Difference between NokAir and Airasia

[aparasher]

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.

[nookiebear]

Nok only use turbo props whereas AA use an A320 jet

[aparasher]

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..

[Wayne from Aus]

Air Asia arrives at Buriram an hour earlier

[Phantom]

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
                           
           

[Prakhonchai Nick]

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.

[iammike]

@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.

[iammike]

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.

[Phantom]

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.

[iammike]

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.

[aparasher]

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.

[Starman]

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.

[iammike]

@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)

[aparasher]

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.

[Wozza]

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