Even though I have been coming to Thailand for many years before retiring here, I never had gone to Kho Samui. When I first checked for flights the only flights I found even going to Bangkok Air website was from Bangkok.

 

A friend said they had flights from Utapao so I did a Google search and found the right Bangkok Air link. (I was looking for promotions on their site. When I did not, Utapao was listed).

 

Since I was going to drive to Utapao, I tried to find a map. I went to Utapao web site and could not find one.Not finding one I called Bangkok Air. I asked if there was one on their website or could they tell me how to get there from Pattaya. I was surprised that they were not able to help. A Google Map search did find work.

 

Once getting to the airport everything worked very efficiently. The Bangkok Air staff was very helpful.

 

The only concern I had is that while sitting in the departure area after going through security, I heard one guy tell security he forgot his man purse on the seat before entering the security screening. They let him back through but when he came back they did not scan the bag he brought through.

 

Another interesting thing, The army guard that was inside the secure area found an issue of Spice. He stood there looking at it, then rolled it up and took it in to the toilet area.

 

We finally were taken to the turbo prop plane and off we went. They gave us a sandwich and juice once we took off and 40 minutes later we landed at the most beautiful Koh Samui airport.

 

For me Utapao is a good alternative instead of having to drive from Pattaya to Bangkok.

Another interesting thing, The army guard that was inside the secure area found an issue of Spice. He stood there looking at it, then rolled it up and took it in to the toilet area.

What's his name, rank, and serial number . . . . . . .?

Great question GB.............I have a feeling Geezer may have a picture of him. Just a guess!

The only concern I had is that while sitting in the departure area after going through security, I heard one guy tell security he forgot his man purse on the seat before entering the security screening. They let him back through but when he came back they did not scan the bag he brought through.

 

After seeing that occur, you still got on the flight with the guy and his man purse?

 

At Utapao they are navy boys, not army.

I knew it!

 

Thanks Geezer. You really know your military uniforms...............

For me Utapao is a good alternative instead of having to drive from Pattaya to Bangkok.

 

UTapao is an easy trip from Pattaya and Samui's airport is perhaps the prettiest I've seen.

 

But Bankok Air's near monopoly on Samui flights leads to outrageous prices.

 

But if you're Pattaya and money's not a factor in your flight decision flying from UTapao to Samui or Phuket is a good choice. If money matters, then Air Asia from Bangkok to Phuket is the better alternative.

I agree that Air Asia has some really low prices and is also a good airline. I have flown them several times.

 

Unfortunately they don't fly to Samui. A person can fly to Surat Tani on Air Asia, make their way to the ferry landing and then take a ferry across. I don't know how much that would save.

 

For my trip Bangkok Air had a "special of the month" form Utapao for 1500 round trip but added 1700 in extra charges for the round trip.

It's a little more expensive to fly from U-Tapao, but the convenience of it and its proximity to Pattaya makes seeking flights to and from that airport my first choice. When you factor in the inconvenience of getting to either of the Bangkok airports, along with the higher cost if you use taxis rather than a bus, I think it's worth the price. Yes, it's more expensive for flights at U-Tapao, but not that much more.

 

If there is a silver lining on the airport siege cloud, the fact that so many more people are now aware of the existence of U-Tapao might result in a few more airlines deciding to use that facility and more flights to popular destinations.