Thailand - Air Asia moving to DMK from 1 Oct 2012

As expected. This is a good move all round as it will reduce a lot of pax pressure at BKK until the Phase 2 expansion is complete in 4 years. It will also help ensure that the Airport Link gets extended to DMK in a quicker timeframe than would otherwise have occurred.

AirAsia will move to Don Mueang on Oct 1, The Nation, 25 June 2012
AirAsia will move its flight operations from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang Airport by Oct 1, hoping that the old Bangkok airport will well serve its plan to expand fleet to 48. Today, Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, joined officials at the Airports of Thailand - which operates both airports, in affirming the readiness for the relocation.

He noted that AirAsia's decision to return to Don Mueang Airport was carefully assessed as he noted that the capabilities of Don Mueang Airport are in line with AirAsia's own growth plan. Thorough consideration into transferring to Don Mueang Airport found that the airport's capabilities, coupled with the Airports of Thailand Company's assistance measures, meant AirAsia could better manage its cost more effectively and provide passengers with improved service. "The uncongested Don Mueang Airport is sure to prove a benefit to AirAsia when it boosts its fleet of Airbus A320s to a total of 48 and welcomes more customers. The airport's location also makes it conducive to further travel. Prospective travelers should have confidence in what Don Mueang has to offer," Tassapon said.

Earlier, he said that the relocation should save the airline by nearly Bt1 million in daily fuel cost, as congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport requires airlines to circle above the airport for 10 minutes or more particularly when Suvarnabhumi Airport’s East Runway is closed for maintenance. The government recently decided to reopen Don Mueang Airport for low-cost airlines to ease congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is expected to welcome nearly 50 million passengers this year despite its 45 million capacity.

According to Tassapon, AirAsia expects all of its services to be based at Don Mueang Airport from Oct 1 onward. The airline's flights will retain their FD code and original schedules. Passengers who are affected by the switch to Don Mueang Airport, may alter their flights by either choosing another travel date on the same route either 7 days before or after their original travel date, at no additional cost. Passengers also have an option to convert the paid flight into credit shell available to be used within the next 90 days. The change options are only available to affected passengers who purchased their tickets before 26 June 2012 whose travel dates are from October 1 onwards.

aahhhh... wasn't Air Asia the one who lobbied for the Don Mueng to be reopened after the shift to Survanabhumi, and then refused to move back when they reopened Don Mueng.

Until they physically move, I would not believe any statement by Air Asia; just like until the plane takes off I wouldn't believe they will honor the booking. And if they really do move, it will be good news for those of us who hate Air Asia and TF, don't have to be reminded of them each time I pass through BKK !

And if they really do move, it will be good news for those of us who hate Air Asia and TF, don't have to be reminded of them each time I pass through BKK !

^^ And we don't ahve to deal with the crowds either.

And great news for those of us that like Air Asia and can now avoid the crowds by using DMK ^

Since they have said all services, I guess this means that FD will have international flights from DMK? Very interesting...

And great news for those of us that like Air Asia and can now avoid the crowds by using DMK ^
I've got more of a love-hate w/FD. Totally down with DMK though ! The old girl may be a cougar, but she's still looking all right ! wj

All in all, DMK is a great airport experience, but the transfer between it and BKK is a 300THB taxi ride that takes about an hour, if I remember correctly.

To Town it's a cheaper taxi ride, because it's much closer to the centre of Bangkok, but don't forget how bad the traffic can be coming in and out of those tollway ramps in that direction.

Thumbs down for perfect airport mismanagement. But the military should enjoy the increase in landing fee revenue for DKMs many new flights.

I'm just a tourist to Thailand, but every time I have arrived or departed Bangkok for the USA, it has been at midnight or 6am. I wouldn't have to transfer airports after a long haul flight. I will always have to stay at a hotel before continuing.

So as an American tourist, it doesn't negatively affect me. I just need to make sure my taxi takes me to the correct place, which is my responsibility.


Personally I feel that once Nov/Dec rolls around, the problems will be miniscule. Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways have all the airports in Thailand covered for service. People don't have to transfer unless they want to fly Air Asia.

All in all, DMK is a great airport experience, but the transfer between it and BKK is a 300THB taxi ride that takes about an hour, if I remember correctly.



The nice thing with the move is now, when I fly Nok Air, I have no worry if there will be taxis to take me into town.... on occasion there's been a wait, not from people in a line, but from lack of taxis.

The stretch of the tollway up to DMK is also the most expensive of the tollway system so there will be no savings in taxi fare even with the closer proximity of the airport to town. IIRC your estimation is pretty good Sean.

