Unofficial Bangkok (BKK & DMK) Airport thread
Mar 15, 2019, 5:55 pm
#256
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I returned from Singapore on 22 Feb ( a Friday evening ) and the official taxi queue lines looked quite long, maybe 60-ish people per line. This was my first experience with this procedure in a few years. I have to say it moved quite quickly, maybe a 12-minute wait, and seemed much more professionally operated. The "machine" now, it seemed to me, simply prints a 2-digit number which corresponds to the space in which your taxi will park (or is currently parked). Seems like that could be done by an attendant.
I can't imagine the bulk tourist charter flight passengers use taxis, but I could be wrong.
Faced with a huge challenge I'd probably default to the AoT Limo, or try GRAB or Line Man Taxi.
I can't imagine the bulk tourist charter flight passengers use taxis, but I could be wrong.
Faced with a huge challenge I'd probably default to the AoT Limo, or try GRAB or Line Man Taxi.
Last edited by transpac; Mar 15, 2019 at 6:11 pm
Mar 16, 2019, 11:08 pm
#257
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,755
Exactly, that's all it does. The attendants were helpful in interpreting to the drivers and explaining when the driver didn't know where the destination was.
Mar 17, 2019, 4:25 pm
#258
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 834
I returned from Singapore on 22 Feb ( a Friday evening ) and the official taxi queue lines looked quite long, maybe 60-ish people per line. This was my first experience with this procedure in a few years. I have to say it moved quite quickly, maybe a 12-minute wait, and seemed much more professionally operated. The "machine" now, it seemed to me, simply prints a 2-digit number which corresponds to the space in which your taxi will park (or is currently parked). Seems like that could be done by an attendant.
I can't imagine the bulk tourist charter flight passengers use taxis, but I could be wrong.
Faced with a huge challenge I'd probably default to the AoT Limo, or try GRAB or Line Man Taxi.
I can't imagine the bulk tourist charter flight passengers use taxis, but I could be wrong.
Faced with a huge challenge I'd probably default to the AoT Limo, or try GRAB or Line Man Taxi.
This system was design to allow only registered taxi driver’s to be able pick up passengers at the airport. While I admit there are still some unprofesional driver’s, the majority of the drivers and service has improved. Wth the attendent there were corruption problems and this system combat this problem.
There are different lines in the queue for ticket machines for different types of taxis. There is the regular taxi, family or minivan line and a short ride line. When there is a back up at the machines, the regular, family and short lines get merged into one.
Last edited by northsideguy; Mar 17, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Mar 17, 2019, 6:27 pm
#259
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I live in Bangkok and want to let you know there is more on the ticket than just the number of the taxi spot number. Printed on the receipt, is the driver’s name, taxi information and license plate number.
Honestly I didn't pay much attention to the ticket, other than the space number but I guess that makes sense as this is the sort of info they recorded on the slips using the old manual process.
And, it would lead to long queue times as ftrichard mentions, if the attendants have to manually document the taxi/driver details individually when the kiosks break down.
Honestly I didn't pay much attention to the ticket, other than the space number but I guess that makes sense as this is the sort of info they recorded on the slips using the old manual process.
And, it would lead to long queue times as ftrichard mentions, if the attendants have to manually document the taxi/driver details individually when the kiosks break down.
Last edited by transpac; Mar 17, 2019 at 6:32 pm
Oct 27, 2019, 2:31 am
#260
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Changes in domestic passenger screening at Suvarnabhumi
In order to reduce congestion on the fourth floor, Suvarnabhumi Airport is moving its screening service for domestic passengers to concourse screening.
Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Airports of Thailand, said the change will come into effect from 5am on November 19.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30377740
In order to reduce congestion on the fourth floor, Suvarnabhumi Airport is moving its screening service for domestic passengers to concourse screening.
Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Airports of Thailand, said the change will come into effect from 5am on November 19.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30377740
Oct 28, 2019, 10:01 am
#263
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 569
Flying into BKK with Air China, hand-baggage only. I want to fly onwards to SIN on SQ983 or SQ981 on a separate ticket.
A few questions:
1.) Do I have to clear immigration in BKK? Or is there a way to stay in the transit area?
2.) Assuming I have to clear immigration in BKK, how much time will it take?
I am just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not familiar how the process will look. Immigration, security control, transfer to the terminal from which SQ is departing, potentially another security control etc. I just don't know.
Incoming flight is in business class. Outgoing flight is in eco. I have *G status if that matters. I skimmed through the thread and read about fast passes and such, but am still pretty confused about which stages this transfer will involve..
A few questions:
1.) Do I have to clear immigration in BKK? Or is there a way to stay in the transit area?
2.) Assuming I have to clear immigration in BKK, how much time will it take?
I am just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not familiar how the process will look. Immigration, security control, transfer to the terminal from which SQ is departing, potentially another security control etc. I just don't know.
Incoming flight is in business class. Outgoing flight is in eco. I have *G status if that matters. I skimmed through the thread and read about fast passes and such, but am still pretty confused about which stages this transfer will involve..
Oct 28, 2019, 6:19 pm
#264
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
In addition to the above routing, a flat rate taxi might be 1,500 - 2,000. While GrabCar might be 1,800 +.
Oct 28, 2019, 6:23 pm
#265
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Flying into BKK with Air China, hand-baggage only. I want to fly onwards to SIN on SQ983 or SQ981 on a separate ticket.
