Airlines allow free flight changes amid Bangkok floods

Flooded roads and snarled traffic have made getting to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang a headache. If your flight is caught up in Bangkok’s late-September floods, check your ticket before braving the journey: Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet have announced changes or travel credit for eligible passengers. The dates and conditions differ, and a waived change fee does not always mean every fare difference is waived.

Both airports remain open, though access roads and some flights have been affected. Here’s what each airline announced – contact yours to check the terms for your booking before making other plans.

Change a Thai Airways flight

Tickets issued by September 26 for domestic or international flights to or from Suvarnabhumi between September 26 and October 11 qualify for one date change without a change fee, on the same route and in the same fare class. The revised journey must be completed by October 11. Check the THAI app, thaiairways.com or call +66 2 356 1111 (24 hours).

Rebook with AirAsia

For affected Thai AirAsia (FD), Thai AirAsia X (XJ) and other AirAsia Group flights to or from Bangkok on September 26-30, passengers can move a flight once on the same route, within seven days of the original departure, subject to seats. Alternatively, retain the booking value in an AirAsia credit account and make a new reservation within two years of approval. Check airasia.com/flightstatus and contact support.airasia.com.

Move a Bangkok Airways trip

Passengers travelling September 25-30 who could not reach the airport or missed a flight because of flooding can change dates once on the same route without a change fee, subject to seats, and travel by October 10. Or take a Travel Voucher valid for one year from issue. Call 1771 or 02 270 6699 (8am-8pm) or message FlyBangkokAir on Facebook.

Claim Nok Air assistance

Nok Air’s measure covers affected passengers travelling to or from Don Mueang between September 26-28. Change once for travel within 30 days of the original date, with the change fee and fare difference waived, or request a voucher for the full ticket value valid for 30 days. Contact 1318, Nok Air’s online channels or an airport ticket office.

Check Thai Lion Air’s 30-day options

For affected domestic and international journeys on September 26-28, Thai Lion Air offers a one-time change within 30 days or 30-day ticket credit. If you missed a flight and could not contact the airline beforehand, it says the ticket value can be held as credit for 30 days; contact the airline to rebook within 30 days of the original departure. A move to a public holiday or long holiday may still incur a fare difference. Call 02 529 9999 or email [email protected].

Change a Thai Vietjet flight

For affected flights to or from Suvarnabhumi on September 26-30, Thai Vietjet offers one free change on the same route for travel within seven calendar days of the original departure, subject to seats. Or retain the ticket value as a credit shell valid for 180 days. Contact LINE @Thaivietjet, [email protected] or 02 089 1909.

Before you head to the airport

Check your flight status and the roads before setting out. Suvarnabhumi advises arriving at least three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic one. Its main access routes remain open, but the Lat Krabang route has been waterlogged; the Airport Rail Link is another option. Around Don Mueang, check road conditions or consider the Red Line. Leave extra time whichever airport you use.