But all in all the move is fine for me.

Since they have said all services, I guess this means that FD will have international flights from DMK? Very interesting...

I'm guessing they'll be cranking up services in both terminals just like the good ol' days.

Hmmm, Don Meaung in October. :eek:

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj96/Rush8track/DonMueang_flood.jpg

Since the 2nd airport policy go ahead was given by Cabinet the proposal was always to have DMK as the base for all LCCs for all domestic and international flights (Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, Air Belin etc). TAA is the big LCC (7.2m last yr, expected 8m in 2012) that they obviously had to entice to move to DMK as it relieve most of the pax pressure from swampy.

T1 will operate for domestic and international flights - reportedly pier 4 is being refurbished now for completion in 2 months. Later, probably next year T2 may reopen but for now even if all LCCs move - which they won't - T1 can handle the pax. T2 was damaged in last years floods and "will take time and money". T1 is said to be able to handle 14.5m pax. T2 10m pax.

Time wise a non peak period taxi can do the trip airport to airport in 30mins max (I have done it plenty of times in the past), peak expect an hour and 300 baht is about right. No doubt BMTA will introduce direct public buses (already 2 buses pass DMK from swampy) and the mini vans will do a lot of business. This will provide for those needing to transfer and wanting to pay only 30 baht. No doubt a private operator will introduce a bus service for around the 100-150 range as they will do good business. Of course, as I stated at the outset this will mean that the Airport Link is extended much sooner than was planned so expect in the next 3-4 years.

I used to live in the northern suburbs and before TG departed DMK I would always take a TG from DMK in preference to BKK. I like the fact that I knew I could turn up at DMK 30 mins before my flight, check in and be at the gate in 5 mins. It won't be like that at T1 now (longer walks to the gates and many more flights from 1 Oct) but it won't be as bad as swampy. TAA won't lose that many customers at all with this move as most of them are flying due to the price.

Some recent articles on reopening DMK to peruse if interested; http://2bangkok.com/forum/showthread.php?2309-Don-Mueang-2nd-Airport-policy-go-ahead!/page21

Hmmm, Don Meaung in October. :eek:
You just need to start up a LCC that uses seaplanes and you'll have the market to yourself. ;) Is it also worth posting a pic of Swampy in late Nov and early Dec 2008? :eek:

Can't guarentee anything in this country but supposedly DMK will now be flood proof.

Don Mueang getting ready for flood-prevention work, BKK Post, 28/05/2012
Comprehensive work to prevent Don Mueang airport from flooding again looks set to get underway soon, with a completion date of two months, just ahead of seasonal runoff arriving from the North. The state-controlled Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) is about to sign an agreement with a contractor to carry out the 100-million-baht-plus undertaking, which includes erection of reinforced concrete floodwalls, said president Anirut Thanomkulbutra.

The fixed barrier, 3.85 metres high and 7.1 kilometres long, stretches from the northern front of Bangkok's old airport along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road to its southern side. In addition, removable concrete barriers, for use as temporary flood prevention, will also be put in place along Vibhavadi Rangsit over 270 metres to the Bangkok Tollway ramp to allow vehicles to move from the airport up to the elevated toll road. Materials and equipment will also be placed along the 13.8-km fence around the airport to help build a temporary flood barrier.

Four water pumps will be acquired and 12 existing water pumping stations at the airport improved, while canals and water-retention areas in the neighbourhood will be dredged to boost storage and flow capacity. Mr Anirut said in an interview that AoT's flood prevention effort will be coordinated with the Royal Thai Air Force, whose headquarters share a common ground with the airport. The flood prevention effort is expected to be finished by the end of July in the hopes it will keep the old airport dry if another deluge happens this year, he said.

Don Mueang airport was shut down by Thailand's worst flooding in 69 years. The closure lasted from Oct 25 until this past March 6, when it partially reopened for commercial flights. Last year's flooding of Don Mueang came as a surprise to some because of a widespread belief that its location on high ground would spare it. Many blamed the floods at the airport on the government's poor floodwater management.

Can't guarentee anything in this country but supposedly DMK will now be flood proof.


How is this flood protection project coming? Will it be done by July?

And how will people; passengers, employees, vendors, suppliers get to/from the airport if there are floods like last year?

Believe me if DMK were to remain dry it would be overrun with neighbors looking for a dry environment.

The nice thing with the move is now, when I fly Nok Air, I have no worry if there will be taxis to take me into town.... on occasion there's been a wait, not from people in a line, but from lack of taxis.


Last few times I flew Nok Air, it was both a lack of taxis and classless Thais making a mad dash for arriving taxis rather than waiting their turn. I whole heartedly welcome AA's move to DM.

