Thailand - Immigration Delays Departing BKK

Over the past few weeks, perhaps related to the bombing incident last month in Bangkok (although I'm not sure why) there have been many, many first hand reports of upwards of two-hour waits to clear Immigration when departing Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport (BKK).

For those departing you may wish to consider giving yourself some extra time?


http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/537750-airport-immigration/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/530651-2-hours-waiting-at-immigration-at-suvanarbhumi-airport-122012/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/536960-why-is-it-so-hard-getting-out-of-thailand/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/538097-horrendous-check-in-delays/

Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus Forum Immigration thread: Warning on current immigration clearance time (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thai-airways-royal-orchid-plus/1173686-warning-current-immigration-clearance-time.html)

I was there last weekend and can confirm immigration was an absolute zoo departing on Sunday afternoon. If you have an APEC card be sure to ask where the express entrance is so you can avoid the queue.

I was there last weekend and can confirm immigration was an absolute zoo departing on Sunday afternoon. If you have an APEC card be sure to ask where the express entrance is so you can avoid the queue.

Departing pax in premium cabins can (assuming that their carriers participate, CX does) use the crew immigration and security screening areas for departures. I was there about five hours ago (Sunday, 4 March, around 1700). Four immigration officers open, I was the only one in the area.

For about the last 6 weeks both arriving and departing immigration have been a total nightmare. However you can still be lucky I arrived about 5pm last Wednesday and there was only a short queue at immigration. But arrived at 7pm the previous Friday anf the immigration queue was all out of the immirgration area, down the ramp and snaking around the terminal.

Sometimes it is worth checking out the other immigration area if the first one you come to is very bad. Unlikely that the other one will be empty but it may not have as bad a queue.

If you do not have fast track then I would allow an hour to get through immigration at the moment when departing.

Is this for all departures (international and domestic) or just international?

Is this for all departures (international and domestic) or just international?

Just international. There is no need to clear immigration for domestic departures. :)

Departing pax in premium cabins can (assuming that their carriers participate, CX does) use the crew immigration and security screening areas for departures. I was there about five hours ago (Sunday, 4 March, around 1700). Four immigration officers open, I was the only one in the area.

Does anyone know whether TG and UA participate? I'll be traveling in J several times in the next few months, in and out of Bangkok.

And where are these special lines, both for arriving and departing passengers?

Does anyone know whether TG and UA participate? I'll be traveling in J several times in the next few months, in and out of Bangkok.

And where are these special lines, both for arriving and departing passengers?

Supposedly UA does; can't say as I haven't flown them in/out of BKK in years.

TG has a special departure immigration area for C/F pax that only TG uses. You'll be through in a flash.

TG also has a setup for arrival C/F pax but it has apparently changed in the last few weeks (from using Fast Track cards to simply using your BP) and I haven't been able to glean more info. Lines might be long here, but shorter than the normal immy lines.

Supposedly UA does; can't say as I haven't flown them in/out of BKK in years.

TG has a special departure immigration area for C/F pax that only TG uses. You'll be through in a flash.

TG also has a setup for arrival C/F pax but it has apparently changed in the last few weeks (from using Fast Track cards to simply using your BP) and I haven't been able to glean more info. Lines might be long here, but shorter than the normal immy lines.

Thanks! Do you know where I'd find the expedited lines upon arrival on UA (assuming I qualify) and TG? Do I just keep walking past the regular lines?

Thanks! Do you know where I'd find the expedited lines upon arrival on UA (assuming I qualify) and TG? Do I just keep walking past the regular lines?

Look for the signs "Premium Lane" or "Fast Track"

There is a very active thread on this issue on the Thai Airways Forum (Miles and Points). Not sure why we need another one here.

There is a very active thread on this issue on the Thai Airways Forum (Miles and Points). Not sure why we need another one here.

Not everyone going to Thailand is flying TG.

But those who don't monitor both threads will be missing copious amounts of info.

Not everyone going to Thailand is flying TG.

But those who don't monitor both threads will be missing copious amounts of info.

Yep, agree, I'm not flying TG and am in Bangkok this weekend. Had I not visited the Thailand forum I would have had no idea about the delays.

