bag did not come out until about 30 mins after arrival (at least it made it...). On exiting to the arrivals hall there are many people offering taxis, etc to the city. Everything a bit confusing and so I settled for an 'official' airport taxi for 800 baht. Was told I could take a metered public taxi for "about 550 baht", but had flown overnight from Paris via HKG and decided to take the easy option. Once at the taxi (new, clean, air con, good driver) told that the expressway was another 65 baht, which I would have to pay for.

Flew out on QF2 in J class. Took a metered taxi from the hotel to the airport, which worked out at 260 baht :rolleyes: , plus the 65 for the expressway (This taxi was also fine, if a bit less spacious, so guess that next time I will take that option on arrival also...). Trip to the airport from Silom mid-afternoon took only 35 mins.

Departures hall was spacious and sparkling new, a bit reminiscent of HKG / KUL / SIN. Check-in for J class was no prob, although economy lines looked long and slow-moving. To my surprise, given what I had heard, I was given a pass to temporary lounge facilities at a "CIP lounge" on the airside. Was told to follow the map on the reverse side. Paid my 500 baht departure fee at one of several small booths, and walked through to immigration. Lines there were not too bad, but saw the APEC card sign with no queue and so headed for that (card was not pre-cleared for Thailand when printed but this was not checked).

First impressions when through the the departure concourses: New and clean, unfinished, large, but not "spacious" in feel. Air-con was struggling to cope, so a little too warm. The map on the lounge invitation was next to useless, and no "helper" I asked seemed able to interpret it either. Eventaully found my way to the small CIP lounge down on level 3, not too far from the QF2 departure gate on concourse E. Lounge was small and without many facilities, but was cooler than the rest of the terminal and comfortable, and certainly more than I had expected. When I arrived a couple of hours before departure there were portable signs outside marking it as a NWA lounge, but nothing to do with any other carriers. By the time I left there were banners for QF, BA, Emirates, United, and a range of others crowding around the doors...

Summary: Better than the old BKK airport, but still a lot of rough edges to smooth out. Will obviously improve in many areas, including lounge access eventually, but I still think that the departure concourses, while large (long), lack the spacious feel that they could have achieved with a bit more effort. You also seem to need to do a lot of walking to get anywhere...

I also used KUL during its first days, and was more impressed there. FWIW, I passed through the new Madrid airport a few weeks ago and that, by comparison is a real work of art: beautiful internal architecture and a real feeling of space and light. Best looking airport in Europe, I believe.

Hope the above is of some help to those using BKK in the near future.

Travel well.

tb

I flew in and out of the new BKK airport this week to/from HK. If I didn't know I'd say that HKG is 7 days old and BKK is 7+ years old. BKK had broken tiles, was horribly dirty, and inconceivably badly designed.

They seem to have taken no account for walking distances. They've added frivoulous detours for the sake of cuteness. For example leaving the TG lounge you have to walk 100+ feet to your left and then retrace that + several 100 yards to get to a gate. The walkway is barely signed and there are no departure tv screens confirming that you're going to the right gate. The escalator descending from arrivals has an extra 20' segment for no apparent reason.

The whole place has a clumsy feel. They've used extensive bare concrete which contributes to the dirty feel. Every bit of floor seemed horribly beaten up, probably by construction. Many of the floor tiles were chipped or broken.

It seems that every gate is designed for a 747 making the walking distances between gates very large. The ultimate insult of the place is that it still have hard stands for short haul flights. They could have instead made some gates closer together for smaller aircraft and spared the sweaty bus rides.

The gate areas are very tight. There is so little room that when everyone crowds the gate proir to departure there is no room for J/F people to get by. Compare HK where there is wide open space so even the worst crowding is not a problem. You're penned in once you get to the gate area because they take your ticket and half your boarding pass when you enter the gate area, trapping you there unable to do shopping until boarding rolls around.

I did not pass any stores or bathrooms or any facilities between the TG lounge and my gate.

I could go on and on. The place is a huge dissapointment. I wonder if the people who designed it had every been to another airport before, let alone designed one before.

