BKK 7 Hour Layover - How to tell TG
Jul 25, 2018, 9:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: UA MP 1K
Posts: 119
BKK 7 Hour Layover - How to tell TG
Friends,
I have a ~7 hour layover (from 4:30 PM to 12 AM) at BKK (flying O on TG 476 and O on TG 930).
I plan to visit a friend in the city for a quick bite/tour. Thus, my question to you is - how should I inform Thai Airways of my intended plans? I know they take great pride in shuttling all of the first class passengers, so I want to ensure they know I want to be part of the group that is going through customs and immigration.
Any thoughts the best way to contact them would be greatly appreciated! As well as any quick dinner spots (not TG related, but still worth a shot!).
P.S. - I am still planning to be back in time to enjoy ALL of the amenities once back in the F lounge/spa.
I have a ~7 hour layover (from 4:30 PM to 12 AM) at BKK (flying O on TG 476 and O on TG 930).
I plan to visit a friend in the city for a quick bite/tour. Thus, my question to you is - how should I inform Thai Airways of my intended plans? I know they take great pride in shuttling all of the first class passengers, so I want to ensure they know I want to be part of the group that is going through customs and immigration.
Any thoughts the best way to contact them would be greatly appreciated! As well as any quick dinner spots (not TG related, but still worth a shot!).
P.S. - I am still planning to be back in time to enjoy ALL of the amenities once back in the F lounge/spa.
Last edited by IAH2MEL; Jul 25, 2018 at 9:11 pm Reason: change in time
Jul 25, 2018, 10:34 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK *GfL, BA Gold, WY G, HH DIA, IC Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 3,702
There is no need to contact them in advance - simply let the person escorting you from the arrival gate know that you would like to go to immigration instead of transit security. No need to over-think it 
For dinner spots, that depends on how adventurous you are?
For dinner spots, that depends on how adventurous you are?
Jul 26, 2018, 1:21 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 10,205
If on a single ticket, then there is a very remote chance that you would be charged the THB 700 (USD 20) ‘departure tax’ if you go land-side.
But very unlikely, so enjoy!!
But very unlikely, so enjoy!!
Last edited by Thai-Kiwi; Jul 26, 2018 at 4:37 am Reason: corrected the advice
Jul 26, 2018, 2:59 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,330
on separate tickets the Airport fee is usually prepaid. On a connecting ticket, Airport fee for Transit Airport is not included
Jul 26, 2018, 3:20 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,330
as SKT-DK said, just tell the esort, who will pick you up at the gate, that you would like to go through normal Immigration; they will escort you to your limousine, taxi or train.
As for thai good recommendations:
if you are really adventurous, sample various streetfood in Yaowarat/Chinatown
for more high end Restaurants with nice ambience:
Issaya Siamese Club
Baan Khanita at Asiatique the Riverfront (with Bangkok eye and the whole Asiatique market and Entertainment area)
Sala Rim Naam at Oriental Hotel
Than Ying
Saffron in Banyan Tree Hotel (High Floor just under the roof with Drinks in Vertigo on roof top)
if your friend prefer western food, let us know which kind…(there are excellent Italian, French etc. Restaurants)
As for thai good recommendations:
if you are really adventurous, sample various streetfood in Yaowarat/Chinatown
for more high end Restaurants with nice ambience:
Issaya Siamese Club
Baan Khanita at Asiatique the Riverfront (with Bangkok eye and the whole Asiatique market and Entertainment area)
Sala Rim Naam at Oriental Hotel
Than Ying
Saffron in Banyan Tree Hotel (High Floor just under the roof with Drinks in Vertigo on roof top)
if your friend prefer western food, let us know which kind…(there are excellent Italian, French etc. Restaurants)
Jul 26, 2018, 4:05 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,330
it was international to international, right? did you already have a boarding pass or you get one after check in bags again
Jul 26, 2018, 4:24 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 106
Jul 26, 2018, 4:35 am
#10
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mea culpa! You are quite right (of course). Too many, or not enough, coffees....
Jul 26, 2018, 6:55 am
#11
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
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Most likely the immigration officer will not notice that the BP was issued in HKG rather than BKK when the OP try to pass exit immigration, and the OP will be let through - but in principle the OP should be asked to return the TG check-in counters to obtain a BP issued at BKK (and then the OP will be charged the THB 700 Thai dept. tax at the TG check-in counters to get a new BP). So by all means stay away from the TG counters when returning to the airport and go straight to the TG premium security check and exit immigration.
Jul 26, 2018, 7:25 am
#12
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BKK
Programs: TG ROP Platinum, M&M Senator, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 8,330
Most likely the immigration officer will not notice that the BP was issued in HKG rather than BKK when the OP try to pass exit immigration, and the OP will be let through - but in principle the OP should be asked to return the TG check-in counters to obtain a BP issued at BKK (and then the OP will be charged the THB 700 Thai dept. tax at the TG check-in counters to get a new BP). So by all means stay away from the TG counters when returning to the airport and go straight to the TG premium security check and exit immigration.
Jul 26, 2018, 11:37 am
#13
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Friends,
I have a ~7 hour layover (from 4:30 PM to 12 AM) at BKK (flying O on TG 476 and O on TG 930).
I plan to visit a friend in the city for a quick bite/tour. Thus, my question to you is - how should I inform Thai Airways of my intended plans? I know they take great pride in shuttling all of the first class passengers, so I want to ensure they know I want to be part of the group that is going through customs and immigration.
Any thoughts the best way to contact them would be greatly appreciated! As well as any quick dinner spots (not TG related, but still worth a shot!).
P.S. - I am still planning to be back in time to enjoy ALL of the amenities once back in the F lounge/spa.
I have a ~7 hour layover (from 4:30 PM to 12 AM) at BKK (flying O on TG 476 and O on TG 930).
I plan to visit a friend in the city for a quick bite/tour. Thus, my question to you is - how should I inform Thai Airways of my intended plans? I know they take great pride in shuttling all of the first class passengers, so I want to ensure they know I want to be part of the group that is going through customs and immigration.
Any thoughts the best way to contact them would be greatly appreciated! As well as any quick dinner spots (not TG related, but still worth a shot!).
P.S. - I am still planning to be back in time to enjoy ALL of the amenities once back in the F lounge/spa.
This means you’ll need to be leaving Bangkok around 8, maybe a fraction earlier.
So you have about 2.5 hours downtown. I’d suggest skipping the Thai food and heading to the Banyan Tree... Vertigo bar on the 61st floor or whatever it is. Stunning views of bangkok, good cocktails. Rooftop and outside so you feel the breeze. Easy to pass a couple hours before heading back to the airport.
Jul 26, 2018, 6:22 pm
#15
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Posts: 10,205
I second the Bayan Tree. I would often take visitors to the banyan tree for 'sundowner drinks' - around an hour before sunset and stay until just dark. Drinks are quite pricey, and it can get busy.
Of course, this means sacrificing time having other experiences (street food, street market etc), especially since you want to spend time in the F lounge....