What is the current situation like at Suvarnabhumi Airport for travelers?

Apr 11, 2023
2 years ago
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just an update on the situation at Suvarnabhumi airport. I flew out of the country about a week ago. Arrived for my flight 2h50m before departure. Checked in online. Had to wait around 15 minutes in line as we weren't the only ones who decided to check in online. Check-in was completed within 3 minutes.

As we were traveling with toddlers, we could use the priority lane so it didn't take long to get through immigration and security, just a few minutes in total.

While the check-in area of the departure hall looked busy, particularly THAI Airways & Emirates (which operates A380 aircraft to Bangkok) it wasn't too bad. In fact, it looked like any other pre-Covid travel day. It was certainly much better than the footage i saw from 2-3 months ago.

Getting to our gate was a breeze. We spent more than 2 hours waiting for our flight, which left exactly on time. A bit boring, but better to arrive too early and be bored than having to run to your gate. Unfortunately, Suvarnabhumi is a very boring airport with nothing to do, unlike Singapore Changi, which is just amazing.

While there, I noticed the arrivals hall was completely empty. So anyone arriving at that time would have breezed through immigration (6-7pm).

So I think that the high season rush is coming to an end. That stated, one of the reasons for the long lines is due to the security screening areas being upgraded, one at a time, a process that will take several more weeks to be completed.

For this reason, if you're using the normal security lines and traveling during off peak hours, it's still a good idea to check in 2 hours ahead of departure and if it's a peak hour or you're flying on an A380 aircraft, then 3 hours is recommended.

Hopefully things will continue to improve in the weeks and months to come.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent traveler provided an update on their experience at Suvarnabhumi Airport, noting that the situation appeared much improved compared to previous months. They arrived nearly three hours before their flight, checked in online, and experienced only minor wait times due to priority lane access for families with toddlers. The departure hall was busy but manageable, and the overall atmosphere felt reminiscent of pre-Covid travel days. They advised future travelers to allow two to three hours for check-in depending on the time of day and type of aircraft, especially as security upgrades were ongoing.
Steve ********
Prefer to get there early. Means more time in the lounge supping red wine ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ˜†
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
Sure, that's a good enough reason for me too!
Terry ********
I flew out 16.30,
***
and the only queue was the normal queue for the airline check-in. Anticipating congestion, I went through passport control and security earlier than I normally would but sailed through as normal. In fact, quicker than normal.
Dennis ***********
Great update,thanks.my departure 7.30 am friday
Steven *********
Thanks for the update.
Bill *********
What is the significance of an A380 plane?
Garrett ***********
@Bill ********
Lots of people
Steve ********
@Bill ********
In terms of passenger numbers it's very significant. If there's two 380s scheduled within a short period of each other that's a lot a passengers going firstly through check-in and then through security and immigration. That can slow down the process
Graham ******
@Bill ********
number of passengers
David *****
@Bill ********
the A380 is the double decker Airbus that is the largest plane flying. That means more passengers, which means more people checking in and going through immigration
Steven ***************
@Bill ********
. Plane type is irrelevant in all circumstances
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
It's very relevant. A Lao Airlines A320 to Vientiane won't take long to fill, so the check-in process shouldn't take longer than 15-20 minutes but a 500 seater A380 could mean a one hour wait in the check-in line!
John *************
Nice report, thanks.
Ben *********
Cool
Garrett ***********
Thanks for the update Paul
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