I would agree with PaulSEA on all points. The gates get crowded, the jetways are very long -- maybe for the bus path underneath, hardly any shopping (even quicky mart type stuff), or food places. Even the bathrooms are poorly located in some areas. Example: Bathrooms placed at the middle of moving sidewalks. Walking out of the Bangkok Airways lounge the bathrooms are right across from the doors, however you have two moving sidewalks in your way. Gotta walk around them. Toilet seats were missing from two out of 3 stalls (the hinges were on the bowl so it wasn't like how it is in other countries).

I think the new airport has a pretty look to it inside and out, but on the operating efficiency scale it scores very low. Customs/Immigration wasn't bad though.

It seems that every gate is designed for a 747 making the walking distances between gates very large. The ultimate insult of the place is that it still have hard stands for short haul flights. They could have instead made some gates closer together for smaller aircraft and spared the sweaty bus rides.



Are you kidding me? They still have buses. I'm going to Chiang Mai, catching a connecting from Bangkok. Does that mean I'll be in one of those bus rides?

Are you kidding me? They still have buses. I'm going to Chiang Mai, catching a connecting from Bangkok. Does that mean I'll be in one of those bus rides?

just flew in to bkk , i have to say the biggest disapointment is after flying for so many hours your reward is getting on a bus to take you to the terminal,its absurd :mad:

I don't recall whether anyone in this old thread has posted information along these lines, but I've assumed that the remote-stands-and-bussing situation was because certain of the contact gate stands or aerobridges simply were not ready for the rushed opening on Sept. 28th. That assumption has been based on FTers complaining that remote stands were being used even though plenty of accessible contact gates were empty. The assumption goes on to conclude that, as AoT gets Suvarnabhumi up and running, the use of remote stands will decrease and more of the contact gates will get used. I had also guessed that AoT would have this problem straightened out in time for Thailand's high season of December-January.

Now that we're more than a month and a half into operations, and with the high season literally around the corner, I'm disappointed to see the use of remote stands continue apace.

I'll be at Suvarnabhumi for the first time next week, and I'm very much looking forward to checking it out. I will, of course, report back here. That said, I will be fairly forgiving when it comes to the readiness of the place, since I was not a supporter of Thaksin's rush to open Suvarnabhumi on Sept. 28th for purely political reasons. But if things are not dramatically improved by the time I return in December for another half dozen trips through Suvarnabhumi, I'll consider that a failure on AoT's part.

All things considered, the transfer of operations in late September went fairly well. Let's see if they can get the cracked floor tiles problem solved and get the place generally spiffed up.

Today's Bangkok Post -- November 18 -- Problems delay airport gala opening

(Between the lines subtitle -- Ain't Corruption Grand?)

(TNA) - The official opening of Suvarnabhumi airport by His Majesty the King will be delayed for at least another six months as officials attempt to deal with persistent problems and bad publicity including safety, sexual harassment and complains about noise, a senior official said today.

Air Force commander Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukbhasuk, also chairman of the committee organising the opening of the new airport, said that two major issues were raised during a meeting following complaints lodged by airport staff of sexual harassment and people living near the airport who were affected by noise problem.

Female staff at the airport, especially those working at night, have recently complained that they have been sexually harassed by construction workers.

Civil Aviation Department chief Chaisak Angkasuwan has suggested earlier that as an immediate solution to the noise problem, pilots would be asked to employ 20th century-type noise abatement procedures when approaching the airport for landing.

Flight frequency would also be better distributed to both runways to reduce noise impact in local areas.

Stressing that the problems must be totally solved before the official opening, which will be presided over by His Majesty the King, ACM Chalit said the official opening may be delayed for another six months.

The Airports of Thailand has been asked to solve the problems before next June, when officials of the International Civil Aviation Organization are due to inspect the airport before issuing an ICAO certificate.

I'm also flying into the new BKK on November 24 on the evening HKG-BKK flight on either Finnair or Cathay Pacific.

Seems like I should just take the metered taxi to my hotel near the Silom area. Should cost about 350-400 Baht all-in, correct? Do I have to pay the expressway toll separately upon reaching the toll booth, or do I just pay the taxi driver at the very end? Any advice to avoid potentially being duped?

Thanks!

I'm also flying into the new BKK on November 24 on the evening HKG-BKK flight on either Finnair or Cathay Pacific.

