Air Asia Vs Bankgog Airways

[chaimdan]

I'm now booking all my flights for june, and although AA seemed to have great prices but after you add suitcases (which I didn't know wasn't included) and seat selection the price is pretty much the same (bkk - chiang mai) for 2 adults 1 child 1 infant...

Should I chose one over the other? both safe?

Also BA offers 30 KG if I sign up for mileage... which seems nice... Downside that I can't book infant so I need to do it upon landing (they require it be done a day before you fly, and I stay in BKK and fly out next day..)

Also I may have a few extra days towards end of stay, are there any nearby countries that would be worth visiting (a totally different experience than Thailand) that I can take kids to?

Was thinking perhaps just go to Shenzhen to get tailoring or something if nothing else is appealing..

Thanks a lot

[maibs]

Bangkok air is the airline to go.

You got a private lounge at Bangkok and Phuket airport (even economy class) where you can have some refreshments and relax.

I am a frequent flier and fly weekly between samui- BKK and Phuket-BKK. I would not use any other airline.

New planes, good service, good lounges, good price

[xen]

One of the main reasons i choose Air Asia over Bangkok Air is that Air Asia flies out of Swampy and that is closer to where i am based in BKK . Don Muang is further to travel.

[Shrubbery]

One of the main reasons i choose Air Asia over Bangkok Air is that Air Asia flies out of Swampy and that is closer to where i am based in BKK . Don Muang is further to travel.

Since when did Bangkok Airways stop flying from Survarnabhumi ???

Those ATR's, 717's and Airbus with all the jazzed up liveries must belong to a new airline.

[plazot11]

I have flown Air Asia and Air AsiaX numerous times since they commenced flying out of the Gold Coast in Australia aircraft were new. Service was brilliant for the first few years but on a flight from KL to Gold Coast last December 2009 the "couldn't care less attitude has arrived" rude ignorant staff and no service cause "we were only budget travelers" Do not expect any more than "budget" service, also the cost of extra's like a seat? The extra's now makes a trip expensive. For example from the Gold Coast in Australia to Kl then from Kl to Clark in the Philippines .. no connecting flights now so need to stay one night at the airport the fare adds up to A$948.00 plus one night accomodation say $60. That's a total of A$1,0008 to fly to Philippines. This time I decided to get prices. Qantas direct flight A$1050 return or Royal Brunei Airline A$739 return so I will fly Royal Brunei..

My only experience with Bangkok Air was the aircraft maintenence left a lot of of worrying thoughts no linings in the toilets and lots of the cabin panels missing ? Once was enough ! Bangkok Airways I thought may have inexperienced pilots who seemed to think to get from the terminal to the runway was a drag race it was frightening. I was not surprised when they had a plane crash in Samui pilot error?

[bridge]

Bangkok air is the airline to go.

You got a private lounge at Bangkok and Phuket airport (even economy class) where you can have some refreshments and relax.

I am a frequent flier and fly weekly between samui- BKK and Phuket-BKK. I would not use any other airline.

New planes, good service, good lounges, good price

I personally try to avoid Bangkok Airways whenever I can. They are very overpriced, just look at the price from Bangkok to Samui for example, but then again they have the monopoly on that one. As for the lounges, well I would hardly call them good. The one in Phuket has seating for what, like 10 people max. I also dislike their website, which always seems to be slow and have problems.

As for Air Asia, sure they are a budget carrier, but there are some really good cheap flights available. Two months ago I flew Phuket - Chiang Mai return for about 5000THB total. I think the fare from Samui to Chiang Mai on the same dates was closer to 18,0000THB. Sure I had to get to Phuket from Samui (bus/boat), but at a saving of 13,000THB is was definitely worth it.

If you dont mind the extra travel and inconvenience you can fly from Surat to Bangkok return for less than a one way fare Samui to Bangkok on Bangkok Airways.

