New Regional Airline Based in Phuket

Posted on Friday 11 September 2009 by Michael

It seems like a case of the worst possible timing: launching a new airline in the middle of a global recession. Yet Happy Air is set to launch in October, with daily flights between Phuket and Hat Yai; and four-times weekly flights between Phuket and the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi.

The airline promises a "premium" service, including complimentary champagne and "gourmet sandwiches" in flight, using 34-seat Saab 340A twin turbo-prop aircraft. The web site doesn’t yet take reservations, but expect to pay around 2,500 Baht one-way to Hat Yai, and 4,500 Baht to Langkawi.

Tagged with: Happy Air, HKT, Phuket
Posted in Airlines

Revised Security Screening for Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Posted on Wednesday 9 September 2009 by Michael

Over my last few trips in and out of Bangkok, I’ve noticed a bit of construction work being done on the ‘bridges’ that link the concourses to the main terminal. Now I know what it was all about: security screening for departing international passengers is being moved to this area, putting it immediately after immigration. According to today’s Bangkok Post, this move should make screenings faster and more efficient. It’s also hoped that flight delays due to long queues at the current checkpoints will be eliminated.

What this all means is that you’ll clear security immediately after immigration, and you’ll then be free to visit the duty free shops or lounges, without worrying about how long the queue at the security checkpoints is. However, if you’re flying to the US, UK, Australia or India, you will still be subject to an additional screening before you enter your gate.

Tagged with: Bangkok, BKK, Suvarnabhumi
Posted in Airport Updates

In Transit: Bangkok – Singapore – Male

Posted on Saturday 29 August 2009 by Michael

Back on the road once again. This time to a completely new destination: The Maldives. I figured I might as well see it before it’s gone, and the diving is supposed to be pretty good.

I’m flying to Male via Singapore. Not the most direct route, I know, but Bangkok – Male seems to be a poorly served route. Thai Airways does not fly there at all, and Bangkok Airways only flies there a few days a week. With hotels in the Maldives being rather expensive, I didn’t want to spend any more time in them than I had to before my boat departed, so I opted for Singapore Airlines. The more direct one-stop option is through Columbo, which didn’t seem like a good idea when I booked the tickets.

Singapore Airlines lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport.

I’m writing this update in transit from the SATS Premier Lounge in Singapore, which is it’s usual little slice of heaven. But, before leaving Bangkok, I got a chance to check out Singapore Airlines’ lounge there, and I must say, it’s quite a treat. It is a bit of a hike to the lounge, which is out on Concourse A, but it has a much better view than Thai’s lounge on Concourse D. The lounge is quite comfortable, with plenty of power points for laptops, which even have plugs that take the three-pronged UK style plugs that are also standard in Singapore. Of course, there’s free wi-fi, which is why you need the plugs! there are also several computers available for use if you didn’t bring yours. Although the lounge is small, there’s a nice selection of food, which includes some hot dishes. The only thing that keeps me from suggesting that this lounge might be better than Thai’s is that there’s no restroom.