Bangkok reopens fast-track priority lane for first, business class
Premium travellers can once again speed their way through immigration at Bangkok.
By David Flynn, August 27 2024
Business and first class flyers arriving at Bangkok's bustling Suvarnabhumi Airport can once again enjoy the fast track treatment – but they’ll need to know exactly where to head, as there’s no obvious signposting.
As Executive Traveller reported last week, the airport recently closed its dedicated Fast Track lane and began directing premium passengers into the same long snaking lines as everyone else.
After approaching Airports of Thailand (AOT), which operates Suvarnabhumi Airport, we can now share the good news that this decision has been reversed, at least for now.
While the Fast Track lane itself doesn’t appear to be coming back, AOT says first class and business class passengers can now use the Priority lane, which is otherwise reserved for the likes of the elderly (aged over 70), disabled, and pregnant travellers.
First and business class arrivals are now eligible to use Bangkok's Priority lane.
By way of odd explanation, AOT said the initial decision “was made to alleviate congestion in the fast-track lane areas.”
These are now reserved for a dizzying array of travellers including diplomatic passport holders, passengers requiring special assistance, infants, pregnant passengers, APEC Business Travel Card holders, Smart Visa, Long Stay and Thailand Privilege Card holders, “as well as monks, elderly passengers and crew members.”
We’d agree this sounds more like the recipe for a Slow Track than a Fast Track lane.
First and business class arrivals are now eligible to use Bangkok's Priority lane.
From the statement supplied by the AOT: “First and business class passengers are encouraged to use passport control Zones 1 and 3 upon arrival, which have priority lanes offered by Immigration Division 2 to make traveling more convenient.”
“We have confirmed with Immigration Division 2 that First and Business Class passengers are currently permitted to use the priority lanes.”
While the AOT didn’t clarify exactly what Zone 1 and Zone 3 mean, the company supplied a series of photos which travellers can use to properly orient themselves “upon arrival at immigration zones 1 and 3.”
First and business class arrivals are now eligible to use Bangkok's Priority lane.
There appears to be no signage pointing first and business class to the Priority lane, nor to indicate they are indeed eligible to join the line of wheelchairs, pregnant women and the elderly.
Let’s just hope the immigration staff have likewise been informed that premium passengers are entitled to use the Priority lane.
If you’re passing though BKK in the coming weeks, please let us know of your experience...
12 Aug 2022
Total posts 3
Just breezed through immigration at BKK at 11am. Arrived in J on CX and was expecting fast track. Today no problem but would hate to strike peak times. The immigration agent was all smiles and chatted pleasantly.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jan 2013
Total posts 16
Same experience, visited Bangkok twice in the last 3 months and both times immigration on arrival and security / immigration on departure have taken barely 3-4min. Great experience and a far cry from the dreadful slow queues of the past
23 Aug 2024
Total posts 2
Have been flying AKL-BKK regularly for 30 plus years. Most recent trip in late April and I was ushered into the fast-track lane for those 70 plus (total surprise) but very welcome. I have endured waits of up to 90 minutes and would not wish this on anybody.
23 Aug 2024
Total posts 2
I have been travelling to Bangkok on a regular basis for the past 30 years and have endured arrival processing wait times of up to 90 minutes (I wouldn't wish this on anybody). My most recent trip was in late April this year and following a 'cursory' check of my passport at the arrivals hall was ushered into the special fast-track lane for people 70 plus. A very pleasant surprise.
QFF
31 Mar 2015
Total posts 10
Just went through last week at midnight and there were long lines. I asked the guy there about the Priority and he just waved me up the disabled lane. The couple who were seated in front of me on the flight, went into the normal line at the same time as I went into the Priority, got through at the same time, so it didn't save any time anyway.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Aug 2013
Total posts 24
Interesting move if true, I wonder what Thailand Elite visa customers will do now seeing they advertise fast track and meet and great as on of the perks.
09 May 2020
Total posts 571
Strange, given they were trying to attract more premium travellers post Covid
Etihad - Etihad Guest
21 Jul 2019
Total posts 189
I wouldn't be too concerned about the fast lane disappearing forever at BKK. It'll be back in some form, probably much sooner than you think, because the 'Chop and Change and see what Happens next' approach is all too common with both AOT and TG. Until some senior executive realizes it was a bad idea because someone further up tells him so. And then it gets reinstated with much fanfare. You'll see it back within 6 - 12 months. Longtime AOT and TG watchers will know..
24 Aug 2024
Total posts 1
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Jan 2013
Total posts 66
AY from HEL in biz. Went through today. Priority still there. Incredibly quick.
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
27 Aug 2024
Total posts 2
Forget about the Priority Line or Fast Lane, the processing speed is as same as normal lane, I landed at BKK at 1230 local time on 24/8/2024, took me 75 mins to go through immigration even I am in the Priority Lane or Fast Lane.
27 Aug 2024
Total posts 1
I arrived in Bangkok on SQ708 from Singapore at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 27th. There is NO Fast Track for Business Class customers at either zone 1 or zone 3. Business class customers were directed to go to the general passenger queue. What the Airports Authority of Thailand (AOT) is telling you and what is actually happening are two different things.
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