This is quite inconvenient for me. A couple of weeks ago (before I had heard anything about the move) I booked a flight from BKK to URT heading on to Koh Samui. As we are a party of 12 people, this saved us more than $3000USD compared to PG / TG's direct routes.

We will be arriving on QR at 11.35 22nd December, and was supposed to connect with the FD-flight at 14.20, but as they've now moved to another airport, I reckon there's no chance of making it.

As I see it we have four chances; book 6 hotel rooms out of our own pockets(?), reschedule for the next day and fly out then.

Try to reschedule for the flight to NST at 16.20 instead, and just hope we can arrive at Don Sak-pier before the last ferry leaves at 19.00, which again sounds like a tight schedule.

As they don't offer any refund, just some voucher kind of thing, which is useless for 91% of my travel party as they only travel to Asia, maybe once every few years. The second option would have to be to hope for a refund from our travel insurance, but I have my doubts they will cover it.

The fourth (maybe combined with the third), and easiest option is probably to do a no-show and spend ~$4000USD on PG.

Sorry for the wall of text. I have of course also contacted AirAsia, without any response yet, so basically I'm just wondering what would you have done in this situation?

This is quite inconvenient for me. A couple of weeks ago (before I had heard anything about the move) I booked a flight from BKK to URT heading on to Koh Samui. As we are a party of 12 people, this saved us more than $3000USD compared to PG / TG's direct routes.

We will be arriving on QR at 11.35 22nd December, and was supposed to connect with the FD-flight at 14.20, but as they've now moved to another airport, I reckon there's no chance of making it.

As I see it we have four chances; book 6 hotel rooms out of our own pockets(?), reschedule for the next day and fly out then.

Try to reschedule for the flight to NST at 16.20 instead, and just hope we can arrive at Don Sak-pier before the last ferry leaves at 19.00, which again sounds like a tight schedule.

As they don't offer any refund, just some voucher kind of thing, which is useless for 91% of my travel party as they only travel to Asia, maybe once every few years. The second option would have to be to hope for a refund from our travel insurance, but I have my doubts they will cover it.

The fourth (maybe combined with the third), and easiest option is probably to do a no-show and spend ~$4000USD on PG.

Sorry for the wall of text. I have of course also contacted AirAsia, without any response yet, so basically I'm just wondering what would you have done in this situation?

I would spend probably 10% of that $4000 USD on hotel rooms and cab fare, and rebook for the next day (or the later flight if you want to risk it). Strikes me as a much "easier" option on your wallet than spending $4000 USD on a new set of flights.

Though actually what I really would have done (and what I am doing now) is not buy the LCC tickets for a while just in case things are a bit unsettled. When traveling very far from home and without things like elite status or alliances to protect me, I tend to not like having tight connections on separate tickets- if possible I try to fly on different days and overnight between the tickets. I've not bought all my travel for my trip to Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia yet (around the same time your trip is going to be)- I want to let things settle a bit before I commit money to things.

I would spend probably 10% of that $4000 USD on hotel rooms and cab fare, and rebook for the next day (or the later flight if you want to risk it). Strikes me as a much "easier" option on your wallet than spending $4000 USD on a new set of flights.

Though actually what I really would have done (and what I am doing now) is not buy the LCC tickets for a while just in case things are a bit unsettled. When traveling very far from home and without things like elite status or alliances to protect me, I tend to not like having tight connections on separate tickets- if possible I try to fly on different days and overnight between the tickets. I've not bought all my travel for my trip to Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia yet (around the same time your trip is going to be)- I want to let things settle a bit before I commit money to things.

Thanks for the feedback. I agree on all of your points, if I was traveling by myself I wouldn't have bothered with AirAsia, and neither will I in the future. Hard to predict that they would be moving airports without following the airport situation in BKK beforehand.

As a semi-frequent traveler myself, I was put in charge by my family to manage the bookings. I convinced them to stay away from charter, just so I could bag some miles on the trip from Norway to Thailand @:-)
Just have to find the most convenient solution for all parties involved :-)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/299862/five-airlines-cry-foul-over-airport-transfer

Some airlines, including Nok, are complaining they were spurned by the AoT offer of discounts for operating out of DMK.

The second option would have to be to hope for a refund from our travel insurance, but I have my doubts they will cover it.


Why not call the insurance company and ask? They could interpret this as a failure of public transport. If they are feeling generous...

Sorry for the wall of text. I have of course also contacted AirAsia, without any response yet, so basically I'm just wondering what would you have done in this situation?
First of all, I would be very happy that I saved $3000.