Off to the TG thread no though!

Supposedly UA does; can't say as I haven't flown them in/out of BKK in years.

TG has a special departure immigration area for C/F pax that only TG uses. You'll be through in a flash.

TG also has a setup for arrival C/F pax but it has apparently changed in the last few weeks (from using Fast Track cards to simply using your BP) and I haven't been able to glean more info. Lines might be long here, but shorter than the normal immy lines.

I have had luck getting a FastTrack Pass from UA for outbound BKK-->NRT flight. I usually have to ask, and I think it is given as a perk to a 1K versus being in the C cabin.

Inbound BKK from NRT, I have received a FastTrack Pass in UA F, but never in UA C. Unless during high season or other busy time (CNY, etc), I have not had to wait long coming into BKK at the 2300 hour arrival time though.

I have had luck getting a FastTrack Pass from UA for outbound BKK-->NRT flight. I usually have to ask, and I think it is given as a perk to a 1K versus being in the C cabin.

Inbound BKK from NRT, I have received a FastTrack Pass in UA F, but never in UA C. Unless during high season or other busy time (CNY, etc), I have not had to wait long coming into BKK at the 2300 hour arrival time though.

Agree - pretty sure that UA only gives to intl First Class or Global Service passengers (regardless of fare). Based on the above, maybe 1K also.

Came into Bangkok last night at about 11pm. Immigration looked reasonably busy, but I have seen it busier before. As I had a spare TG priority immigration ticket, I just used that.

Any update on how bad departures is?

I have had luck getting a FastTrack Pass from UA for outbound BKK-->NRT flight. I usually have to ask, and I think it is given as a perk to a 1K versus being in the C cabin.

Inbound BKK from NRT, I have received a FastTrack Pass in UA F, but never in UA C. Unless during high season or other busy time (CNY, etc), I have not had to wait long coming into BKK at the 2300 hour arrival time though.

Am I correct in assuming that you got the FastTrack Pass from UA outbound when you checked in at that airport? If not, then how did you get it? I'm in a similar situation, a 1K flying in C. Thanks for any advice on this.


Came into Bangkok last night at about 11pm. Immigration looked reasonably busy, but I have seen it busier before. As I had a spare TG priority immigration ticket, I just used that.


FWIW, my experience arriving on UA in C at 11 p.m. was similar. A wait at the regular immigration line of about 15 minutes. Didn't ask for a FastTrack pass on the inbound and none was offered.

Any update on how bad departures is?

I was at the airport today, Friday, 9 March 2012 ~ 12:30 PM. On the 4th Floor, this is the Departures level, where you enter the main terminal, there are doors numbered 1 through 10, left to right (if facing the building) with the East to your left and the West to your right. Check-in counters start off with A to your far left, ranging through to W at your far-right. Some counters are back-to-back.

The East Departing Immigration Lobby entrance is located between counters K and L, inside that lobby all the open desks had lines ~ 50 deep, with a line just starting to extend out into the counter area. They have set-up a serpentine line system with poles and nylon bands, with 3 longish-loops. In my limited experience they take at least 1 -2 min per person so you can figure the range of wait-times. Here you clear Immigration first, then security. IME, there is no line in the security area.

Just to the right of the East Departing Immigration Lobby entrance is a Premium Lane (pretty much at the end of the L check-in counter). This area seemed to have a few people entering. Here (I think) you clear security first, then proceed to Immigration, after which you enter the D concourse. I couldn't see into this area. IME, there are sometimes only one or two Immigration officers, which can lead to a bit of a back-up. But not more than a few minutes.

Further to the right is the West Departing Immigration Lobby, in between the R and S check-in counters. Today this area had many, many, many more people who spilled out into the check-in area and had maxed out the 3-serpentine line system in place. Inside this area it looked there was another serpentine line system before they broke it out into lines for separate desks, which were again ~ 50 deep.

Just to the right of the entrance to the West Departing Immigration Lobby is a premium line, which looked under-whelmed, and just to the right of that is an Air Crew entrance.

There is a large area of construction between the East and West Departing Immigration lobbies, but it is not clear to me that this is impacting wait-times.



