Turkish Airlines is about to open a new lounge at the Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport in Thailand. The airline currently has lounges open in Moscow, Washington D.C. and Nairobi in addition to their hub in Istanbul.
When I walked by the lounge late last night and had a quick peek inside, it was already furnished and looked like it would be ready to open.
You can access Turkish’ page for their own lounges here.
Exterior
The lounge looks stylish outside.
Star Alliance Airlines
They already have the stands inviting fliers from Star Alliance airlines to visit the lounge.
Airline Lounges
These are the locations of various lounges at the airport.
D-Lounges
The Turkish lounge is opposite of the JAL’s Sakura one and next to China Airlines one.
I took the liberty to fill out the empty spaces on this display (not sure why they want to hide the Qatar’s lounge that is open for all Oneworld premium passengers).
Conclusion
Turkish Airlines only has two flights per day from Bangkok to Istanbul. They used to fly to Ho Chi Minh City but that fifth freedom was discontinued. Surely they don’t NEED to have their own lounge for these flights?
I guess that their plan is to win business from airlines that need quality lounge for their passengers, Star Alliance Gold members and those business/first class flyers on Star Alliance airlines that can choose which lounge(s) they choose to visit. I wouldn’t be surprised if it would be welcoming Priority Pass members too.
Thai lounges are poor quality and overrun with passengers in Bangkok. Not sure why most don’t go to Singapore Airlines or EVA lounges that are both very close to this soon to be open Turkish Airlines one? Are passengers really not aware what they are entitled to?
Just had a look at my records and I once flew out from Bangkok on Turkish Airlines first class when they briefly had a dry lease agreement with Jet Airways. I was the only passenger on the first and received short briefing from the captain and excellent service. This on a BMI Diamond Club business class BKK-IST-GRU redemption (longest segment deemed the award type – how I miss this airline and their frequent flier program).
I will be going through Bangkok again in mid/late February and let’s see if the lounge is open by the time.
