Bangkok Airways review 2026 covering fares, baggage allowance, lounge access, seats, meals, routes, customer service, and value for money.
Find out if Bangkok Airways is worth booking for your next Thailand or Southeast Asia trip.
Is Bangkok Airways Worth Flying In 2026?
Here’s a quick breakdown of Bangkok Airways’ 2026 ratings, service, comfort, and overall value.
| Category | Our Take | What You Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Experience | ★★★★☆ | A comfortable choice for short regional flights |
| Passenger Rating | ★★★★☆ | Around 7.7/10 based on traveller reviews |
| Airline Rating | 4-Star | Skytrax rates its cabin, service, food, and cleanliness |
| Staff & Crew | ⭐ Excellent | Friendly and attentive service is a major strength |
| Food & Drinks | ⭐ Very Good | Meals are offered even on some short flights |
| Airport Lounges | ⭐ Excellent | Eligible passengers can access lounges at no extra cost |
| Wi-Fi & Entertainment | ⭐ Limited | Do not expect many entertainment or connectivity options |
| Baggage | ⭐ Average | Economy baggage limits can feel restrictive |
| Ticket Value | ⭐ Mixed | Prices can be high on routes with little competition |
Best for: Leisure travellers taking short flights to destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, or the Maldives who prefer better comfort and service over the lowest fare.
Think twice if: You mainly chase cheap tickets, travel with heavy checked baggage, or want seatback screens and modern in-flight entertainment.
What Is Bangkok Airways?
Bangkok Airways (IATA: PG) is a Thai regional full-service airline that has used the name “Asia’s Boutique Airline” for decades.
Founded in 1968 and based in Bangkok, the airline serves more than 20 destinations across Thailand and parts of Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and the Maldives.
Travelers booking eligible flights can also look for a 30% off Bangkok Airways coupon to reduce their airfare.
Its main hub is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, with operations also centered around Phuket (HKT) and Chiang Mai (CNX).
One of Bangkok Airways’ biggest distinctions is its connection to Koh Samui. The airline owns Samui Airport (USM), giving it a strong position on routes to and from the island.
This helps shape both the airport experience and ticket prices, which often appear in passenger reviews.
The airline operates a relatively small fleet focused on short regional flights.
It includes Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, along with ATR 72-600 turboprops. Bangkok Airways continues adding ATR 72-600 aircraft in 2026 to support flights between islands and nearby destinations.
Business-class seating is available on some aircraft, while several ATR and A320 planes use an all-economy layout.
Travelers planning a Bangkok Airways trip can also look for 30% off Bangkok Airways offers to potentially lower their airfare on eligible bookings.
What Are Travellers Saying About Bangkok Airways In 2026?
No single rating gives the full picture, so here’s how Bangkok Airways scores across the major travel review platforms:
Flight-Report is a travel review site where passengers rate and share photos of their flights. Bangkok Airways scores around 7.7/10 from 136 verified reviews.
Passengers often praise the cabin crew, comfort, and meals, while Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment receive weaker marks.
Skytrax gives Bangkok Airways a 4-Star Airline rating, which reflects its overall standards in areas such as seat comfort, onboard facilities, food, cabin cleanliness, and staff service.
This rating suggests the airline provides a good full-service experience, especially for short regional flights.
Trustpilot Reviews are more divided. Some travellers like the included services and airport lounges, while others mention problems with baggage claims and flight delays.
ConsumerAffairs: Reviews tend to be more critical, with high fares on Koh Samui routes and concerns about whether the airport experience matches the ticket price.
The overall pattern is clear: Bangkok Airways tends to impress passengers with its onboard service and comfort, while most complaints focus on high fares, baggage issues, or customer support after a problem occurs.
How Does Bangkok Airways Free Lounge Access Work?
This is one of Bangkok Airways’ standout perks and a major reason many travellers pick the airline.
Passengers with a valid PG ticket can use the Boutique Lounge at no extra cost, including those flying economy on eligible domestic and international routes.
That gives economy travellers a perk that many airlines reserve for business-class flyers or elite members.
What Do You Get At The Boutique Lounge?
The Boutique Lounge gives travellers a comfortable place to relax before their flight.
Passengers with a valid Bangkok Airways PG ticket can generally use the Boutique Lounge for free, including economy-class travellers, subject to the airport and flight eligibility rules.
Facilities can include Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, soft drinks, snacks, and comfortable seating.
Many passengers praise the lounge experience and feel it adds extra value to an economy ticket.
What Is The Blue Ribbon Club Lounge Like?
Blue Ribbon Club Lounge: For business class and eligible members
The Blue Ribbon Club Lounge offers a quieter setting with more food choices, reclining seats, massage chairs, work areas, power outlets, and faster Wi-Fi.
Some locations also have showers and regional dishes, such as Mee Hoon in Phuket and Khao Moo Hong in Koh Samui.
Business-class passengers can access the lounge at eligible airports.
Economy passengers may also be able to pay for access, with prices varying by airport and current lounge policy.
One point comes up in passenger reviews: the difference between the free Boutique Lounge and the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge may not feel huge.
That says quite a lot about the free lounge rather than taking anything away from the premium option.
Lounge access and facilities can vary by airport and terminal, so check the rules for your departure airport before travelling.
What Makes Bangkok Airways Economy Class Stand Out?
Economy class delivers the Bangkok Airways boutique experience through friendly crew, clean cabins, and complimentary food or snacks on many short flights.
The main drawbacks are limited Wi-Fi and entertainment, plus a 20 kg checked baggage allowance that may feel restrictive.
Some flights also use tarmac boarding, which can be less comfortable in hot or rainy weather.
Tip: Check your fare’s baggage allowance before you pack to avoid extra charges.
