BANGKOK, 15 September, 2010 – Solar Air introduced its fourth route, Bangkok–Lampang from its Don Mueang base, last week, competing head-on with Bangkok Airways which serves the city from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Both airlines quote different fares, but they are close enough for passengers to factor into a decision other considerations such as the home port and departure times.
In terms of frequency, Solar Air serves the city just four times a week, while Bangkok Airways offers the flexibility of daily flights. But Solar Air flies non-stop, while Bangkok Airways’ makes a 30-minute transit stop in Sukhothai.
Solar Air’s Lampang service flies every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday departing Don Mueang at 1530 and from Lampang at 1730.
Bangkok Airways’ daily service departs from Suvarnabhumi at 0705 and returns from Lampang at 0955.
Fare-wise, Solar Air’s roundtrip fare is Bt5,180, all inclusive and a one-way fare Bt2,590.
Bangkok Airways’ lowest fare undercuts Solar Air at Bt4,860 for a roundtrip in its websaver fare category. Miss that and the fare jumps to Bt5,460.
Bangkok Airways has other advantages, apart from its track record for service and reliability. Passengers can double frequent flyer points in its FlyerBonus scheme up to 15 October. And if they fly six sectors between 16 August and 15 October, they are entitled to receive an extra 100 points.
Solar Air is battling to gain recognition. Very few travellers and travel agencies are familiar with its ticketing outlets and network, but it has recently introduced an online reservations system in Thai language. The English language version website is still a translation away from going online.
For more information, visit www.solarair.co.th and www.bangkokair.com.
Bron:TTRweekly
Theo