Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by John Crowley
29 January 2007

The new airport is rather disappointing. I have departed twice and on both occasions it has been a dreary, perfunctory task. The check-in was strained on both occasions. The computer check-in was down and the short luggage conveyor was broken. LCD display screens failed to display baggage check-in row, only departure gate. The only two Thai banks operating are Siam Commercial and Thai Military Bank. Both offer the same money exchange rate, but be sure to ask note denomination availability first. After check-in and paying departure tax, immigration was a ten minute wait and then through into what can only be described as a shopping mall. There is a paucity of seating and the air conditioning is weak in places causing sudden 'hot-spots' which are rather uncomfortable. There are enough places to eat and drink, expensive just like most world airports. Then through security checks to the gate. Double check that you have the correct gate, or you face a long walk back to correct (it). Arrival at the departure gates and all is silent and suddenly very cool, as descent to the gate causes a 'chill factor'; (hot air rises) so the departure gates are a good 12 degrees lower in ambient temperature. Stainless steel seating will chill your bones and reading a paperback is difficult due to extremely low level lighting. If you prefer to read, don't go to the gate too early. I have arrived twice, and this is the good point of this new airport, except for a few snags. Immigration is painless and baggage recovery was quick. However if you are seeking taxis, beware, they are unsignposted, take an escalator to the level below. There are hundreds of desperate and irritating taxi touts: ignore them. Either go to the bus terminal, get a meter taxi a level below or book a limousine taxi at the booking counter which is situated on your direct right as you exit from customs.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Sid Sharma
26 January 2007

Suvarnabhumi airport is huge, but not laid out to the best of conveniences. It is just big, thats it. Transit counters should have opened at 0500 hrs but actually open at 0600hrs resulting in a huge backlog and passenger queues unbelievable! I almost missed my connecting flight to Singapore. English speaking airport staff would definitely help passengers and so would polite airline staff. The earlier airport was much better to get by.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by James Bowen
26 January 2007

I feel people are over critical of this new airport. I left just 1h45 to collect luggage from domestic flight then check it in again for onward international flight and was able to do this with plenty of time to spare. Took about 20 mins. This is because the airport is a single terminal and its a simple matter of going up or downstairs to get from departures and arrivals both for domestic and international flights. Its true that the aircon is lacking but this is made up for by the design of the airport and shopping facilities. I like this place.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by M Hereward
26 January 2007

I have used the new airport four times in the last two months. I think it is improving slightly - at least the bags seem to arrive faster, and there are signs to the meter-taxis downstairs. I like the Thai dedicated check-in for Business / First Class, even though the lounge always seems to be packed. I was also astonished that on Thai I was departing from a bus gate, and even more so that a bus gate was 20 minutes walk from the Thai lounge. Surely one could expect either to walk a long way, or to use a bus gate, but not both!I will live with the dingy grey design as long as they clean up and de-stink the toilets, which are truly disappointing.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Bradley Montag
22 January 2007

Arrivals more clear than the departures and far easier. However there were still huge walks and a severe lack of airconditioning. Customs friendly and quick as was baggage claim. Departure was a nightmare with huge queues and no designated check-in desks for individual flights. There was also no mention anywhere of the 500 Baht departure tax. From passport control to our gate at C10 was a 15 minute walk at a very fast pace. There were no travelators (none that were working) and the airport feels more like a shopping centre with gates attached. It is not very well laid out for passengers in a rush after those long queues.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Andrew Webster
19 January 2007

Airside has almost no seating, and what there is, is uncomfortable The airconditioning is so poor that staff were complaining to me about it! No signage for taxis when you arrive - I paid 800 baht to Chinatown and 500 coming back as a result. No travel convenience shops landside, so forget it if you need a new luggage lock before you check your bag in. Food airside is expensive compared to in town - not a surprise I guess. Water in a Seven-11 (oh yes!) in town is 7 baht and in the airport is 35 baht. Customer service is very patchy. For a huge international airport, this just doesn't cut it. Staff were guessing, possibly out of a desire to serve rather than say they didn't know, but the effect was to mislead me several times. A bus gate for an international flight at a new airport ? You must be kidding! Arrived very early and was prevented from checking in as they claimed there was no room for my bag? Anyone else ever had this happen to them? I couldn't tell if this was reasonable or not. I wish I could vote for this airport, as it would get one or two stars at best.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Henry Osserman
19 January 2007

Thai International and transfer to Bangkok Airways Domestic. Airport does look like an odd mix of futuristic confusion but it does work if you can look past the shops and structural headaches. Signage could use improvement in placement and accuracy. Immigration had almost all lanes open and baggage was on carousel waiting. After getting luggage proceeded out into arrivals area and up the moving ramp walkways which you can take your luggage cart on and up to the higher levels. Domestic check-in is to the far left of the terminal building hence next to the Domestic wing of the terminal. Bangkok Airways had a speedy check in then a short walk to security and then through the shopping area to the Domestic gates. Both Bangkok Airways and Thai airways have lounges for use across from the Domestic gates. There were plenty of toilets, though seats broken on some, a smoking lounge or two and a prayer room. This new terminal makes use of all shapes and sizes of metal throughout and on the return it was an easy enough walk from Domestic arrivals to escalators up to the Departure areas where Thai airways has a separate check-in area for First and Business class check in. Security moved along well enough and when proceeding to gate for Thai flight to JFK there was additional security and carry-on screening prior to be allowed down the ramp to the gate area. It's not the best terminal but certainly not the worst. Shopping and food is plentiful though a bit over-priced. Give yourself plenty of time.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Michael Weaver
19 January 2007