[game4shame]

bankgog airways? a new airline perhaps? oh, bangkok airways......silly me.

well, bangkok airways is (IMO) the best domestic carrier by a country mile - nice aircraft, nice lounges (available for all passengers), minimal disruptions etc etc......nice FA's too if you're lucky. basically, they're just better than the rest.

their samui prices are controversial but they occasionally do a good price to other destinations.

as the OP is comparing flights to CM I would 100% choose bangkok airways if the prices are similar.

yes, airasia can come up with total bargains but sometimes - as in the OP's case - the difference is not worth writing home about. also, airasia is a no thrills budget airline - no lounges or free snacks or any of the bangkok airways perks.

One of the main reasons i choose Air Asia over Bangkok Air is that Air Asia flies out of Swampy and that is closer to where i am based in BKK . Don Muang is further to travel.

errrrrrrm, ok. possibly the aforementioned 'bankgog airways' fly from DM but 'bangkok airways' fly from soo-wanna-poom.

[davee58]

In the past I have chosen to pay a bit more for the Privilege of flying with Bangkok Airways, rather than flying Air Asia on the same route.

Great to feel like a valued customer, the baggage allowance and meal are nice, and the lounge means free cake and coffee.

By joining the Bangkok Airways frequent flyer scheme free flights are available.

Having said that I have just flown from KL to BKK today with Air Asia, and everything was great.

[MarkyM3]

I have flown Air Asia and Air AsiaX numerous times since they commenced flying out of the Gold Coast in Australia aircraft were new. Service was brilliant for the first few years but on a flight from KL to Gold Coast last December 2009 the "couldn't care less attitude has arrived" rude ignorant staff and no service cause "we were only budget travelers" Do not expect any more than "budget" service, also the cost of extra's like a seat? The extra's now makes a trip expensive. For example from the Gold Coast in Australia to Kl then from Kl to Clark in the Philippines .. no connecting flights now so need to stay one night at the airport the fare adds up to A$948.00 plus one night accomodation say $60. That's a total of A$1,0008 to fly to Philippines. This time I decided to get prices. Qantas direct flight A$1050 return or Royal Brunei Airline A$739 return so I will fly Royal Brunei..

My only experience with Bangkok Air was the aircraft maintenence left a lot of of worrying thoughts no linings in the toilets and lots of the cabin panels missing ? Once was enough ! Bangkok Airways I thought may have inexperienced pilots who seemed to think to get from the terminal to the runway was a drag race it was frightening. I was not surprised when they had a plane crash in Samui pilot error?

Do not recognise the comments about Bangkok Airways, the comments about missing cabin panels etc. sound more like 1-2-Go or Orient Thai

I have probably done about 20+ flights over the past 5 years on Bangkok Airways, mainly to Samui but also a couple to Phuket and Chiang Mai. Aircraft were B717, A319 or ATR72. They were all immaculately maintained and crewed/piloted.

The airline has a good reputation for safety - the Samui crash was due to the plane skidding off a greasy runway and hitting a building that should never have been built there. Contrast that with the 1-2-Go crash in Phuket which was due to pilot error and bad company practice. That airline was blacklisted for a few years from EU airspace.

Service level is very good, they've won Skytax best regional airline award in Asia for the last 5 years or so.

They are not particularly cheap to fly with but they are safe, which is something you cannot say for some other operators.

I have only used Air Asia once (CM - BKK) and they were fine but as other posters say, they are a budget airline akin to Easyjet or Ryanair in Europe. As you have found, when all the "extras" are bolted on to a low headline rate, the difference is minimal if at all.

My recommendation is to go with Bangkok Airways, no question. Sign up for the frequent flyer scheme as well.

Cheers.

