Billing itself as "Asia's boutique airline," Bangkok Airways features organic in-flight meals and lounges that welcome all its passengers (even those in economy class). These traits set the Thai carrier apart from the competition. However, its most attractive attribute may be its routes to underserved destinations within Thailand.

Lounges For All

The first thing that Bangkok Airways passengers will notice is the universal lounge access. Anyone with a boarding pass from the airline can visit its lounges on the day of their flight. These in-terminal areas have free snacks and beverages, complimentary internet access, computer terminals, plenty of seating areas and a special children's section.

The drawback is that these spaces can get crowded just before boarding. The airline also operates a business class service, called the Blue Ribbon Club, that features a separate lounge that has many of the same elements as the regular lounges, but without the crowds.

The Basics

Meals are served on Bangkok Airways flights. Some of the food comes from an organic farm owned and operated by the airline right outside its airport in the Central Thailand city of Sukhothai.

Bangkok's fleet is modest by international standards: colorfully painted Airbus A319s and A320s with a respectable amount of legroom (and the ability to stretch out a little bit in premium economy class). ATR-72 prop planes are used on low-traffic routes.

Economy passengers get 20 kg (44 lbs) of free checked luggage. That limit is bumped up to 30 kg (66 lbs) for frequent flier program members and premium economy ticket holders.

Connecting the Far Corners of Thailand

Bangkok Airways does fly the crowded Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Bangkok to Phuket routes, but its real strength is its reach beyond these mainstream destination. The airline owns and operates three airports in Thailand: Koh Samui, Trat and Sukhothai. These hubs are characterized by a tropical, open-air design that brings to mind the terminals on some of Hawaii's outlying islands.

Currently, Bangkok Airways is the only airline serving the historic city of Sukhothai and the beach gateway of Trat. It has the most flights to Koh Samui both domestically and internationally (from China, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur).

Other destinations, such as the far-north towns of Mae Hong Son and Lampang, are also on the route map, although these cities are served by other carriers as well.

Internationally, Bangkok Airways flies from hubs around East Asia. It does not currently have any code sharing agreement with US airlines, but it does have deals with several carriers that operate transpacific flights (Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, JAL) and also with Gulf carriers like Etihad and Emirates.

It should be noted that Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Kan Air and other regional services also fly to off-the-beaten-path airports in Thailand. They, however, lack premium meals and universal lounge access.

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Why Do These Underserved Routes Matter?

Speaking with TravelPulse at last month's Thailand Travel Mart, Jittima Sukpain, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) Executive Director for the Americas, talked about the importance of Bangkok Airways and other domestic low-cost carriers connecting smaller destinations to Thailand's main hubs. "We are trying to promote more of the small cities, [so that] the local people can enjoy better economics."

Ms. Sukpain specifically pointed to Bangkok Airways as an important link to these destinations. "Bangkok Airways flies not only to the big cities but also to the small cities. For example, to Mae Hong Son... This is a small city, but [it is] very unique. It is one of the 'hidden gems' of Thailand that we are promoting," she said, referencing the outlying destinations, which also include Trat and Lampang, that the TAT is hyping both internationally and domestically.

Passengers, especially those who are used to a la carte pricing and other air travel drawbacks, will certainly appreciate the premium in-flight meals and lounge access (if only for the free cookies and Wi-Fi), but Bangkok Airways really stands out, especially for tourists who have already visited Thailand's hub cities, because of its direct flights to some of the country's 'hidden gems."

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