Personally I would attempt to make the flight. DMK used to be very easy a few years ago. Get there 40 minutes early and no problems. Basically tell Qatar that you want your seats as close to the front of the plane as possible, and then hurry to immigration. There's no shame in passing people in the long corridor.

With 12 people, you should all be able to fit in one mini-bus (van). Tell them you need to get to DMK fast, and then say a little prayer.

If you miss the flight, talk very politely with the people at the check-in counter and explain to them what happened. Tell them that you would like to rebook for a later flight that day or for the next day. Again, be very polite. HOPEFULLY, they give you some kind of credit and you are able to repurchase tickets for the next flight at a discount.

Then go look for some hotel rooms down the road from DMK, relax, sleep, and fly the next day. Hopefully rooms can be had for 500 baht a piece, so 6 rooms would be 3000 baht or 95 USD.

Best case scenario you have to pay a hundred or two dollars for the overnight. Worst case AirAsia tells you that you have to buy tickets at full price.

Again talk to the AirAsia people very politely, soft voice, smile, neutral body language, and very politely. I am not joking about this. Have your other 11 people sitting in the waiting area and deal with the AirAsia people/person one on one. Be polite. Have all your stuff printed out so you can show them.

First of all, I would be very happy that I saved $3000.

Personally I would attempt to make the flight. DMK used to be very easy a few years ago. Get there 40 minutes early and no problems. Basically tell Qatar that you want your seats as close to the front of the plane as possible, and then hurry to immigration. There's no shame in passing people in the long corridor.

With 12 people, you should all be able to fit in one mini-bus (van). Tell them you need to get to DMK fast, and then say a little prayer.

If you miss the flight, talk very politely with the people at the check-in counter and explain to them what happened. Tell them that you would like to rebook for a later flight that day or for the next day. Again, be very polite. HOPEFULLY, they give you some kind of credit and you are able to repurchase tickets for the next flight at a discount.

Then go look for some hotel rooms down the road from DMK, relax, sleep, and fly the next day. Hopefully rooms can be had for 500 baht a piece, so 6 rooms would be 3000 baht or 95 USD.

Best case scenario you have to pay a hundred or two dollars for the overnight. Worst case AirAsia tells you that you have to buy tickets at full price.

Again talk to the AirAsia people very politely, soft voice, smile, neutral body language, and very politely. I am not joking about this. Have your other 11 people sitting in the waiting area and deal with the AirAsia people/person one on one. Be polite. Have all your stuff printed out so you can show them.

While this might be fine with a couple, OP is traveling with a group of 12 family members which could well include the elderly. Even if all members are sprite 20 year olds this is too much to ask a group of 12.

Additionally this is Air Asia you're talking about. No amount of polite cajoling will convince an agent to do something; either the change is allowed or it isn't. My money is on 'miss your flight buy a new one'.

Your plan is one I would recommend OP staying as far away from as possible.

First of all, I would be very happy that I saved $3000.

Personally I would attempt to make the flight. DMK used to be very easy a few years ago. Get there 40 minutes early and no problems. Basically tell Qatar that you want your seats as close to the front of the plane as possible, and then hurry to immigration. There's no shame in passing people in the long corridor.

With 12 people, you should all be able to fit in one mini-bus (van). Tell them you need to get to DMK fast, and then say a little prayer.

If you miss the flight, talk very politely with the people at the check-in counter and explain to them what happened. Tell them that you would like to rebook for a later flight that day or for the next day. Again, be very polite. HOPEFULLY, they give you some kind of credit and you are able to repurchase tickets for the next flight at a discount.

Then go look for some hotel rooms down the road from DMK, relax, sleep, and fly the next day. Hopefully rooms can be had for 500 baht a piece, so 6 rooms would be 3000 baht or 95 USD.

Best case scenario you have to pay a hundred or two dollars for the overnight. Worst case AirAsia tells you that you have to buy tickets at full price.

Again talk to the AirAsia people very politely, soft voice, smile, neutral body language, and very politely. I am not joking about this. Have your other 11 people sitting in the waiting area and deal with the AirAsia people/person one on one. Be polite. Have all your stuff printed out so you can show them.

I appreciate the advice, it does sound like a risky plan though. It might work if the immigration lines are not too long.

I've never arrived around noon on a Saturday at BKK, since it's the busiest tourist season of the year, I reckon it might be quite crowded.

Also I'm the only one with status on QR, so I would be the only one getting priority luggage. Then there's traffic ..

If it was me alone, I would've tried it in a heartbeat ^


While this might be fine with a couple, OP is traveling with a group of 12 family members which could well include the elderly. Even if all members are sprite 20 year olds this is too much to ask a group of 12.