FWIW, I started this thread because I had heard of some people actually missing their flight so wanted to give people a heads up on this situation, which seems to have flared up again over the past few weeks. I honestly don't worry too much about arriving Immigration, there will always be a taxi available. ( I do understand that some people are making connections at BKK.) But if you are departing you may want to give yourself some extra time as missing a once a day international flight, with downstream connections, may cause some headaches.

Also, wait-times obviously vary by day-of-week and time-of-day. I have no insight into how Thai Immigration balances staffing levels with departures, nor how once a week charters might impact wait-times.

Am I correct in assuming that you got the FastTrack Pass from UA outbound when you checked in at that airport? If not, then how did you get it? I'm in a similar situation, a 1K flying in C. Thanks for any advice on this.


Yes. UA check-in counter at BKK automatically gave this 1K a pass (Jan 2012). Was traveling in Y.

Good to know. Thanks!

I fly tomorrow at 15.25 with RJ. Intend to check in online (RJ website down at the moment) and have no bags to check in.

Normally I would arrive to BKK 1.5 hours before flight. Given present security issues, how long do people think I should give? 2 hours or more?

Thanks!

Yes. UA check-in counter at BKK automatically gave this 1K a pass (Jan 2012). Was traveling in Y.

Good to know. Thanks!

Sorry, took me a couple days to get back to this thread.

Yes, I am on this route 4-5 times a year. I have always received the FastTrack pass from the check-in counter agent. 1k in business class, though from the other post is appears 1k might be eligible regardless of fare class.

Usually it is automatic. A couple of times I have had to ask for it.

Have a great trip.

I fly tomorrow at 15.25 with RJ. Intend to check in online (RJ website down at the moment) and have no bags to check in.

Normally I would arrive to BKK 1.5 hours before flight. Given present security issues, how long do people think I should give? 2 hours or more?

Thanks!

There are no security issues that I am aware of. This topic is about departing Immigration delays.

Assuming one is unable to use any fast-track or premium Immigration services and based on what I saw on Friday and continue to hear/read, and reviewing the number of departures this afternoon, I would advise a family member or friend to arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours prior to departure, with or without bags to check and with or without on-line check-in.

There are no security issues that I am aware of. This topic is about departing Immigration delays.

Assuming one is unable to use any fast-track or premium Immigration services and based on what I saw on Friday and continue to hear/read, and reviewing the number of departures this afternoon, I would advise a family member or friend to arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours prior to departure, with or without bags to check and with or without on-line check-in.

Just got through immigration and security. Its a zoo there!

The lines stretch all the way back to check in aisle J and then they snake through. It took me about 1 hour to clear immigration and security.

There were a lot of people who were close to missing flights and these people were put through the priority lanes, along with families with children.

Immigration took about 55 minutes, and security took about 5 minutes.

Are all the desks staffed? :confused:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/284077/police-called-to-help-man-desks


Police called to help man desks
Immigration scrambles to beat staff shortage



The overloaded Immigration Bureau is seeking police outside its organisation to help with passport checks at Suvarnabhumi airport. It is also asking passengers to arrive well ahead of their boarding times to ensure they will not miss their flights. Pol Maj Gen Natthorn Phrosunthorn, chief of Immigration Division 2 which supervises five international airports in the country, said some passengers at Suvarnabhumi airport have missed flights because there are not enough immigration officers to check passports before flights depart.

The number of passengers passing through the airport every day has risen while the number of immigration officers has dropped as some have been promoted or sought transfers to other organisations to avoid the heavy work load. "On Feb 11, the problem was particularly serious because as many as 387 non-commissioned immigration officers took leave for a commissioned officer examination. "That caused very long queues at the airport," Pol Maj Gen Natthorn said.

About 150 officers from elsewhere in the Immigration Bureau were deployed to the airport, but they weren't able to help much as they were inexperienced. Pol Maj Gen Natthorn said another problem was that Airports of Thailand Plc was modifying areas in the passenger terminal to improve security, which had halved the number of immigration booths.

Are all the desks staffed? :confused:

All desks were staffed.

FYI missus came in from Bangkok yesterday, 14.00 TG flight (in Y). It took her 20 odd minutes to clear immigration and security.

