Inflight Review Posted on

Bangkok Airways: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Why Bangkok Airways Lives Up to Its "Asia’s Boutique Airline" Promise.

About Bangkok Airways

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We liked…

Free lounge access
Inflight meals
Customer service

We didn’t like…

Nothing to complain about!

Overall

Bangkok Airways impresses with its exceptional service, premium amenities, and thoughtful touches, truly living up to its “Asia’s Boutique Airline” reputation.

INTRODUCTION

Bangkok Airways brands itself as “Asia’s Boutique Airline,” offering a premium flying experience that truly sets it apart.

Two key reasons to choose this airline are the exceptional passenger experience, including lounge access for all passengers and superior inflight service.

Recently, I had the pleasure of flying with them between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and here’s a look at my experience.

The Bangkok Airways logo on a blue geometric patterned wall.

THE LOUNGE

One of Bangkok Airways’ standout features is its complimentary lounge access for all passengers, regardless of ticket class.

These boutique lounges offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and an array of refreshments and snacks.

LOUNGE LOCATION

For domestic passengers, the lounge is conveniently located at Bangkok Airport near Concourse A, Level 2, and operates from 04:30 to 19:30 daily.

Upon entering, friendly staff verify your eligibility. To access the lounge, pass by the giant teddy bear and turn the corner.

A large, smiling teddy bear statue in a grey shirt and dark pants stands inside a building with blue and white decor. A fire extinguisher and a wheelchair are seen in the background.

The lounge is spacious with ample seating, although it can get busy.

A seating area with people in an airport lounge. A blue wall displays a sign inviting guests to the boutique departure lounge. A computer monitor and sanitizer are on a counter in the foreground.
An airport boarding zone with a sign reading "Boarding All Gates" and "Bangkok Airways". A display has toy airplanes, and a shelf holds magazines.

Reading materials are available near the entrance, and food and beverage stations offer juices, tea/coffee, sandwiches, and cupcakes.

A coffee machine station with two NESCAFÉ Alegria machines and a nearby milk dispenser. There are also two water dispensers offering hot and cold water with cups placed above them.

The famed Thai dessert Khao Tom Mud—steamed banana in sticky rice wrapped in a banana leaf—is a must-try, with rice sourced from the northeast, ensuring the highest quality grains.

Interesting fact: The rice used must come from the northeast and is harvested exclusively during mid-season to ensure the highest quality grains.

A counter displays stacks of napkins and plates next to covered trays of sandwiches. A hand sanitizer station and a sign are visible in the background.
A tray of chocolate muffins with colorful sprinkles is displayed on a counter in a cafeteria setting. Other food items are visible in the background.
A bakery display case with various pastries on three shelves, located on a countertop beside utensils and milk cartons.
Self-service beverage station with orange juice dispensers on the left and a multi-flavor drink machine on the right, including cups and a drip tray beneath.
An indoor walkway with potted plants leads to a glass-walled room. A sign on the glass door prohibits entry. Inside, there's a counter with a person in a bear costume visible.

INFLIGHT EXPERIENCE

The first thing you notice on the flight is the generous legroom, a welcome change from low-cost airlines in Thailand.

An empty row of blue fabric airplane seats with white headrest covers, near the windows.

The older-style seats are comfortable with a charming retro feel.

View of an airplane passenger's legroom with a safety information card in the seat-back pocket and a red bag under the neighboring seat.

After takeoff, the crew swiftly begin service, starting with special meals for those who requested them. Impressively, Bangkok Airways offers over 20 special meals even on short flights, a rarity matched only by Aegean Airlines.

Airplane meal tray on a seat tray table, including a foil-covered dish, a wrapped utensil set, a plastic cup, and a dessert with white and pink toppings.

The main food service follows, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a hot meal tray on this one-hour flight.

Airplane meal on a tray table, featuring a container with rice and chicken, a plastic fork and spoon, a cup, a bottle of water, and a dessert with pink frosting and red sprinkles.

Although there was no meal choice, a hot meal is a luxury when many airlines offer nothing or just a small snack on similar routes.

The tray included real cutlery in economy class and a proper dessert. The chicken with rice was excellent, and the dessert was delicious.

The meal tray comes with some additional bonuses: real cutlery in economy class and a proper dessert. The chicken with rice dish was excellent, and the dessert was absolutely delicious.

The crew explained that even on 45-minute flights to Koh Samui, a hot meal is served, showcasing their commitment to exceptional service.

After meals, coffee, tea, and orange juice were offered. The crew were exceptionally polite and hospitable, maintaining composure and kindness despite the time constraints.

CONCLUSION

Bangkok Airways truly lives up to its reputation as Asia’s Boutique Airline, providing outstanding service both on the ground and in the air.

From relaxing lounge access to exceptional inflight service, every detail is designed to enhance the passenger experience.

After flying with numerous low-cost airlines, the contrast is stark.

Bangkok Airways offers spacious seating, attentive crew, and thoughtful amenities, ensuring passenger comfort and satisfaction are paramount.

I would happily fly with this airline again and again.