Thailand - Any word on lounges at new BKK airport?

**Moderator note: I split this thread off from one about the coup in Thailand. There were enough posts about lounge speculation at the new BKK airport that it seemed sensible to give that topic a separate thread. ** letiole.


Tonight's flight was packed and everything was completely normal (including the farthest away bus gate :rolleyes: )

Sat near a dude from WHQ flying in for the airport transition. I can't wait...

Anyone have news re lounges? I don't presume UA bothered to build an RCC?
I've heard that there is only a TG lounge built so far. All other airlines are using a shared lounge for F/C pax. It isn't clear if that means UA will use that lounge, or if *A status or a F/C *A flight would get you into the new TG lounge...

Tonight's flight was packed and everything was completely normal (including the farthest away bus gate :rolleyes: )

Sat near a dude from WHQ flying in for the airport transition. I can't wait...

Anyone have news re lounges? I don't presume UA bothered to build an RCC?

With the new airport, all UA arrivals and departures will be via a gate (no more buses)...

As for lounges, I would guess that they will follow the trend of the other airports (the * Lounge concept). With BKK being the TG base, I would guess that all * carriers will use TG facilities (which according to the TG website are very nice)...

What's up with the :rolleyes: ?

I've heard that there is only a TG lounge built so far. All other airlines are using a shared lounge for F/C pax. It isn't clear if that means UA will use that lounge, or if *A status or a F/C *A flight would get you into the new TG lounge...

Well, I learned the answer from SQ staff today:

All * carriers will make use of the TG lounges at the new BKK. There are apparently three of them, and they are in the words of the SQ agent "amazing." I guess we shall see!

With the new airport, all UA arrivals and departures will be via a gate (no more buses)...

Don't be so certain. The new airport has 67 jetways and 50+ remote stands. Considering UA is playing cheap everywhere it can these days, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't pay to overnight the A/C on a jetway gate.

What's up with the :rolleyes: ?

Bus gates suck. End of story.

Anyone have news re lounges? I don't presume UA bothered to build an RCC?

I think departing UA passengers are likely to have use of one or more of the following lounges (on level 3, one level down from check-in, one level up from the boarding gates) based on status, CoS, etc.:

Royal Silk Lounge (Concourse D, Garden View) (*G/RCC/1P/1K/F/C)
Royal Silk Lounge (Concourse C, Airside View) (*G/RCC/1P/1K/F/C)
Royal First Lounge (Concourse D, Garden View) (if in UA first, and if open at the early hours)

This is just my guess based an an assumption that the UA flight wil depart from Concourse C (gates C1=C10). The Concourse D lounges referenced above are close to the C Concourse.

I fly out later this week so will attempt to check as much out as possible and post here.

From what I'm hearing, the old Don Muang airport has been becoming a bit of a ghost town while ghosts have apparently been spotted at Suvarnabhumi. Sound incredible? Well, this is Thailand we're talking about.

In the first instance, many folks have been leaving their jobs at Don Muang to see re-employment at Suvarnabhumi (different companies given the contracts means working class folks need to reapply for their old jobs again). The result is that some services are suffering in the interim.

In the second instance, Suvarnabhumi was supposedly partially built over an old graveyard without giving the old graves a traditionally re-burial ceremony. In addition, Suvarnabhumi does not yet have an official spirit temple for the ghosts to call home.

Anyone have news re lounges? I don't presume UA bothered to build an RCC?

UA pax will use the TG lounge. UA is unhappy, however, at the per pax fee that TG is charging them. Negotiations continue.

In addition, Suvarnabhumi does not yet have an official spirit temple for the ghosts to call home.

AFAIK, each building or complex of buildings would have it's own spirit house. I did notice a few when I visited the airport a few weeks ago. The one in front of the main TG admin. building is quite impressive. While I did not see the spirit house for the main terminal I am 100% certain that it currently exists and one can make offerings (the ghosts in my neighborhood prefer red Fanta in a bottle with a straw). I think there is an open question if it is suitable enough (big enough, properly adorned, nice enough Bhudda, etc.) for the spirits requiring it.

