Warning to future passengers of Bangkok Airways
I would like to relate a personal experience I recently had with Bangkok Airlines, Asia's so-called Boutique Airline. I checked in at Bangkok to take a flight back to Dhaka on August 25. I was greeted with the usual polite smile and impeccable service which has become the hallmark of Thai hospitality and checked in two pieces of luggage. The flight was dot on time. The service on board was efficient and polite. All was going so well. I landed in Dhaka at 2am, got through the immigration in no time and went to the carousal to collect my luggage. After about half the luggage had arrived, the carousal stopped. The passengers were surprised, dismayed and annoyed till a ground staff of the airline informed that rest of the LUGGAGES HAVE BEEN OFF LOADED! About 80 pieces of luggage failed to make it to the flight even though these were accepted at the airline counter. The reason? WEIGHT RESTRICTION! The news was greeted by a stunned silence, shock and dismay especially from those coming for a short visit, holyday or work.
I am one of the lucky ones who got back my luggage after two days. I don't know about others. My luggage was picked up out of hundreds lying at the airport. The explanation? Backlog due to sudden rush of passengers, need to stock up on extra fuel etc. Was anyone told or warned of this situation? No one from the airline bothered to warn passengers at the time of check-in even though they knew this would happen. After having paid 25% more than its normal price - and I don't know why - I ended up feeling cheated, foolish and frustrated. Therefore, when checking in your luggage for a Bangkok Airways flight, be sure to ask if it will reach on the same flight as you.
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