According to thaivisa officials are going to get rid of fast track !

"Suvarnabhumi airport director Somchai Sawasdipol said fast-track immigration booths for first-class and business-class passengers would be removed so staff there could help handle regular passengers during peak hours"

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/540429-bkk-airport-immigration-deploys-70-female-riot-police-to-help-speed-up-lines/


:td:

:td:

Anyone know what are the requirements for the premium immigration lane? I'm connecting through BKK on a biz ticket, domestically CNX-BKK on TG, and BKK-SIN on SQ. I'm assuming I'll have to go through this?

Anyone know what are the requirements for the premium immigration lane? I'm connecting through BKK on a biz ticket, domestically CNX-BKK on TG, and BKK-SIN on SQ. I'm assuming I'll have to go through this?

Nothing to fear: You have no need for 'Premium immi' at all. When you arrive at the TG counters in CNX alert them to your connection. They'll tag the bags through to SIN and issue both the domestic and international itin. They will also stamp the domestic itin as 'International'.

After this head upstairs toward the south end of the airport, go through immigration (if there are 4 people ahead of you it's a busy day), then through security and then find the TG lounge where you can kick back until they call your flight. It's an int lounge and they have booze, beer and a modicum of food.

Once in BKK there are several possibilities.

1) You pull into a domestic gate: head to the CIQ area near B1. You'll go through security and then up the escalator into the International departure level.

2) You pull into an international gate: You'll be allowed to walk into the terminal while everyone else is sent down the jetway into a bus. Head to one of the transfer security stations and then you'll be on the international departure level

3) You pull into an apron position (several possible areas): Once off the bus near gate D3 you will follow everyone upstairs and then, at the top of the escalator, you'll be picked out of line and go through a door. Now follow the directions for #2.

Sorry, took me a couple days to get back to this thread.

Yes, I am on this route 4-5 times a year. I have always received the FastTrack pass from the check-in counter agent. 1k in business class, though from the other post is appears 1k might be eligible regardless of fare class.

Usually it is automatic. A couple of times I have had to ask for it.

Have a great trip.

And this was exactly my experience (as a 1K flying UA J BKK-NRT this morning). Given a Fast Track pass at check-in without needing to ask for it. The Fast Track immigration agent himself was rather slow, so while I was the second on that line it could take some time if several people are waiting. Still, much better than what I guess the regular lines are like sometimes.

Thanks for the help!

Nothing to fear: You have no need for 'Premium immi' at all. When you arrive at the TG counters in CNX alert them to your connection. They'll tag the bags through to SIN and issue both the domestic and international itin. They will also stamp the domestic itin as 'International'.

After this head upstairs toward the south end of the airport, go through immigration (if there are 4 people ahead of you it's a busy day), then through security and then find the TG lounge where you can kick back until they call your flight. It's an int lounge and they have booze, beer and a modicum of food.

Once in BKK there are several possibilities.

1) You pull into a domestic gate: head to the CIQ area near B1. You'll go through security and then up the escalator into the International departure level.

2) You pull into an international gate: You'll be allowed to walk into the terminal while everyone else is sent down the jetway into a bus. Head to one of the transfer security stations and then you'll be on the international departure level

3) You pull into an apron position (several possible areas): Once off the bus near gate D3 you will follow everyone upstairs and then, at the top of the escalator, you'll be picked out of line and go through a door. Now follow the directions for #2.

Great info, thanks!

Nothing to fear: You have no need for 'Premium immi' at all. When you arrive at the TG counters in CNX alert them to your connection. They'll tag the bags through to SIN and issue both the domestic and international itin. They will also stamp the domestic itin as 'International'.

After this head upstairs toward the south end of the airport, go through immigration (if there are 4 people ahead of you it's a busy day), then through security and then find the TG lounge where you can kick back until they call your flight. It's an int lounge and they have booze, beer and a modicum of food.

Once in BKK there are several possibilities.

1) You pull into a domestic gate: head to the CIQ area near B1. You'll go through security and then up the escalator into the International departure level.