The Military Regime (aka CDRM: Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy) has approved the 28 Sep opening and has offered ~ 1,300 military personnel to support the opening; they will do anything required including baggage handling.

There haven't been any news items re: issues with personnel at Don Muang? I assume people would have already made job applications if those were required. The bigger problem for employees is relocating, if they want to, or commuting. The bus service from the city is pretty good, and there is direct bus service from Don Muang. From Victory Monument the cost is b35 (one-way) and it takes ~ 30 min. There are a number of other bus routes to/from the city, all targeted for employees.

Everyone involved seems pretty jittery, balancing between the fear of huge problems (not openly discussed) and the 'no worries, everything will be OK' attitude. The fact that there will not be an official opening ceremony, along with the recent overthrow of the elected government by the military (aka 'Orchid Revolution' :rolleyes: ) only compounds the trepidation Thais, and all others involved, have towards this opening.

Here's hoping that all goes well for everyone. ^

[Quote of now-deleted post removed by the moderator]

I'm sure UA is not going to build a lounge for a handful of flights a day. Even if they did, I'll bet anybody who was paying attention would be going to the TG lounge anyway. Bound to be nicer.

**Moderator note: I split this thread off from one about the coup in Thailand. There were enough posts about lounge speculation at the new BKK airport that it seemed sensible to give that topic a separate thread. ** letiole.
Well that explains that. I didn't recall starting a thread on this matter when I saw it on the main page! :D

Thai national newspaper (Thairath) reported about 3 weeks ago, citing the minister of transportation of Thailand, that all F/C passenger will be using TG lounges at Suvarnabhumi. ROP lounges will definitely be crammed if this is really the case. I think the scenario is likely considering the current status of other lounges.

I will be at the airport in the next 2-3 weeks. More report to come.

... all F/C passenger will be using TG lounges at Suvarnabhumi. ROP lounges will definitely be crammed if this is really the case...Yes, this could be troublesome... I could see all *A in the TG lounges, but all C/F pax :confused:

I have put this up on the TG section and a few times here.... this is the best one yet...


http://bidding.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/bidding/nbia/th/first_copy.html

her is info on the airside hotel which is clearly marked on the map linked above
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/49

Suvarnabhumi is officially opened today. A national newspaper in Thailand reported few minor operational glitches. One of them was a baggage delay of a morning Swiss Air arrival for 1.5 hours with no airport staff around the baggage claim area.

I believe that this sort of issue will get sorted out on the timescale of few weeks or so.

Why is TG charging to let people acess their lounge. Isn't this a benefit/requirement of joining Star Alliance? On the other hand, I would be angry if all airlines got to use my lounge too. However, I'm surprised because I thought UA and TG had an all right relationship

Why is TG charging to let people acess their lounge. Isn't this a benefit/requirement of joining Star Alliance? On the other hand, I would be angry if all airlines got to use my lounge too. However, I'm surprised because I thought UA and TG had an all right relationship

Don't all the lounges bill the carrier for use by travelers? I've noticed that in LHR (for example) the SQ lounge wrote down my Mileage Plus number when I presented a United boarding pass and not a Singapore Airlines boarding pass.

Question: I have a TG flight in Business CXM-BKK connecting to an SQ flight ("Conneisseur" Business class, which I *think* means Raffles) BKK-SIN, with a 3 hour layover in BKK. These are award flights. I currently have no *A status. Will I be able to use the new TG lounges, and if so, is there a Business lounge, or just "First" and "general"? Thanks.

I flew UA 852 BKK-NRT on 28 Sep.

The flight left from gate D-7.

The *G/RCC option is the CIP Business Lounge on level 3 (down one level from departures, this is also the gate level) and this lounge is before security. This lounge is at the intersection of D/G/F/E concourses.

I was given a card with the details of this lounge at check-in.

Food/drink selection is pretty good.

There is an open WiFi network but I could not get external connectivity.

I did not look for any other *G eligible lounges.

The *G/RCC option is the CIP Business Lounge on level 3 (down one level from departures, this is also the gate level) and this lounge is before security. This lounge is at the intersection of D/G/F/E concourses.

