Introduction
Nok Air, a Thai low-cost airline, primarily operates domestic flights from Bangkokโs Don Mueang International Airport.
The airline offers three fare levels, allowing passengers to select the extra services they need.
Nok Lite includes 7 kg of carry-on baggage. Nok X-TRA adds checked luggage and advanced seat assignments.
Nok MAX consists of all previous offerings, such as a hot meal for international flights or a snack box for domestic flights, priority boarding, and lounge access.
On my recent flight from Bangkok to Phuket, I opted for the MAX fare level to experience the lounge and inflight service.
The difference between the cheapest ticket and the Nok MAX fare was about USD 30.
Lounge Experience
Nok MAX passengers benefit from priority check-in services, allowing for faster processing.
However, no priority security service is available.
Nok Air Lounge access is available to members of the Nok Fan Club Nok Smile Plus program, Nok MAX fare passengers, and non-Nok Air passengers for a fee of 500 THB (USD 13).
The lounge is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is located in the domestic Terminal 2 between gates 41-46 and 50-56.
The lounge was relatively quiet during my visit, with plenty of seating available.
There is a workspace for those who need to catch up on work and a range of sofas and chairs to relax in while waiting for the flight.
The food and beverages are basic but adequate. They feature hot food, sandwiches, pastries, soup, and pot noodles.
There is plenty of bottled water, a Pepsi machine, and a coffee and tea machine.
While the lounge offering is simple, itโs clean, comfortable, quiet, and reasonably priced if you pay for entry.
Just keep your expectations modest.
Inflight Experience
As a Nok MAX passenger, I was allocated a seat at the front of the aircraft, distinguished by its yellow headrest cover (up to row 6).
After takeoff, I received a snack box containing a marble cake, a raisin snail roll, and water, which can be pre-ordered for USD 5.00.
The cake was a bit dry, and the raisin roll was acceptable but nothing extraordinary.
Pre-ordered hot meals on Nok Air start from USD 4.50 and change regularly, including options like Pad Thai and Chicken Tikka Masala.
They also offer snack boxes, snack and beverage packs, and an onboard menu if you decide not to pre-order.
Onboard Menu
Onboard meal prices start at THB 200 (around USD 5.50).
Some meals are only available on international flights, so if youโre a picky eater, itโs best to pre-order.
The standard range includes hot drinks, cold drinks, Pringles, nuts, and other snacks.
Prices are very competitive compared to Europe, which is typical for the region.
Conclusion
The MAX fare, which includes lounge access and priority services, offers good value for the additional cost.
The onboard food options are decent and reasonably priced, and the ability to pre-order meals ensures you get something you like.
For travellers seeking a budget airline with a few extra perks, Nok Air is worth considering for domestic and regional flights in Thailand.