Is there a fast track or VIP immigration line at Suvarnabhumi Airport for elderly travelers (80+)?

Mar 22, 2024
8 months ago
Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For elderly arrivals (80+) at Suvarnabhumi, is there a special faster line through immigration or a pay-extra VIP line that could make it happen easier?

Thinking about ways my 80yo mother could visit for a few weeks and the long (16 hour) flight is already tiring enough.

FWIW, she would use a Business Class ticket to make things easier on the plane at least.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, there are options for elderly travelers (80+) arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport. They can use a separate fast track lane based on their age, and if traveling with a Business Class ticket, they can also access a business class queue. Free wheelchair assistance can be requested from the airline, helping them avoid long walks and wait times. Additionally, there are VIP services available for an extra fee to provide further convenience at immigration. Many commenters shared their positive experiences with these services, noting that assistance for seniors is readily available.
FAST TRACK RESOURCES / SERVICES
Alan *******
Age is over 70 for express lane
John *******
As many have said over 70 then its fastrack lane, keep to the right
Mario *********
Usually it’s not that long on regular lines I find anyway.
Dennis ***********
As you proceed up the ramp to Immigration arrival (Immigration officer stamp) Keep to the left,this lane will be for senior citizens,there is usually an agent asking (are you a senior citizen) She will be cleared within minutes.
Tamara ***************
I often walk with a cane, and am always put into a priority lane when I do. Likely they'll do that automatically, but I agree that a wheelchair assist or some kind of mobility support would be helpful as the distance can be quite a lot. If you alert the airline in advance and again when checking in that you need assistance, they may also manage a tram.
Ken **********
FWIW. ???????
Peter ********
Everyone over 70 gets - its very useful. Same when leaving. Even better in many ways. Most of the advice here is totally superfluous. They don’t seem to know. Wheelchairs can be helpful too of course. And that’s for anyone.
Colleen *******
Definitely wheelchair ♿. She'll skip the queues and be a lot more comfortable.
Rachel **********
There is fast track for over 70s. My dad was directed to it when arriving at and leaving BKK recently. If you’re not advised then ask for directions :)
Mark *******
@Colin ********
best you follow this post as this will apply to you for when you eventually come over. Any thoughts
@Adrian *******
?
Sandy *********************
Is it the sam at Chiang Mai airport?
Alan ********
Definitely get her wheelchair assistance. The walk is very very long and she will be fast tracked through everything.
Vitico ********
Yes, its free. When you see the booths with immigration officers to stamp you in to the country its the lane All the way to the right is the lane for first class, disabled, and over 70+. Its pretty fast and don’t have to wait long or walk alot
Harry ******
Just tell the Travel agent, or Airline when you book the ticket, you request a wheelchair.
Harry ******
Don't worry. Request a wheelchair at the beginning of her journey, and there will be a wheelchair waiting in Bangkok, she will be taken through immigration V.I.P

(otherwise it would be a long walk to immigration. )

They take good care of the elderly!!

Don't Worry..
Lynnette *******
@Harry *****
don't even need to be old or disabled. I've been using it for past 10 years.
Harry ******
@Lynnette ******
Sorry , and you are not disabled ?????
Lynnette *******
@Harry *****
no. I have difficulty with long walks and prolonged standing. The airline has the option of assistance for those who find long walks/standing a bit difficult. It's in their drop down menu for assistance.
Harry ******
@Lynnette ******
I Hope you stay in good health!!!
Lynnette *******
@Harry *****
Thanks. I'm ok. Just need a bit of help with long walks and long queues. 😊
Brian *****************
I was pulled out of the main queue when I arrived last week, they must think I’m 80! What cheek I’m only 77.
William *************
Ask for wheelchair service they provide a driver who knows how to fast track 🙏
Frank ******
Last time I arrived in Phuket a couple of months ago, an Immigration lady grabbed me and put me through the Thai alley, straight up to the counter,

A couple of months prior I had to wait in the queue. If it's busy ( usually is in BKK) I'd suggest going to the Thai line and see how you go. Most Thais are very respectful of the elderly.
Greet ****************
Also ask fly compagnie or travel bureau for assistens at the airport ( golfcar)by leaving the airplane abd they now the way to tge fast lane. They also take care of the suitcases.
David ********
Get wheelchair assistance when you book the flight or 48 hours before departure
Lynnette *******
@David *******
exactly. I've been using that option for the past 10 years.
David ********
@Lynnette ******
I had to rush back to Thailand last Saturday with a slipped disc and other complications so I booked. Business class so I could lie down all the way etc and ease of boarding and getting luggage etc and I was lucky because there was zero queue at border control so I sailed through .

