Transiting the new BKK
Oct 31, 2007 | 12:39 pm
#1
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Transiting the new BKK
Is the procedure for transiting the new Bangkok airport different from the old one? How segregated is landside and airside these days?
I plan to embed a BKK-TPE-BKK MR on KL (arriving back into BKK sometime between 22-23h) and then leave on NW27 at 06h the next day, and don't think a hotel for a night is worth it given what time I'll get to a hotel and what time I'll have to leave to get back to the airport.
Assuming I've printed my all BPs, can I assume that I can remain airside and go to the departure level or is the new airport more bureaucratic than that? Do I have to wait at a transfer desk?
I plan to embed a BKK-TPE-BKK MR on KL (arriving back into BKK sometime between 22-23h) and then leave on NW27 at 06h the next day, and don't think a hotel for a night is worth it given what time I'll get to a hotel and what time I'll have to leave to get back to the airport.
Assuming I've printed my all BPs, can I assume that I can remain airside and go to the departure level or is the new airport more bureaucratic than that? Do I have to wait at a transfer desk?
Oct 31, 2007 | 10:50 pm
#2
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Assuming no checked bags then you could stay in international transit after returning from TPE and before departing to NRT on NW. If doing that then just make your way to the NW departure gate (security does not ask for boarding passes; if they do then show your itinerary) and check-in there. Make sure they understand your situation as they will question your lack of a Departure Card.
I've seen many passengers doing this at the UA departure gate after having recently arrived from India on TG flights.
I've seen many passengers doing this at the UA departure gate after having recently arrived from India on TG flights.
Oct 31, 2007 | 11:29 pm
#3
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Assuming no checked bags then you could stay in international transit after returning from TPE and before departing to NRT on NW. If doing that then just make your way to the NW departure gate (security does not ask for boarding passes; if they do then show your itinerary) and check-in there. Make sure they understand your situation as they will question your lack of a Departure Card.
I've seen many passengers doing this at the UA departure gate after having recently arrived from India on TG flights.
I've seen many passengers doing this at the UA departure gate after having recently arrived from India on TG flights.
Thanks again.
Nov 16, 2007 | 5:29 am
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Does anyone know why NW uses the CIP lounge instead of the Sky(Team)Lounge that's officially leased to Air France (I think) but used by most other SkyTeam airlines, e.g. KLM, Korean, Aeroflot? Just curious.
Maybe CIP charges NW less per pax than AF.
The OP should* be able to use the SkyLounge, which is on level three of Concourse F, at least until the late-night Korean Air flights depart around 1:45 am.
*Should if the OP is flying in WBC or is SkyTeam Elite Plus, which I assume "FB PE" is.
Maybe CIP charges NW less per pax than AF.
The OP should* be able to use the SkyLounge, which is on level three of Concourse F, at least until the late-night Korean Air flights depart around 1:45 am.
*Should if the OP is flying in WBC or is SkyTeam Elite Plus, which I assume "FB PE" is.
Nov 16, 2007 | 9:20 am
#7
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The lounge will have more traffic the rest of the time (the KL and AF flight to TPE/AMS and SGN/HAN/CDG respectively).
The OP should* be able to use the SkyLounge, which is on level three of Concourse F, at least until the late-night Korean Air flights depart around 1:45 am.
Last edited by YVR Cockroach; Nov 16, 2007 at 11:01 am
Nov 16, 2007 | 10:53 am
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The SkyLounge is the Sky(Team)Lounge, the one technically leased to AF but used by most SkyTeam airlines. Probably staffed by TG ground services, though. It will be decked out in Korean regalia until the KE flights depart, and it may well close around 1:30 a.m. or so. I wrote a long description of the lounge about a year ago, either in the KE forum or, more likely, the Thailand forum. It's pretty good and quite spacious.
Nov 16, 2007 | 11:01 am
#9
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This is confusing. The ST guide to bKK says there is an AF ("Terminal 2
Airside - after passport control") and a KE lounge ("Airside - Near pier 2 on the third floor after passport control"). Are they one and the same?
Airside - after passport control") and a KE lounge ("Airside - Near pier 2 on the third floor after passport control"). Are they one and the same?
Nov 16, 2007 | 1:14 pm
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These descriptions sound like they are old and apply to Don Muang when it was BKK.
Nov 16, 2007 | 1:22 pm
#11
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Jan 16, 2008 | 12:24 pm
#12
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Here at the Business Class CIP lounge that NW uses (by the G concourse). Was in the F one earlier used by AF and KL. KE seems to use the CIP First Class facility (base of F concourse) or maybe it's for KE FC pax.
Given the reputed tougher security (which I will experience in a few hours), there may not be much time between checkin and boarding. I hear 1 1/2 hours checkin to gate isn't uncommon.
Addendum:
No security or other restrictions getting from arrivals (2/F to transit/departures (3/F & 4/F) at all. No need for onward BP/itinerary or anything. If you wanted to live in an airport for the rest of your life, this one is it!
Given the reputed tougher security (which I will experience in a few hours), there may not be much time between checkin and boarding. I hear 1 1/2 hours checkin to gate isn't uncommon.
Addendum:
No security or other restrictions getting from arrivals (2/F to transit/departures (3/F & 4/F) at all. No need for onward BP/itinerary or anything. If you wanted to live in an airport for the rest of your life, this one is it!
Last edited by YVR Cockroach; Jan 23, 2008 at 11:01 am Reason: Addendum
Jan 16, 2008 | 12:41 pm
#13
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I've never had any long delays getting through security at Suvarnabhumi. More often than not, I just walk right through. My only outbound snags have been at Immigration. Check-in can be a zoo, but my SkyTeam status or a seat up front has helped with that recently.
I think you'll be okay getting through security--especially if you go through the checkpoint on the lounge level where you are now, rather than going up to the much-more-crowded checkpoint on Level 4, from which you'll promptly take an escalator down to Level 3 anyway.
I think you'll be okay getting through security--especially if you go through the checkpoint on the lounge level where you are now, rather than going up to the much-more-crowded checkpoint on Level 4, from which you'll promptly take an escalator down to Level 3 anyway.
Jan 16, 2008 | 10:29 pm
#14
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I've never had any long delays getting through security at Suvarnabhumi. More often than not, I just walk right through. My only outbound snags have been at Immigration. Check-in can be a zoo, but my SkyTeam status or a seat up front has helped with that recently.
I think you'll be okay getting through security--especially if you go through the checkpoint on the lounge level where you are now, rather than going up to the much-more-crowded checkpoint on Level 4, from which you'll promptly take an escalator down to Level 3 anyway.
I think you'll be okay getting through security--especially if you go through the checkpoint on the lounge level where you are now, rather than going up to the much-more-crowded checkpoint on Level 4, from which you'll promptly take an escalator down to Level 3 anyway.
Previously at the old BKK (DMK), you'd just go through normal security and get picked at random (or not) at the gate for further security.