2) You pull into an international gate: You'll be allowed to walk into the terminal while everyone else is sent down the jetway into a bus. Head to one of the transfer security stations and then you'll be on the international departure level

3) You pull into an apron position (several possible areas): Once off the bus near gate D3 you will follow everyone upstairs and then, at the top of the escalator, you'll be picked out of line and go through a door. Now follow the directions for #2.

Later on this year we will be flying from HKT to HKG connecting at BKK. I assume we will check our bags through to HKG and follow one of routes you outlined above.

Later on this year we will be flying from HKT to HKG connecting at BKK. I assume we will check our bags through to HKG and follow one of routes you outlined above.

Yes. Just make sure you check in at HKT as if for international. And double-check your bag-tags for HKG final destination.

Passed through today and 2 out of 3 passport check areas open with 2 separate premium lanes.

Passed through today and 2 out of 3 passport check areas open with 2 separate premium lanes.

Arriving or departing?

Arriving or departing?

Departing. Arrival fast track operating normally.

Anyone know if JAL business class offers fast track passes for clearing immigration leaving BKK?

Edit: Answer is yes

No long lines tonight at BKK and they have opened more lanes.

I can report that I was on UA804 today BKK-NRT. At check-in UA gave me a "Premium Lane" pass. I went to departure immigration at about 4am. in the morning. Only 2 counters were open. I was informed the premium lane was not open. However it was a nice gesture of UA to give me a pass. :) Departure immigration and security check only took me about 10 minutes though.

I can report that I was on UA804 today BKK-NRT. At check-in UA gave me a "Premium Lane" pass. I went to departure immigration at about 4am. in the morning. Only 2 counters were open. I was informed the premium lane was not open. However it was a nice gesture of UA to give me a pass. :) Departure immigration and security check only took me about 10 minutes though.

At 4am you don't need fast track.

According to some first-hand reports I've been reading it does seem like the situation is much improved, again this is departing Immigration wait times.

Over the past 10 days or so reports of reasonable (~ 20 minutes or less) wait times seem the norm.

Any improvements seem directly attributable to more staff. Working at the airport is supposedly viewed as one of the least desirable positions within the RTP and Immigration so maintaining consistent staffing levels seems challenging. There has been some talk about improving working conditions, and increasing remuneration.

In some cases many Immigration officers were taking what we might call civil service examinations, again in an effort to get out of this work situation, so that also impacts staffing on some days.


Regarding the early UA departure and fast track, I am pretty sure the fast-track lane associated with the West departing Immigration Hall is open ~ 04:00, while the one associated with the East departing Immigration hall doesn't open until ~ 05:15 or 05:30 AM.

Regarding the early UA departure and fast track, I am pretty sure the fast-track lane associated with the West departing Immigration Hall is open ~ 04:00, while the one associated with the East departing Immigration hall doesn't open until ~ 05:15 or 05:30 AM.

I am not sure which Immigration Hall I used, East or West, but it was the one that is directly across from the United check-in counters. Unfortunately, if you don't use your Premium Lane pass, it cannot be reused later, as it is only valid for the flight / date stamped.

Unfortunately, if you don't use your Premium Lane pass, it cannot be reused later, as it is only valid for the flight / date stamped.

If so that is new. It was never the case previously.

Went through departure immigration about 6:00 AM on the 28th. Took about 5 minutes total to get through immigration and security. I arrived on the 17th around 11:30 AM and immigration took about 20-25 minutes.

Easy this morning as well. Arrived BKK at 830. Through passport and security before 900. Less busy than I've ever seen.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255504060003


Air passengers told to check in 3-4 hours before departure

BANGKOK, 6 April 2012 (NNT) – Suvarnabhumi International Airport has urged travelers to check in 3-4 hours before departure time to give some time in case of long queue.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Somchai Sawasdipol expects around 154,000 passengers each day at the airport during Songkran Holiday or April 9-18.

According to him, the number of both international and domestic travelers is expected to increase by 10% from that of the Songkran period last year. Therefore, he advises all passengers to allow some extra time for check-in and going through the immigration process.

Mr Somchai added that the airport has also deployed more officials at the immigration check points both for departure and arrival passengers. The automatic passport checking system will also be available for Thai passport holders from April 11 onwards.


