3 Weeks in Asia: Bangkok Airways Chiang Mai Lounge & Flight to Bangkok
Having remembered my overweight-luggage panic the year before when flying an Asian low-cost carrier, I was a little worried about flying Bangkok Airways with my giant purple suitcase. But with one way tickets only $60 and Thai Airways coming in at more than double, I couldn’t really justify spending more for an hour flight.
And then I did my research and discovered if you sign up for Bangkok Airways free loyalty program Flyer Bonus, you automatically get an extra 10kg of luggage and access to their boutique lounge. I definitely didn’t have 30kg of checked luggage so I breathed a sigh of relief.
I was also a little worried that I hadn’t arrived at the airport in time ( a little more than an hour) when I saw the crowds, but the actual check in lines were pretty clear.
And while Chaing Mai had felt very Thai, the Chiang Mai airport feels very western with it’s collection of shops and food options.
I headed up to the Boutique Lounge outside of security on the second floor, open to any Bangkok Airways passenger in their loyalty program.
It was large and felt a little bare though despite the many seating options.
There were juice machines, popcorn, and various thai snacks including Khao Tom Mud, banana sticky rice.
I was amused (and also appreciated) that they clarified you should unwrap the banana leaf before eating. 🙂
The gate area was a little bit of a madhouse as well, but I went down a little early and parked myself near the front so I could be among the first to board.
At this gate you walked a little ways outside to the plane, at which point I was totally done with Chiang Mai’s smokey pollution!
I had been a little worried about how small the seats would be, but though I didn’t have knee room to spare, it was comfortable enough for an hour flight.
And we were served a meal which consisted of a hotpocket-like main and a little cup of fruit, luxury for someone used to US domestic flights.
For $60 for an hour flight I had no complaints!
More from this trip:
- Planning & Itinerary
- Applying for an India Tourist Visa
- Part 1: What NOT to Do Planning a Trip to India
- Airport Overnight at Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel
- Etihad First Class Check In & Wingtips Lounge JFK
- Etihad First Class on Jet Airways: JFK-AUH
- Etihad Abu Dhabi Lounge Terminal 1
- Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi-Chennai
- Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Chennai
- An Amazing Tour of South Indian Food
- I Never Expected To Make This Travel Mistake
- Chennai Airport Lounge & Thai Airways Business Class Chennai-Chiang Mai
- Visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s Temple on a Mountain
- Where to Eat in Chiang Mai
- What I Wish I Had Known Before I Went to India
- The Taj Took My Selfie Stick
All Bangkok Airways passengers (FF program members or not) have access to the Boutique Lounge.
Thanks for that clarification, will update the post! I think I fell for their loyalty program language.