Towards the end of April I want to fly from BKK to Phuket. I've never flown this sector before as I usually drive myself.
So I'd appreciate any info at all on bookings, cheap flights & good deals.

You have a wide choice of airlines from regular Thai and Bankok Air to the 3 discount ones. Prices vary and for a guide they are as follows for one way flights (double for return)
Thai 3090 baht
Bangkok Air 2525 baht
Air Asia 1230 baht
One-Two-Go 1600 baht
Nok-reg 1750 baht
Nok-plus 2285 baht

The disadvantage of the discount airlines is the baggage allowance of 15-20kgs with Nok plus being 30kgs.

Since you are travelling in April Bangkok Air has a special (April 1-June 30)of 1625. This would be the one I would take if I had lots of luggage. Otherwise Air Asia.

Thanks Scotters your reply has been most helpful. I will have a fair amount of luggage as I'll be arriving back from Oz and I'll be back for a long stay. So I'd say I'll probably have nearer to 30 Kilos of luggage.
Are those budget airlines very strict about their luggage allowances?
If so then would it be cheaper to pay 2285 for a Nok-plus, rather than get a budget airline and have to pay excess for 10-15 kilos.
Also I’m in no great hurry to get to Phuket, so in view of the fact that I’ll have a fair amount of luggage would the VIP coach be a better option for me?

from all reports the budget carriers are very strict....i would use the plus service or thai air

Since you have lots of baggage I would take Nok plus class wich gives you 30kgs of luggage. Both Thai and Bangkok Air have a limlt of 20kgs in economy class. I don't know how strict they are. Can't help you on buses since I do not take them in Thailand (other than the one to the Cambodia boarder). Only in Cambodia and Laos do I use them.

OK thanks again, it seems that Nok-plus is the one for me.

Nok Air plus is the one with that 30 kg baggage allowance, Thai is very very 'flexible' and although not a 'rule' in general they just send thru anything up to 30 ( well 29 at least ) without a thought.
Nok Air gives you a free snack in Nok Plus plus newspaper, the seats are the same as usual for Thai Airways 737-400 so although not masses of room very comfortable indeed!

What a great site! We're doing this trek in May, and per the thread I checked Air Asia for baggage allowances and then the charge for excess. They show no fee for domestic. Could this be true? Anyone paid excess baggabe on Air Asia?

Susie, there have been a number of posts about Air Asia charging for excess baggage. Several people have also noted that their scales weigh quite heavy. So if you opt for Air Asia be prepared.

Thanks, Kathy. Guess I'll continue to shop around.

SusieH - all discount airlines usually charge for excess baggage and the charge varies per airline. If you are only slightly over they may not say anything. Even Thai and Bangkok air have a 20kgs limit in economy but hardly ever enforce it. Excess charges
per kg are:
Air Asia - 80 baht
one-two-go - 35 baht
Nok - 50 baht


Baggage allowance - Air Asia 15kgs plus 1 carry on 7kgs Excess cost 80 baht per kg.
Nok Air Economy 15kgs Nok Plus 30kgs 1 carry on 7kgs
Excess cost 50 baht per kg.
Orient Thai 20kgs plus 1 carry on 7kgs  Excess cost 35-45 baht per
kg depending on point of flight

Remember that Thai Airways tickets are fully refundable, I think it costs only B 100 ( USD 2.50 ) refund charge, and it 'does work' easily especialy if you have bought it cash. So I guess you can always keep a Thai ticket and booking but if you can't book long in advance hold on to that and simply not use if you can get a better deal.
I guess this could work well if planning a trip say over Christmas / New year and you want to be absolutely sure you have a seat confirmed, but nearer the time if you can find a cheaper deal book that and either use the Thai ticket in future or just get a refund.

Thanks everyone! I'm new to this site and truly appreciate your expertise. This trip was rather a spur-of-the moment decision for us and I must say plans are progressing nicely. I'll try to do a 'search' to find other information for our week in BKK and week in Phuket. I printed Karen's report and it will be a ready reference. Thanks again!