So not the TG lounge? (Sorry, unaware what CIP is, but sounds like a SATS type deal ala SIN)

Did this lounge have an F side?

So not the TG lounge? (Sorry, unaware what CIP is, but sounds like a SATS type deal ala SIN)

Did this lounge have an F side?

There is a separate F CIP lounge nearby. I am not sure if UA FC pax can enter.

I am also not sure if the TG lounges acept all *G, if they are nearby and if they are open for the early departing UA flight. I jsut did not have time to check it out.

There is a separate F CIP lounge nearby. I am not sure if UA FC pax can enter.

I am also not sure if the TG lounges acept all *G, if they are nearby and if they are open for the early departing UA flight. I jsut did not have time to check it out.

According to this, you didn't miss anything @ the TG lounge:

10) In Thai First Class lounge. No internet available. No computers
available. No food available. The staff will bring some sandwich ( tuna, salmon,
or cheese). No self serve bar. No smoking room. No newspapers
Basically nothing is ready yet.

I had a ticket for BKK-(UA852)-NRT-(UA890)-LAX last Friday (10/27) but 852 was cancelled ("Indef. Delay" on the screen) due to some mechanical issue. So UA booked me on TG C for the BKK-NRT leg. ^ ^

I've posted some pictures of Suvarnabhumi airport and its TG Royal Silk (*G) lounge at:

http://inthanon.as.arizona.edu/Digital_Archive/2006-10-27_Suvarnabhumi-TG676

I was told by UA checkin agent that UA *G can now use TG Royal Silk lounge. Also, I was able to use wireless internet through the "truewifi" network (same as the old Don Mueng).

Lovely pictures GRB051111. Thank you.

There is a separate F CIP lounge nearby. I am not sure if UA FC pax can enter.

I am also not sure if the TG lounges acept all *G, if they are nearby and if they are open for the early departing UA flight. I jsut did not have time to check it out.

Yes the F CIP lounge is available for UA F pax.

What I have a problem is when travelling with TG or other *A airlines in Y, UA MP *G cards can't use the TG lounges...did this change recently? I was there last month on a local hop to SIN. Had to go to Louis Tavern if wanted lounge. Hung around the "island" bar/restaurants instead.

Since the topic is Lounges at the new BKK airport, posts have been deleted that were either off-topic or responses to off-topic posts.

And since the question is more than just UA-specific, moving to the appropriate airport/destination forum.

cblaisd
Moderator, United

I had read earlier, before the new airport opened, that there would be a Thai Air lounge for economy class passengers. But I don't think anyone has mentioned it in this thread, (if I understand all the letter designations for classes). (Econ is Y, right?)

Does anyone know about this lounge? I have a 12 hour layover there in a couple of weeks, arriving on Thai from Myanmar in the morning and continuing on JAL late the same night, both in economy class. Anyone have any suggestions for where the best place would be to wait--perhaps with wi-fi?

Is the Miracle by Louis Tavern open yet for dayrooms? I couldn't find anything on the airport website other than the promo that it was coming soon.

Thanks in advance

EVA's lounge is open and was at least as of a few weeks ago. It was a little unfinished but even so a huge improvement over EVA's lounge at Don Muang. Not saying it is the greatest lounge in the world, just that it is a huge improvement over Don Muang in that it is more than 3 times the size and has showers and a view and such.

Does anyone know about this lounge? I have a 12 hour layover there in a couple of weeks, arriving on Thai from Myanmar in the morning and continuing on JAL late the same night, both in economy class. Anyone have any suggestions for where the best place would be to wait--perhaps with wi-fi?


Yes, economy is Y. I confirm that there's an economy class transit lounge for TG at BKK. I'm not sure, though, whether you can use it if you're not continuing on TG. I tried to search for this on Thai Airways website but found nothing. Please let us know what happen.

