Jazmin Li
Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). If you're transiting in Bangkok, you can stay airside and a minimum connection time of one hour and fifteen minutes is usually okay. However, you will need a transit visa if you need to go through immigration procedures or collect baggage. Passengers transferring to CIQ destinations may be able to have their luggage checked through and clear immigration at their CIQ destination. If you have a long layover and wish to leave the airport, make sure your connecting flight is booked for the same airport and on the same itinerary and ticket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports in Bangkok | 2 |
| Names of the airports | Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang Airport (DMK) |
| Distance of Suvarnabhumi Airport from Bangkok city centre | 22 miles (35 kilometres) |
| Distance of Don Mueang Airport from Bangkok city centre | 15 miles (25 kilometres) |
| Recommended minimum time between flights for transfer between the two airports | 4-5 hours |
| Minimum connection time for Bangkok Airways | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Recommended minimum connection time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Recommended accommodation for an overnight or extended layover | Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK)
Suvarnabhumi is a modern and efficient airport, easily accessible from Bangkok's city centre via the Airport Rail Link. It offers a wide range of restaurants, shops, and hotels for passengers in transit or with a layover. However, it has earned the nickname "Swampy" due to its location on a former swamp, and passengers have noted that the security and immigration processes can be cumbersome.
Don Mueang is one of Asia's oldest airports, and its facilities are worn and dated. Delays and red tape are common, and there are often long queues due to an insufficient number of checkpoints. That being said, Don Mueang is the only airport serving certain destinations within Thailand, such as smaller cities in Isaan or southern airports like Chumphon or Ranong.
It is important for travellers to confirm which airport they are departing from to avoid missing their flight, as many first-time travellers to Thailand have shown up at the wrong airport. Additionally, if transiting in Bangkok, ensure your connecting flight is booked for the same airport, itinerary, and ticket.
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Connecting flights must be at the same airport
Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main international airport in Bangkok and is used for most long-haul international flights. It is also used for domestic flights by Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai VietJet. Don Mueang Airport, on the other hand, handles mostly regional international flights.
If you are transiting in Bangkok, it is important to ensure that your connecting flight is booked for the same airport. This is because transferring between the two airports can take a significant amount of time, especially if there is heavy rain or rush hour traffic. It is recommended to allow a minimum of four to five hours between flights if you need to transfer between the two airports. This is to account for the time needed to clear immigration, collect your luggage, and wait for transportation.
To avoid the hassle of transferring between airports, it is best to book your flights on the same itinerary and ticket. This is known as a through ticket, and it means that your luggage will be checked through to your final destination. The process at security and immigration is also much quicker with a through ticket, as you won't need to clear immigration or collect your luggage. Additionally, some airlines, such as Bangkok Airways, have a minimum connection time of one hour and 15 minutes for through tickets. If your international flight is late and you miss your connection, the airline will usually put you on the next available flight.
It is important to note that the transfer process can vary depending on the airline. For example, if you are flying with Bangkok Airways, you may need to collect your luggage and proceed through departures upstairs, even if you have an onward boarding pass for your second flight. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check your airline's policies before booking your connecting flights.
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A minimum of four to five hours is needed between flights
Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). If your travel plans involve a transfer between these two airports, it is recommended that you allow a minimum of four to five hours between flights. This is because it takes around an hour to travel between the two airports, and you need to factor in time for clearing immigration, collecting your luggage, and waiting for your bus or taxi.
If you are not staying in Thailand and are simply connecting to your next international flight, you won't need to clear immigration or collect your luggage, so a shorter connection time of one hour and fifteen minutes may be sufficient. However, it is still advisable to allow extra time in case of any delays or unforeseen circumstances.
The transfer process at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) can be straightforward, but it can also be daunting, especially if you are feeling jet-lagged. It is important to note that even if you have no checked luggage and an onward boarding pass for your second flight, you will still need to exit through baggage claim and proceed through departures upstairs.
If you have a long layover or an overnight stay, there are accommodation options available near the airport, including the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is just a two-minute shuttle ride from the airport. There are also capsule hotels within the airport itself, such as the Avagard Capsule Hotel and Boxtel @ Suvarnabhumi Airport, which offer short naps or overnight stays.
