Sivaporn

Sivaporn Dardarananda Activities Post

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Suvannaphum Airport First Operating Day


Our plane is one of the first flights to take off from Suvannaphum Airport, Bangkok's new airport, as we fly on PB Air to Lampang to buy a new elephant and inspect the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation's camp there.
The official name is "Suvarnnabhumi Airport", but I have decided to spell it "Suvannaphum" for the time being because I don't think it deserves that spelling yet and also it has not been officially inaugurated.
Certain Remarks:
1. The "tallest control tower" was so tall that the controllers' section was shrouded by low clouds restricting their view of taxing planes.
2. The cantilevered roof does not extend to the drop off area provided for general traffic. Only Airport limousine and VIP have protected drop off. Fortunately it did not rain that day, or our suitcases and ourselves would have been soaked.
3. Check-in did not accept our over sized satellite dish. We had to get one of those unergonomic trolleys and push it to the "Over Sized" area which was quite far. And then left the trolley to block the traffic there since there was no trolley parking area.
4. Flight info on LCD flat panels were not only small but difficult to register because of the dual language and constant scrolling. Took quite a while to find info on our flight : Gate A1B.
5. Took the people mover conveyor towards Concourse A. Hand rails were not synchronized and poor quality because they did not move smoothly.
6. Concourse A was the wrong one and we had to walk back 500 meters since there was no return people conveyor.
7. Went through security check seven times. The detector was set to 99% so even my gold necklace, and finally the zipper on my shirt caused it to buzz.
8. Waiting room for departure even for small PB domestic flight was small.
9. Smoking room was unbearable even for smokers. Several foreigners ran out the room without trying to smoke. The airport should be sued for endangering peoples' health with their Smoking Rooms.
10. Traffic routing for buses picking up passengers is not functional and dangerous. Buses have to stop and back up, while blocking traffic flow.
11. On our return we found that in the Arrival Hall before luggage pick up, most people will head for the toilets. There are 4 bowls for Men and 5 bowls for Women. Long lines for both toilets prevented toilet cleaners, paper and tissue replacement from getting in. Faucets and sinks not designed for public usage.
12. The Business Lounge which is shared by all airlines is fully crowded.
13. The King Power Duty Free Shop signs give foreigners wrong impression together with get number of posters and signs about H.M. the King's 60th Anniversary.
14. Positioning of the guarding "Giants" inside a structure is a "no no". Bad karma!.

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