From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at BKK.

[dk4]

Someone a few weeks back was asking questions about how long it takes to get from the Airport Hotel at Bangkok to arrival airside, so I decided to document it on my recent trip.

Thus I started my phone's video recording as I closed my hotel room door, and stopped it as I entered the Thai First Class Lounge doorway, and ended up with 14 minutes of recording. (Now given that I stopped, briefly, along the way to hold the camera still and frame some potential screen grabs along the way, I could probably have moved even quicker.)

So, here are some grabs from that video (so the quality is a little poor), of the 14 minute walk from my hotel room to the airline lounge.

Looking down onto the reception desk from the top (5th) floor as I await the lift, and checking out at the reception desk (don't go backwards to the executive lounge)

Walking past the concierge desk to exit the hotel (with the concierge pictured racing to open the door for me) &Crossing the road, to access the underground connecting walkway

Down the escalatorsand turn left to the stairs, or there is a rather long ramp if you have a few heavy bags to drag

Turn right and follow the signs to the terminal, walking past all the empty shop spaces...

and enter the top of the railway station

 

[dk4]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Past to the right through the top of the station.

head right and follow the signs straight ahead toward the terminal

when you see the 2nd ticket booth via left a little and and up...

and out of the station, into the basement of the terminal, but keep heading left ignoring the signs that say go right.Now you need to make your way to the top floor...

The easiest way is via the lift, as not all escalators operate between the floors in a logical sequence

 

[dk4]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

The reason now becomes clear why you wanted to walk as far left in the basement as you could, because the departure level is likely to be a zoo.

Continue towards the far end, past domestic check in...

past business class check in...

and hand your passport to the representative as you walk between the hallowed signs at the end of the terminal.

 

[dk4]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

You now leave all the frenetic activity of the main departures area behind you, and will either be lead to the right or straight ahead.

to the right of the flowers is the check in counter and express seating, to the left is large group seating areas

the check in desks, you never actually go here, the person who took your passport will invite you to sit down, while they go to the desk to check you in

express seating area, where a cold drink and towel are delivered promptly as soon as you sit

the larger seating area at the back, for bigger groups travelling together.

 

[dk4]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Soon after you have been seated, had a drink, and wiped yourself down, a porter will arrive to guide you through the rest of your trip to the lounge.

The porter will tow your bags if you wish, as you follow him through departure formalities...

Fast track security and private immigration booths...

then down some escalators, and as you descend, your ride to the lounge appears to the below left

 

[dk4]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

To the right of the entry to the Business Class lounge is a purpose built speed track, so your private driver can whisk you away to the First Class Lounge.

Business Class Lounge entry

Flying along the speed track, and out the other side of the Business Lounge...

then it's out past the spa, round the corner and welcome to the First Class Lounge! No need to check in here, it's all done for you, just follow the lounge attendant to your seat.

 

[dk4]

A quick look around inside the TG BKK F Lounge

Inside the lounge

Main seating area.

Private rooms and dining room.

Library, work zone and toilet entry couch

Select what you want to eat from the ipad menu...

or the display room.

 

[Mgjdubs]

Re: A quick look around inside the TG BKK F Lounge

Wow, 14 minutes? Good work!

Thanks for the report and the pictures

 

[robd]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Very informative and enjoyable.

Thanks for the report.

 

[craven morehead]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Excellent report !! Thank you :mrgreen:

 

[zig]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Love it What a streamlined service. If only travel was always like that! Thanks for posting.

 

[Simo]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Love it What a streamlined service. If only travel was always like that! Thanks for posting.

Yep I second that comment.

Great little TR

 

[JessicaTam]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

A great photo-montage. Did you get many funny looks as you walked with camera outstretched?

 

[simongr]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Speedy - I often manage kerb to lounge in 10 mins at SYD - I take long strides

 

[JessicaTam]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Speedy - I often manage kerb to lounge in 10 mins at SYD - I take long strides

I will see how I go plane to train this afternoon!

 

[dk4]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Did you get many funny looks as you walked with camera outstretched?

Not from any of the hotel or airline staff, they usually asked if they should move out of the way, or make a pose and stay still for the shot.

I didn't actually walk the whole way with the my phone out in front of me though, I only lifted it at certain times to frame the shots that I wanted, I just left it going while holding onto it at other times, not pointing it at anything particular.

One of the most interesting bits (that I didn't include in the montage) was when the phone went through the x-ray machine videoing away, and the interference it captured on the video. And from the opposite angle, I am not sure what the x-ray operators saw as it went through, but as it came out the other end there are two curious faces bent over it, looking at it quite quizzically.

 

[JessicaTam]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Not from any of the hotel or airline staff, they usually asked if they should move out of the way, or make a pose and stay still for the shot.

I didn't actually walk the whole way with the my phone out in front of me though, I only lifted it at certain times to frame the shots that I wanted, I just left it going while holding onto it at other times, not pointing it at anything particular.

One of the most interesting bits (that I didn't include in the montage) was when the phone went through the x-ray machine videoing away, and the interference it captured on the video. And from the opposite angle, I am not sure what the x-ray operators saw as it went through, but as it came out the other end there are two curious faces bent over it, looking at it quite quizzically.

I guess there are not many phones that are filming as they go through. (Hmm, note to self).

 

[simongr]

Re: From Hotel Room exit to Airline Lounge entry in 14 minutes - Novotel to TG F at B

Interestingly inOz you might have been accosted by Customs staff given it is illegal to film in the customs area.