Additionally this is Air Asia you're talking about. No amount of polite cajoling will convince an agent to do something; either the change is allowed or it isn't. My money is on 'miss your flight buy a new one'.

Your plan is one I would recommend OP staying as far away from as possible.


With my dad the oldest at 55, still going strong, I don't think there would be any health issues ;)

But I agree, it's too big a risk to take, too much stress for such a big group.

As I see it, I'm down to two options, booking BangkokAir the same day and hope the travel insurance will refund the AirAsia-fare.

Or rebook AirAsia to the next day, take the cost of hotels and losing one day at Koh Samui and just hope the family won't mind spending one night in Bangkok :)

Again talk to the AirAsia people very politely, soft voice, smile, neutral body language, and very politely. I am not joking about this. Have your other 11 people sitting in the waiting area and deal with the AirAsia people/person one on one. Be polite. Have all your stuff printed out so you can show them.

This must be the joke of the week !

Air Asia staff have been conditioned to be nasty and create unnecessary inconvenience to their passengers with the hope of sucking additional revenue from them. It's as if they would score some brownie points each time they managed to instill suffering on fellow human beings.

You never know the sort of surprises they can come up with; on one of my last flights with them, their security guy refused to allow me through and insisted I turned back to check-in a carry on board item which I have taken onboard their flights at least 10-20 times. Official airport security intervened and allowed me through ^

If one chooses to fly with Air Asia, never expect any form of goodwill but be prepared for unpleasant surprises !

This is quite inconvenient for me. A couple of weeks ago (before I had heard anything about the move) I booked a flight from BKK to URT heading on to Koh Samui. As we are a party of 12 people, this saved us more than $3000USD compared to PG / TG's direct routes...



I chose the BKK Air option from BKK rather than Air Asia when I made the Trip to Koh Samui last year as I wanted to arrive on the island directly rather than URT (Surat Thani) and avoid the boat trip. My guess is you would be getting a hotel there for the night anyway due to the arrival time then heading to Koh Samui the next day, right? So a night in BKK and leaving the next day, rested, is probably a better option.

On topic... before taking Air Asia I'd probably stay the night in BKK anyway so I don't see flying out of DM as a problem anyway.

I chose the BKK Air option from BKK rather than Air Asia when I made the Trip to Koh Samui last year as I wanted to arrive on the island directly rather than URT (Surat Thani) and avoid the boat trip. My guess is you would be getting a hotel there for the night anyway due to the arrival time then heading to Koh Samui the next day, right? So a night in BKK and leaving the next day, rested, is probably a better option.

On topic... before taking Air Asia I'd probably stay the night in BKK anyway so I don't see flying out of DM as a problem anyway.

I would've chosen the same, if it was just a small party. In hindsight it was a stupid decision, but I'll take it as a lesson for the future.

Myself, I have no problem staying a night in BKK, but the rest of the family, they're more for beaches than city life.

As I've understood there's a ferry leaving Don Sak-pier (close to URT) every hour until 19.00 in the evening, so there wouldn't be any need for a hotel there.

Sorry for bringing this topic way out of the actual subject at hand, let's get back to discussing the pros and cons of AirAsia moving to DMK ;)

We will be arriving on QR at 11.35 22nd December, and was supposed to connect with the FD-flight at 14.20, but as they've now moved to another airport, I reckon there's no chance of making it.
I personally think that you'll be fine if you do a few key things. However, I wouldn't exclude Air Asia allowing you to change the flights without charge given the change of airport by them. Call the Thai number and try first.

In your favour is that arriving at that time is not busy so you should clear immigration quickly and that is a good time road traffic wise. You have until 1:35 to check in at DMK though 5-10mins late may be ok. (Get their new airport ph number at DMK so you can call to advise if need be)

(A heads up - get one of the younger in your party to go ahead and check the other immigration arrival zone not closest to your gate in the event that the one closest to you gate is packed. You can save significant time by doing this). Obviously, completely ALL arrival cards in flight will save time.

Traffic on a sat lunch time at that time of year (Xmas is irrelevant) is not that bad so that also works in your favour. A morning or late afternoon/early evening arrival would be very different. I suggest it would take around 30-35 mins to transfer but if traffic was heavier than normal or there was some unseasonal rain expect MAX travel time of 1 hr. I have done essentially that same trip plenty of time at non peak times in 20-25mins.

Try to get priority baggage labels for all when you check in with QR. Whatever you need to do, do it, as it will save you some time. Explain the situation, the check in staff may be receptive to the changed circumstances.

