Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

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uncle tom
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Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by uncle tom »

The problem with getting a bus from BKK to HH is that they tend to sell out their seats - so you need to book ahead - but then they don't refund or re-book you if your flight is delayed.

So.. am arriving 1/1/18 on BR68 which is scheduled for 15.25 but has been averaging 20-30 mins late recently. I can use the fast track at immigration, so there's a sporting chance I'll make the baggage reclaim hall within 30 mins of landing.

- But how long are bags taking this season?

There's a bus leaves at 16.30 - the next one 17.30. If I miss the first, there might not be a seat free on the second..

Do I buy seats on both and abandon one? If my flight is on time and I'm all cleared and sorted by 16.00, it's a very tedious 90 minute wait if I book the second..

- Decisions...!
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK?

Post by oakdale160 »

In theory, you should make the 16.30 but in reality, the 1730 looks better. NY day lots of no-shows from Airport staff.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK?

Post by buksida »

I had a similar problem two months ago, flew in on Eva which was 40 minutes late, due at 15.05. landed at 15.50. I had booked the 16.30 bus.

Immigration problem was solved as I went through the ASEAN line (most farangs go to the foreign passport lines which are always long). But the bags took an additional 30 minutes so I missed the bus. If your flight is delayed and you have already booked they will let you get the next one for a 30 baht charge if there are seats. I ended up on the 18.00 bus, which was also virtually empty.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK?

Post by moater »

Flew in on Nov 26. Landed 10:50, cleared a pretty busy immigration by 11:15, was in the bus stand with my checked baggage 11:20. I was shocked how efficient everything was. Might have been a freak alignment of stars. They did have a seat for me and a few more empty seats. Had to pay 50 baht to change my ticket from 13:30 to 11:30.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by NOKYAI »

On the 24/11 on Emirates landing at 6pm, I was at the bus check in at 6.50 for the 7.30 bus. I was the first off the plane and walked fast, stopped to use the ATM and the baggage claim was the usual belt.
It can be done!
But I would book the later one and if early you can pay B50 to change your ticket.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by uncle tom »

due at 15.05
Interesting - made me double check.

FlightAware currently gives the departure time from LHR as 21.20 arriving BKK 15.25 - and running frequently late

Re-checking my booking the departure time is also 21.20 but is quoting an ETA of 15.45 - 20 minutes later..

Was your departure time also 21.20 - for a 15.05 arrival?
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by NOKYAI »

If I remember rightly there is small print on the Bell travel booking that implies you have to book the coach 1.5 hours after due arrival. You may be in danger of them not honouring the booking change if you are delayed if you book earlier than that.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by usual suspect »

I arrived at BKK last month, sailed thru' immigration...only to wait 1 hr...Yes one full hour for my bag to arrive on the belt!! Luckily I'd booked a bus for 3 hrs after my arrival time.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by buksida »

uncle tom wrote: Tue Dec 05, 2017 9:50 pm FlightAware currently gives the departure time from LHR as 21.20 arriving BKK 15.25 - and running frequently late

Re-checking my booking the departure time is also 21.20 but is quoting an ETA of 15.45 - 20 minutes later..

Was your departure time also 21.20 - for a 15.05 arrival?
I dont remember precisely but that sounds about right, was scheduled to leave LHR at 21.20 but didn't take off until 22.15 (its always delayed apparently). Arrival time was supposed to be 15.15 or something I had a good hour and twenty before the bus departed - it actually landed closer to 16.00. Would have made it if a) the plane would have landed on time and b) the bag didn't take half an hour to get through.

If you're flying with Eva allow an extra hour for these things.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by STEVE G »

Do I buy seats on both and abandon one?
Normally I'm not that critical on time so I just allow an hour or two but I'm arriving on the 25th December this time so am planning buying tickets on two bus services to make sure I don't get to town too late. I don't check in baggage so I can normally make it in about 45 minutes from landing, that's with immigration, I've never tried the fast track thing.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by oakdale160 »

Surprised that you check a bag UT. several of my friends who come once or twice a year have a bag of HH clothes that they leave here.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by RCer »

Why not just plan to take the later bus? I never schedule anything on-time, except for my arrival to the airport for the first flight, when I travel.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by uncle tom »

Surprised that you check a bag UT. several of my friends who come once or twice a year have a bag of HH clothes that they leave here.
I could do that, but I always bring over a couple of bottles from my cellar, which I can't take in the cabin..
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by Thistle »

I arrived yesterday on a flight from Doha,arrival time approx 12,20pm,normal walk to immigration,and was amazed to see how quiet,"in relative terms"immigration was.All desks manned and seemed to be moving relatively smoothly.I got to the carousel for my bags,and still had to wait,although not that long.
Of course all it takes is for three A380's to arrive in quick succession from the middle east and then the situation can alter quite quickly.
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Re: Arrival to carousel time at BKK airport?

Post by lomuamart »

RCer wrote: Thu Dec 07, 2017 12:11 pm Why not just plan to take the later bus? I never schedule anything on-time, except for my arrival to the airport for the first flight, when I travel.
Good advice.
I just sit outside, have my cigarette and a few beers. If I have to wait for two hours, well it doesn't bother me.
And if there is an earlier bus then that's good as well.
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