Thailand · Founded 1968
Bangkok Airways Business Class
Bangkok Airways is a boutique Thai regional carrier — no widebody or long-haul international service (a 2011 widebody plan was cancelled) — flying A319, A320, and ATR 72 aircraft from Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi to 20 destinations, including airports the airline itself owns at Koh Samui, Sukhothai, and Trat. Blue Ribbon Club business class runs only on the A319 (12 seats, 2-2 layout) with a genuinely spacious 47in pitch and 22in width recliner — not lie-flat, but roomy for a regional product. All passengers, including economy, get lounge access at Bangkok Airways-operated airports.
- From
- $850
- Max savings
- 50%
- Rating
- 4.3★*
- Fleet
- 3 types
Last updated
Premium Economy
Bangkok Airways premium economy
Bangkok Airways premium economy offers wider seats, more legroom, and upgraded meals — the comfort of premium travel without business class pricing. A regional-only carrier — don't expect widebody or true long-haul service. Blue Ribbon Club is specifically an A319 product, more spacious than typical regional business class (47in pitch is genuinely generous). Owning its own airports at Koh Samui and Sukhothai is a real, unusual differentiator. Lounge access for every passenger, not just business, is a standout value.
Our consolidator contracts include competitive premium economy rates on most Bangkok Airways long-haul routes; savings are typically 35–45% vs published retail. The cabin is best on flights longer than 6 hours, where the wider seat and dedicated bedding kit make a meaningful difference for arrival quality. Below is a working spec sheet plus the practical booking notes our agents apply to Bangkok Airways premium economy itineraries.
Specs at a Glance
Bangkok Airways premium economy specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Product name | Bangkok Airways Premium Economy |
| Seat width | 18.5–20 in (47–51 cm) |
| Seat pitch | 38–40 in (97–102 cm) |
| Recline | 7–9 in (18–23 cm) — leg rest on most carriers |
| Checked baggage | 2 × 23 kg (50 lb) included |
| Carry-on | 1 × 8 kg (18 lb) + personal item |
| Meal service | Multi-course hot meal upgraded over economy, premium beverage selection |
| Indicative fare from | $1,290 round-trip (consolidator) |
| Saving vs published retail | 35–45% |
Specifications vary by aircraft sub-fleet and route. The values above are typical for the long-haul widebody configuration; short-haul and regional equipment may differ.
On Board
What to expect in the cabin
- Separate cabin, often with its own galley and lavatory on widebody aircraft
- Wider, deeper seat with leg rest and footrest (improvement of 1.5–3 in over economy)
- Larger personal IFE screen (typically 12–15 in vs economy 9–11 in) and noise-cancelling headphones on long-haul
- Upgraded bedding kit on overnight routes — pillow, blanket, sometimes amenity kit
- Multi-course hot meal with china or upgraded service ware (not foil trays)
- Premium beverage selection — wines from a curated list, sparkling on long-haul
- Priority boarding (usually with business class) and priority disembarkation on most carriers
Premium Economy vs Business
Honest trade-offs to keep in mind
- Seats recline but do not lie flat — premium economy is for sitting comfortably, not for sleeping fully horizontal.
- Lounge access is usually NOT included with the fare alone; status tier with the airline or alliance is the typical path.
- Baggage allowance is generous vs economy but still less than business class (2×23 kg vs 2×32 kg).
- Boarding priority is real but may share the lane with business class on some carriers.
- On routes under ~6 hours, the value gap to business class is small — premium economy is most rewarding on 8 hr+ flights.
Booking Notes
How to book Bangkok Airways premium economy
- Not every Bangkok Airways aircraft has a premium economy cabin — equipment swaps can downgrade you to economy with seat-credit, so we confirm the cabin before issuing tickets.
- Premium economy seats sell out before economy on long-haul routes — book 6–10 weeks ahead for peak summer / December departures, 3–5 weeks ahead off-peak.
- Cash + miles upgrades from economy to premium economy use FlyerBonus on most Bangkok Airways routes; we can advise on the most efficient mile rate.
- Award redemptions in premium economy are often available when business class is sold out — useful for couples and families using miles together.
- Refund and change rules sit between economy and business — most consolidator premium economy fares are change-fee-only (not non-refundable).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What's Bangkok Airways premium economy like?
How much does Bangkok Airways premium economy cost?
Does Bangkok Airways premium economy include checked baggage?
Can I access the lounge with premium economy?
Is Bangkok Airways premium economy worth it vs business class?
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