Seems like I should just take the metered taxi to my hotel near the Silom area. Should cost about 350-400 Baht all-in, correct? Do I have to pay the expressway toll separately upon reaching the toll booth, or do I just pay the taxi driver at the very end? Any advice to avoid potentially being duped?

Thanks!

UnitedSkies, Im headed to the UA First Class lounge in HKG in a few minutes...

here's a slightly truncated version of my post in another thread:

on Monday (Oct 23 2006) ..arrivals was very busy (Monday was also a holiday in Thailand, so lots of additional arrivals after long weekend breaks it seemed)...but taxis pick-up was surprisingly smooth...

a. First right after customs exit you are on Level 2 of the small Arrivals Hall....just go past the greeters crowd and take the escalator down to Level 1

b. At Level 1 just get in a line for the taxis (they might look a bit long at peak hours but they move rather quickly)

c. While in line, a bilingual attendant will ask for your destination and then right it down in Thai wording on a slip of paper and then hand it to you (for you to later give the attendant at the head of the line)...I find that this saves delays at the front of the line....

d. If anyone else approaches you when you are in line and asks you if you would like a ride...just politely decline (they are freelancers or touts)

e. When you get to the head of the line (which was surprisingly fast if there are taxis in line)....just hand the slip of paper (with your destination written in Thai) to the attendent who helps you to the first available taxi at the front...

f. The attendant then hands you a large slip of paper which explains the rules (NOTE: there is a 50Baht airport surcharge on top of the metered amount payable to the driver as well as freeway tolls payable to the driver)....also there is a phone number and the number of your particular taxi (scribbled in pen) in case of problems or complaints...

g. Make sure the meter is on before you close the door...then off you go...

h. There are two tollways from the airport to the Central Business District of Bangkok (the aggregate of the two tolls is 65Baht-----I think 25 Baht for the first toll booth and 40 Baht for the second one)...

i. Give the driver the amounts when you reach the toll booths...if you dont have change dont worry...the toll booth will give the driver the resulting change and then he gives it to you..

j. When you reach your destination, pay the meter amount plus 50 Baht.....I paid about 200 Baht (on the meter) to Wireless Road near the Hilton Conrad Hotel plus 50 Baht for the surcharge....(plus the tollways)

actually not too bad.....they just need to organize the taxi lines a bit with ropes so that they snake around instead of blocking all other ped traffic... but that will eventually come around...

UnitedSkies, Im headed to the UA First Class lounge in HKG in a few minutes...

here's a slightly truncated version of my post in another thread:

Thanks! I'm also reading in another thread about how to make the driver use the meter instead... in Thai. ^

The delay in the official opening ceremony isn't really a big deal in and of itself. It's just a ceremony. I believe the real reason for delaying the ceremony is due to an issue that cannot be reported in the news media or discussed publicly, for at least three weeks.

I udenrstand people have a lot of issues with the new BKK but I can honestly say that I find it to be a big improvement over Don Muang, and think it is a beautiful and fantastic facility. I have yet to get a remote gate in six international departures/arrivals and five domestic arrivals/departures. At the old airport I got a bus gate on 39 of 40 arrivals on UA. (I also get remote bus gates pretty routinely flying LH into FRA.)

I flew out of the new BKK on the first day (28 Sep.), and am about to board a flight now. I think it is much, much better than Don Muang.

I udenrstand people have a lot of issues with the new BKK but I can honestly say that I find it to be a big improvement over Don Muang, and think it is a beautiful and fantastic facility. ...

I flew out of the new BKK on the first day (28 Sep.), and am about to board a flight now. I think it is much, much better than Don Muang.

Agree most fervently!

Suvarnabhumi is a fantastic place. Whether you arrive from the air, as I did last Thursday night, or by land, as I did this morning, the place is simply awe-inspiring. It rises like an oasis in the middle of the darkness, with the steel beams and struts of the massive main terminal building's roof lit in the warm glow of blue light and the rest of the structure bathed in white. The full-length curtain walls of glass panelling are utterly transparent (having been recently cleaned, it seems), creating the feeling that you can't tell whether you're inside or out or at least where the inside ends. The rows of check-in desks are long, with plenty of space between them and no x-ray scanners at either end. (Au revoir to those little "BKIA Inspected" stickers that used to accumulate on the bags of frequent Bangkok travellers.) The cavernous halls of the departure piers are unbelieveably spacious. Standing at the edge of the upper floor's railing overlooking the concourse below, the enormity of the space make a lasting impression. The design, including the silver-grey canvas that covers certain sections of the concourses's outer wall and their steel-framed oval design, evokes the age of classic aerodromes and, particularly, dirigibles like the Graf Zeppelin and Hindenberg.

