My first flight on Bangkok Airways a short journey in a tiny propeller plane from Cambodia to Thailand, yet I walked away very clear why Bangkok Airways is regarded as one of the best regional airlines in the world. I would concur.
Bangkok Airways ATR 72-600 Review
To get from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand our options were Bangkok Airways in the morning, afternoon, or evening to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)…there is no competition on this route (surprisingly, not even on Air Asia to Don Mueang [DMK]). My understanding is there are busses that run for less than $10 (7.5 hour journey) and that probably would have been fun, but I was excited to try a new airline.
Tickets were $128 one-way and all flights operated by the ATR 72-600, which has only one cabin of service onboard. I booked on Orbitz rather than directly with the carrier, since Orbitz (and some other online travel agencies) have a 24-hour cancellation policy even on tickets that would otherwise be non-refundable.
Note that this trip was just before the closure of the Siem Reap International Airport (REP) and flights now operate from Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI).
Check-In
There was no priority check-in line and we had no trouble checking in. We were connecting on Nepal Airlines to Kathmandu and tried to check our bags through, but we were told we’d need to collect our bags in Bangkok and re-check them as Bangkok Airways (PG) had no interline agreement with Nepal Airlines (RA).
Bangkok Airways uses a weight concept for checked baggage (20 kilos) for economy class versus a piece concept.
I’m not doing a separate review since the lounge is now closed, but we spent time in the very nice Plaza Premium Lounge before the flight thanks to our Priority Pass cards.
Boarding
At the old REP airport, there were no jetbridges, so we just walked out in the scorching sun to the aircraft.
Bangkok Airways 906
Siem Reap (REP) – Bangkok (BKK)
Monday, March 27
Depart: 12:35 PM
Arrive: 1:55 PM
Duration: 1hr, 20min
Distance: 207 miles
Aircraft: ATR 72-600
Seat: 18C (Single-Cabin)
We boarded from the rear of the aircraft and found our seats in the second-to-last row (which meant we were among the first off the aircraft in Bangkok).
Seats
The Bangkok Airways ATR 72-600 has 70 seats onboard, spread over 18 rows in a 2-2 configuration. Seats are 18 inches wide with a seat pitch of 31 inches; more than adequate for a short flight. Seats reclined slightly, but not more than an inch or two at the most.
It was thankfully cool onboard even on the ground in Siem Reap, though I was glad to see individaul air vents.
Flight time was announced as 55 minutes and soon we were off.
Food + Drink
Just minutes after takeoff, flight attendants burst into action. They had a little time to serve the entire cabin…but in short order had delivered a meal to every passenger: chicken, rice, and a bottle of water.
I loved that there was “real” silverware as well…not paper or plastic.
I did not eat anything…not because I did not like it, but because I stuffed from a large breakfast at the Raffles Hotel in Siem Reap.
Even so, what a nice gesture for such a short flight. And for those mainline flights with ovens that are just as short if not shorter, a HOT meal is served in economy class. That’s a lot more than even carriers like Singapore Airlines serve on their shortest flights.
That’s impressive. And while it may also be necessary, it is the kind of gesture that makes flying fun.
Lavatory
Let’s just say the lavatory was best avoided. Not because it stunk (it was clean) but because it is so small you’re just better off using the facilities on the ground.
Service
The ladies serving the cabin were kind and attentive, courteous and diligent. It takes some skill to serve a 70-seat cabin a meal on a 55-minute flight, but they pulled it off.
IFE
No screens or wi-fi, but it was enjoyable just to look out the window.
CONCLUSION
As we landed in Bangkok, I was saddened (once again) to see so many Thai Airways aircraft still rotting on the tarmac. Thai has resumed more longhaul flying, but remains a shell of its former self.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Airways greatly impressed. For such a short flight, the service was excellent and the meal was a nice touch. I call Bangkok Airways the best regional airline in the world because tickets are cheap, luggage is included, meals are served, and flights tend to run on time.
We landed at a remote stand and took a bus into the terminal.
I quite look forward to a longer flight on a Bangkok Airways mainline jet.
