PG 298 HKT-HDY Lv0935 Arr1035 ATR 72-600 HS-PZB

The next flight was short hop from Phuket to Hat Yai on Bangkok Airways.
Bangkok Airways was the only airline, which has clearly stated that no inflight service was provided due to the airline’s own Covid-19 protocol. However, a snack bag will be distributed on arrival. In some ways, it is no different from how service was provided on these short hop flights prior to Covid-19. They served a box with pastry and cup of water and the only difference is that there is a beverage run after the distribution of snack box.

I want to remark on its improved booking system and now I can reserve a seat assignment, unlike before. I definitely appreciate this new feature.

Check=in



Phuket has sadly still not recovered to its previous level, and most of the domestic gates are still not busy. However, most shops and eateries have reopened. Bangkok Airways offers free lounge for all its passengers but since our bus gate is located on the other end of the airport, I chose to go to the Coral Lounge, which was a priority pass lounge. I was quite impressed with its food offering and seating. The décor is lovely.






Gate 83 was our gate this afternoon, and it was of course a bus gate. Despite not a full load, Bangkok Airways used two separate buses to avoid crowding. Despite boarding began at 9:03am, we had to wait inside the bus, while the aircraft was still being cleaned after arriving from Samui. At one point, I saw our bus driver rushing out to the plane to help with one of the servicing trucks.

Unfortunately, rain began to fall and it was a bit of a hassle to board. A Bangkok Airways staff actually individually escorted each passenger to the door of the plane with the umbrella. It was a nice gesture.




A flight attendant was welcoming passengers at the entrance and handing out paper towel. It was another nice touch. The cabin was really nice. The flight was not full but I had a neighbor.







Door was finally closed at 9:28am and we pushed back four minutes early. We took off from R/W27 at 9:37am for our forty-three minutes flight. This was the only flight that the pilot came on the P/A giving us a detailed welcome. We cruised at 15,000ft for the short flight. As I said, there was no in-flight service, so the F/As left us alone during the flight. The scenery was beautiful during the flight.









As we got closer to Hat Yai, the scenery changed from blue sea to beautiful greenery.









Descend began at 10:09am and we landed on R/W08 at 10:20am.






We parked at Stand 3 two minutes later.

Farewell to HS-PZB





As promised, the male F/A passed out these brown snack bags on arrival.






The content was a Chicken Tom Kha puff, chocolate marble muffin and a bottle of water. Despite the humble contents, both the puff and cake tasted great. I am glad that Bangkok Airways maintains its high standard of catering. I hope this nonsense ban will end soon so Bangkok Airways will serve their high quality food again, as well as start to sell its business class cabin again.