We flew Bangkok Airway’s Business class to/from Koh Samui and to the Maldives. They advertise as a boutique airline and I was intrigued as their big thing is a pleasant experience for everyone, including passengers in economy class. Their market is quite niche as they are not a major global airline nor are they a budget carrier. Bangkok Airways also owns the Koh Samui airport, so they are your only option to/from the island. They also have a direct flight from Bangkok to the Maldives which was perfect for our needs.

I always look out for the consistency of an airline or hotel brand as the experience should generally be the same. However, we know that is not always the case. I am thrilled to report that Bangkok Airways is a delightful airline with a wonderful experience in store for both Business class passengers and Economy. Due to the consistency, I am going to combine all three experiences into one review.

Lounges for All

Bangkok Airways has lounges for their economy and business passengers in most of their airports. While the Business class lounge is superior, it is nice Economy passengers also have a place to go for coffee, soft drinks and a few snacks.

The Business lounges in Bangkok and Koh Samui were good spaces. While food and drinks were available, we truly valued the quiet and privacy both lounges had to offer. Bangkok Airways only has Business class on some of their planes which minimized the crowds in the lounge. While food and drinks could be improved, I would take quiet over a packed lounge any day of the week. Sandwiches, snacks and a few Thai dishes made to order were available, but since the flights to/from Koh Samui were short we generally stuck to coffee.

Check In and Boarding

Business class check-in was quick and easy. Thai customer service is just the best and each time we got to the gate a Bangkok Airways employee found us and escorted us on the plane. When was the last time a Delta agent did that?

Seats

Travel bloggers frequently ding Bangkok Airways for their seats. They are similar to North American domestic business class seats, but many airlines in Asia actually have lie-flat seats even on their short-haul flights. I do not think this is a fair criticism as a vast majority of Bangkok Airways flights are <60 minutes.

Service

Like all things Thai, the service was perfect. Attendants addressed us by name, were always in the aisle refilling drinks and seemed happy to be there.

Food

Ready for this? Everyone gets a full meal in Economy and Business class on every flight including Koh Samui to Bangkok which is 45 minutes long. Next time United/American/Delta claim there isn’t even time for water…they are lying. The food in business class was quite tasty!

Overall

I loved Bangkok Airways and cannot recommend them enough for your Southeast Asia travel needs. Lounge access for all, meals for everyone and the service make the price well worth it compared to the Asian budget airlines that will nickel and dime you. They truly were a boutique airline! We look forward to flying with Bangkok Airways again!

5/5 *****