Book a mini van for your whole party to travel. 2 in the front, 10 in the back, room for baggage. All in one vehicle negates losing people or some being delayed. Also, ensure the agency driver will meet you at arrivals and helps with your baggage.

This may not be appropriate if your party contains elderly with special needs etc. So you could do for two.

So do all of that and you should be fine.
1) Priority baggage labels,
2) Check immigration zone for the quickest exit. Arrival cards completed beforehand.
3) Have a mini van pre booked.

The main problem you have is if the obviously if the QR inbound is delayed! The other unforeseen is a VIP convoy on the expressway but one can never know on that front.

I estimate your timings as follows;
1) Gate to immigration & clear immigration in 25 mins, 12ish
2)collect baggage and load van in 25 mins, 12:30ish
3) travel time to DMK 30 mins, 1ish

Worst case scenario:
1) 45 mins, 12:20pm
2) 30 mins, 12:50pm
3) 1 hr, 1:50pm

Even the worst case scenario - for all stages which is highly unlikely - gets you to the airport 30 mins before your AA flight (after their 45min check in requirement).

I think on the balance of things that you'll be fine with some preparation and everyone keeping their heads and not getting stressed. However, at the end of the day there will be stress and a nagging worry pre and during the journey. Will the flight be late, baggage come on time, traffic be ok etc etc etc

You know your party of 12 and you can decide if all of that potential stress is worth it or not. Most would probably suggest not. GL

Hi Andain,

A link from Air Asia's home page suggests you can change dates on the same route without charge:

AirAsia has scheduled October 1st this year as the date when all of its services will be based at Don Mueang Airport. The airline’s flights will retain their FD code and original schedules. Passengers who are affected by the switch to Don Mueang Airport, may alter their flights by either choosing another travel date on the same route either 7 days before or after their original travel date, at no additional cost. Passengers also have an option to convert the paid flight into credit shell available to be used within the next 90 days. The change options are only available to affected passengers who purchased their tickets before 26 June 2012 whose travel dates are from 1 October 2012 onwards. For further information and developments visit www.airasia.com or contact the AirAsia Call Center at 02-515-999.

Got question? Find the answers at AskAirAsia.com

Hope it all works out for you,

11277m

In that case I would just try to get the AirAsia flight moved to the next day. Stay the night in Bangkok and relax.

Lesson learned.

I personally think that you'll be fine if you do a few key things. However, I wouldn't exclude Air Asia allowing you to change the flights without charge given the change of airport by them. Call the Thai number and try first.

In your favour is that arriving at that time is not busy so you should clear immigration quickly and that is a good time road traffic wise. You have until 1:35 to check in at DMK though 5-10mins late may be ok. (Get their new airport ph number at DMK so you can call to advise if need be)

(A heads up - get one of the younger in your party to go ahead and check the other immigration arrival zone not closest to your gate in the event that the one closest to you gate is packed. You can save significant time by doing this). Obviously, completely ALL arrival cards in flight will save time.

Traffic on a sat lunch time at that time of year (Xmas is irrelevant) is not that bad so that also works in your favour. A morning or late afternoon/early evening arrival would be very different. I suggest it would take around 30-35 mins to transfer but if traffic was heavier than normal or there was some unseasonal rain expect MAX travel time of 1 hr. I have done essentially that same trip plenty of time at non peak times in 20-25mins.

Try to get priority baggage labels for all when you check in with QR. Whatever you need to do, do it, as it will save you some time. Explain the situation, the check in staff may be receptive to the changed circumstances.

Book a mini van for your whole party to travel. 2 in the front, 10 in the back, room for baggage. All in one vehicle negates losing people or some being delayed. Also, ensure the agency driver will meet you at arrivals and helps with your baggage.

This may not be appropriate if your party contains elderly with special needs etc. So you could do for two.

So do all of that and you should be fine.
1) Priority baggage labels,
2) Check immigration zone for the quickest exit. Arrival cards completed beforehand.
3) Have a mini van pre booked.

The main problem you have is if the obviously if the QR inbound is delayed! The other unforeseen is a VIP convoy on the expressway but one can never know on that front.

I estimate your timings as follows;
1) Gate to immigration & clear immigration in 25 mins, 12ish
2)collect baggage and load van in 25 mins, 12:30ish
3) travel time to DMK 30 mins, 1ish

Worst case scenario:
1) 45 mins, 12:20pm
2) 30 mins, 12:50pm
3) 1 hr, 1:50pm

Even the worst case scenario - for all stages which is highly unlikely - gets you to the airport 30 mins before your AA flight (after their 45min check in requirement).

