Bangkok Airport
 

We will be travelling from Siem Reap to BKK using a single one way ticket on Bangkok Airlines. We have a 4 hr. layover before catching flights back to States, which are JAL to Narita, AA to Dallas and AA to Tampa (using AA mile)

I am thinking of just checking our bags to Bangkok, going through immigration, collecting bags and then rechecking with JAL rather than put those bags through 3 connections. Is that more trouble than its worth? Are there good places to catch a meal in BKK main terminal or after security?

Or we be better off asking the Siem Reap to check the bags all the way and chill out in the JAL lounge?

I'd appreciate hearing from those of you who know BKK.
Linda

If it were me (and it isn't) I'd check my bags all the way through to Tampa.

The airport in Bangkok is sometimes referred to as "the only airport built in a shopping mall." There are lots of shops to browse. There are some nice places to eat, but all are in the main part of the terminal, before you go through the security check leading to the gate area (you'll go through one last check at the gate itself).

If you are flying Biz, I would expect the JAL lounge to be very nice, and you might want to spend all of your time there.

If Bangkok Air will check your bag all the way thru to Tampa that would be the best. Are you sure they will do that?

Are you flying on a J or F award? The J seat on jal gets better reviews than the F on AA.

Kathie is right about BKK. Tons of stuff to do/see/buy!

My wife is flying to BKK on an AA award in july, but she is sitting in Y, but she is so small the it looks like a J seat when she is in it!

i understand while you feel this way....but i trust the airlines to follow through....do you live near the tampa airport? if not, i would be less likely to check all the way through, in case you have to retrieve luggage after the fact...

just don't put anything valuable in the cases!! hand carry it...

plenty of options in the bkk airport to shop, get a massage, eat, etc, but do it all before you go to the gate...there is nothing out there but restrooms...

Thank you all for the advise. We are flying first on JAL (747 w/ 3 classes).

I do have one question though. If we check our bags through, when we arrive in BKK, will be have access to the shops/restaurants or do we simply go to connecting gates without leaving security?

Linda

With four hours, you can easily exit the security area, browse and return without a problem. Of course, you will have to clear immigration, but this is usually relatively smooth.

You'll be in the main part of the transit area of the airport with the duty free area with shops and restaurants plus the airport lounges. You won't have to go through Immigration at all unless its not possible to transit from Bangkok Air to JAL. When you go to your next flight you'll then have to go through the "inner" security area where there are no facilities for food etc but not until you flight is called.

Note that if you leave the secure area of the airport, you'll not only have to go back through immigration, you'll also have to pay 700 Baht airport service tax.

As others have said, there's more to do inside the secure area than outside it, so stay in the mall as Kathie calls it, and enjoy the services. I think JAL uses the Louis Tavern lounges, but I'm not sure. They may have their own lounge now.

okay - now I understand the layout -MaryW - your description was perfect. I will definately try to check bags through and enjoy the layover prior to heading home.

Linda