Is Don Mueang les busy than three other airport in Bangkok? Do I need 3 hours or can we do with 2 to get through immigration and security?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the relative busyness of Don Mueang Airport compared to other Bangkok airports and how much time travelers should allow for immigration and security checks. It is generally recommended to arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before an international flight, with various experiences shared by users regarding their own check-in and security times. Some report quick processing in under 30 minutes, while others suggest allowing ample time to avoid last-minute stress, especially during busy times.
Sonja *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just an update. Our flight is at 10.00. We arrived at the airport at 7.00 and were at the other side of security by 7.13. must have been one of the fastest we had so far.
Paul *******
You can certainly do 2 hours, just make sure to check in online. 3 hours before is when the checkin counters open you can't really arrive earlier.
Let's not get carried away here. Most of us have better things to do than spend countless hours waiting at an airport for a flight.
Better arrive earlier rather than later but 90-120 minutes before your flight should do. 2 hours or 2.5 hours if it departs during a busy time of day.
If you're flying business class or with young children, are a monk or otherwise entitled to use fast track, then 90 minutes is absolutely sufficient.
Stephen ********
Is one hour extra such a dilemma 🤦
Martin *********
Use business class, roll up 90 minutes before the flight and still relax in the lounge, job done.
I have flown 7 times out of swampy airport this year all before 9 am and gone through (immigration & customs) in less than 30 minutes each time
Mark *********
Stuart *********
There’s two airports in Bangkok. DMK and BKK. There may be “air parks” for private light aircraft but I’ve never checked.
For international flights it’s recommended 3 hours prior to flight. If you pass check in, immigration and security within 25 minutes (on a good day) you just have that much more time for shopping and or something to eat or drink or to relax. Last thing you want is a sprint to the gate as they’re closing it 40 minutes before takeoff.
The check in counters close 40 minutes prior to departure though this does depend on the airline. The gate closes 10-15 minutes before, depending on the airline but generally they'll wait for you at Suvarnabhumi as it's much more time consuming to offload baggage than wait an extra 5 minutes for a late passenger.
How long is a piece of string? It depends on so many factors, ie time of day, number of passengers, number of flights, number of staff, flight delays etc, the list is almost endless!
Had a post this morning from a guy using BKK who got through in 25 minutes. My guess is others later in the day weren’t so lucky. DMK is generally less busy but of course that’s just relative to how many planes are scheduled around the same time as yours.