The designers and managers of this airport should have consulted the designers and managers of Osaka airport first. What a terrible, terrible disappointment. The taxi driver took me 35 kms past the airport!! The floors are filthy and the place is overcrowded already. From Thailand, the land of beautiful colours, you are welcomed with miles of drab grey concrete. Truly not a welcoming airport after a long flight from Copenhagen.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by David Passmore
19 January 2007

I have used Suvarnabhumi four times in the last few weeks, and had no problems using the airport. As previous postings commented, the concrete and steel which is exposed throughout the building is not pleasing to the eye, but I use an airport for its intended purpose - not to admire its architectural assets. There are some walking distances involved, but no more than many other airports. Thanks to a previous posting, I found the public taxi counter on the lower level without any problem and was in my hotel on Sukhumvit Road within 25 minutes. I think some problems may be encountered in the future as I understand that some LCC are returning to the old Don Muang airport which could result in difficult transfers. Once the rail link to the city has been completed (apparently behind schedule), transportation will be enhanced. Like most new buildings, teething troubles will occur, and I am sure all problems other people have encountered will be resolved very soon.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Dennis O'Brien
12 January 2007

Flew Macao to BKK return. First time to the new airport. LCC so no surprise about the bus journeys to and from the terminal as this I believe is a decision made by the airline based on cost. However, general impressions of the airport were poor. Decoration is rather spartan but for most people I guess the main issue will be how quickly and efficiently they can get through everything. On arrival the immigration hall was full with a crowd backing up out the door. Simply not enough desks open. The queues moved quickly enough but the hall is simply too small - if this can happen now imagine what it will be like in two or three years time! On departure, again the queues went to the back wall of the hall. In both cases a single 'snaking' queue with someone to direct passengers to the next available desk would have been much more efficient as it would make better use of the space and stop the queue-hopping that is encouraged by the crowds. This doesn't excuse the lack of space though! Check in for my flight was fine but I noticed several cases where the queues from one desk backed up to the desk opposite. Actually new airports usually seem deserted because they are so big but this one generally seemed crowded everywhere. I had read these posts before departing and was met by someone who had had time to check everything out so knew where to find the taxis - but there were none!! Again a huge queue that went back into the terminal and blocked the way past the door on the inside causing lots of confusion and aggro. Hopped on a bus to town instead but actually if there are two of you a taxi is cheaper and gets you to exactly where you want to go. I still had to take a taxi after getting off the bus. All in all my experience was that Don Muang was much better. Yes it was old and worn but I never had to wait so long in passport queues or for taxis. Spaces seemed bigger and there always seemed to be enough toilets (although try Macao for lack of toilets as well). In fact even the shopping facilities seemed better and coffee shops much cheaper. I read that they are putting up the departure tax but integrating it into the ticket price in future so no one will notice. Seems like a rip off to me.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Bob Carlson
9 January 2007

My wife and I have used this new airport several times during the past 3 weeks. On the 1st occasion we arrived from the Uk via Doha and did not think that the walk from aircraft to immigration was any worse than at many airports around the world. Immigration was a pleasant surprise with plenty of desks open and we were through in seconds. A vast improvement compared with the old airport. Baggage arrived promptly. Signs could definitely be improved as the ones for immigration are almost hidden in amongst shops. Also not clear where to find taxis - this does need improving. However the first impression was overall ok and we arrived at the hotel in Sukhumvit road within 30 minutes of arrival so that is a huge plus. Next usage was a domestic flight to Chiang Mai and check in was quick but we needed to use the left luggage facility and this area was very difficult to find with no signs. Like most others we found the lack of toilets unbelievable . Where they existed there were on average 2/3 urinals or for ladies 2/4 toilets. There should be at least 10 in each toilet area to cope with the vast number of passengers using the airport. Obviously the airport designer did not think passengers need to use toilets at any time. Walking to the gate was lengthy but again no worse than elsewhere and like some other comments we were a little surprised at being bussed to the plane at a brand new airport. Used airport again arriving from Chiang Mai so had to exit domestic arrivals. Fine but we immediately needed departures for an international flight. There were no signs in the arrivals area showing where to check in for anyone flying onwards like ourselves. Check in again efficient as was immigration on departure. One noticeable thing was on domestic flights luggage took 30 minutes to arrive. Arrived back 3 days later so have now a fairly good experience of airport. Absolutely the lack of adequate toilets needs sorting urgently as does signing. Agree with other reports about shoddy workmanship, very hard seats etc. It seems that in the rush to open the airport in September certain basic items were neglected.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Richard Hoskins
3 January 2007

It is worse than the old BKK Don Muang. The floor looks almost as old even though this airport is "new". Appalled that there are bus gates at a brand new airport! Getting around this airport is a big problem - vast distances to cover, but the actual walkways make you feel like you're cramped/there isn't enough room. Choke points all over the place. The whole place feels cold - no carpets, no padding on the (inadequate) seats, bare unpainted concrete, holes in the floor. Metal walkways in areas designed to break the luggage carts - many of which don't work already.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by James Halley
31 December 2006

