Reply To: Long layover at Bangkok and other Thai lounge advice

[The real Swiss Tony]

The problem you will likely have at BKK is if the check in desk out front is closed, so is the transfer desk airside (this was the case I had with QR)

If you’re HBO (I assume you’re not) and BKK allows online check in for BA, you could stay airside.

https://www.bangkokair.com/through-check-in

I also recall BKK transfer desks being happy to pull bags from the belt and re-tag them for the final destination but I’m not sure if they still allow that. The whole Thailand CIQ deal may however be in your favour here (but the link above suggests only on a single ticket).

However, unless someone advises otherwise, I’d be minded to follow this guidance from the ANA website https://www.ana.co.jp/en/es/travel-information/airport-and-city-info/bangkok and try to check in at the international terminal in Phuket. Give yourself some extra time but the worst they can say is no.

I had a layover of a similar duration and looked at trying to get into BKK but it wasn’t worth it. CX were however kind enough to let me into their lounge (I was HBO) whilst I waited for the QR transfer desk to open. Security were happy with my e-ticket.