One design element that no other airport I've experienced has managed to pull off, though I'm sure my fellow FTers will identify some, is that the experience of arriving passengers matches that of departing. (I'm setting aside SIN for now because, while the experience is the same, T2 was built in an era that focussed on functionality and limited the "wow factor" design elements.) Unlike SFO, HKG, and ICN, where arrivals stay in low-ceilinged lower floors until reaching Immigration or a Transit Checkpoint, at Suvarnabhumi, the departing pax are penned in to their gates, having descended from catwalks on the "departure level," while the arriving pax move between them into passageways that are underneath the catwalks but open to the high ceiling above. The divisions between gate pens being made of clear plexiglass, it has a seemless feel that some might liken to a fishbowl or clear maze, but I compliment for allowing arrivals to get the full experience. For arrivals, the experience starts on the jetbridges; though the last piece is not see-through (as it is at Incheon), the larger fixed bit has nice glass walls and a nice steel frame and is lit from below with a very futuristic almost "Space Mountain" feel.

Now for the bad... many many floor tiles were indeed cracked at the seems and others needed a lot of cleaning, though those who call the place filthy are being overly harsh. The moving walkways carrying pax from all of the arrivals piers terminate in the middle of a duty-free shop, most inconvenient for those rushing to reach immigration. The baggage trolleys were totally inferior-- designed with an automatic brake for the long inclined moving ramps in the main terminal, they more often just came to a screaching halt whenever they pleased. Bathrooms were hard to locate, and I could only get one in ten auto-sensor faucets to work (my success rate isn't much higher elsewhere, though). The meeter-and-greeter hall packed with families, hotel drivers, and touts of all sorts was way too small and cramped-- no different from Don Muang. The cross-wise walking area between the check-in desks and immigration control was too narrow and easily got cramped. There were enough bathrooms in the concourses but not enough in the main terminal building, where they were hard to find and far too small (and dirty).

I did not have to use a remote stand coming or going. Did not have to wait long at immigration, certainly no longer than many visits to Don Muang. And my baggage was already on the belt by the time I reached it. The SkyLounge (KE/AF/KL) was nicely furnished and generally well-designed, though the doors on the restrooms were very flimsy and plainly temporary. The HVAC system seemed to be working fine, though the seemingly random audio speakers were a bit strange. So for all that, I agree with transpac. Once Suvarnabhumi gets through its growing pains, it will be among the best facilities in the world.

As an aside, I found that some of windows and interior "glass" panels had fingerprints or construction dirt on them, but most had been fairly well cleaned. Six weeks ago, Mr. Megatop (who is Thai) went through and found the place filthy, shamefully so. From a gate area, he called the Suvarnabhumi management office and complained about the dirty windows. The fellow on the phone took down the information then said, "Okay, who are you?" Mr. Megatop replied: "I'm one of your customers, and these dirty windows are ruining my view, so clean them, okay, krab? [Click.]"

Ahhh, this is Thailand.

One design element that no other airport I've experienced has managed to pull off, though I'm sure my fellow FTers will identify some, is that the experience of arriving passengers matches that of departing. (I'm setting aside SIN for now because, while the experience is the same, T2 was built in an era that focussed on functionality and limited the "wow factor" design elements.)

Talking to a friend last night, who is the FTer ecaarch and an architect in real life, I described Suvarnabhumi's design. ecaarch said it sounds a lot like CDG Terminal 2F (the one before the collapsed concrete one), insofar as arrivals get the full experience and are separated from departures by lots of plexiglass walls that keep the areas separated but allow the pax to feel connected and share the full experience. He did say that Suvarnabhumi sounds a lot more open an airy than CDG 2F, particularly through the use of what I called the catwalks. To me, the giant oval tubular design of the concourses is similar to CDG 2E (the one that collapsed). Perhaps Suvarnabhumi is a combination of 2E and 2F.

Can anyone comment on that?