I transit BKK to/from CNX every few weeks. Domestic flights are always Aisle A or B. Connecting flights always C onwards. Signage is simply awful or confusing at best. Someone is going to be seriously injured thanks to the floor surface. The gents toilets nearest the domestic gates are a joke. Is this a woman's revenge for the queuing they do. I noted a long line on deplaning from the CNX flight. I took a look to find that there was ONE (yes ONE) urinal. What idiot designed this. Or was this done just to fill a gap in the wall? I recently made (the idiotic) decision not to go into town after my late arrival on UA (2335) and I took the first flight to CNX the following morning at 0625. This meant over 6 hours at the airport. I had expected to spend it in the TG lounge. It closes between 0100 and 0500. But it gave me a chance to see that the airport is still a construction site. The calm of the night was broken constantly by the sound of electric drills and hammers. Now there are rumours that parts of the airport will be closed down section by section for repairs. If they keep this up I shall fly CNX-SIN with Silk Air and bypass BKK altogether. TG really stick it to you if you are connecting from a non-TG flight to a domestic destination. Getting a boarding pass out of them is red tape gone wild. And its not a lot better outbound either. I tried to get an SQ boarding pass from TG as a star alliance partner. No - you have to wait for the rep from SQ.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Mike Ratcliffe
21 December 2006

The new airport seems large and airy compared to the old Don Muang. The only downside is its so big it takes forever to get to and from some of the gates. However when I got to immigration there was no long line of people, I waited maybe 5 minutes, everyone was courteous and efficient. Baggage hall big, clean and worked well. Walked thru customs, quite a few people waiting to meet people, but under control. A few taxi touts, but again, unlike Heathrow for example, they were smart, smiling, if you said no they went away. On the whole a good experience. Signs could do with some improvement though.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Daniel Budzisz
20 December 2006

Many seem to have forgotten the stuffy, congested, dark and claustrophobic Don Muang. I was at Suvarnabhumi last week and enjoyed the open areas and bright nature of the departure hall. The airport staff at check-in were wonderful. I was leading a group of students on an overseas trip, unsure where and how to check in as a group, and the gentleman took us himself half-way across the departure hall to the desired counter. The signage isn't as clear as Changi or KL, and on arrival, I had to wait for my luggage for good 40 minutes. The concrete and spartan appearance of the arrivals hall is a matter of taste - it didn't particularly please me, but might do so to the others.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Nazri Malek
17 December 2006

I had to transit here to change flights from Emirates (DXB-BKK) to Malaysia Airlines (BKK-KUL). Upon exiting the gate, there was a sign saying "Transfer/Connections" with arrows pointing to left and right! There was some staff members standing nearby so I asked which direction I should go and he confidently showed me in one direction. Walked all the way down to the end and discovered (only upon asking another staff member) that the Malaysia Airlines connection desk is at the other end. Being a very large airport, had to go all the way down and finally found the transfer desk. Didn't have much other experience with the airport but I must suggest that they put on which airlines for which direction if they're gonna have a sign that points in both directions.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport review by Peter Goddard
15 December 2006

A huge improvement! Arrived and in a taxi within a few minutes: Visa on arrival was handled at the passport desk - no queue, no hassle. The new arrangements for taxi hire are great: a nice young lady checks your destination, instructs the taxi driver and gives you a complaint slip (in case the driver tries to stop the meter or takes you somewhere else). Resulting in a quick and efficient transfer. Departure proved to be equally smooth - none of the long queues that made the old airport such a nightmare. Plenty of good food and drink and a nice environment made for a pleasant experience.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Gary Lowcock
12 December 2006

I passed through the new Bangkok airport 4 times over a 3 week period and would consider it a victory of style over substance. The airport looks impressive as a building from the outside. However, inside it is less successful both in terms of how it looks but especially in relation to the key test – usability. Arriving on an international flight involved a very long hike to immigration. There are far more immigration desks open than previously but the staff are as resolutely surly as before. The baggage claim area is huge, light and airy but bags took an age to arrive with no priority given to priority tagged luggage. By far and away the worst aspect of the airport on arrival is the arrivals hall itself which is essentially the width of a wide corridor and swarming with touts for ‘limousine’ service taxis – or rather taxis at three (or more) times the normal rate. Metered taxis can be obtained on the ground floor (one level down) but there are no sign posts to indicate this and many a tired traveller coming off a long haul flight will no doubt succumb to these rip off merchants. I guess that’s the idea. It gives a very negative first impression of Thailand and as one other contributor has observed feels very ‘third world’. Domestic departure started off well with the exterior of the airport a huge improvement on Don Muang; high roofs and the elevated position providing both shade and cooling breezes. Dedicated business class check in for Thai Airways was fine but you still get the supervisor approaching you in a far from welcoming way because you’re not wearing a suit and they think you’re trying to gate crash the wrong queue. Domestic departures is pleasant enough if you’re travelling business class or with Bangkok Airways who have their own lounge. For everyone else it would appear to be a pretty grim experience with no catering outlets or even comfortable seating airside. The holding pens (for want of a better expression) at each gate are rather desolate areas with metal seating, toilets and that’s it. International Departures still has the ongoing farce of purchasing your departure tax ticket to hand it over to someone 5 foot away creating unnecessary congestion. There were a lot of desks open at immigration which took considerably less time than on previous occasions. As I had lounge access I did not make use of the catering facilities but these looked smart enough and appeared reasonably priced. A lot of upmarket retail outlets selling overpriced designer gear. Signposting as people have mentioned varies between poor and none existant and surprisingly there is the occasional hole in the floor or similar such obstacle to be negotiated. Again, once one moves through to the gate area things become pretty bleak and I wouldn’t advise anyone to arrive at their gate earlier than necessary. The airport appears to have created a large number of new jobs – there were a lot of uniformed people sitting around in groups doing not a lot. However, the expansion has meant that many of these staff would appear to be new and not only lack any basic English language skills but in many instances the gumption to even communicate in ‘international’ sign language. Smiling sweetly (but dumbly) or looking terrified and like they may burst into tears being the two stock responses. I know this comment about language skills might appear a bit arrogant or xenophobic but at the end of the day the Thai govt wishes to see Bangkok as a major hub. With English the lingua franca of international travel this is an issue that must be addressed. Overall not the worst airport I’ve ever been to (it’s not JFK or CDG) but even allowing for the inevitable teething problems compounded by a forced early opening I cannot see it becoming a great airport. The fundamental design is flawed with little or no apparent consideration for the needs of the user. In some instances the design is so far off meeting the needs of passengers it’s difficult to see how these problems can be overcome.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Bren Lynch
3 December 2006