I couldn’t get the wheelchair assistance because I didn’t book it when I booked my flight in a rush and when I went back to my booking the next day is when I found out it has to be 48 hours prior to take off. Live and learn
Lynnette *******
@David *******
yes. Book in advance. I do it as soon as I book my ticket. Never travel without doing it.
Greet ****************
There is a fast lane for business class tickets
Michael *******
Wheelchair assistance will whisk her through priority lane if she’s flying Business
Lynnette *******
@Michael ******
it's available through airline for other tickets, not just business. I use it every time I fly.
Marc ***********
David ******
She is eligible to take the 70+ fast track immigration line.
Lana ***********
Yes, I saw officers asking elderly people to go to a different lane. But you should really ask for special assistance - someone will pick them up in a cart or even put in a wrap chair from the plane and take through immigration
Lynnette *******
@Lana **********
I use this every trip. I don't want a long walk and time standing in a queue.
Kathalyn *******
70 years plus line. So fast!!!
HM ******
@Kathalyn ******
just used the fast line. An immigration agent directed me to it as I walked toward the long lines. I flew business (a rarity)but they have no way of knowing what class I flew. I am 67. The sign says 70 but they saw my cane. Great service.
Chuck *********
@Kathalyn ******
yes, I used it this year coming into Thailand.
Bernard *****
it is on the right side of immigration queue, same way than Thai Passport queue
Lynnette *******
@Bernard ****
they don't need to queue, or pay, if they request the free assistance that is provided via the airline.
Bernard *****
@Lynnette ******
Assistance in Suvanabhumi is very very good 👍👍
Bernard *****
@Lynnette ******
yes, but alone it is there. 😉 And absolutely nobody. Very fast. No queue.
Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for the informative and reassuring responses! 🙂
Andreas *********
@Sam *******
flying business class, just request "disability assistance" from the airline. They will pick up your Mom with a wheelchair when she steps out of the plane, and will roll her through the Immigration VIP fast lane, help collect the luggage from the belt and take her to the meter-taxi stands if needed, or to whoever will pick her up. This assistance is free of charge. I always give the guy who is pushing the wheelchair a generous tip - 500 Baht and if your Mom doesn't have any Thai currency, a 10 or 20 Dollar bank note will come welcome
Lynnette *******
@Sam *******
request assistance, I do it every trip.
Lynnette *******
Inform your airline and request assistance, it's free, they collect the person and you all get whisked through together. It saves a lot of walking and standing.
Paul *********
@Lynnette ******
I used this fantastic free service
Lynnette *******
@Paul ********
I use it every trip. I find long walks or standing in queues difficult. This way works perfectly.
Paul *********
John **********
Yes there are VIP services that will pick her up from the gate, drive her to immigration, help her stamp in, collect her luggage and deliver her to you

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Bill *********
@John *********
475$ a bit expensive
Dave **********
@John *********
475 USD, its robbery
Andi ***********
She can use the free Fast Track lane based on her age and also via her Business Class ticket.
Luc ************
***************************************************************************************************************************
Brandon ************
@Luc ***********
no need to pay when it's already free
Ivan ************
I know "MICE" is meetings conferences and events but funny to see it down the bottom there.
Chris *******
@Brandon ***********
I wonder if longstay would include non-o?
Brandon ************
@Chris ******
it means LTR
Stefan **********
Brandon ************
@Stefan *********
long term resident visa
John ********
There is a separate queue for business class away from the economy class peasants. Or get her wheelchair assistance as it can be a long walk
Les ***********
@John *******
I always go through in a wheelchair.

Excellent.
Sam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
thanks - she's using Business Class for the comfort, not because we're a royal/rich family who does it often🙂
Brandon ************
Fast track is available to people of this age and also for business class. There are 2 immigration entry points, and fast track is in the middle between them.
John ******
@Brandon ***********
it is from 70 not 60. Use it already many years. A little bit confusing because some of the immigrationofficers believe it is for ltr and elite and monks only.
John ******
Sorry I wrote from 70 and not from 60 i wanted to say from 70 and not for from 80
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