What Makes Bangkok Airways Business Class?
Bangkok Airways’ Blue Ribbon Club is available on selected aircraft and routes.
Business-class passengers get more seat space, priority services, hot meals, and access to the Blue Ribbon Lounge.
The upgrade can be worth considering when the fare difference is small, but economy already includes lounge access and good onboard service.
For short flights, Blue Ribbon Club is more about extra comfort than a major change in the travel experience.
What Destinations Can You Visit With Bangkok Airways?
Bangkok Airways focuses mainly on short-haul leisure routes, connecting popular destinations across Thailand and Asia. Its network includes:
- Domestic Thailand: Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Sukhothai, Trat, Lampang, and other destinations.
- Southeast Asia: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos, Yangon in Myanmar, and Singapore.
- Asia and the Indian Ocean: Hong Kong, selected destinations in China, Malé in the Maldives, and cities in India.
Koh Samui remains one of Bangkok Airways’ key destinations, making the airline a popular choice for travelers visiting the island.
For trips involving Koh Samui, Sukhothai, or Trat, its network can also provide convenient flight options.
What Are Bangkok Airways Baggage Fees And Fine Print?
Bangkok Airways offers several benefits that can add value to your fare, including complimentary lounge access, meals, and seat selection on eligible fares.
However, the checked baggage allowance can be a key consideration, especially for travelers carrying more luggage.
Tips to keep baggage costs under control:
- Review your baggage allowance: Confirm the exact checked and carry-on limits for your fare before traveling.
- Add extra baggage in advance: Purchasing additional baggage online may cost less than paying excess baggage fees at the airport.
- Use FlyerBonus benefits: Frequent travelers can earn loyalty benefits, with higher membership tiers offering additional baggage and lounge privileges.
What Are The Most Common Complaints About Bangkok Airways?
To keep the review balanced, here are some of the issues travelers may encounter with Bangkok Airways:
- Flight delays: Some travelers report delays on certain routes. Overall reliability can be reasonable, but delays do happen.
- Koh Samui fares: Flights to Koh Samui can be relatively expensive compared with the distance. The island’s airport also offers a simple, open-air experience rather than a large modern terminal.
- Customer service: Refunds and baggage-related claims can sometimes take longer to resolve, according to traveler feedback.
- Limited entertainment: Short flights may not need much entertainment, but the lack of extensive in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi can be noticeable on longer routes.
These issues may not be dealbreakers for a short leisure trip, but they are worth considering when comparing fares, routes, and overall travel value.
How Does Bangkok Airways Compare With Other Airlines?
Bangkok Airways vs. Thai Airways: Thai Airways offers a broader international network and stronger long-haul connectivity. Bangkok Airways stands out for short-haul travel, with a more relaxed service style and useful passenger benefits such as lounge access on eligible routes.
Bangkok Airways vs. Thai AirAsia and other low-cost airlines: Budget carriers often offer lower base fares, but extras such as baggage, seat selection, and meals may cost more. Bangkok Airways includes more services with eligible fares, making it a stronger option for travelers who value comfort and convenience.
Is Bangkok Airways A Good Choice For You?
| Why Bangkok Airways Could Work for You | When Another Airline May Be Better |
|---|---|
| You plan to visit Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, or the Maldives. | You want the lowest possible fare. |
| You value friendly service, cabin comfort, and lounge access. | You travel with heavy baggage and want to avoid extra fees. |
| You enjoy meals and added comfort on shorter flights. | You need more long-haul routes or stronger entertainment options. |
Conclusion
Bangkok Airways can be a good choice for travelers who value comfort, service, and convenience over the lowest possible fare.
Complimentary lounge access, meals on eligible flights, and attentive service make it a strong option for short regional journeys.
That said, higher fares on some routes, a 20 kg checked baggage allowance, limited entertainment, and occasional service issues may affect its overall value.
Travelers carrying extra luggage should also factor in potential additional costs.
For destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and the Maldives, Bangkok Airways offers convenient connections and a more comfortable experience than many budget airlines.
Compare the full fare, baggage allowance, included benefits, and alternative flights to decide whether the extra cost fits your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangkok Airways a good airline?
Yes, Bangkok Airways is a good choice for short-haul regional travel. It has a Skytrax 4-Star rating and scores around 7.7/10 from verified travellers, with cabin crew, comfort, and onboard meals receiving strong praise. Its main drawbacks are limited entertainment, baggage restrictions, and mixed complaint handling.
Do all Bangkok Airways passengers really get free lounge access?
Yes. Economy passengers with a valid PG ticket can access the Boutique Lounge for free on eligible domestic and international flights. Business-class and eligible FlyerBonus members get Blue Ribbon Club access, while economy passengers can pay extra at selected airports.
Is Bangkok Airways business class worth it?
Yes, when the fare difference is small. Blue Ribbon Club adds more space, hot meals, priority services, and premium lounge access. Since economy already includes lounge access, the upgrade is mainly about extra comfort.
What’s the baggage allowance on Bangkok Airways?
Economy fares typically include 20 kg of checked baggage, which can feel limited for a full-service airline. Extra baggage charges may apply, so check your fare allowance before flying and buy extra weight in advance if needed.
Why are flights to Koh Samui so expensive on Bangkok Airways?
Bangkok Airways has a strong position at Samui Airport, where it operates many routes with limited competition. This can lead to higher fares on flights to Koh Samui, which is one of the most common complaints from travellers.
How does Bangkok Airways handle complaints and refunds?
Customer service after a problem is one of Bangkok Airways’ weaker areas. Some travellers report slow responses to baggage damage and refund claims. If you carry fragile or valuable items, take photos of your luggage and keep your receipts.