It's a good job I had a look at this website to forewarn me about the new Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The new airport is a nightmare for first timers, it's 2 crossroads with a very long centre section to be negotiated around KingPower Duty free obstructions - there was even a toilet area obstructed by a KingPower display unit ! Arrivals Level 2 - Toilets are located half-way along the walkway (you have to jump over the rail to get off?) Near the Immigration there were 2 toilets for women in 1 block instead of 1 each Male/Female ! If you're Transfering , the 2 'Transfer Crossroads' areas can be missed if you follow the signs - both the BA/Qantas and Emirates transfer signs send you off in the wrong direction. Immigration and Baggage reclaim seemed ok, but when you exit Customs, it's very difficult to find the hand scrawled 'Public Taxi' (regular Bangkok taxis) sign. All the expensive services get the clear signage? Departures Level 4 - Check-ins are ok, but the 'Departure tax' booths are located in bottleneck areas. Once you get through Immigration , the trolley area obstructs entry to the main floor. The main Departures shopping area is huge, with a great variety of good value food - Espresso and Raisin Danish B150 (E3,20) in the centre island cafe, or a Pizza, Chicken wings and Pepsi for B180 in the Pizza Company outlet (E3,80 ). If you've the time, BKK - Suv has the shopping for you ! Once again toilets are well hidden from view behind shops and food outlets, very small signage and broken flooring make using them an adventure. The Air-Con was very hit and miss, some areas sweltering, others just right. Overhead, the 'Canvas' overhanging sheets were torn already in places, and I can only imaging a few years dust build up will weigh the down more ! Window cleaning must be a nightmare ! Floor tiling was badly soiled, broken, or collapsed in places. The SUV website / maps are useless compared with the old Don Muang maps. Overall, it's a very impressive looking structure that may win awards for it's designer, but it's a pity that they don't employ 'snaggers' to find and fix the problem areas that affect customers !

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Kaushal Goshalia
3 December 2006

Used this new airport arriving from Australia when the flight landed around 2230. Had a long walk from the gate to the main terminal building which was very annoying as this is a very big airport. Used the visa on arrival facility which did not have a long queue but the immigration was very slow took a ticket and waited for about 20 minutes before my number was called. They ask for tickets so keep this handy ! After visa is stamped they ask you to go main immigration line and then baggage hall. My bag was there by the time I got to the belt. Then when you get to the arrival concourse you will be flooded by several taxi touts claiming to provide you "limousine". If you dont want to pay a steep price please go to level 1 - you can see the meter taxis down and you tell them your destination and they will tell you how much. I paid around 250 baht and maybe further down Sukhmvit road you can expect to pay like 325 -350 baht - please tell the meter taxi to use tollway if you want or else you can use the normal road and it will take little longer. Make sure the meter is on and at the end they will add another 50 baht so it will total to like 325-350 baht to central Bangkok. Allow 1 hour or so both ways and airport is very busy in the evenings so make your way at least 3 hours or more before departure.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Graeme Laird
3 December 2006

I have been through the airport three times now - one internationally and twice domestically - each time it has been better but there is still plenty to be done. Toilets are pitifully small in facilities and I don't understand how this has happened as there should be guides to designers in how toilets are required by so many passengers. Distances are appallingly long so I think I will claim a disability in future to get on a "golf cart" to go through the airport. Finding metered taxis is problematic but they were plenty and did not overcharge. Prices in duty free were out of sight.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Fiona Lappin
27 November 2006