I udenrstand people have a lot of issues with the new BKK but I can honestly say that I find it to be a big improvement over Don Muang, and think it is a beautiful and fantastic facility. I have yet to get a remote gate in six international departures/arrivals and five domestic arrivals/departures. . . . I think it is much, much better than Don Muang.

Similar experience and impression here. I flew in on Siem Reap Airways 24 November to a remote gate, quickly bused to terminal, very fast immigration. One is funneled out to the taxi and limo tout area, the metered taxis are one level below, THB259 to the Conrad plus THB50 airport fee and THB65 (?) in tolls.

Flew out on United early 27 November, no problems, immigration very quick. Used the very nice Thai lounge.

Now that I've used the new airport a few times, it appears to me that either things have greatly improved in the last few weeks or some of the complaints were a bit overblown. I do agree that the walks to and from the gates can be a bit a long, but Suvarnabhumi is hardly unique in this category. The bathrooms did appear to have more than their fair share of malfunctions - it seemed that every one I visited had at least one sink leaking water onto the floor.

One issue that I don't recall seeing mentioned was the security gates to the concourses. This past Saturday night there was a mob scene with hundreds of passengers massing toward the 4 metal detectors for Concourse C. A bit more organization or more detectors definitely appeared to be warranted.

But overall I was quite impressed with the new airport. On approach at night it is quite beautiful; I was reminded of my first glimpse of Eero Saarinen's Dulles International Aiport terminal back in the 1970s, standing solitary in the Virginia countryside before all the addtional construction. The airport may have opened a few months prematurely, but the Thai seem to be doing a decent job of bringing things along.

FWIW, I flew in on UA853 on 11/15 and got a real gate (D2 I believe). Yes, a bit of a walk to immigration but better than a bus any day of the week.

CS

FWIW, I flew in on UA853 on 11/15 and got a real gate (D2 I believe). Yes, a bit of a walk to immigration but better than a bus any day of the week.

CS

If you think it's a walk from D2 to Immigration, just try any gate in the B, C, E, F, or G concourses! D gates are the ones right in the terminal!

More generally, I agree that it can be a bit of a walk from the gates to Immigration. I arrived on KE at E3 last week, and it was a hike to immigration, probably about the same distance (maybe a bit less) as it was from the 40's gates at Don Muang to the T2 Immigration posts there. Remember that sign: Immigration, 1500 meters --> ? Maybe that was in the 50's gates, but you get the point. I'm perfectly content with having a bit of a walk, actually, because that gives me a good opportunity to put my advangtage in walking speed to good use and get to Immigration before my fellow pax, even when sitting way back in Y. I was in row 54 of a B777-300 last week and got to Immigration before almost everyone else on my flight. It did take a few sharp elbows to get the three-abreast-with-rollaboards Emirates crew out of my way, but :o :o

Long walk or not, Suvarnabhumi has plenty of moving walkways running the length of the concourses. The problem is that it doesn't have any signs instructing pax to "Walk Left, Stand Right," and people don't seem to be following that convention on their own. Maybe they're caught up enjoying the view.

I like the new airport and there really is only one problem I have observed. Not enough restrooms. Only realized this after we landed and had to go. The only restroom I found was closed for cleaning. Good thing I could wait until after immigration.

I like the new airport and there really is only one problem I have observed. Not enough restrooms. Only realized this after we landed and had to go. The only restroom I found was closed for cleaning. Good thing I could wait until after immigration.

As I've posted in other threads, a lot of Suvarnabhumi's growing pains are getting worked out, at least as far as pax can see. Windows are clean now. A lot of floor tiles are being replaced. The long walks haven't changed, but I'm okay with that (see above). The biggest issue, other than the smokers crammed like sardines into the hard-to-find smoking rooms, is the lack of adequate bathrooms, especially in the check-in hall of the main terminal building. What few restrooms there are are far too small, not enough loos, urinals, sinks, and so forth. I've heard that a number of offices would be converted into restrooms, but I'm not sure whether that has happened yet. I'd say that a number of the restaurants or offices or outlets down on Level 3 of the main building need to be converted as well, since on the main floor (Level 4) and Level 3 there are just three restrooms: left, middle, and right-- all very small. Putting a lot more on Level 3 would relieve the pressure, so to speak, since Level 4 doesn't have much convertible space in the check-in hall.

