Overnight Layover -- Int'l To Domestic Flight

[RSH]

I'm going to arrive on an international flight at midnight, then will be connecting on to an internal Thai flight (on a completely separate ticket) at 07.30 am. I'm assuming that the procedure upon arrival will be go through immigration, pick up my bag, go through customs, then check back in through Thai Airways again (which the web site says I can't do until two hours before the flight).

Does anyone have experience going through this process overnight? Any tips? Is there enough to do on the 'non-secure' side of the airport to keep a tired traveller going for a few hours? Are there comfortable, safe places to sack out? (Apart from the Novotel, that is -- I know that's an option, but it seems very pricey for a few hours.)

Thanks!

[think_too_mut]

The guy next to me on HKG-BKK flight had to wait from midnight until 7:30am to continue on a domestic route. He picked his bag, left the secure area and when we parted he was determined to hang around the airport with his bag and swear "Lowest prices - guaranteed!" travel agency that had him believe he was getting a deal.

Edited April 20, 2007 by think_too_mut

[Krub]

I'm going to arrive on an international flight at midnight, then will be connecting on to an internal Thai flight (on a completely separate ticket) at 07.30 am. I'm assuming that the procedure upon arrival will be go through immigration, pick up my bag, go through customs, then check back in through Thai Airways again (which the web site says I can't do until two hours before the flight).

Does anyone have experience going through this process overnight? Any tips? Is there enough to do on the 'non-secure' side of the airport to keep a tired traveller going for a few hours? Are there comfortable, safe places to sack out? (Apart from the Novotel, that is -- I know that's an option, but it seems very pricey for a few hours.)

Thanks!

1. Are you sure your Thai flight leaves from the same airport ? I have checked and cannot see a Thai flight leaving at 7:30 from Suvanabhumi on domestic route

2. If yes check if you can check your bags right to your final destination even on separate tickets it should be possible but it depends on the airlines involved. You might even stay yourself in transit and try to sleep in a lounge (pay on entry) or a day room also pay on entry in one of the lounge.

3. If you clear customs in between flights you will find some hard chairs where you can crash for a few hours.

4. If not you need to cross town and go to Don Muang airport for your domestic flight. I would then go to one of the cheap hotels near Don Muang for even a few hours sleep.

Edited April 20, 2007 by Krub