I had read earlier, before the new airport opened, that there would be a Thai Air lounge for economy class passengers. But I don't think anyone has mentioned it in this thread, (if I understand all the letter designations for classes). (Econ is Y, right?)
Does anyone know about this lounge? I have a 12 hour layover there in a couple of weeks, arriving on Thai from Myanmar in the morning and continuing on JAL late the same night, both in economy class. Anyone have any suggestions for where the best place would be to wait--perhaps with wi-fi?
Is the Miracle by Louis Tavern open yet for dayrooms? I couldn't find anything on the airport website other than the promo that it was coming soon.
Thanks in advance

1. yes, last time I was there (Oct 23), there was a rather large economy transit lounge area on Level 3, Concourse B...very nice feeling because the ceiling goes all the way up to the Concourse roof....open air.... ^

2. also, way on the other side (Concourse G, Levels 3&4), the Miracle dayrooms were opened....I didnt try it, but just walked into the small lobby area & asked a few questions.... (next door to the day room structure, there is another even larger structure being fitted out which will include an entertainment center, salon, business center, fitness center, etc.)

3. also, the following TG lounges are in the works:

1 Royal First Lounge (Concourse D right after check-in) (174 seats)*
2 Royal Silk Lounges (Concourse C) (137 seats each)
2 Royal Silk Lounges (Concourse E) (with separate areas for First Class)
1 Royal Silk Lounge (Concourse D right after check-in) (291 seats)*
1 Royal Silk Lounge (Concourse A for domestic flights) (138 seats)*
1 Royal Orchid Arrival Lounge
1 Royal Orchid Spa (Concourse D)

*opened now

4. don't forget the rather nice Louis Tavern CIP lounges (CIP = "commercially important persons") at Concourses G & F, Level 3......but the one on Level 3, Concourse A is rather plain....

5. I have heard that other airlines, like Cathay Pacific have opened up their lounges, but I havent had a chance to try them out...

I flew from BKK on 10/24 and enjoyed the lounge before the flight. I flew economy but am a 1K UA, so I think I was in the Royal Silk ? lounge (Star Gold member) . There was a smaller lounge outside the larger lounge, about the same size as the older United lounge in DM. I guess this was for economy class, but the larger lounge is great.

The new lounge is enormous, has several locations for food, drink. Large screen TVs, international newspapers and free wireless. No problems at all. The only complaint I noted was that the coffee/expresso machine in one corner service area was next to the fridge with many exotic types of fruit juice, so that you had to move out of the way when opened.

I just took SQ BKK-SIN in Raffles class, was given an invitation to the TG lounge and had similar reaction to what happytravelling notes above. I think I was in the Royal Silk Lounge, it's spacious, well laid out and had a good selection of beverages. the food was pretty limited. I found a functioning intenet connection. the lounge was very, very full (Sunday afternoon/ evening).

I just took SQ BKK-SIN in Raffles class, was given an invitation to the TG lounge and had similar reaction to what happytravelling notes above. I think I was in the Royal Silk Lounge, it's spacious, well laid out and had a good selection of beverages. the food was pretty limited. I found a functioning intenet connection. the lounge was very, very full (Sunday afternoon/ evening).

the TG Royal Silk lounge on Level 3, Concourse D right after premium check-in is really full these days because of all of the Star Golds using it... however, I understand that more TG lounges will be coming on line very shortly...
I will check this out again during mid-November on a flight out....

just flew in to BKK on emirates ad ahd a comfortanble walk to luggage pickup a 10 min wait for the F baggage and a fast exit to the imos

then to KHT a bit of a walk to the thai domestic lounge and on return forgot to get the immigration stuff out of the way so had to go thru and re checkin.

Oh they have free wifi in the dom luggage collecting section and the dom lounge but not in the international departures!!!
so back around to int dep
not such a drama but the lounge dragon for BA and Qantas would absolutely not let anyone else in but did let me give my spot to Mrt travelling in WT :(
I enjoyed my walk around the shops and the 45 min foot massage for 500 bt., then a reasonably easy walk to the BA gate and a bit of a wait to get down the ramp.

All in all I like the new airport.what is not to like against the dump they had before!it was a very hot day outside and the expanse did get a little warm. as long as one travels in light clothing and takes a cover up(which I always do ) one shouldnt have to much drama at the new airport

congrats Thailand.
its certainly an airport I wouldnt mind a bit of a wait in!