As I've posted in other threads, a lot of Suvarnabhumi's growing pains are getting worked out, at least as far as pax can see. Windows are clean now. A lot of floor tiles are being replaced. The long walks haven't changed, but I'm okay with that (see above). The biggest issue, other than the smokers crammed like sardines into the hard-to-find smoking rooms, is the lack of adequate bathrooms, especially in the check-in hall of the main terminal building. What few restrooms there are are far too small, not enough loos, urinals, sinks, and so forth. I've heard that a number of offices would be converted into restrooms, but I'm not sure whether that has happened yet. I'd say that a number of the restaurants or offices or outlets down on Level 3 of the main building need to be converted as well, since on the main floor (Level 4) and Level 3 there are just three restrooms: left, middle, and right-- all very small. Putting a lot more on Level 3 would relieve the pressure, so to speak, since Level 4 doesn't have much convertible space in the check-in hall.

I must say, the long walks are a HUGE pain. Especially after such a long tiring flight!

Air conditioning is poor at best. Ask the staff that are there all day.

My last international arrival was awesome. Taxis have now moved up to the level that pax arrive on, as I understand.

I'll be through BKK 4 more times in the next 10 days. Looking forward to seeing how it's coming along.

I just love the new BKK airport. :rolleyes: I had a TG to LH connection over 1.5 hours. Flight into BKK was delayed and I had less than an hour to make my connection. I didn't have my onward BPs, and we arrived in the stifling heat and humidity around midnight at a bus gate. :mad: I had to run upstairs and run all the way to the end of the hall, up the 'stairs' (the escalator had broken down) only to double back most of the way to actually get to my gate, passing numerous handwritten signs that the nearest toilets are located near gate... I arrived at the gate only to find the BP printer was broken. Eventually I got what I needed but not the easy connection I was expecting.

goodo

... Taxis have now moved up to the level that pax arrive on, as I understand.

...Looking forward to seeing how it's coming along.

Today's flight was so-so. Flying FD

Domestic BKK travel is still quite inconvenient.
17 minutes from touch down, taxi, parking, bus ride to terminal
26 minute wait to get luggage
10 minutes from baggage claim to taxi
= 53 minutes

Taxis are still down 2 escalators on the 1st level.

Taxi ride today to the Westin was good at appx 30 mins 219baht +50 +65 tolls. This end of town is sure easier to get to from BKK than other areas I've stayed.

For Domestic, I still prefer Don Mueng.

I have been to the new airport 3 times and the first 2 times, I didn't know this. If you go the the TG lounge and go all the way through to the other exit, the gates for US bound flights are very close to the lounge. The first two times, I walked the long way using the way I went into the lounge. Going back in 3 days.

Today's flight was so-so. Flying FD

Domestic BKK travel is still quite inconvenient.
17 minutes from touch down, taxi, parking, bus ride to terminal
26 minute wait to get luggage
10 minutes from baggage claim to taxi
= 53 minutes

Taxis are still down 2 escalators on the 1st level.

Taxi ride today to the Westin was good at appx 30 mins 219baht +50 +65 tolls. This end of town is sure easier to get to from BKK than other areas I've stayed.

For Domestic, I still prefer Don Mueng.

I've had over 50 flights into or out of Suvarnabhumi, plus a huge number from Don Muang before Suvarnabhumi opened. I got in the habit of timing all my arrivals and departures, recording the time spend on the tarmac, from plane to immigration, time waiting at immigration, time spend at baggage, time to get a cab, and time to get into the city. I've only done two trips out of Suvarnabhumi with luggage, with the wait time for luggage being much better than at Don Muang, but my sample size is too small to be of any significance. So ignoring my trips when I had luggage, I've found the following:

DMK is a few kilometers closer to my house than BKK, but travel time to/from BKK is faster. My very best times are very close to the same, but BKK has DMK beat by a couple of minutes. Average of all trips: BKK by about 10 minutes. Worst case: BKK by about 40 minutes.

Time spent taxiing isn't much difference between DMK and BKK on average, but does seem to vary more with BKK depending on which runway and which direction you land/take-off from. The best times are from BKK.

Time to get into a cab is much better for me at BKK, but I always use the Level 4 departures to get a cab that just let someone off, while I never used that trick at DMK, so my times there are pretty much meaningless.

