Phuket Thailand

sandymellis · #1 26-10-2005, 19:44

Does anyone know how long you need after arriving in Bangkok before you can take an onward connecting flight?. I arrive in Bangkok at 06.25am and plan to catch the 09.05am Nokair flight to Chiang Mai, would this be enough time in the country. Also do flights to Bangkok usually arrive on time? probably a stupid question, but perhaps if someone could tell me if on average that they do or don't.

dizbuster · #2 26-10-2005, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandymellis

Does anyone know how long you need after arriving in Bangkok before you can take an onward connecting flight?. I arrive in Bangkok at 06.25am and plan to catch the 09.05am Nokair flight to Chiang Mai, would this be enough time in the country. Also do flights to Bangkok usually arrive on time? probably a stupid question, but perhaps if someone could tell me if on average that they do or don't.

I have done the flight to Bangkok 7 times and not yet arrived late. I suppose it depends on which airline you're using to get there. The times you have given should allow you to make the connection comfortably i.e. no rushing around. It will take about an hour for you to clear immigration, get your bag and get through customs, then it's about a 20 minute slow walk to the Domestic terminal, so if you arrive around 06.30 then you're hitting the Domestic terminal at around 08.00 and by then check-in will be open for your flight with Nokair.

Why not monitor the website of the airline that your are using to get to Bangkok with, i.e. look at the arrival/departure information for a few days in order to get some idea. I am pretty sure that if you are flying with a national carrier from that country, e.g. with BA from England or Air France from Paris etc, then you will be fine, but flights going via the Middle East, airlines flying from a foreign country, e.g. China Airlines from England, tend to be more susceptible to delays.

sandymellis · #3 26-10-2005, 20:01

Mmmm I am flying with Etihad which does mean via the Middle East. However am I right in thinking that Nokplus allows for free ticket exchange in the event that I should miss my connection?

stevem · #4 26-10-2005, 20:03

The minimum connecting time in Bangkok is 2 hours. As there is probably no interline agreements with Nok Air, if your inbound flight is delayed, then your on your own.

dizbuster · #5 26-10-2005, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandymellis

Mmmm I am flying with Etihad which does mean via the Middle East. However am I right in thinking that Nokplus allows for free ticket exchange in the event that I should miss my connection?

It doesn't look like it does.

On their FAQ page the answer to the question "Can I change my reservation ?" is

Yes, but you cannot change your booking on Nok Air website. However, change can be made up to 1 day before the day of departure (except for name change, see below). You are allowed to change the flight information subject to the following conditions:

However, it would be best to check with the airline by sending them an email, that way you will get a definite answer.

With regards to Etihad's punctuality, I would suggest monitoring your flights for a week or so using this link http://www.dubaiairport.com/dia/english/home/ and after that check on a "once every so often" basis. This should give you an idea. The other thing you could look at is the departure airport's website e.g. if you're flying from Heathrow then go to http://www.baa.co.uk select "London Heathrow" and then select "Flight Information".

dizbuster · #6 26-10-2005, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevem

The minimum connecting time in Bangkok is 2 hours. As there is probably no interline agreements with Nok Air, if your inbound flight is delayed, then your on your own.

NokAir's website states...

Q : How early should I arrive at the airport in order to check-in?
A : Nok Air check-in counter will be opened 1 hour 30 minutes before the departure time and will be closed 45 minutes before to your departure time.

This would tie in with the 2 hour rule you mentioned.

dawsey · #7 27-10-2005, 01:32

Caught 4 Etihad flights and all were on time. My Etihad flight in Apr arrived at 6 45am and I caught a Thai Air flight easily at 9.10am. Once you have checked in with Nok Air, relaxxxxxxxxxx

sandymellis · #8 27-10-2005, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsey

Caught 4 Etihad flights and all were on time. My Etihad flight in Apr arrived at 6 45am and I caught a Thai Air flight easily at 9.10am. Once you have checked in with Nok Air, relaxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for that Dawsey, very reassuring, I will now travel a little less anxious. Where have you stayed in Thailand?

dawsey · #9 28-10-2005, 02:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandymellis

Thanks for that Dawsey, very reassuring, I will now travel a little less anxious. Where have you stayed in Thailand?

In Patong. If you are in the MTB between 1/16th Apr its my round

sandymellis · #10 01-11-2005, 19:57

In Patong from 9th to 15th April.........see you in MTB then

StevieC · #11 01-11-2005, 20:50

How long before take-off time does the Air Asia Check-in desk close ? Reason, I'm trying to arrange flights ex Udon Thani down to Phuket. Have booked the 1555 with Air Asia BKK-HKT and now trying to arrange connecting flights to BKK. The one I am looking at is Nok air which, IF it lands on time, at approx 1450 would give us barely one hour to board Air Asia flight !!!

stevem · #12 02-11-2005, 06:03

Dont rely on Air Asia being on time. I would not allow myself that tight connection between 2 non interlined carriers.

StevieC · #13 02-11-2005, 20:25

IF the Nok AIr flight lands on time we're okay. If it is late getting in to Bangers then...

I'll just blame my mate as he booked the flights.

Such is life !!