Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => Travel forum => Topic started by: aparasher on October 20, 2017, 06:51:23 AM

Title: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: aparasher on October 20, 2017, 06:51:23 AM
Ok. So I recently made a booking for trip from BKK-BFV and found that although Airasia was around 1,500 baht cheaper than NokAir for 3 passengers, it gets compensated if you are booking a car.

NokAir has deal with Thai Rent a Car and I could have got 1 Pajero Sports for almost same price as a Toyota sedan which seems to similar to Camry Altise.

Not sure whose service is better, but in future I will look at both things together rather than looking at just the flight prices.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: nookiebear on October 20, 2017, 09:43:40 AM
Nok only use turbo props whereas AA use an A320 jet
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: aparasher on October 20, 2017, 09:48:43 AM
Nok only use turbo props whereas AA use an A320 jet

Yes. I saw that in some photos. It would have brought lots of memories back if I would have flown with Nokair. :)

But I think I would stick with AirAsia for travel with family. Although service levels would be considered at Thai standard...LOL..
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Wayne from Aus on October 22, 2017, 06:50:03 AM
Air Asia arrives at Buriram an hour earlier
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Phantom on October 22, 2017, 08:25:11 AM
Hi, here are my thoughts on this topic. I used to work as a Capt for a major Australian Airline and last year I commuted from Aust to Buriram nearly every 2 weeks( cheap fares on Thai). I used Nok Air about 15 times and Air Asia about 3 times.
Nok Air..  Pro.   2 flights a day, cheaper if booked ahead and includes 15 kg hold bags,
                        Good aircraft, ATR 72 or sometimes a Q400
                        I always used the first flight as normally no delays
                         Less chance of an overrun in wet conditions at Buriram due slower approach speeds.
                         Pilots ?????
           Against.  Stand off bay at Don Muang Airport.
                         10 mins longer
Air Asia...  Pro.   Aerobridge
                          10 min shorter
                           Very nice A320.  Pilots?????
           Against.   Not a user friendly App or website.
                           Normally more expensive and double if checked bags.
                           ( the first price you see on internet looks good until you add the extras, my experience, it ends up about double the initial price).
                           More chance of getting into strife getting the bird on the deck at Buriram.

Just ideas, I would use either depending on timing I wanted to go.
Service similar for both airlines, if you get my idea.
Hope this helps.

Just my
                           
           
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on October 22, 2017, 09:42:38 AM
I have used both Air Asia and Nok several times. Usually, Air Asia is slightly cheaper. At the end of the day what matters is the flight times. If on a connecting flight,I will often prefer to take Nok, departing an hour or so later, just in case the earlier flight is delayed.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: iammike on October 22, 2017, 09:49:37 AM
@Phantom.

Thanks for this very informative.

Only 1 remark. NokAir doesn't have the 15kg Allowance anymore as standard free anymore it's 7kg Carry on Only, for luggage you now also have to pay extra. (Nok ECO)

Looking at the website at just a Random Date (15 November) DMK - BFV flight 14:35-1545

NOK (Promotion as they Call it) Carry on Only is 750 THB
Nok Checked Baggage (15 KG) is 1599 THB
Nok Flexi (20 kg and Change free) is 2999 THB

So it's more then double if you fly with Checked Baggage.

Please note: These are prices quoted on 22-10 (may change in the future ;) )without ANY EXTRAS.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: iammike on October 22, 2017, 10:01:03 AM
Too late to edit my previous post.

What you could do to save some money and you need to fly with a checked bag.

In the First screen at Nok Air Booking select the Cheapest price, then in the Next Screen select the KG of Luggage you want to take with you. Also don't forget to uncheck (if you don't want it) the insurance and the town transfer).

I came to a total amount of 1100,- (with 15 KG Luggage included) instead of the 1599 THB.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Phantom on October 22, 2017, 10:10:22 AM
Hi Iammike,
You just beat me to it re 15 kgs checked bags. Hey at the end of the day, you fly with whoever you feel most comfortable with. Have a great day.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: iammike on October 22, 2017, 10:21:18 AM
I only have flown with Nok Air on the route BFV-DMK and I like them but when you are tall the seats are a bit small and they only have (AFAIK) 4 premium seats with more legroom, but for a flight of only 1 hour you can manage with the standard seats.