News ID: 255504060003


Reporter : Nuttaporn Chanchokpong
News Date : 06 April 2012

Good thing we've got TG C this week. :D

I am slumming it in Y on Monday AM. I hope it won't be dreadful.

For many people it is basically a holiday from today, April 6, through April 17. April 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 are holidays, as are April 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17. This is actually good as it will spread out the Songkhran travel. April 11, 12, 17 & 18 might be especially bad. Trains were sold out at 60 days, and there will be the usual thousands of people at Mo Chit looking for buses to the North and Northeast. Not sure about international air departures being overly heavy but who knows?

I am slumming it in Y on Monday AM. I hope it won't be dreadful.

You're probably fine. If people have the ability to travel on a Monday they likely would have decided to use the weekend for their travel instead.

Tonight's arrival at BKK was a breeze. Plane landed at 7:20PM, gate C1. I rushed, but there was no line at immigration and I was in a cab by 7:40PM.

Amazing.

Leaving BKK in the morning on the United flight and it was less than 15 minutes total

Maybe they have this sorted our finally.....

Soarer

Tonight's arrival at BKK was a breeze. Plane landed at 7:20PM, gate C1. I rushed, but there was no line at immigration and I was in a cab by 7:40PM.

Amazing.

Leaving BKK in the morning on the United flight and it was less than 15 minutes total

Maybe they have this sorted our finally.....

Soarer

We arrived Friday night at 9:30 and walked right up to the immi agent.

More than being sorted out, I think tourist number dropped off the cliff.

Leaving BKK in the morning on the United flight and it was less than 15 minutes total

Maybe they have this sorted our finally.....

Soarer

What day did you depart? Saturday, April 7? Today, Sunday, April 8?

What time did you enter the Immigration hall?

Thanks. I depart on UA later this week so not sure what time to go to the airport.

Just an update.

We arrived into Bangkok late night of 30 March. Cleared immigration in about 15 minutes (in economy).

We flew back today, but did have priority as we were coming back with EK business class, however the immigration line ups for all other pax was nothing compared to what I experienced a few weeks ago.

Monday, 9 April 8AM. I hope it continues to be this way. Ride from Four Points Sukhumvit to airport took just over 20 minutes, 205THB on the meter plus tolls.

Check in was light (I've checked in online) and there was practically no queue at immigration and security.

Monday, 9 April 8AM. I hope it continues to be this way. Ride from Four Points Sukhumvit to airport took just over 20 minutes, 205THB on the meter plus tolls.

Check in was light (I've checked in online) and there was practically no queue at immigration and security.

Ha, I was also staying at that hotel and checked out on 9 April.

Hi
I will be transitting through this airport on my way to Laos. On the outward flight we have 5 hours to transfer but on the way back, we have 95 mins ( it will be at 1am). All flights are with Thai Airways so we should be checked in at Laos and luggage checked through to Heathrow. Is this enough time (i'm assuming we don't have to go through the check in procedure in Bangkok)?
Thanks

Hi
I will be transitting through this airport on my way to Laos. On the outward flight we have 5 hours to transfer but on the way back, we have 95 mins ( it will be at 1am). All flights are with Thai Airways so we should be checked in at Laos and luggage checked through to Heathrow. Is this enough time (i'm assuming we don't have to go through the check in procedure in Bangkok)?
Thanks
Depending on the distance between arrival and departure gate you should be fine, and correct you don't go through immigration procedures :)
Have a nice flight!

Thanks. I was just beginning to worry, given the recent comments regarding queues etc.

Thanks. I was just beginning to worry, given the recent comments regarding queues etc.

Recent comments, and personal experience, have indicated that immigration queues have subsided. You won't be going through immigration at all but rather transit security where there is usually very little delay.

You should be fine for the return connection.

Landed on April 13 at 0830am off Gate E area. No fast pass. Decided not to go into the first set of immigration counters but the second set 130m away. Total wait was 8 minutes. Walked out of immigration to find that people who left the plane before me were still waiting at the first set of immigration counter.

Visa on Arrival line was very long with a couple of flights from India.