[bridge]

I have flown Air Asia and Air AsiaX numerous times since they commenced flying out of the Gold Coast in Australia aircraft were new. Service was brilliant for the first few years but on a flight from KL to Gold Coast last December 2009 the "couldn't care less attitude has arrived" rude ignorant staff and no service cause "we were only budget travelers" Do not expect any more than "budget" service, also the cost of extra's like a seat? The extra's now makes a trip expensive. For example from the Gold Coast in Australia to Kl then from Kl to Clark in the Philippines .. no connecting flights now so need to stay one night at the airport the fare adds up to A$948.00 plus one night accomodation say $60. That's a total of A$1,0008 to fly to Philippines. This time I decided to get prices. Qantas direct flight A$1050 return or Royal Brunei Airline A$739 return so I will fly Royal Brunei..

My only experience with Bangkok Air was the aircraft maintenence left a lot of of worrying thoughts no linings in the toilets and lots of the cabin panels missing ? Once was enough ! Bangkok Airways I thought may have inexperienced pilots who seemed to think to get from the terminal to the runway was a drag race it was frightening. I was not surprised when they had a plane crash in Samui pilot error?

Do not recognise the comments about Bangkok Airways, the comments about missing cabin panels etc. sound more like 1-2-Go or Orient Thai

I have probably done about 20+ flights over the past 5 years on Bangkok Airways, mainly to Samui but also a couple to Phuket and Chiang Mai. Aircraft were B717, A319 or ATR72. They were all immaculately maintained and crewed/piloted.

The airline has a good reputation for safety - the Samui crash was due to the plane skidding off a greasy runway and hitting a building that should never have been built there. Contrast that with the 1-2-Go crash in Phuket which was due to pilot error and bad company practice. That airline was blacklisted for a few years from EU airspace.

Good point - However, who owns and operates Samui airport? Oh yes, Bangkok Airways.

Very fortunate that that that the owner also owns and operates the Samui Bangkok Hospital,

Service level is very good, they've won Skytax best regional airline award in Asia for the last 5 years or so.

They are not particularly cheap to fly with but they are safe, which is something you cannot say for some other operators.

I have only used Air Asia once (CM - BKK) and they were fine but as other posters say, they are a budget airline akin to Easyjet or Ryanair in Europe. As you have found, when all the "extras" are bolted on to a low headline rate, the difference is minimal if at all.

My recommendation is to go with Bangkok Airways, no question. Sign up for the frequent flyer scheme as well.

Cheers.

[MarkyM3]

I have flown Air Asia and Air AsiaX numerous times since they commenced flying out of the Gold Coast in Australia aircraft were new. Service was brilliant for the first few years but on a flight from KL to Gold Coast last December 2009 the "couldn't care less attitude has arrived" rude ignorant staff and no service cause "we were only budget travelers" Do not expect any more than "budget" service, also the cost of extra's like a seat? The extra's now makes a trip expensive. For example from the Gold Coast in Australia to Kl then from Kl to Clark in the Philippines .. no connecting flights now so need to stay one night at the airport the fare adds up to A$948.00 plus one night accomodation say $60. That's a total of A$1,0008 to fly to Philippines. This time I decided to get prices. Qantas direct flight A$1050 return or Royal Brunei Airline A$739 return so I will fly Royal Brunei..

My only experience with Bangkok Air was the aircraft maintenence left a lot of of worrying thoughts no linings in the toilets and lots of the cabin panels missing ? Once was enough ! Bangkok Airways I thought may have inexperienced pilots who seemed to think to get from the terminal to the runway was a drag race it was frightening. I was not surprised when they had a plane crash in Samui pilot error?

Do not recognise the comments about Bangkok Airways, the comments about missing cabin panels etc. sound more like 1-2-Go or Orient Thai

I have probably done about 20+ flights over the past 5 years on Bangkok Airways, mainly to Samui but also a couple to Phuket and Chiang Mai. Aircraft were B717, A319 or ATR72. They were all immaculately maintained and crewed/piloted.

The airline has a good reputation for safety - the Samui crash was due to the plane skidding off a greasy runway and hitting a building that should never have been built there. Contrast that with the 1-2-Go crash in Phuket which was due to pilot error and bad company practice. That airline was blacklisted for a few years from EU airspace.