But I have never flown that route with Air Asia so I booked with Air Asia to see what they are like on the route BFV-DMK this time when we go to BKK and SIN next month.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: aparasher on October 22, 2017, 11:29:11 AM
I selected AirAsia for being cheaper and also tge fact that I think I know what to expect. Time of departure was also part of it coincides with check out time from hotel and getting to airport. I don't have access to any lounges at DMK. So it will be ideal not to stay at airport for long time.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Starman on October 22, 2017, 12:26:19 PM
I have never actually flown to or from Buriram.

I live 8kms from the bus station and about 45kms from the airport.

Taking into account the check in times,boarding, disembarking and then travelling home from airport,  I doubt I would save much time than if I traveled by bus.Would I?

Also if travelling to Buriram from Bangkok, NCA have a drop off point 2kms from my house.

Those living in NangRong and NongKi would quite probably arrive quicker by bus.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: iammike on October 22, 2017, 12:30:24 PM
@aparasher.

On the Domestic side of the DMK Airport there are NO lounges I even don't know if there are ones at the International side ;) But there are some restaurants (Fast Food)

But 1 thing be on time at the Airport for check in and the security checks even though it is a Domestic Flight as a couple of months ago it took us over 40 minutes after check in to clear Security and arrive at the gate. This was at Don Muang and not at Satuek Airport (but I think that is obvious 555555555)
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: aparasher on October 22, 2017, 01:02:43 PM
I have never actually flown to or from Buriram.

I live 8kms from the bus station and about 45kms from the airport.

Taking into account the check in times,boarding, disembarking and then travelling home from airport,  I doubt I would save much time than if I traveled by bus.Would I?

Also if travelling to Buriram from Bangkok, NCA have a drop off point 2kms from my house.

Those living in NangRong and NongKi would quite probably arrive quicker by bus.

Hi Starman.

You are correct. It will take us 45 minutes to get to the airport, then bags drop off, security clearance and freshening up followed by flight will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. Flight is around 1 hour and then another 1 hour spent while waiting for baggage to arrive and car hire before getting to the hotel. So we are talking about 4.5-5 hours which comes fairly close to 6 hours travelling by bus.

Personally, I prefer to travel by bus, but now I have a 6 year old daughter and sitting in 1 spot would be an interesting challenge for her. Last time I drove from BKK to Prakhonchai and it was bearable due to various stopovers. Taking plane also avoids road travel that has its own issues. So this time we will give flying a shot. Lets see how it goes.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Wozza on October 22, 2017, 01:10:10 PM
I use the Coral Executive Lounge at DMK Domestic airside, I produce my Diners card for entry ,not sure who else has an arrangement with them.
The Coral Executive Lounge
Bangkok Don Mueang Intl - Bangkok, Thailand
Hours Open:
06:00 - 22:00 daily.
Lounge Location:
Airside - 3rd Floor, turn right after Security Checks, proceed to Gate 51. The lounge is located on the right.
Telephone:
44 (0)208 865 3222
Entry Conditions:
Domestic departures only - Maximum 3 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free - Non-smoking.
Member Fee:
Please contact your Diners Club card issuer regarding your card features and benefits, including any applicable airport lounge fees.
Guest Fee:
28 USD
Terminal:
Terminal 2
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: aparasher on October 22, 2017, 01:15:40 PM
I use the Coral Executive Lounge at DMK Domestic airside, I produce my Diners card for entry ,not sure who else has an arrangement with them.
The Coral Executive Lounge
Bangkok Don Mueang Intl - Bangkok, Thailand
Hours Open:
06:00 - 22:00 daily.
Lounge Location:
Airside - 3rd Floor, turn right after Security Checks, proceed to Gate 51. The lounge is located on the right.
Telephone:
44 (0)208 865 3222
Entry Conditions:
Domestic departures only - Maximum 3 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free - Non-smoking.
Member Fee:
Please contact your Diners Club card issuer regarding your card features and benefits, including any applicable airport lounge fees.
Guest Fee:
28 USD
Terminal:
Terminal 2

