Hello,
Can anyone tell me how long in advance one needs to be at the airport for internal flights in Thailand?
Also, is 1h20min enough to change planes in Bangkok Airport BKK? I'm thinking to book a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket but the direct flight schedule is not good for me so I can book one from Chian Mai to Bangkok arriving 9:30 and then take another one from Bangkok to Phuket at 10:50. Is this enough time, same company for both flights?
Thanks,
Sylvia

Depends on the company. Air Asia is point to point and requires 45 minutes check in time, so you could just about make it. If you don't: no refund, buy a new ticket for the next flight.

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Diving Phuket and Similans

There is a difficult balance to be struck between maximising the limited time you have on holiday with unduly inducing stress on yourselves at a time when you should be relaxing. Your transfer time is tight and personally I would rather give myself more leeway than fretting about catching a connection, particularly if your flight takes off late or has a delay on the runway.

What's not good about the direct flight? Personally I'd rather a direct flight with an early morning start or half a day hanging around after checking out of my hotel, eating and wandering, than having to fret about a tight connection. But then I'm a born worrier in that sense :-D

Another option would be to look at other carriers who ply the route you're interested in, to see if their schedules are any better for you.

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Owner, travelforum.org
My latest travels: Shikoku Pilgrimage

I would not risk it Sylvia, especially if it is Air Asia as they are notorious for being late!

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You are absolutely right, thanks. Now apparently they even charge for check in USD 5 but one have the option to do it online for free. And yes this is Air Asia I was talking about. No direct flights in the morning though.
Also, I don't know what people are talking about, flying is not that cheap in Thailand, I will post later the exact prices to help others like me have an ideea.
Cheers,
Sylvia

Sylvia,

Re: prices, it depends how far in advance you book. Air Asia use the budget airline model so the first seats booked on a flight are dirt cheap and the last ones can be extortionately priced. If you book ahead you can get some great fares. If you're trying to book on dates that are super-popular and you're late to the party, then yes, you'll pay big.

I plugged in a typical flight two months from now from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on 17 December - getting into high season - and it came out as 1600 Baht, or around $50, one-way. I call that pretty cheap!

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Owner, travelforum.org
My latest travels: Shikoku Pilgrimage

Hi, I just wanted to drop a quick question since we are on the topic of internal flights. I am flying to BKK next week with the intention of connecting to Chiangmai on the same day. I heard that good deals can be found if booking directly at the airport on the day - does anyone know if this is a good idea?
and can someone explain the process of doing this since I have always booked online.

Thanks in advance!
Pete

In general: the low cost airlines are cheaper than the other airlines. The low cost airlines are cheaper the further you book in advance. So if you're lucky you might find a flight with a full service airline for the same price, but very, very doubtful.

Booking in advance is pricewise the best thing to do.

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Diving Phuket and Similans