I think on the balance of things that you'll be fine with some preparation and everyone keeping their heads and not getting stressed. However, at the end of the day there will be stress and a nagging worry pre and during the journey. Will the flight be late, baggage come on time, traffic be ok etc etc etc

You know your party of 12 and you can decide if all of that potential stress is worth it or not. Most would probably suggest not. GL

Wow, that's quite the thought out and detailed response.

Maybe it can be done. Will be heading to BKK next Thursday (with QR), so maybe I'll bring a stopwatch and do some timings ;)

I'll also have a chat with AirAsia while there, as to what my options are, and how flexible they might be.

I appreciate all the effort you put in to that answer :)

The move has passed. I'm curious to hear some new trip reports for the "new" DMK.

According to the BKK Post things were mostly smooth. Except 5 pax went to BKK by mistake.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/315028/all-systems-go-on-don-mueang-first-day

I was kinda surprised that with FD gone, we still didn't have a gate at BKK on my TG flight. Bus to the plane in the pouring rain - lotsa fun !

I was kinda surprised that with FD gone, we still didn't have a gate at BKK on my TG flight. Bus to the plane in the pouring rain - lotsa fun !

That's 90% of my flights to UBP/PNH/___ with both PG and TG. Well, minus the rain part.

That's 90% of my flights to UBP/PNH/___ with both PG and TG. Well, minus the rain part.
Yup. I thought gates might open up now though. Off season & FD gone. Maybe TG & PG don't want to pay extra for a gate for a short flight still.

Yup. I thought gates might open up now though. Off season & FD gone. Maybe TG & PG don't want to pay extra for a gate for a short flight still.

It has more to do with those a/c shifting between domestic and short international destinations. It's just easier to bus typically, easier for the airline at least.

It has more to do with those a/c shifting between domestic and short international destinations. It's just easier to bus typically, easier for the airline at least.

Yeah, they've got to figure out a way for pax to walk off an international flight docked at a domestic gate and pass over to the international arrivals zone. That has to be easier than forcing pax down the stairs and onto busses for a stupid drive-around of the ramp area. Happened on my AirAsia arrival from SIN last month.

http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/424943.html

BANGKOK, Oct 14- Power failure at Thailand’s Don Mueang Airport Sunday morning delayed 16 flights, according to Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Anirut Thanomkulbutra.

The power blackout occurred at the arrival and departure terminals for about half an hour in the morning and was caused by heavy rain and thunderstorm.

http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/424943.html

BANGKOK, Oct 14- Power failure at Thailand’s Don Mueang Airport Sunday morning delayed 16 flights, according to Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Anirut Thanomkulbutra.

The power blackout occurred at the arrival and departure terminals for about half an hour in the morning and was caused by heavy rain and thunderstorm.

This was on the radio this morning. Wasn't there a power failure at BKK just a few months ago?

Yeah, they've got to figure out a way for pax to walk off an international flight docked at a domestic gate and pass over to the international arrivals zone. That has to be easier than forcing pax down the stairs and onto busses for a stupid drive-around of the ramp area. Happened on my AirAsia arrival from SIN last month.

The drive-around works both ways. I got it a couple of months ago on an Air Asia arrival from UTH into an international gate. From the time it took, I had guessed that they were driving us all to Suk.

In my last passthrough about 12 days ago, it appears that DMK has been upgraded greatly. New and slick bathrooms as well as shops and eating options. And it looks like they're not finished, yet, either. ^^

Just curious....I plan on transiting through DMK, all on Air Asia. Do I have to go through Thai immigration, or is there a transfer area?

I won't have luggage, but I'm curious how that works with luggage. Can the agents in MDL check a bag all the way to SGN?

MDL -> DMK -> SGN

Can the agents in MDL check a bag all the way to SGN?

MDL -> DMK -> SGN

Only if you bought it as a through ticket. If you bought 2 tickets, I don't think they offer this service.

Only if you bought it as a through ticket. If you bought 2 tickets, I don't think they offer this service.
On their website, they only let you book it as separate one way tickets.
Not a big deal then, just get some extra stamps, waste some time and inflate the tourist numbers :D^

On their website, they only let you book it as separate one way tickets.
Not a big deal then, just get some extra stamps, waste some time and inflate the tourist numbers :D^

And spend more on the, now increased, departure tax.

And spend more on the, now increased, departure tax.
It's built into the ticket price, right?
Remember when you had to have to buy that coupon before departing? Man, that was annoying!

It's built into the ticket price, right?
Remember when you had to have to buy that coupon before departing? Man, that was annoying!


Sure it's built in. But if you have two connecting separate tickets you're still paying it... twice.