Times from exiting the plane to exiting the airport are significantly better for me at BKK than DMK, but that is the average of both international and domestic flights. The distance from most gates to baggage claim is significantly longer on average at BKK, but I'm a very fast walker so that difference doesn't seem to matter that much. For flights that are bused, the walk is very minimal at BKK. The non-existent or at most very minimal queues at immigration at Suvarnabhumi are what I like best which makes a very big difference for international flights. For domestic flights there doesn't really seem to be that much of a time difference to me between the two. Slightly faster at BKK, but not really enough to make me choose one over the other strictly for that reason.

You mentioned taxis are down 2 escalators on Level 1, and that it took you 10 minutes from baggage claim to taxi. Level 1 is just one level / escalator down from arrivals, not two. It should take no more than 2 or 3 minutes, plus the time to wait in any queue if there is one. I opt for going up two levels to Level 4 and catch a cab there as I NEVER have to wait and save 50 baht. Add maybe 1 more minute because it's up one additional level, but well worth it for me.

My best time from door-to-door (exiting the plane to entering my home on mid-Sukhumvit) is just under 30 minutes at BKK. This is for either domestic or international. Average time is under 45 minutes. Worst time is 65 minutes. Add onto those times about 10 - 15 minutes for touchdown to exiting the plane. This is what I love most about Suvarnabhumi - great times from the plane to my home.

I've never flown FD out of Suvarnabhumi so don't have anything to comment about that, but I do know that TG and other airlines are still making extensive use of busing at DMK even though the number of flights there is minimal. So for someone who wants to avoid getting bused, DMK is no solution. Seating is also much worse at DMK than at BKK IMHO. Very crowded areas around most gates where flights are departing with no or very few available seats. Much worse than I've ever seen it at BKK. And sometimes long queues at the x-ray machines at DMK. I realize that it's a very subjective thing, but to me DMK seems so old, drab and depressing while I actually enjoy BKK with all it's windows and new styling. I'm sure many though will feel just the opposite of me on this point. The only thing DMK has going for it that I can see is that the walk to/from the gates is much shorter than BKK. With everything being equal (airline, price, schedule, etc.) I'll take BKK anyday over DMK for either domestic or international TG flights. However I think the airline, price, schedule and convenience in connecting (if you're connecting to another flight) are much more significant factors, so I'd likely not pick one over the other based strictly on the airport itself.

I haven't seen any posts on FT or news stories in English-language BKK newspapers (not that I read them every day), but I did notice a very positive development at BKK two weeks ago.

One of the leading Thai engineers (probably quoted above in this thread) at one point said that the best way to solve the subsidence (sinking) problem with the taxiways was to build a third runway--already in the master plan, which calls for four parallel runways--right away rather than wait until traffic increases, and do this one right by using proper piling techniques or whatever. With the third runway open, close the others one at a time to reinforce them.

Well, it seems like they may be doing just that. Taking off from BKK two weeks ago, I could see grading work and perhaps even some paving or pre-paving for taxiways and a new runway to the west (towards Bangkok city) of the existing westerly runway, which seemed to be closed. It looked like grading for maybe half the length of the new runway was visibly underway. If they can get the taxiways built and the new runway opened in time for the high season, that would be very good news indeed for Suvarnabhumi.

This photo (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1216870/L/) from airliners.net, taken by someone other than me about 10 days before I went through BKK, plainly shows construction of the third runway that I spotted well underway. That work is moving ahead on that project is very good news.

At the time this pic was taken, you can see that the current westerly runway, on the bottom side of the photo, was still in use, as a plane is visible on it. When I left for KUL, I'm pretty sure our pilot said that the pre-takeoff congestion was because the other runway was closed. We used the easterly one, and it was being used for both takeoffs and landings.

where's the pic? I don't see it.

where's the pic? I don't see it.

Click the link!

This photo (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1216870/L/)I'm pretty sure our pilot said that the pre-takeoff congestion was because the other runway was closed. We used the easterly one, and it was being used for both takeoffs and landings.

