Flying in Thailand has never been cheaper thanks to the rapid rise of low cost carrier. The low cost, no frill operators fly nearly every route domestically in Thailand and they rule the skies over the Kingdom. Gone are the days of Thai Airways offering a legacy product domestically within Thailand. Nok Air is one of many low cost carriers in Thailand. Facing stiff competition on nearly every route, Nok Air offers a similar product to the next low cost carrier. Thankfully most domestic segments are short in Thailand, so amenities and luxury is not necessary. Nok Air offers a no thrill experience at extremely low costs.
Our flight was from Bangkok’s older airport. Bangkok Don Mueang airport sits north of downtown and easy to reach by train or Taxi. For just $64, our walk up fare to Chiang Mai was considerable cheap. Purchasing the ticket just 2 hours before departure, the fare could not be beat. We did have to pay approximately $11.50 each for a check bag, but we did this while booking the ticket. As Nok Air charges extra for just about everything. They basically are the Easy Jet or Ryan Air of Thailand.
Nok Air Experience
Checking in online was easy. Yet, when we arrived at the airport and checked our bags, we were handed paper boarding passes. This is different than other low cost carriers who will not print boarding passes for free. For this flight, we did not pay to select seats nor did we pay for express security, boarding or express luggage. Each of these could be added for $5-$15. There was also an added package that bundle many of these options together. We opted to go a la carte and just pay for luggage. Thankfully we were assigned seats next to each other.
Due note, that Nok Air carryon bags are limited to 7kg. We did not see anyone’s bag being weighed, but we didn’t want to risk it, so we checked both our bags. Sans our backpacks.
After a quick check in experience and security, we had time to visit a lounge. Today we opted to for the Miracle Lounge. 30 minutes before scheduled departure, we headed to the gate to board. The lounge was nice, and much larger than the Coral lounge in Chiang Mai. Boarding was a bit chaotic with several lines and people pushing their way to the front. Boarding announcements are in both Thai and English. Masks mandates remain in affect. Mask must be worn throughout public areas and inflight in Thailand.
All Nok Air planes offer only economy class. There are few rows of premium seats towards the front. Plus a few more at the exit rows. The premium seats included extra lag room, but are still 3 seats across. Similar to the rest of economy class. If you’re taller than 6 feet, you may want to consider the extra leg room seats. Otherwise seat pitch is tight, around 31 inches.
During the flight, there is no service. Typically food and drinks are available for both preorder and purchase. However, due to covid-19 eating and drinking is not permitted in flight. Anyone who did pre-order a meal was delivered this minutes before landing as a takeaway snack. The flight took approximately one hour between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It was relatively uneventful. All announcements were made in both Thai and then English.
Interesting, Monks cannot sit in the exit row. Does anyone know why?
Conclusion
Nok Air offers a pretty basic flight. Having flown Air Asia, Lion Air, and Thai Smile, I can say that this flight was no different. Flights within Thailand are basic and segments are short. They also are relatively cheap, especially when buying early. No cost, no thrill airlines are here to stay and Nok Air is one of them. The fun part about Nok Air, I would say is their livery. Who doesn’t like to fly on a bird? For a cheap flight buy early. Yet, even if you do have to buy a last minute fare, no fret as airfares remain cheap across Thailand. To save money, purchase a bundle. Just prepare to to pre-pay for everything extra. If you don’t pre-pay for it, you’ll pay more on day of travel.