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Through tickets are best for transfers
When it comes to transferring flights, through tickets, also known as round-trip tickets, are often the best option. This is especially true when it comes to transferring in Bangkok, Thailand, where there are two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Ensuring that your connecting flight is booked through the same airport, itinerary, and ticket is crucial for a smooth transfer. Here are several reasons why through tickets are ideal for transfers:
- Convenience and Simplicity: Through tickets offer the convenience of having all your travel details on a single ticket. This includes departure and arrival information, seat allocation, and boarding times. With all your travel arrangements consolidated, you eliminate the hassle of managing multiple tickets and reservations.
- Cost-Effectiveness: In many cases, booking a round-trip ticket can be more cost-effective than purchasing separate one-way tickets. While it depends on your destination and payment method, certain routes are priced more competitively for round-trip flights. Additionally, by booking a through ticket, you avoid the potential issue of increased pricing for one-way flights operated by a single airline on a particular route.
- Flexibility and Peace of Mind: Through tickets often provide more flexibility and peace of mind. Many airlines have eliminated change fees, and it is generally easier to modify or cancel a single round-trip reservation compared to managing multiple one-way bookings. This can be advantageous if your plans change or if you need to adjust your travel dates.
- Seamless Transfers: Through tickets reduce the risk of complications during transfers. With separate tickets, you would typically need to claim and re-check your luggage at the transfer point, which can be time-consuming and may increase the chances of delays or missed connections. Through tickets help ensure a smoother and more efficient transfer process.
- Benefits and Perks: Booking a through ticket can often provide access to various benefits and perks, such as loyalty programs, frequent flyer miles, or other promotional incentives offered by airlines. These perks can add value to your overall travel experience and may include benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, or upgrades.
In conclusion, through tickets are recommended for transfers, especially when navigating through airports like Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang. They offer convenience, cost savings, flexibility, and a more seamless travel experience. While it's important to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and restrictions, having a well-planned itinerary with through tickets can make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free.
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Transit visas are required for onward flights
If you are transiting through Bangkok, you may need to apply for a Thai Transit Visa. This depends on several factors, including the duration of your layover and whether you plan to leave the airport.
If your connecting flight is less than 12 hours after your arrival and you do not plan to leave the transit area, you do not need a transit visa. However, if you intend to leave the airport during your layover, you will need to apply for a regular tourist visa instead of a transit visa.
To be eligible for a Thai Transit Visa, you must have a valid passport or travel document with at least six months of validity remaining, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, and sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay in Thailand. The specific requirements for a Thai Transit Visa may vary depending on your country of origin. It is important to check with your airline to ensure that your flight is booked on the same ticket, as this can also affect whether or not you need a transit visa.
To apply for a Thai Transit Visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document with a minimum of six months of validity remaining
- A completed and signed Thailand Transit Visa application form, which can be downloaded from the website of the Thai Embassy/Consulate or obtained in person
- Two passport-sized photographs taken within the last six months
- Proof of onward travel to a third destination or return ticket to your home country, such as a flight itinerary or a copy of your airline ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay, such as bank statements or proof of sponsorship from a third party
The processing time for a Thai Transit Visa can vary between 2-10 working days but may take longer, so it is advisable to apply at least a couple of weeks before your intended travel date. The visa is typically valid for a period of 3 months, but the duration of stay is usually limited to 30 days, depending on the discretion of the Thai embassy or consulate.
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Frequently asked questions
Transit passengers are required to stay airside and do not need to clear immigration or collect luggage. Therefore, it is not possible for transit passengers to leave Bangkok airport.
There are two airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
It is recommended that you allow a minimum of four to five hours between flights when transferring between Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports.
The best option for transfers is to book your flights on a single ticket or through-ticket. This means your luggage will be checked through to your final destination, and the process at security and immigration will be quicker.
Transit passengers may require a transit visa to pass through immigration and collect their baggage. However, some passengers may qualify for the Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme, which does not require a Thailand Pass registration.
