7hrs in BKK
Jul 1, 2018, 5:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
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7hrs in BKK
Hi All,
I have a 7hrs layover in BKK (between EK376 and EK418), both flights in J. I'm thinking of heading out of the airport then getting back in time for a shower prior to boarding 418.
Is it possible to get an Express Pass for inbound immigration if technically transiting BKK (I'm guessing you just ask)? ... What about the return outbound - I'm thinking we will already have BPs for the 418 issued at BHX (actual itin is BHX-DXB-BKK-SYD-MEL) or DXB and won't need to check-in when arriving back at BKK but would like to avoid security/emmigration queues if possible.
Finally, has anyone done this in the afternoon - what would you recommend to do outside of the airport?
Regards,
BD
I have a 7hrs layover in BKK (between EK376 and EK418), both flights in J. I'm thinking of heading out of the airport then getting back in time for a shower prior to boarding 418.
Is it possible to get an Express Pass for inbound immigration if technically transiting BKK (I'm guessing you just ask)? ... What about the return outbound - I'm thinking we will already have BPs for the 418 issued at BHX (actual itin is BHX-DXB-BKK-SYD-MEL) or DXB and won't need to check-in when arriving back at BKK but would like to avoid security/emmigration queues if possible.
Finally, has anyone done this in the afternoon - what would you recommend to do outside of the airport?
Regards,
BD
Jul 1, 2018, 6:16 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SIN (with a bit of ZRH sprinkled in)
Posts: 9,454
Most obvious idea would be to get a good, long massage done for cheap (even at decent places, a 2hrs massage will only set you back around 800-1200 THB.
Food / drinks, you'll probably be stuffed anyway already (and will receive further stuffings
) so as great as Thai food is, I personally would pass.
The one thing to notice is that you will be required to pay airport tax when you want to enter landside on your layover (they'll most probably note when you head back airside) - I think it's approx 800 THB, but might have increased.
Food / drinks, you'll probably be stuffed anyway already (and will receive further stuffings
) so as great as Thai food is, I personally would pass.The one thing to notice is that you will be required to pay airport tax when you want to enter landside on your layover (they'll most probably note when you head back airside) - I think it's approx 800 THB, but might have increased.
Jul 1, 2018, 7:51 pm
#3
Original Poster
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Regards,
BD
Jul 2, 2018, 3:42 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2014
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I am trying to remember if the entry and exit premium Chanel passes are the same and I believe they are so in theory getting two should not be a problem
As far as I know airport tax remains at 800baht
Your best option is to go somewhere connected to the airport express line and not get stuck in Bangkok's traffic especially on way back to the airport or take a punt and wander around Lat Krabang where no problem in getting back to airport
As far as I know airport tax remains at 800baht
Your best option is to go somewhere connected to the airport express line and not get stuck in Bangkok's traffic especially on way back to the airport or take a punt and wander around Lat Krabang where no problem in getting back to airport
Jul 2, 2018, 6:02 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2014
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To be honest the premium channel at Bangkok has never been a problem for me rarely had to wait more than one or two people in front and I would not bother with the meet and assist (unless they meet you with a buggy and save the long walk from plane to immigration)
Jul 2, 2018, 6:28 am
#7
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There is a buggy.
Jul 2, 2018, 7:14 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: BUF
Programs: SkyTean, Star Alliance, HHonors
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There's been some public transit problems lately, I'd personally be cautious about relying on public transit until the fix has been in place and proven good for a little while:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gen...ed-for-weekend
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gen...ment-installed
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gen...ed-for-weekend
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gen...ment-installed
Jul 3, 2018, 1:06 am
#10
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800 THB? I don't remember having to pay when I was there earlier this year. Which type of passengers are subject to this assessment?
Jul 3, 2018, 4:04 am
#11
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SIN (with a bit of ZRH sprinkled in)
Posts: 9,454
If BKK is merely transit, you're not subject to the 800 THB departure/airport fee. However, if you go landside (which you're not supposed to) the fee will be payable.
Jul 3, 2018, 4:56 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2014
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If BKK is your departure/final destination, then the 800 THB are automatically priced into your ticket.
If BKK is merely transit, you're not subject to the 800 THB departure/airport fee. However, if you go landside (which you're not supposed to) the fee will be payable.
If BKK is merely transit, you're not subject to the 800 THB departure/airport fee. However, if you go landside (which you're not supposed to) the fee will be payable.
Jul 3, 2018, 5:17 am
#13
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SIN (with a bit of ZRH sprinkled in)
Posts: 9,454
There is no problem getting landside at all. BUT, there are enough reviews online about people who went to Bangkok downtown for a few hours on similar layovers, then headed back to the airport relatively tight on time and without the money in hand straight away, where it caused them serious trouble since they first had to organize THB, that I would advise to have the money ready and plan a bit of extra time, too.
Jul 3, 2018, 5:47 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: UK
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that why I made the point about getting back to the airport and allowing time to spare although was more thinking about those who don't appreciate what Bangkok traffic can be like at that time of day
fortunately there are plenty of FX bureau ( bad rates at most apart from the ones by the airport express) but I am not sure about ATMs
fortunately there are plenty of FX bureau ( bad rates at most apart from the ones by the airport express) but I am not sure about ATMs
Jul 3, 2018, 4:02 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: mostly MEL
Programs: QF WP LTG, HHonors Diamond, NZ Gold
Posts: 1,750
Thanks for all the responses - forewarned is forearmed and the beauty of these types of forums is that we can all learn from those who have gone before.
My journey through BKK is not until September so I'm hopeful any issues with Skytrain will be resolved (and will have not recurred!) - so no traffic issues. Does anyone have experience of Suan Pakkad Palace: worth a visit?
A long walk won't be an issue after being confined on two flights prior to BKK, I am thinking of possibly using BFS for the return to expedite landside to airside.
Once again, thank you all for the great contributions,
Regards,
BD
My journey through BKK is not until September so I'm hopeful any issues with Skytrain will be resolved (and will have not recurred!) - so no traffic issues. Does anyone have experience of Suan Pakkad Palace: worth a visit?
A long walk won't be an issue after being confined on two flights prior to BKK, I am thinking of possibly using BFS for the return to expedite landside to airside.
Once again, thank you all for the great contributions,
Regards,
BD