Thanks Wozza. I will give Diner's concierge to see if whole family can get access to this lounge.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Wozza on October 22, 2017, 01:16:31 PM
This one is in the domestic terminal Miracle Lounge slight difference in open close times and how long you can stay even though the directions are the same
Bangkok Don Mueang Intl - Bangkok, Thailand
Hours Open:
05:30 - 19:30 daily.
Lounge Location:
Airside - Domestic Departures, 3rd Floor, turn right after Security Checks and proceed to Gate 51. The lounge is located on the right hand side.
Telephone:
44 (0)208 865 3222
Entry Conditions:
Maximum 2 hour stay - Children under 2 years are admitted free.
Member Fee:
Please contact your Diners Club card issuer regarding your card features and benefits, including any applicable airport lounge fees.
Guest Fee:
28 USD
Terminal:
Terminal 2
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: iammike on October 22, 2017, 01:16:51 PM
@wozza

Thx for that I didn?t even know that they have lounges at Domestic. Worth checking out on the way back to Buriram.

Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Wozza on October 22, 2017, 01:21:41 PM
Free 15 minute head and neck massage too
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Hank Gunn on October 23, 2017, 03:17:27 PM
I have never actually flown to or from Buriram.

I live 8kms from the bus station and about 45kms from the airport.

Taking into account the check in times,boarding, disembarking and then travelling home from airport,  I doubt I would save much time than if I traveled by bus.Would I?

Also if travelling to Buriram from Bangkok, NCA have a drop off point 2kms from my house.

Those living in NangRong and NongKi would quite probably arrive quicker by bus.

Hi Starman.

You are correct. It will take us 45 minutes to get to the airport, then bags drop off, security clearance and freshening up followed by flight will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. Flight is around 1 hour and then another 1 hour spent while waiting for baggage to arrive and car hire before getting to the hotel. So we are talking about 4.5-5 hours which comes fairly close to 6 hours travelling by bus.

Personally, I prefer to travel by bus, but now I have a 6 year old daughter and sitting in 1 spot would be an interesting challenge for her. Last time I drove from BKK to Prakhonchai and it was bearable due to various stopovers. Taking plane also avoids road travel that has its own issues. So this time we will give flying a shot. Lets see how it goes.

Sorry Aparasher, I think you're way off on those estimates. I've travelled by both methods and there's no way it's only 1.5 - 2 hours difference. It's more like 4 hours difference at least. Remember, we're not talking about going through San Francisco Int'l across the Pacific with a fully loaded 747. It takes maybe 5 min. to check in and maybe 5 min. (or less) to go through security. That's 10 min. In the several times (4-5?) I've done this flight, I've never waited more than 10 - 15 min. (usually about 10 min.) to get my checked bags from the carousel. With a 50 min. flight, all in that's 70 min.

I happen to currently live about the same distances as Starman does, with regards to Buriram town and the airport. It takes me about 30-35 min. to drive to the airport (Google Maps lists it as a 38 min. drive). To be conservative, let's call it 40 min. So all in, that's 70 + 40 = 110 min. Round that up to 120 and it's 2 hours. NOT 4.5 - 5 hours! And we're not even talking about getting to and from the bus stations on either end, which involves comparatively much more traffic (at least in Buriram). The only hassle is, on arrival at DMK you have to walk about 5 minutes to get to the waiting area to get in line for a metered taxi. On the flip-side, in Buriram AirAsia has a nice shuttle service that picks up and drops off to/from the Best Western and if you're doing a short stay, you can just leave your vehicle at BFV like I did my last trip.

Anyway, if you're on a budget and you have time, go ahead and take the bus. But for the equivalent of an additional $40 or so, depending on what baggage your taking/checking in, I think the speed and comfort of flying to and from Bangkok is way better. Again, it's at least 4 hours faster and much more comfortable.

Just my experienced 2 baht, for what it's worth.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: aparasher on October 23, 2017, 03:31:18 PM
Hi Hank Gunn. Thanks for correcting my times. I have never travelled on this route by plane. So my estimates were high. I prefer to be a bit generous with timings especially when travelling with wife and kids. It gives me a bit peace of mind...LOL...My flight depart at 13:50 (meaning 13:30 boarding) and I will checkout from hotel 10:30-11:00. So I have around 2 hours to negotiate with BKK traffic, bag drop off and security clearance.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Starman on October 23, 2017, 05:07:19 PM
Are you sure,Hank? I have been to Buriram airport to collect people many times. It is at least 25 minutes from landing to actually coming through the doors into arrivals.