A few questions:
1.) Do I have to clear immigration in BKK? Or is there a way to stay in the transit area?
2.) Assuming I have to clear immigration in BKK, how much time will it take?
I am just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not familiar how the process will look. Immigration, security control, transfer to the terminal from which SQ is departing, potentially another security control etc. I just don't know.
Incoming flight is in business class. Outgoing flight is in eco. I have *G status if that matters. I skimmed through the thread and read about fast passes and such, but am still pretty confused about which stages this transfer will involve..
A few questions:
1.) Do I have to clear immigration in BKK? Or is there a way to stay in the transit area?
2.) Assuming I have to clear immigration in BKK, how much time will it take?
I am just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not familiar how the process will look. Immigration, security control, transfer to the terminal from which SQ is departing, potentially another security control etc. I just don't know.
Incoming flight is in business class. Outgoing flight is in eco. I have *G status if that matters. I skimmed through the thread and read about fast passes and such, but am still pretty confused about which stages this transfer will involve..
You may be able to check in at XXX with Air China through BKK, ask at XXX.
If not, the process is...
arrive
clear arriving immigration (SQ may give a fastlane pass)
fetch bags
clear customs
head up to level 4
check in with SQ
Head back up to level 4 to clear security
head down to level 3 to clear departing immigration
150 - 180 minutes for safe, planning purposes.
head to lounge/gate
Oct 28, 2019, 9:50 pm
#266
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Flying into BKK with Air China, hand-baggage only. I want to fly onwards to SIN on SQ983 or SQ981 on a separate ticket.
A few questions:
1.) Do I have to clear immigration in BKK? Or is there a way to stay in the transit area?
2.) Assuming I have to clear immigration in BKK, how much time will it take?
I am just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not familiar how the process will look. Immigration, security control, transfer to the terminal from which SQ is departing, potentially another security control etc. I just don't know.
Incoming flight is in business class. Outgoing flight is in eco. I have *G status if that matters. I skimmed through the thread and read about fast passes and such, but am still pretty confused about which stages this transfer will involve..
A few questions:
1.) Do I have to clear immigration in BKK? Or is there a way to stay in the transit area?
2.) Assuming I have to clear immigration in BKK, how much time will it take?
I am just looking for a rough estimate. I'm not familiar how the process will look. Immigration, security control, transfer to the terminal from which SQ is departing, potentially another security control etc. I just don't know.
Incoming flight is in business class. Outgoing flight is in eco. I have *G status if that matters. I skimmed through the thread and read about fast passes and such, but am still pretty confused about which stages this transfer will involve..
Oct 29, 2019, 7:53 pm
#267
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,198
Would be arriving on a Thursday morning at 06.00 hrs. Just one person travelling with one piece of check in luggage and a back-pack.
Oct 29, 2019, 8:06 pm
#268
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
(The A1 bus all the way to the Mo Chit BTS station, then on to Ekkamai, where the eastern bus terminal offers buses to Pattaya frequently, might save some time, but the BTS in-bound will be very congested.)
Grabbing a taxi/car immediately (domestic or international arrival?) might get you to Pattaya in ~ 2:30 or less.
Oct 30, 2019, 6:38 am
#269
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,198
Assuming it's not Thu, 5 Dec (a holiday), then the bus(es) option (A1 to Mo Chit bus terminal, then bus to Pattaya) remains the budget option. May be challenging to navigate, considering traffic might take 3 - 5 hours.
(The A1 bus all the way to the Mo Chit BTS station, then on to Ekkamai, where the eastern bus terminal offers buses to Pattaya frequently, might save some time, but the BTS in-bound will be very congested.)
Grabbing a taxi/car immediately (domestic or international arrival?) might get you to Pattaya in ~ 2:30 or less.
(The A1 bus all the way to the Mo Chit BTS station, then on to Ekkamai, where the eastern bus terminal offers buses to Pattaya frequently, might save some time, but the BTS in-bound will be very congested.)
Grabbing a taxi/car immediately (domestic or international arrival?) might get you to Pattaya in ~ 2:30 or less.
Surprising that they don't have a regular shuttle service running between Don Mueang - Pattaya. Considering a fair bit of the short -haul tourist crowd must be getting off in DMK and a good number of them in turn headed to Pattaya.
Last edited by quarryking; Oct 30, 2019 at 7:04 am Reason: addition
Oct 31, 2019, 2:13 am
#270
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 569
To complete a few promos and trigger others, I need a night at an IHG hotel.
My best bet for that stay would be during a layover in BKK. Arriving around 7 PM (with fast pass), flying out 9:20 AM the next day (international departure, no fast pass but *G).
Would the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Soi Soonvijai be a somewhat reasonable option transportation-wise? Or maybe some other IHG property?
I realize this is not the IHG subforum. But I think the biggest expertise on transportation around BKK is here. If you're all saying "this is a really bad idea", I might push that IHG stay to another date and stay at a BKK airport hotel instead
My best bet for that stay would be during a layover in BKK. Arriving around 7 PM (with fast pass), flying out 9:20 AM the next day (international departure, no fast pass but *G).
Would the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Soi Soonvijai be a somewhat reasonable option transportation-wise? Or maybe some other IHG property?
I realize this is not the IHG subforum. But I think the biggest expertise on transportation around BKK is here. If you're all saying "this is a really bad idea", I might push that IHG stay to another date and stay at a BKK airport hotel instead