Good point - However, who owns and operates Samui airport? Oh yes, Bangkok Airways.

Very fortunate that that that the owner also owns and operates the Samui Bangkok Hospital,

Service level is very good, they've won Skytax best regional airline award in Asia for the last 5 years or so.

They are not particularly cheap to fly with but they are safe, which is something you cannot say for some other operators.

I have only used Air Asia once (CM - BKK) and they were fine but as other posters say, they are a budget airline akin to Easyjet or Ryanair in Europe. As you have found, when all the "extras" are bolted on to a low headline rate, the difference is minimal if at all.

My recommendation is to go with Bangkok Airways, no question. Sign up for the frequent flyer scheme as well.

Cheers.

Yes, Bangkok Airways does own that airport and there shouldn't have been a disused building there. Bad management which the accident report should address.

Regards the point about their ownership of the Samui Bangkok hospital, crashing aircraft isn't generally good for the image is it so the connection is somewhat tenuous....

The fact remains that they are a safe airline operating to western standards.

[chaimdan]

Thanks alot everyone we booked Bangkok airways...

However I am noticing flights to Samui are quite a bit more expensive, but I guess I don't have a choice if I want to go there as they'll only be going up :-(

[roamer]

Thanks alot everyone we booked Bangkok airways...

However I am noticing flights to Samui are quite a bit more expensive, but I guess I don't have a choice if I want to go there as they'll only be going up :-(

They have the monopoly so it will be. They use the Burgerking business model, if they can get exclusivity they ramp their prices. Only alternative to flying to Samui is Surat Thani and boat across. Must admit though that if I compared them against AA to any given destination on any given date....easy to do use Skyscanner, Here. even by the time you add in the AA extras, most of which are avoidable, AA always comes in massively cheaper. I've flown Bangkok Airways on quite a few occasions and never found anything bad about them but equally never found anything about them that justified the higher price. However at the end of the day my main gripe about them is how they carve up certain routes, Luang Prabang, Laos is a typical example, more than one or two carriers have tried to compete on that route only to get knocked back by the Laos gov. (Wonder why ?) Net result, very profitable route for Bangkok Airways, very expensive for travellers.

[el jefe]

Thanks alot everyone we booked Bangkok airways...

However I am noticing flights to Samui are quite a bit more expensive, but I guess I don't have a choice if I want to go there as they'll only be going up :-(

They have the monopoly so it will be. They use the Burgerking business model, if they can get exclusivity they ramp their prices. Only alternative to flying to Samui is Surat Thani and boat across. Must admit though that if I compared them against AA to any given destination on any given date....easy to do use Skyscanner, Here. even by the time you add in the AA extras, most of which are avoidable, AA always comes in massively cheaper. I've flown Bangkok Airways on quite a few occasions and never found anything bad about them but equally never found anything about them that justified the higher price. However at the end of the day my main gripe about them is how they carve up certain routes, Luang Prabang, Laos is a typical example, more than one or two carriers have tried to compete on that route only to get knocked back by the Laos gov. (Wonder why ?) Net result, very profitable route for Bangkok Airways, very expensive for travellers.

Agree 100% with Roamer. Nothing wrong with Bangkok Air, other than the price. For short flights, like the BKK-CNX flight in question, there's no reason not to go with Air Asia. They're currently offering seats, when the OP wants to fly, for 699 baht (plus the baggage fee, small if booked in advance). For 699 baht I paid, I don't need Bangkok Airways lounge and free meal for a one hour flight

[xen]

One of the main reasons i choose Air Asia over Bangkok Air is that Air Asia flies out of Swampy and that is closer to where i am based in BKK . Don Muang is further to travel.

My apologies – I have been using Air Asia for all my local/domestic flights that I never think of looking at Bangkok Air and the last time I looked they were flying out of Don Muang with Nok Air and all the other domestic flight carriers.