I have an Air Asia flight from Phuket to Bangkok that was booked about 8 months ago into the International Airport. I booked a non-refundable hotel by the International Airport, with a bus transfer from the Airport to Pattaya the next day.

Now I find my Phuket flight lands in DMK.

Is their cheap transportation from DMK to the International Airport area?

I have an Air Asia flight from Phuket to Bangkok that was booked about 8 months ago into the International Airport. I booked a non-refundable hotel by the International Airport, with a bus transfer from the Airport to Pattaya the next day.

Now I find my Phuket flight lands in DMK.

Is their cheap transportation from DMK to the International Airport area?

I'm assuming by international airport that you are referring to BKK or Suvarnabhumi airport. You can take a taxi directly to your hotel. You can take a shuttle bus from DMK to BKK. You can take a taxi to the BTS, BTS to ARL, ARL to the airport or closest stop to your hotel, then a taxi to the hotel. You could hire a private car or "limo" directly to your hotel.

Non-refundable hotel near Suvarnabhumi....interesting that it is non-refundable. It's not really a popular area to stay for tourists.

I'm assuming by international airport that you are referring to BKK or Suvarnabhumi airport. You can take a taxi directly to your hotel. You can take a shuttle bus from DMK to BKK. You can take a taxi to the BTS, BTS to ARL, ARL to the airport or closest stop to your hotel, then a taxi to the hotel. You could hire a private car or "limo" directly to your hotel.

Non-refundable hotel near Suvarnabhumi....interesting that it is non-refundable. It's not really a popular area to stay for tourists.

AoT promised this a few months ago, I've heard nothing since. Is it up running?

You are correct that both Bangkok airports are now serving international offerings so it will become more important to specify which airport one is talking about moving forward.

[mine]

Yeah. There are a few random posts on ThaiVisa talking about it.

Here are some photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8429693@N04/8023870020/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8429693@N04/8023873930/

And here is a trip report from a ThaiVisa member:
Trip report from this mornings shuttle bus ride.
I went from Suvanabhumi to Don Mueang to take an Air Asia flight.

Easy to find, straight outside Door 3 on ground floor.

I took the 0900 bus, it left exactly on time.
Smooth trip until we hit the second toll booths just past Piyavate Hospital near Makkasan around 0920 - took about 10 minutes to get through that bottle neck.
Then smooth sailing again until DMK.
Arrived just after 0950.

There only 15 people on the bus. Nobody asked to see my Air Asia ticket....

Hope this helps
SVB

Yeah. There are a few random posts on ThaiVisa talking about it.

Here are some photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8429693@N04/8023870020/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8429693@N04/8023873930/

And here is a trip report from a ThaiVisa member:

Good to know. Thanks.

Sure it's built in. But if you have two connecting separate tickets you're still paying it... twice.

But only one departing, right?

-David

But only one departing, right?

-David

Right, once per direction, for the departing flight. Assuming a r/t then it would be twice.

Right, once per direction, for the departing flight. Assuming a r/t then it would be twice.
Isn't a departure tax kind of funny? "You have to pay us to leave, but if you don't leave then you are here illegally." Shouldn't they charge an arrival tax and make it free to leave?

So should they then make the return flights free too. I mean, if I don't fly out, then I'm here illegally. Charge me to fly in, free to fly home? Now that would make for some interesting mileage runs. :D

As far as 37's original comment, Mandalay->Bangkok->Singapore being two tickets and paying two fees, he was incorrect, because on those 2 tickets, only one Thailand departure fee would be paid, not 2. :D :D

As far as 37's original comment, Mandalay->Bangkok->Singapore being two tickets and paying two fees, he was incorrect, because on those 2 tickets, only one Thailand departure fee would be paid, not 2. :D :D

My assumption was of a r/t. But you're correct and I'm in err if this was just a o/w.

My assumption was of a r/t. But you're correct and I'm in err if this was just a o/w.

The OP only referenced one-way.

Maybe we can make him change his trip from a o/w to a r/t? :D

-David

So no floods or major probs and the fears of most have been shown to be groundless. A small power failure the Sunday at 4:30am before last did cause 16 morning flights to be delayed by 20-40 mins but apart from that.....no probs.

Even the new AOT provided BMTA bus shuttle service between both airports seems to be working well with most reporting trips times of 45-55 mins even during the morning peak! So much for the sillly 3-4 hr transit time between both airports that some cried wolf about.

All in all, what was old and worked can be newish again, and still work!

Govt. has stated that work will commence next year on the previously planned but now prioritised ARL ext to DMK and take 3 years to be ready by mid 2016. I for one suggest late 2016 or most likely early 2017 is more realistic but let's see when work starts first.