Is there any reason I need to know for AirAsia being so much cheaper than Bangkok Air flying to Chiang Mai?

Answer 1

There’s no important reason not to take Air Asia. Air Asia has no reserved seats, and drinks and snacks cost extra. Of course, this is no big deal on short regional flights. Air Asia uses all jets; Bangkok Airways uses prop planes for many flights which are slower and noisier. From my experience, Air Asia is at least as apt to be on time as Bangkok Airways.

Bangkok Airways offers more flexibility because you can change the date/time of your flight for no charge (however, they do charge a hefty fee for refunding unused tickets). With Bangkok Airways, last minute tickets cost the same as those booked in advance. With Air Asia, the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will probably be. The only warning with Air Asia is that changes in date/time have to be made at least 48 hours in advance (and you probably will need to pay a higher fare). There are no refunds if you miss or cancel your flight.

Answer 2

I live in Thailand, and recently on an Air Asia flight from Singapore, I probably had the worst flight experience of my life. The flight was 2 1/2 hours late, the boarding procedure is a nightmare, every one rushes to board at the same time, there was no snacks or drinks available for purchase and when we arrived there was no gate available, so we disembarked way out on the tarmack and were bussed into the terminal. I also recently picked family up at the Bangkok Airport arriving on Air Asia, as there is no way to find out from Air Asia if there flights are on time, I went at the scheduled time, again the flight was over two hours late, and while waiting, I noticed on the flight arrivals board that 5 other Air Asia flights were "delayed," while almost every other flight was on time. I know that list their on time performance at around 75%, I don't believe it. I've flown Bangkok Airways twice and have had very good experiences with them. They have many jets and turbo/props, not propeller driven planes.
Also, on a more recent flight to Singapore, I found a flight on Cathay Pacific for a little more than $50.00US more than Air Asia, money well spent. So, if money is your major concern then AirAsia is probably your best choice, if service, food, on-time performance and a good flight experience are more important, then I would definitely look elsewhere.

Answer 3

In Bangkok check ot the Sawasdee Group,nothing fancy but cheap air-con rooms 300-500 baht with special rates if you stay more than three nights.. In Chiang Mai try Na Inn +Very clean, A/C, Fridge, towels, soap, TV (English including BBC, CNN, AL Jazeera, and a couple more) large rooms, new furniture and fittings. Next door to a really efficient laundry service. Small store downstairs. Free WiFi. Good location. 550 baht.

Answer 4

AirAsia is a low-cost carrier. Pretty much like EasyJet. It boasts of a no-frills, ticketless flight. So, they save costs on pampering the passengers with free juice and nuts. Also, the layers of tickets that are normally issued by other airlines - out the window. Visit their website to know more on how they can provide you with cheap flights.

Answer 5

Air Asia Thailand is a Thai sudsidiary of the company, Air Asia, hence it can offer competitive rates to Chiangmai. It has more planes and hence fly more routes within Thailand than Bangkok Air.

Answer 6

Airasia is Malaysia low cost airlines, offer the cheapest airfare in southeast asia destinations.

Answer 7

AirAsia is great! I had NO problems on my flights and they cost as low as US $25 one way! You can't freakin beat that.. even if you consider delays or whatever.. Sure, it wasn't luxury, but it felt like any other flight except unbelievably cheap!