Used the new airport for the first time yesterday during a transit from Phuket to Hong Kong. We were flying Thai on both routes and the flight number was the same, but in spite of this we were directed on a wild goose chase across the entire airport by ground staff which took nearly one hour. Firstly on arrival we were herded onto a bus taking us to Domestic Arrivals. There were no ground staff anywhere. So we followed signs to International Departures. The only other option was Baggage Claim. After walking for 10 minutes with 1 baby and 1 toddler I was told by a help desk staffer on showing my boarding pass that I was in the wrong place and had to go all the way back to where I started then go to the 4th floor. So I did that and then checked at another help desk where there were 5 staff. They all told me to go back to where I'd just been! So I showed them my boarding pass and they said OK go to the 4th floor. I didn't realise this meant a 15 minute walk through check-in (where the Thai Airways staff were very rude and told me to HURRY UP!) and then immigration. Meanwhile our flight to HK was boarding, but the boarding pass had no departure time on it so I had no idea when it was leaving. It then took at least another 15 minutes to walk to Gate C with no luggage or staff to help. I was hoping the gate would be closed when I got there. It wasn't but we'd held up the flight - along with another group. After that the flight was smooth and easy. The biggest frustration is that the whole episode could have been avoided with one ground crew on arrival - remember this was the SAME FLIGHT NUMBER as the one we had just disembarked from or just a sign saying TRANSFERS. Hope I can find someone at the airport to register this complaint to! Hope others have a better experience.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Simon Albury
27 November 2006

After five visits to the airport in November I conclude it is not so bad. It is outrageous that the Airport Limos have such prominent signage and the taxis have none. The crush of agents and others at the arrivals exit would be intimidating to first timers. Yes the aircon needs to be improved but once you get used to the airport it is not so bad and no doubt it will be greatly improved over the next few months.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Francis Chan
25 November 2006

The new airport is huge, but still it is congested and over-crowded. The reason is that a single terminal has now replaced 3 terminals of the old airport. The design of the new airport is a disaster. There are so many bottlenecks in the passenger flow - congestion once you enter the terminal, long queues at passport control, a narrow corridor that functions as the arrival hall, lack of restaurants in the public area, toilets not to be found, walking up and down various levels to reach your departure gate, airline lounges and offices scattered everywhere, very unhelpful signs, huge walking distances, suffocating heat on the higher floors. Getting to and from the airport is another sad story.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Siddharth Dhamija
25 November 2006

Traveled to the new Bangkok Airport thrice in the past two months and the initial response has not been very good. There is just one lounge available for Gold Card holders and that is always full. One will be very lucky to find a place to actually relax. The luggage took more than 30 minutes after the clearances. The departure area seats are all steel and no cushions - making then really uncomfortable to sit. The train transit system to the new airport is not operational and one can get stuck in long traffic jams on the highways especially in the evenings and on week ends. Be careful if your flight is an evening flight from Bangkok. Might land up in trouble.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by David King
22 November 2006

Having used the old airport several times in the past 2 years and repeatedly got frustrated with the queues I found the immigration to be 100% better for speed and service. Although check - in was crowded and busy once again the staff were efficient and very professional and this did not take long to complete. The only comment for improvement I would add is that on the departure lounge area there was no refreshment stalls after security check and this meant once through I was unable to get any refreshments until on the aircraft some 2 hours later. A very impressive building structure and once teething problems are solved I am sure this airport will be a success.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Chaiyud Sak
21 November 2006

I am a Thai citizen and this new airport is very much awaited. I have had a chance to use it recently, travelling BKK to Singapore. The walk way in the departure level after immigration is too narrow and the ceiling is too low. I must say that it was a disapointment and embarrassment for myself. But knowing the nature of Thais, within months you will start seeing changes in almost all areas and soon enough it will be one of the best in the world.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Steve Jacobs
18 November 2006

My nomination for the "World's Worst New Airport". Crowded, narrow walkway choke points, forced pathway up and down two floors in transit, floor standing a/c's in the way of traffic, hot and sweaty on the top floor of shops and main walkway between terminal arms, only two short moving walkways on that floor for a twenty minute walk between A/B/C and E/F/G gates, confusing and inadequate directional signage, cold steel departure lounge seats, small inadequate toilets with ridiculous attempts at designer washbasins with no counter space and which actually slop water all over, and overall dreary concrete construction reminiscent of Soviet-era block buildings incongruously erected inside the otherwise beautiful exterior, totally ruining the effect of spaciousness. Four of my last six transfers had the plane park on the tarmac with sweaty bus rides into the terminal. The only charm to the facility is the cardboard stewardesses; the employees are rightfully embarrased to work there. The architect, if there was one, must have decided that form should not follow function whatsoever. Its as if it was done by committee - or the duty free vendor with no thought to mass people movement or convenience. Thailand has such beautiful designers and public spaces, hotels and resorts, but this has absolutely none of it. A functional and architectural abomination, and an insult to beautiful, progressive Thailand.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Rishad Patell
17 November 2006

Have just used the new facility for both international and domestic flights. The flight in from India landed on time and it took us only 15 mins to get a visa on arrival and exit- bags came in 10 mins. Downside was that there was very little choice in duty free. Also getting a bus into town was a trudge and it said FREE bus service and then we had to pay!! The domestic departure and arrival area seemed more organised and both the times I flew in and out the procedure was quick. Again few shops to choose from or browse and not one place to eat!! Not a bad experience but KUL and SIN are still a better option if just transiting the region.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Pat Moloney
17 November 2006

I will never fly via Bangkok again. As a disabled passenger I was treated appallingly. The chap who met my Lufthansa flt from Frankfurt, had no idea where to find the lounges and even though I told him I was in transit, he took me to immigration! On arriving at the business lounge I was just dumped in a room and left. No showers, no service - it was crowded and the food awful, staff rude and unhelpful. As I had a wait of 10 hours it was awful. On asking a Thai staff member in someone would be there to assist me to the gate, she just told me the gate number and left. The only pleasant staff member I encountered was the lady looking after the toilets. Never again.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Steve Koenig
15 November 2006

