Flying Chiang Mai to Bangkok, you don’t always get what you pay for

THREE people took three different flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on three different airlines, all on the same afternoon. The result? Three amazingly different experiences.

And this is what happened recently to a group of friends returning to the capital from the North.

Airlines booked were Thai International, Air Asia and Bangkok Airways.

1. Thai International. The passenger had booked an afternoon flight but called the airline in the morning to request an earlier flight, and was assured that seats were available. At the airport, however, he was told the morning flight had been cancelled and he’d have to take the later flight he had originally booked. With more than three hours to wait, he decided to go back into town for a spot of lunch. Total delay: approximately 3 hrs.

2. Air Asia. This departed Chiang Mai late afternoon but was diverted to Don Muang airport (instead of Suvannabhumi) because of severe electrical storms on the south side of Bangkok. Passengers were not allowed to leave the aircraft. Further delays occurred because of the need to refuel, and the apparently temporary absence of certain airport equipment. The aircraft was finally allowed to leave Don Muang after more than two hours’ wait on the tarmac. The flight to Suvannabhumi took about 15 minutes. Total delay: approx 4 hrs.

3. Bangkok Airways. Although cheaper than the other two airlines, possibly due to less convenient flying times, the passenger had access to an airport lounge and snacks. The flight left on time, with more snacks being served on board.

Actually, a fourth member of the group had also booked a Thai International flight, but paid a concessionary rate as a family member of an airline employee. This required him to ‘stand by’ for available seats. None materialized on that afternoon and he had to buy a ticket on another carrier in order to get back to Bangkok that same day. Later he reasoned that airlines often merge flights when they are half full or less, which can result in fewer or even no ‘stand by’ seats for airline staff and family. His friend got a seat, having paid in full for the ticket. Total delay: approx 2 hrs, plus 3,000 baht.

Moral of the story? 1. The most expensive flights aren’t always the most reliable in terms of flight timings. 2. Airlines with several flights a day do have the option to merge flights if passenger loads are light, so maybe you’re better off choosing an airline with fewer daily flights because they’re less likely to cancel them.