What tips do expats have for navigating Bangkok airport during border bounces?

Why would anyone go through that for a border bounce? You would have done far better, with less stress and less time wasted, by doing a land based border bounce. To save time, you could have flown domestically to an airport within an hours drive of an international border (such as Chiang Rai, Udon Thani or Hat Yai), taken a taxi or bus to the border (or even across, except for Mae Sai, where no cross border public transportation is offered), stamped in/out then done the same journey in reverse. You would have saved hours and probably many thousands of Baht too.

Went through last Friday and the airline wasn't even accepting bags until 3 hours before the flight. On every flight at all times of the day. So arrive earlier than 3hrs only if you want to stand around un the departure hall.

Is there a seniors line to go through security and Immigration at departure

Where did you go.

Here is another little tip, there is a new security station at end of airport same level as immigration

If you do on-line check-in then 2 hrs is plenty.

Fascinating

I left Bangkok yesterday from Suvarnabhumi midday flight. Arrived at 08.45am. Was checked in through security and passport control by 09.15am

Flying out 8:am departure Friday. Is 5am at airport safe.

Yup. I was in there twice in Feb. Depends on the time of day. One flight it was a ghost town, the second was a nightmare.

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