The airport is big, modern and has a huge array of duty free shots. However, signs are confusing (e.g., hard to find public taxis as signs emphasize the airport authority's own, higher-priced, service). Transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight, we followed signs for "transfer to flights to Chiang Mai," walking a long ways, only to be told by the Thai Air rep at the transfer desk that since we had arrived on Bangkok Airways, with which Thai does not have an agreement, we had to trudge back to the other end of the airport to a different transfer area. The gate for our outgoing international flight later on (Korean) was extremely cramped, forcing everyone to line up in a small area between seats and a railing. Very, very poorly designed. In contrast, the boarding area at the less-new Incheon Airport in Korea was spacious (and looked less like a factory). Thumbs down to this airport.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Peter Geran
7 November 2006

I have travelled in and out of Suvarnabhumi Airport twice in the past month. First time was when the airport had been open only a few days, and my second trip was as recently as last weekend. I came in from Seoul (ICN) on Saturday night, and the difference between the two airports is immense. Seoul is so user friendly, whereas , Bangkok isnt. The expanses of unpainted concrete and poor lighting make the terminal seem so drab. Lighting in the meeting area is so poor, and trying to read all the hotel name signs is difficult when you walk out of the baggage claim area. The area in front of the terminal has become extremely dirty, with cigarette butts, and discarded chewing gum on the pavement. A poor welcome to a country. I departed from BKK to MEL on Sunday night, and I used the main THAI lounge in the terminal. The noise from airport staff returning luggage trolleys was deafening. To get to the THAI lounge, you walk up a steel pathway, and take an escalator down to the lounge. The trolleys sure make a din, when they are wheeled over the steel pathway. Even the THAI staff commented on how unpleasant it was. Departure area suffers from a lack of comfortable chairs, as the chairs there are only steel framed - no padding. I thought that when the airport moved from Don Muang to Suvarnabhumi, we would see an improvement, but in my opinion, the airport has gone down in terms of customer comfort. Thailand should have taken a good look at ICN and KUL to see how a good terminal should be built.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Nikhel Singh
7 November 2006

Just went to the 'new' Suvarnabhumi Airport. Arrived early in the morning and I was real tired. I couldn't find a place to sleep as the signs were so confusing and the staff were all lost. I managed to find myself a toilet after wandering about half an hour around the massive terminal. The next day it was time for my flight. The check-in was good but not smooth like in KLIA or Changi. The lounge was packed. Could hardly find a place to sit and when it was time for my flight I had to walk all over the place to find my gate. Overall I wasn't happy and I reckon they rushed to open the airport.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Frank Wilton
5 November 2006

Was prepared to give the new BKK airport a chance, as it was opened much too early and many things still incomplete. However, the internal ambience is terrible - gone back to exposed concrete, wiring, pipes etc favoured by Paris CDG many years ago, and it is really, really dull and drab. Had flown in from Seoul Incheon - wow, that airport is just so clean and comfortable compared to Suvarnabhumi. The signs at Suvarnabhumi are terrible also - not only difficult to read but give no proper information. Signs pointing in every direction to Airline Lounges - but try to find one and you will have problems. And walking distances if you are connecting between non Star Alliance carriers are just miles and miles. Sorry Thailand, but if this is the future you have to offer air travellers, you are going to see many people now defecting to Hong Kong and Singapore - Seoul as well if you can route thu there. Overall, I would give Suvarnabhumi a 3 out of 10 and cannot see it getting better than a 5 even when everything is actually open and running.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Paola Kimgard
2 November 2006

Arrived at the airport on 20th October, passed through on 22nd for a domestic flight and departed on 26th. Yes, the taxi drivers outside are bothering especially as they charge at least 4 times the amount of the normal taxis, but maybe you can see it as a preparation to all the other haggling you'll be doing all over the place in Thailand. I thought the airport is pretty nice. I especially appreciated that although it's a non-smoking airport there are many places to smoke, special spacious and ventilated rooms in conjunction with pubs and restaurants. The shopping is expensive but show me any airport which is putting cheap shops in the duty free. A dinner with juice and coffee for 2 persons cost us 850 baht, less than at the 5-star hotel where we had stayed so I think it was reasonable for an airport comparing to many other airports I've been to. I didn't have problems with signs, there were signs everywhere. Luggage took 20 minutes to arrive. The toilet was fine. No queue to passport control or check-in. I was actually pretty impressed and would rather pass through this airport than CDG or Schiphol or any of the major European airports any day!

