Suvarnabhumi Airport Link Check-In System Launch Set For Jan 4

[webfact]

Airport Link check-in system launch set for Jan 4

BANGKOK, Dec 19 - Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport's Airport Link will open and operate its check-in service for the first time on Jan 4, while passenger fares will be raised as it rises to full service after a four-month introductory operation period, according to Permanent Secretary for Transport Supoj Saplom.

Mr Supoj, in his capacity as board chairman of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), made his remarks after inspecting the readiness of the new check-in service and baggage handling systems at the City Air Terminal also known as Makkasan Station.

Mr Supoj said the initial three airlines which will begin check-in services at Makkasan Station on Jan 4 are THAI, Bangkok Airways and Lufthansa.

More airlines wanting to operate check-in service at the City Terminal can contact SRT to proceed with their request, Mr Supoj said.

The 28km rail link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport on the eastern approaches of the capital and the City Air Terminal in Bangkok's Makkasan area, shortening travel times for inbound and outbound air travellers as well as easing arrivals and departures compared to existing airport transport.

After long delays in construction and several test runs, the Airport Link began its commercial services in August 23 with special discount fares offered until the end of this year, but the passengers are unable to check in their baggage yet as the check-in system is still incomplete.

As the Airport Link service will fully operate its services after the New Year, the SRT chairman stated Sunday, the fare will be increased.

He said the City Line, which now costs Bt15 per trip, will be adjusted to between Bt15-45, depending on distance.

City Line, departing from Phaya Thai Station, takes 30 minutes to reach the airport as it makes eight stops across the capital to take passengers.

For the Express Line which provides a 15-minute non-stop journey between Makkasan and the airport with the promotional fare set at Bt100, Mr Supoj said the fare will be raised to Bt150 per trip.

The new passenger fare structure for the two lines will take effect on Jan 4, said Mr Supoj.

The SRT board chairman conceded that the number passengers may drop with the fare rise, but insisted the Airport Link will remain the most convenient and economic way of transportation to the country's main airport.

Mr Supoj explained that the rising fares will help the Airport Link to be less dependent on governmental financial support and reduce the company's debt.

He said that currently 40,000 persons commute by Suvarnabhumi Airport City Line daily, while 800-900 use the Express Line.

The SRT will also build walkways connecting the Airport Link's Makkasan Station to the MRT underground's Phetchaburi Station, while additional escalators will be provided to facilitate passengers carrying baggage at three stations including Phaya Thai, Ratchaprarop and Ramkhamheang.

All are expected to be complete at the beginning of next year, the SRT chairman pledged.

Regarding the check-in process at Makkasan Station, Mr Supoj said passenger luggage is required to pass security processes there before proceeding to check-in for boarding cards.

"Their baggage will be transferred directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport and they don't need to check-in again or gather [their belongings] once arriving at the airport", said Mr Supoj. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-12-19

[asiawatcher]

I can't understand why this was not included in the construction in the first place. The Makkasan station is almost inaccessible other than by taxi so why not keep going to the airport on the expressway in a Taxi? One car one pax and their luggage at 300 baht is far better than walking anywhere in Bangkok, dragging luggage around broken footpaths, dodging hopeless drivers with no consideration for pedestrians and 150 Baht on the express train.

The SRT will also build walkways connecting the Airport Link's Makkasan Station to the MRT underground's Phetchaburi Station, while additional escalators will be provided to facilitate passengers carrying baggage at three stations including Phaya Thai, Ratchaprarop and Ramkhamheang.

[SantiSuk]

The airport link is well worthwhile - even at 45 baht (Cityline - I'm much less convinced about express at 150 baht) for the single traveller. Makkasan is hugely over-engineered to provide for these check-in facilities. I give those facilities about 3 years before they get closed. Many cities that have gone for this approach have closed them because of insufficient interest - people are not prepare to check-in with the kind of lead times that remote facilities need. They would rather set off one hour later and take their luggage on the train to the airport. Typical triumph of theoretical urban/environmental planners over experience!

Does anyone know of a city where a remote (from the airport) city centre facility works well? I'm willing to be converted. Maybe package tour operators will like it because they can bus their guests to a more central location without having to go out to the airport - but that will only work if a lot more airlines will use it.

[Cuchulainn]

More time for your bags to be rifled!!

[Payboy]

Does anyone know of a city where a remote (from the airport) city centre facility works well?

Hong Kong.

[apetley]

KL Sentral seems pretty effective too.

[aussiandrew]

I tried the express train Airport to the City in November with back pack only and it works good and will use it again this month, and great views, additionally am looking forward to the improvements promised at the Makkasan end.

Merry Christmas Happy New Year and safe driving.

Aussiandrew