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6 Things You Need to Know About the New Bangkok Airport

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Pic title: Bangkok International Airport (BKK/VTBD)
(Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hyougushi/51556154/)

Besides the coup, there's a lot going on in Bangkok these days! The old Don Muang airport (BKK) is being rapidly retired and there is an entirely new, modern airport taking its place. This has been ahead of schedule and leads to much confusion. Here are the things you NEED to know before flying into Thailand these days.

1) The new airport is called Suvarnabhumi. This is pronounced really differently - say "sue-wah-na-poom" to the taxi driver (and leave off the last 'i' which is silent).

2) The switchover date is 28 Sept: all flights are scheduled to move to the new airport no later than 28 Sept 2006. However some international and domestic flights have moved ahead of time. If you're flying before the 28th, check with your particular airline's website. Some domestic flights (to less touristed areas) in particular are typically moved over already.

3) After the 28th, NO airlines will use the old Don Muang airport. Ideas are being floated - it may turn into a large market.

4) Getting a taxi is a pain! The new airport requires a shuttle to go almost 6 kilometers (4 miles) to the taxi stands. This is a major hassle - you're better off hanging out in the departures and flagging down a taxi driver who just dropped someone off. This way you avoid the airport fees as well as saving the shuttle time.

5) Plan for disruptions on the 28th. Some airlines like NOK Air are just not flying that day. Others will have interrupted schedules due to the move of equipment on the night of the 27th. If at all possible, fly a day before or after!

6) Lounges will be in disarray. If you're a frequent flyer, the lounges you normally come to expect will be all mixed up. Some lounges will be closed, some will be operating under different rules. For example, the British Airways and QANTAS combined lounge will be limited to ONLY first and business-class flyers. Other flyers will be denied regardless of status. Again, check on your airline or airline alliance website for details.

Good luck! Enjoy the new terminal and enjoy Thailand!


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