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Tony Maddern
2 November 2006

This is a beautiful looking airport, but there are a few too many references to the king at the airport. It is a pleasant looking airport to walk through and I think the Thais have built an airport that they can be proud to welcome people into. There are a few organisational issues to be worked out, but I think people need to be patient and put up with things as they will get sorted out. The airport is well signposted and it is hard to get lost in it. I was transiting in the airport.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Michael Schade
2 November 2006

Arrived at the new Suvarnabhumi airport on an international flight on TG three times within the last 2 weeks. All three flight taxied at a remote part of the runway and it took over 40 minutes until the pax were cattled by bus to the terminal. That never happened to me at the good old Don Muang airport. There is still lots of patching up to do at the airport; e.g. only one big TG lounge is operational and its so crowded at peak hours that one can be lucky to get a seat. The airport is just a month old but looks already tired and worn.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by D Bhatia
27 October 2006

The new airport is not a pleasant experience compared to the old. My main concern is that no one seems to know anything. The airport staff seems to act very busy but ask them a question and you realise they cannot even converse in english. At least put someone there who can answer questions in English! I was traveling to Los Angeles and the staff at the duty free told me I am not allowed to bring in any booze to the US. This was confirmed by all the Duty free shops but on arrival at Los Angeles when I checked this with the Customs officer, they said there was no such rule as you can bring in any whisky bottle. Yes you cannot come to the US airport with liquids but there was no rule against bringing it in. Overall the new airport is a chaotic place to be in and imagine my plight when I had a 12 hour layover!

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Tim Longdon
19 October 2006

A metered taxi from Suvarnhabumi to my house on Sukhumvit close to Asoke junction, travelling via the Rama9 expressway costs around 200-230 baht, plus tolls (I think I paid 40 baht total for tolls). When I took a taxi From the new airport, I wasn't charged any fee (like the 50baht usually charged from Don Muang). Apparently this will be the case for 1 year. Taking a taxi TO the airport, that was 201 baht, plus tolls. The range of "LIMO TOUTS" is outrageous, their prices varying widely between 800-1200 baht PLUS tolls. These criminals should be regulated, it's very "third world" to be harassed by Limo Touts when arriving. This is supposedly Asias newest and best airport, but kind of resembles an Indian railway station with people jostling to give you a ride into town.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Gerard Neiditsch
19 October 2006

Travelled yesterday for the second time through the new airport. The shops only cater for absolute luxury goods. Only 2 of 8 lounges are open (Thai business and first class neither with showers). Exits are too narrow and passengers constantly approached by overcharging taxi drivers. Our Thai 747 (not the new configuration advertised) was parked away from the gate as there were issues with the air bridge. There weren't enough buses available and loading took an extra 45 minutes. If you have a choice, avoid the new Bangkok airport for at least a year.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Norman Sutherland
19 October 2006

Well I guess some of the negative aspects of the new BKK have been thoroughly aired on the previous posts and I would endorse the generally negative feelings about the place. On the positive front the road links are much improved, though the transport system will take some time to settle down. The check-in areas are spacious and well laid out though signs and screens need to be better coordinated. I thought immigration in departures was much improved compared to Don Muang. Sadly I've nothing good to say about the departures concourse which will become an overcrowded assault course if and when the airport gets busier. I'm sure lounge construction is coming on but I for one won't be looking forward to spending any time in them if they're as poor as the current Thai Business Lounge.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Gerard Holohan
17 October 2006

Arrived here from Bahrain. Thankfully GF staff were on hand to guide their passengers through airport, otherwise it would have been an ordeal - direction signs non existant. Shops unopened, construction work going on everywhere, staff in airport have no clue themselves of where anything is located, baggage is taking up to 1 hour to arrive at belt if you are lucky enough for it to arrive at all. Taxi drivers are taking advantage of unsuspecting travellers by charging up to 3 times the usual fare that it used to be from Don Muang - correct fare to city centre is 450 baht but they start by asking 2000 baht . If you arrive early to your departure gate be warned the only facility there are toilets which are not even complete - best bet is to go to your gate 15 mins before boarding time. All in all, in time it should be a good facility but it has opened 6 months too early.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Rohan Ellis
15 October 2006

Thai's Suvarnabhumi Airport is new, but the place is still under construction. Its oversized, resembles a massive shopping mall and restaurant row, and is staffed by friendly Thai's who frequently quote: "Im sorry Sir, I am not too sure where that place is". On a recent trip requiring a transit stop at BKK-Suvarnabhumi, I anticipated something quite spectacular, however, this was not the case. With what seemed like ONE Royal Silk Lounge in operation, located on ONE side of the massive terminal with my departure gate located on the opposite side of the terminal, coupled with confusing signage and confused staff / airport attendants, the experience left me bewildered and angry. Give me Don Muang Airport any day - much older - but far more organised and easily navigated! In contrast, Hong Kong's new airport was completely finished on opening, yes with some technical glitches, however, 95% of the facilities were operational. Thai's executive management seems to be disjointed - with excellent new aircraft & improved inflight services, that is equally offset by poor new flagship Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Peter Wouters
15 October 2006