When was this? Everytime I've been through there, and when I've paid attention, both runways have been open. For sure both runways were opened during the last days of May as I specifically noticed it. I thought both were being used last week, and there was no congestion for my flights landing or taking off. Perhaps it was just a temporary closure for some minor maintenance, or maybe it's only closed during certain times. Normally when they close off an area they have the flashing lights to indicate the area is closed (Sorry I don't know the technical term for those lights). The only such flashing lights I've seen recently are in one very small area which is easily avoided by the planes.

...
Time to get into a cab is much better for me at BKK, but I always use the Level 4 departures to get a cab that just let someone off ...
There was some discussion earlier that the airport police were enforcing the prohibition against doing this, but it sounds as if this hasn't been an issue for you. Any comment?

Yes, there was some discussion I saw about AOT staff directing passengers to use the official taxi stand, but even after that, and as late as about two weeks ago I still had no problem in getting a taxi from Level 4. I've never been approached by any AOT staff or anyone else asking me not to use one of those cabs. If I was approached I think I'd probably do my best to ignore the people and get into a cab anyways.

When was this?

This was the afternoon of May 31st. I don't know what was going on on the westerly runway, because we departed from gate E1 and taxied right over to the easterly runway. The line-up for takeoff was not terribly long (certainly not compared to a US hub airport like Atlanta or a mess like JFK), but probably a bit longer than usual for BKK. I'm certain they were using the easterly runway (sorry, don't know the numbers) for both takeoffs and landings. I imagine they would only do that if a (temporary or otherwise) closure of the other runway required it. And I'm 99% sure the pilot mentioned closure of the other runway forcing dual use of the one we needed, resulting in minor delays. When we took off, I thought I could see construction vehicles over on the westerly runway, toward the city. I can't swear to that, though, as my mind's eye might have been filling in what I expected to see. I snapped off a few digital photos and will try to get those from Mr. Megatop (his camera) to verify what was going on.

Lots of issues floated here...


There have always been plans for a third and fourth runway, work has been progressing on the third runway since opening day.

There are seven (7) "modes of operation" for BKK, exclusive of recent noise abatement implementations. Mode 4 is the standard mode of operation: Semi-mixed: departures on runway 19L, arrivals on 19L and 19R.

AoT has been actively discouraging the use of taxis on level 4 for passengers hoping to get a taxi into town. I witnessed quite severe activities; 30+ personnel, multiple vehicles, pulling people out of taxis, etc. as of late May. I chose not to attempt to take a taxi and made my way back down to level 1. The situation may be different today.

As per Transpac's post, the standard mode of operation, mode 4, is what I normally see, with naturally most arrivals being on 19R, being 19L is used for takeoffs. This was the case on May 29 for sure as I spent a bit of time that day watching the planes taking off and landing. I believe it was also likely the same on June 5/6, though I can't be certain. The majority of my arrivals and departures have been consistent with this mode of operation but certainly there have been a number of exceptions. I've seen some times where they seemed to be operating in one mode in the morning but a different mode in the afternoon/evening.

So being I haven't seen any reports of one of the runways being permanently closed, and based on my experiences, I assume what MegatopLover saw was just a temporary closure.

About the taxi issue, I've seen a few different reports about the discouraging the use of taxis, so it certainly must be happening at times, but just I've yet to see it myself. I sort of doubt that this is something that goes on continuously day-after-day, but something that's just done occasionally. I doubt the personnel have enough motivation to do it continuously unless told specifically to do so on a particular day.

The mode of operation can and does change throughout a typical day, as a result of both traffic and weather (including wind). At off-peak times mode 1 (departures on 19L, arrivals on 19R) or 7 (departures 1L, arrivals 1R) is used: Segregated Parallel Operation.

Low visibility operations and recent noise abatement procedures can also affect arrival and departure procedures.


As an aside, I have not heard anything recently about the status of the runways, nor anything about potential repairs. (I do understand that repair work is on-going for some taxi-way areas.) It is interesting that just a few months ago this seemed to be a near catastrophic issue and now you really don't hear much about it.

As an aside, I have not heard anything recently about the status of the runways, nor anything about potential repairs. (I do understand that repair work is on-going for some taxi-way areas.) It is interesting that just a few months ago this seemed to be a near catastrophic issue and now you really don't hear much about it.

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. Seems all is now forgotten about how supposedly bad the runways were. Must have just been political maneuvering rather than any real problem.