Aussie_flyer

Hmm, you are comparing Thai domestic business class on a 737-400 to a 777-200 international business class on SQ. I don't think that is a valid comparison at all.

Once you fly BKK-SIN on TG in Business the please do let us know your opinion on the difference and whether TG still 'sucks big time'.

dsquared37

Nope.

The last time I flew out of USM I was not Premier and didn't gain access to the lounge but I'm rather surprised, incredulous, that the Int lounge would be so poor in comparison to the dom lounge. Especially when comparing it to BKK, PG's other hub.

BangkokBobby

No, you cannot access the domestic lounge after security. All passengers that clear immigration at USM are given a 'CIQ' sticker and board the plane from gate 6, the international gate. The domestic gates are 1-3, however I have never seen gate 3 used. In BKK they have signs for anyone with ‘CIQ’ to go to international connections.

As the vast majority of flights from USM are domestic it seems reasonable to invest more in the domestic lounge, then the international lounge.

When I travel from Samui I get my bags checked through to my final destination and get my boarding cards printed, but ask that I clear immigration in BKK. The check in staff can do this, but will be confused as to why you want to. Just note the following points.

If you have booked your flights on one PNR you may have to pay additional departure tax for your stop in BKK. Probably not worth it.

I would not do this if connecting onto an economy flight as immigration at BKK can be a nightmare. Fast Track is usually a breeze.

BangkokBobby

I should add that I base my opinion of the International business lounge from only one visit, which was enough for me to decide not to use it anymore.

As you would expect it is beautifully decorated with big comfy sofas, but it is just one tiny little room. They have a big TV, a few computers to use, and some snacks (nowhere near the same selection as domestic), but no staff so it’s self-service. I didn’t see any menus to order and there was no beer in the fridge! I was in there for over an hour before a lady came and asked to see my boarding pass – I hope that comment doesn’t open the flood gates to people trying to sneak in!

timriley12

Does anyone know if using Priority Pass would allow me to bring guests in who are travelling with me for free into the domestic Blue Ribbon Koh Samui lounge?

BinSabai

common policy for Priority Pass lounges is to charge for guest, but I do not know particularly about this one

dsquared37

There are different levels of priority pass that one can subscribe to but none, so far as I remember, allow guests to enter gratis.

Enigma368

I flew through USM in TG Y as a *G last month and was not offered access to the lounge. I did ask check-in agent and was told no. Anyway I was able to get into the lounge with priority pass so all was good.

Domestic lounge, as mentioned, is pretty good. Hot food to order etc.

GUWonder

There is access this year. Used it a bit in recent months even as an economy class TG customer with partner airline *Gold status. I was connecting onto same-day international F flights on Star Alliance departing BKK. Not sure if it was the onward first class connection, the Star Gold status, my charismatic, comely self, or some combination of those that got me access at USM.

They gave me lounge invitation cards to present to the Bangkok Airways lounge staff.