What's the latest on Suvarnabhumi Airport?

Hi there... just wondering if anyone who%26#39;s travelled in or out of Suvarnabhumi Airport in the last week or so can give an update on their experiences?

Initial reports at its opening complained of lack of toilets and lack of air conditioning. I have read tho they they decided not to use conventional air conditioning and went with some kind of underfloor cooling powered by cold water?

Anyway, please post any updates you have. Thanks.

What's the latest on Suvarnabhumi Airport?

Thats strange, while I was at the airport, it was really cold. Supposedly they used some sort of Air Condition that blows only head level because they have these very high ceilings. According to science, hot air rises so its ok just to use these air cons because the cold air will remain at floor level. This process was used to keep electricity costs low since they have such high ceilings. Not sure about the toilets though, but will find out!

What's the latest on Suvarnabhumi Airport?

Hi there,

We arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport one two separate flights on 12 Nov 06. Temperature seemed fine. It%26#39;s a beautiful structure.

Food court is great, but a little confusing. You buy a card for 500 baht, eat what you want wherever you want, and then when you%26#39;re done, you hand in your card, and receive any mony left on the card. A great system, but when we were there the woman greeting us couldn%26#39;t explain it that well.

I recommend that you NOT get rooked into paying for an airport limosine or any other limo service. Arrivals are on the second floor. Take the escalator down to the first floor and get in cue for a cab. You%26#39;ll pay half what the limo driver charges. From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Kao San Road (centre of city) it should cost no more than 350-400 baht - you%26#39;ll offer to pay the toll charges (25 and 40 baht) and the airport fee (50 baht). The airport limo guys will charge you 900 to 1200 baht and if you have an experience like I did you%26#39;ll get a crappy old Volvo instead of a vehicle you would expect as a limo.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport is a beautiful place. Expect long lineups in the Immigration/Passport Control area.

Good luck.

Many of the problems at Suv have been ironed out. Luggage belts falied and all luggage had to be hand carried but that has been sorted

AC is a good efficient system I was COLD waithing at the departure gate. Most BIG systems are powered by chilled water. this one seems good next summer will tell.

Distances are long and good walks between gates and immigration on arrivals and gated from departures hall and duty free. there are moving walkways but some people dont know how to use.

Taxi advice good Dont accept offers of limo or taxi in Arrivals.

Go down one floor and join the Q and get a taxi meter . Pay the meter + 50 Tax + 65 Tolls to most places..

Anything else come on back here

Thanks for the heads up on the taxis. Is there an ATM to get some bahts in the Arrivals area -- before heading down to get a taxi?

ATM Machines available after customs on arrivals level

Just look behind you as you come out.of customs

Is there any truth to a post that I saw that said that some travelers coming in on US carriers and using the TSA locks for their check in luggage have had their locks broken into at Suvarnabhumi and things taken out?

mwong3

Quote

Is there any truth to a post that I saw that said that some travelers coming in on US carriers and using the TSA locks for their check in luggage have had their locks broken into at Suvarnabhumi and things taken out?

Unquote

Why do you assume that the locks were broken at Suvarnabhumi?

If your locks were broken you should report it to your airline and to the airport of your departure and arrival.

mwong3

Just read your post as I came out.

Sorry I see you are reporting something you read.

All I would say is this does happen all over the world and can go undetected for some time as travellers do not want to spend the time at airports filling out paperwork.

But I still add my same comment why did the writer assume it was at Suvarnabhumi. Did he have some proof?

Many times the broken locks are as a result of bad equipment and handling.

I have seen cases open on the belt in baggage claim especially the cloth type and the contents have been packed into a plastic bag.

My advice always is dont use zip cases and dont use cloth cases they are both suspectable to ';natural'; damage by the handling equipment

As well as the ATM machines, are there any money changing booths near the arrivals section? Thanks!

Thanks for your advice, all.

Thursday can%26#39;t come soon enough!