We just returned from a holiday in Laos. Coming from Australia, that means transiting in Bangkok or Hanoi. We chose Bangkok, and we are regretting that now. If Suvarnabhumi airport doesn't get their act together quickly, we are not likely to ever fly via Bangkok again if not absolutely necessary. We arrived in Vientiane (Laos) after a long flight from Sydney via Melbourne and Bangkok on Thai Airways, to discover that our bags didn't arrive. Normally it happens occasionally that you lose 1 bag. We lost both of ours. Bangkok airport had luggage sorting troubles. Too bad in these times of terrorism etc. where you are barely allowed anything in hand luggage. Our bags arrived the next day in Vientiane with no apologies. Coming home to Australia, we discovered they did it again! This time, only 1 of our bags was left behind - so somehow they managed to lose one of our bags twice in less than 10 days time, in the same airport, for the same reasons. The airport doesn't work well yet, and it's been foolish to have it opened earlier than scheduled. There is also nothing to do in the airport, which we discovered during our 7 hour transit. The day rooms are criminally expensive (US$65 for 4 hours), there aren't any showering facilities at the airport. We tried to get information about a city tour of Bangkok - which, according to the airport website, you can book when you are in transit - but no one knew anything about this. We would then have had to go through customs and get the information in the arrivals hall. No-one could even tell us whether or not the tours had already left and how much they cost. So we decided against this. If the tour had already left, we could only get back to transit by paying the departure tax of 300 Baht or something ridiculous - not worth it to just go and find out whether there is a tour or not. The airport is ridiculously badly labelled, the free maps are hopeless and very badly set up - and very confusing to read. Everything is very spread out. There aren't a lot of budget eating options - as a matter a fact, I think Burger King was the only budget option - the other places were more expensive. Maybe I'm just being stingy, but I don't want to pay something like 120 Baht for a slice of Margarita pizza. Once you walk through to your gate, don't expect anything except for a toilet. There aren't even vending machines - so if you have a long wait, don't go to your gate too early unless you want to be bored to death. In the main hall there are at least some shops to look at. In some parts of the airport the airconditioning didn't work, making it very uncomfortable to walk around in muggy temperatures of 30°C and more. I would strongly advise people to not use this airport unless they are on a continuing flight where you don't have to wait too long and you actually end up on the same plane that you came off (I think British Airways and Qantas for instance use Bangkok as a refuelling stop, but then fly on in the same plane). Sorry Bangkok airport, I was quite excited to go there after hearing how beautiful and efficient it was all going to be. I have never seen a more inefficient airport in my life and I was very disappointed with the whole experience. If I would have to give a score out of 10, I think I'm being generous when I'd give a 5.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Tim Longdon
15 October 2006

KWI-BKK on the inaugural day, BKK-KWI. Business Class TG both times. Arriving was ok - TG plane docked opposite the central immigration line. However, lines were long and clearly non-business/first class passengers were holding up the supposed "fast track" inbound immigration. The immigration kiosks just look like they've been stuck there temporarily - but apparently that's their permanent location! Luckily I didn't have luggage to collect, just hand luggage, so avoided the 3 hour delays some passengers had. Taxi rank was chaotic (in my favour - just jumped in). Airport looked half-finished - lots of bare unpainted concrete, large parts of false ceilings missing. Taxis do not know the quickest way to get into town from this airport. BKK-KWI business class TG. Luckily, I checked in at TG area 1. That leads immediately to a downward escalator into the business and first class lounges. Business class lounge is overcrowded - they must have more somewhere that are not opened. In Don Muang I preferred the quieter smaller lounge, than the large on due to lack of seating and noise. Food and drinks were same selection, but not bottled water! Shopping is typical airport stuff - expensive stores. Electronics are terrible. No mobile phones, computer stuff is limited to Mac (although Macbook Pro is same as Apple US prices - so check that out if you're in the market for one). Too bad but King Power once again has the monopoly on shops. No flight boarding signs or announcements in business class lounge. Long lines for final security check, but I entered same on a lower floor (C area) and was the only one. Separate boarding doors at the gate for premium passengers, and we were directed onto the plane first. Conclusion? 7/10 for effort but should have waited until everything was complete before opening. Thailand is only really appealing for what it can show on the outside, and in this case it couldn't even get that right.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Nick Peterson
15 October 2006

Transited through Suvarnabhumi during the evening of opening day and was not impressed. The airport colour scheme and construction materials create a depressing and sombre atmosphere; bare concrete, metal, glass, and low level of lighting. Desperately needs a colour makeover. Many features were still not functioning properly including the check-ins, security controls and baggage handling system. I, and many others on my flight ,including those who had checked in here, had missing luggage when we arrived at our destination. Many departing flights were being delayed over 1 hour due to delays in getting people through long queues and difficulties navigating your way around because of inadequate signage. Time will rectify these, but the airport itself needs to be invigorated.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport by Julia Dawson
12 October 2006

Landed from London Heathrow looking forward to using the new Thai Business Class lounge - unfortunately not impressed. There were no clear signs pointing you in the right direction - as stated by Mike Preston - signs for the Airport Lounges pointed in all directions - had to ask 4 different members of staff where the Thai lounge was - nobody was sure! Eventually found it 15 minutes after getting off the plane and it was packed. This is the only Thai lounge open and everybody seemed to be using it. The most disappointing issue was the fact there were no showers - after 12 hours on a plane a nice warm shower would have been most enjoyable. Only the first class lounge had showers but if you weren't travelling first class you weren't allowed to use them. Luckily we only had just over an hour to kill before our onward flight to Melbourne - that was all we could have taken. The lounges in the old airport were a lot more comfortable and had showers in one. The walk from the lounge to the gate (E7) took about 10 minutes. We're usually among the first to arrive at the gate, this time we were among the last due to the distance. Did Thai put the lounge so far from the gates on purpose so you had to walk past all those shops? Granted that this is a brand new airport but from the two hours spent there it doesn't feel or look as though is should be open for business yet. Surely waiting for a few more months before becoming operational wouldn't have hurt then maybe all 5 Thai lounges would have been ready to use and we could have even - possibly - had a shower!