Bangkok Airways calls itself Asia's boutique airline. It flies domestic routes across Thailand and regional routes to places such as Cambodia, Laos and the Maldives, with Koh Samui as its best-known destination because the airline built and runs the island's airport.
Booking Bangkok Airways well comes down to choosing the right fare type, knowing what the fare includes, and timing Samui trips, which are priced above most comparable short flights.
Fare types and what changes between them
Bangkok Airways sells economy fares in several tiers, plus a business class on many routes. The cheapest tier carries the tightest rules on changes and refunds; the higher tiers add flexibility and sometimes more baggage.
The price gap between tiers is often small on domestic routes. If there is any chance your dates will move, compare the change fee on the cheap Bangkok Airways fare against the difference to the flexible one before booking.
Fare names and inclusions are revised from time to time, so read the fare comparison on the booking page for your exact flight rather than relying on an older trip.
Baggage on Bangkok Airways
Unlike many low-cost carriers in the region, Bangkok Airways has traditionally included checked baggage in its economy fares. The allowance varies by route and fare tier, and flights to Samui can use smaller aircraft, so check the allowance shown for your booking.
Sports equipment such as golf bags and diving gear follows separate rules. If you are carrying either, add it when booking; it is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Connecting to another airline on a separate ticket means collecting and re-checking bags. Leave generous time in Bangkok, particularly between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, which are different airports.
Lounges for economy passengers
One of the things Bangkok Airways is known for is lounge access for all passengers at many of its airports, including economy. Expect snacks, drinks and seating rather than a full business lounge.
Business passengers use the separate Blue Ribbon lounges where available. Lounge access depends on the airport and can change, so treat it as a bonus rather than something to plan a long layover around.
Samui, Sukhothai and Trat
Koh Samui airport has limited slots, and Bangkok Airways operates most flights into it. That is why Samui fares sit well above flights of similar length elsewhere in Thailand.
Book Samui early for the peak season from December to April and for Thai and Chinese holidays. Off-peak and midweek flights are noticeably cheaper. The alternative is flying to Surat Thani and taking the ferry, which saves money but costs most of a day.
Bangkok Airways also serves smaller airports such as Sukhothai and Trat, whose airports the airline also built and operates. Seats on these routes are limited, so do not leave them late.
FlyerBonus, the Bangkok Airways loyalty scheme
FlyerBonus is the Bangkok Airways frequent flyer programme. Points are earned on flights and can be redeemed for award tickets and upgrades, with status tiers for regular travellers.
Join before booking, since crediting a past flight is usually more trouble than adding the number up front. Bangkok Airways also partners with other airlines; check whether your usual scheme earns on the flight you are buying.
Booking and changes
Booking direct with Bangkok Airways makes changes simpler than going through an agent, and promo codes only work on the airline's own site. Prices are shown in local currency; your card may add a foreign transaction fee.
Keep the booking reference and manage changes online where the fare allows. Schedule changes by Bangkok Airways are usually notified by email, so use an address you check.
Where the Bangkok Airways savings are
Bangkok Airways codes are usually tied to routes, travel dates or markets. The code names hint at this: several reference specific airports or campaigns, so enter the code on the exact route first and read any error message.
The up-to-15% code is the strongest percentage here, but "up to" means the discount can be smaller on some fares. Compare the total with and without it.
The 10% code is a general fallback. The per-person HKD code looks aimed at Hong Kong departures; on a family booking a per-person discount adds up faster than a percentage on cheap fares.
Codes normally apply to the base fare, not taxes and airport charges, which are a large part of short-haul tickets. Only one code applies per booking.
Common questions
Does Bangkok Airways include checked baggage?
Economy fares have traditionally included a checked allowance. Confirm the figure for your route and fare tier.
Can economy passengers use Bangkok Airways lounges?
At many of its airports, yes. Availability depends on the airport, so check before relying on it.
Why are Bangkok Airways flights to Samui expensive?
Limited airport capacity and strong demand. Book early for peak season or fly midweek.
Do Bangkok Airways codes cover taxes?
Usually not. They reduce the base fare, so the saving on the total is smaller than the headline.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| $500 off | Promo code | View at Bangkok Airways → |
| 500 Rm | Promo code | View at Bangkok Airways → |
| Up to 15% Off | Promo code | View at Bangkok Airways → |
| 500 Tbh | Promo code | View at Bangkok Airways → |