BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport Update

[JohnK]

What does it matter if it is a payment to QF as part of the taxes and charges, or by cash to a collection agent. You are paying it either way.

Mal mentioned that it would be included in the airfare but my guess is that it will be part of taxes & surcharges. Same same but different.

It matters to me who pays the departure tax. If I pay the departure tax I will guarantee the correct amount is payed. At todays cash exchange rate 700 Baht is ~A$25. There is nothing stopping QF, or any other airline, using some convoluted exchange rate and effectively charging a departure tax of A$30+ from BKK. The A$5 may not be a big deal to one individual but I have a serious problem with QF overcharging passengers, ala fuel surcharges.

Enough is enough and the line needs to be drawn somewhere. QF is taking care of enough taxes & surcharges right now and I would prefer to continue paying the departure tax from BKK.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

There is nothing stopping QF, or any other airline, using some convoluted exchange rate and effectively charging a departure tax of A$30+ from BKK. The A$5 may not be a big deal to one individual but I have a serious problem with QF overcharging passengers, ala fuel surcharges.

Incorrect. All true taxes have an official rate which cannot be varied. When charged in a different currency there is a standard rate of exchange used. While the amount charged in A$ may vary from the amount in Bhat due to currency movement, this will not be at the discretion of the airline.

 

[infoworks]

The reasons may have changed, but in NZ I understand that as the cities own the airports, they each collect their departure taxes and the govt. couldn't get them to agree on a common system. QF told me years ago that they use the credit card as it makes reconciliation, etc so much simpler.

I used to keep a supply of AKL departure tax stamps, but don't bother now as I am not going there so regularly.

I would prefer the charges to be included in ticket for simplicity. But I also understandy why governments want this huge, ready pool of cash available to them with no fuss!

 

[gaia]

Arrived new BKK last Thursday evening and leaving today. I'll be in and out of here 3 times in the next week. Currently in CX lounge.

A lot of walking involved, but everything seems to work.

Getting a taxi on arrival signs direct down a level which seems a little odd. Very slow to get taxi even though queue not large but then that's often the same at MEL & SYD. Metered cab fare from Silom to airport 280 Baht + 65 Baht highway charge.

 

[JohnK]

Metered cab fare from Silom to airport 280 Baht + 65 Baht highway charge.

That is to be expected! Have you used a metered taxi from airport to Silom or Sukhumvit? I have read of people paying over 400 Baht + tolls going from the airport. That is what happens when you allow a monopoly to take control.

 

[gaia]

Have you used a metered taxi from airport to Silom or Sukhumvit?

Last Thursday at midnight, meter fare to Millennium Hilton (over the river at Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan) B285 + B65 highway toll + B50 airport surcharge. Total B400 = $14.

 

[JohnK]

Last Thursday at midnight, meter fare to Millennium Hilton (over the river at Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan) B285 + B65 highway toll + B50 airport surcharge. Total B400 = $14.

Thanks gaia that looks reasonable.

There has been mixed reports to the taxi fare increases on a few Thai boards that I frequent. Some were saying between 400-500 Baht + tolls from airport to Silom or Sukhumvit. Apparently hire car is 700 Baht. These prices are highway robbery.

Reason I ask is I am over there again around the New Year and planning to do some status runs and if you have to pay 500+ Baht * 2 for every day trip then it becomes a little less cost effective. Can't wait for the skytrain link to be completed but that is not likely until end 2007 at the earliest.

 

[infoworks]

Once outside and on the way into town you will see how incomplete the skytrain to the airport is.

 

[simongr]

Just wondering (again) if people have more recent lounge experience? As per previous posts I am flying WT+ BKK-SYD on Friday and am QF SG. I know that lounge access is restricted only to people flying JF but was wondeirng if people had had any success getting into the CX lounge or the general lounge based on capacity/availability? Any suggestions on any lounges that might be worth a shot?

Cheers
S

 

[Altair]

Just wondering (again) if people have more recent lounge experience? As per previous posts I am flying WT+ BKK-SYD on Friday and am QF SG. I know that lounge access is restricted only to people flying JF but was wondeirng if people had had any success getting into the CX lounge or the general lounge based on capacity/availability? Any suggestions on any lounges that might be worth a shot?

Cheers
S

Hmm workmate just arived back from BKK on TG on Monday. He said he just walked into their lounge and they did not ask for anything. He also said the lounge was overcrowded, poorly designed (location of bar and food), no food to speak of etc....heard it all before.

 

[NM]

... he just walked into their lounge ... He also said the lounge was overcrowded

He also said the lounge was overcrowded ... no food to speak of

I wonder if there is any correlation?

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I wonder if there is any correlation?

AFAIK not all the TG (or any other *A) lounges are open yet, thus the overcrowding. Yes it was the same when I visited which wasn't even a peak travel time of day for BKK. The lounge is big with lots of alcoves, but a long thin lounge rather than a big box (compare with the interim lounge at LAX TBIT which probably has similar capacity and is a big box).

 

[gaia]

6 visits to new BKK this week (3 in, 3 out) and my more considered verdict is that everything works ok, but the levels are confusing.

Departure passport control on level 4 and then down to level 3 for lounge and then down another level by ramp for takeoff ...seems unnecessary.

On arrival, down to level 1 for taxis not easy with baggage.

Don Muang was easier to navigate.

Trolleys are huge (with no real extra actual capacity) and unreliable. And yesterday, there were no trolleys at all on arrival.

 

[pauly7]

Have been transiting thru BKK last couple of days.

Airport is HUGE. None of the descriptions do it justice!

TG INTL lounge wasn't as plush as I thought it was be - they certainly built up my expectations!

Well signposted, levels not confusing at all unless you are old and infirm (can't walk the 10kms to the gate!)

Haven't been to the CIP lounge yet - will on way back to OZ.

 

[Nick]

Does anyone know whether the QF/BA lounge is still on track to open in late December / early January?

 

[JohnK]

Does anyone know whether the QF/BA lounge is still on track to open in late December / early January?

December is now out of the equation. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for January either.

It is currently scheduled to be completed in early 2007.

 

[NM]

It is currently scheduled to be completed in early 2007.

And in airline terms, that means anytime in the first half of the year (subject to change of course).

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

And in airline terms, that means anytime in the first half of the year (subject to change of course).

and in airbus terms that means any time between 2009 and 2017

 

[JohnK]

And in airline terms, that means anytime in the first half of the year (subject to change of course).

And if past history of workers' commitment required to reach any deadline in Thailand then I believe the statement "The lounge may be open sometime in 2007" is closer to the the mark (subject to change of course).

 

[one9]

And if past history of workers' commitment required to reach any deadline in Thailand then I believe the statement "The lounge may be open sometime in 2007" is closer to the the mark (subject to change of course).

Someone who understands Thailand well.