Went through exit immigration at 1110am on April 15 at immigration counters on the right. No fast pass. Total wait 12 minutes.

They are doing one queue per set of counters instead of separate queues in front of each counter which speeds up the process.

I have passed through BKK many times, but never actually noticed that there is more than 1 immigration zone. How many are there? Where? The only other one that I just found out last month was the Premium Lane counters, I think directly in front of carousel 1-4 (?) Do they have regular (non-premium) counters there too?


Landed on April 13 at 0830am off Gate E area. No fast pass. Decided not to go into the first set of immigration counters but the second set 130m away.

I have passed through BKK many times, but never actually noticed that there is more than 1 immigration zone. How many are there? Where? The only other one that I just found out last month was the Premium Lane counters, I think directly in front of carousel 1-4 (?) Do they have regular (non-premium) counters there too?

Very good question. There are TWO if you look at the Bangkok airport map. The one that I went into at entry immigration is actually in the middle of the airport. Statistically the people using this set of counters will be people stepping off planes in Zones C and D (remember A and B are domestic flights), whereas most people stepping off planes in Zones E/F/G would have gone into the set of immigration counters (the first set that you would come across and which I specifically avoided).

In terms of layout from left to right, it's the immigration counters in front of zones E/F/G, followed by Visa on Arrival and Premium/Fast Pass Counters (I don't remember which is first), then the immigration counters for zones C/D.

I still don't get how Visa On Arrival would work if you are trying to use the Transit entry immigration counters and then catch a flight to the domestic destinations. Anyone ?

http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/85

I assume the orange colored logos are where the inbound immigration counters? I think the one I normally use is the only on the left hand side when looking at map (opposite carousel 10-14). One of those 3 is the Premium ones, right? I went through that one last month. Is it the one opposite carousel 16-18 then? Which means the one you talked about is the one opposite carousel 20-22?

Thanks! I learn new things everyday...

http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/85

I assume the orange colored logos are where the inbound immigration counters? I think the one I normally use is the only on the left hand side when looking at map (opposite carousel 10-14). One of those 3 is the Premium ones, right? I went through that one last month. Is it the one opposite carousel 16-18 then? Which means the one you talked about is the one opposite carousel 20-22?

Thanks! I learn new things everyday...

You have to turn the map upside down because of the traveller's orientation as you exit the plane. What I described as "left" is actually right on this map -> 20 to 23 which I avoided, and the middle facing 10-14 is what you and I used.

I departed SBIA early (06:00 departure) on April 12 and cleared departing Immigration at 04:30. There were many desks open and I chose one without any people waiting so ~ 2 minutes. Security is relatively quick as well, maybe three people in a line.

UA did give a Fast-Pass ticket (UA 1K/ NC) but I did not use it. For this early departure I used the TG lounge in concourse E on the left side. Flight departed from D-7.

According to all reports Thai Immigration seems to have successfully addressed these departing immigration delays.


I arrived SBIA on UA (NC) late on April 19 (23:30). UA handed out blank Fast-Pass tickets to people in business class on the plane. We arrived at a gate in the G concourse, so a longish walk to the West Arrival Immigration Hall. There were many open desks so I used this hall, I chose a desk with one person waiting, so ~ 3 minutes. I walked by the "middle" Fast-Pass Hall after Immigration within the baggage area going to the baggage carousel and this Fast-Pass Hall seemed well-staffed as well and no lines.

On Friday April 13th, the first day of Songkran, I arrived at BKK on the mid-afternoon CX flight from SIN. Cathay gave the few of us in Business Class stamped but undated Fast Track passes. We arrived at E6, so it was a long walk to Immigration. When I reached the first immigration zone, there were no lines at all for the counters, even though the airport was fairly crowded. So I went through there and saved my Fast Track pass for another time when some airline (ahem, TG) "forgets" to give out the passes.

Outbound on the night of April 17th, Suvarnabhumi was packed-- huge crowds at some checkin desks, including the three KE flights to Incheon and the CX flight to Colombo. KE gave me a Fast Track pass, and I zipped right through the outbound security and immigration checkpoints.

AOT's work on re-designing the outbound immigration checkpoints continues.