Maybe longer if on the A320 because more baggage to unload.

Also, whenever I have dropped people off they have needed to be there 1 hour before to check in.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Hank Gunn on October 24, 2017, 09:34:26 AM
No problem Aparasher. Having done both, I just thought I'd throw in my experience.

Starman, in my experience I've never had to wait more than 15 min. and typically it's only about 10 min. (that's with a full A320 too). Now I'm not saying it could take longer, but in my experience it's never been close to a half-hour.

Yes, you do want to be at the airport an hr. before departure in order to check in, but when taking the bus I'm not going to show up there right when it leaves. I'll typically be there a good half-hour before departure (or at least aim for that lead time) in order to get the ticket and not be rushed.

At the end of the day, it's all personal preference and the bus is cheaper by about $30-$40 dollars depending on whether or not you check in baggage and if so, how much. However, from a time perspective, in my experience it is at least 3 - 4 hours faster to fly. Also, as you pointed out, flying "avoids road travel that has its own issues". For those of us who have driven even a little bit here and have some experience with the roads/drivers in Thailand, this is something worth considering.  :o But again, it's all personal preference and I threw my 2 baht in since the distances you mention (to both the airport and the bus station) are similar to mine.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: aparasher on October 24, 2017, 12:30:54 PM
Bus was never an option considering a young child with me. If air travel was not an option, then I would have either opted to drive myself like last time 3 years ago, or, hired a driver with car.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: urleft on November 02, 2017, 08:15:57 AM
I've flown Nok Air several times this year, flying again in a week.  I like them because you can get the early flight, 0730, get to Bangkok and take care of some business like an income statement from the embassy and return the same day. 

Currently there are 3 flights a day out of Buriram, 0730, 1620, and 1940. 

I've mentioned in another thread that once you get to DMG save time by walking up to departures and getting a Taxi, I did that in June.  Or go out of door 6 and pick up the A1 or A2 bus for 30 Baht and get to the Mo Chit Skytrain or subway. 
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: nookiebear on November 02, 2017, 09:19:22 AM
I've flown Nok Air several times this year, flying again in a week.  I like them because you can get the early flight, 0730, get to Bangkok and take care of some business like an income statement from the embassy and return the same day. 

Currently there are 3 flights a day out of Buriram, 0730, 1620, and 1940. 

I've mentioned in another thread that once you get to DMG save time by walking up to departures and getting a Taxi, I did that in June.  Or go out of door 6 and pick up the A1 or A2 bus for 30 Baht and get to the Mo Chit Skytrain or subway. 
Don't forget Air Asia.....that makes 4 flights a day!!
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Wayne from Aus on November 03, 2017, 01:44:43 AM
It wasn't that long ago that there were only 3 flights a week. Now 2 airlines - 7 flights a day? Buriram is certainly moving in leaps and bounds.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Tassie on November 03, 2017, 06:41:32 AM
Are there any direct flights from Buriram to Chiang Mai?
Regards
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Starman on November 03, 2017, 06:45:57 AM
Are there any direct flights from Buriram to Chiang Mai?
Regards

No, there are not.

Korat Airport is supposed to be reopening soon and will have ChiangMai flights.
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: Tassie on November 03, 2017, 07:13:36 AM
Many thanks Starman for the info.
Regards
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: nookiebear on November 03, 2017, 08:24:40 AM
It wasn't that long ago that there were only 3 flights a week. Now 2 airlines - 7 flights a day? Buriram is certainly moving in leaps and bounds.
Try reading the posts again...............4 a day........
Title: Re: Difference between NokAir and Airasia
Post by: nookiebear on November 03, 2017, 08:27:45 AM
Are there any direct flights from Buriram to Chiang Mai?
Regards

No, there are not.

Korat Airport is supposed to be reopening soon and will have ChiangMai flights.
When KanAir operated the service to Chang Mai is was getting decent loads ,but without the correct licence.It was suspended and now the said airline no longer flies scheduled services