Review: Turkish Airlines business class lounge, Bangkok Airport

Introduction

Freshly-opened in early 2019, the Turkish Airlines business class lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport serves not only passengers of Turkish Airlines, but those of every Star Alliance airline too, along with Priority Pass members flying with any airline.

For example, if you're travelling business class with Thai Airways, you don't have to use one of the (admittedly dated) Thai Airways lounges – you can choose the Turkish Airlines lounge instead.

Or, if you're travelling with an airline outside of Star Alliance completely, such as Qantas to Australia, Emirates to Dubai or on any other international flight, that Priority Pass card can also be your ticket through these doors.

Here's what Turkish Airlines' newest overseas lounge has to offer, whether you're flying to Istanbul or anywhere else.

Location & Impressions

You'll find the Turkish Airlines Lounge near gate D8 in Bangkok – not far from the SilverKris business class lounge of fellow Star Alliance member Singapore Airlines, which is at gate D7.

Whether you're flying with Turkish Airlines or another carrier, here's a map of the walk from Bangkok's central security and passport control checkpoint to get you started, assuming your journey begins in Bangkok:

If you're already in the airport's international departures area, or you're trying to spot the entrance along your walk, keep your eyes peeled for this:

Once inside, the reception area is bright and modern, with a selection of reading material available, plus a waiting chair if a travel companion is your ticket inside and you're still waiting for them to arrive:

Beyond reception, orchids greet travellers...

... with the lounge relatively long and thin, and divided into sections. Many seats are geared towards shorter stays and relaxation, although there are dining, working and relaxation facilities, too.

Wherever you sit, take a moment to admire the lounge's modern design – whether that's the overhead light fittings, or even simply the cocktail tables:

Even though Turkish Airlines only flies from Bangkok in the evenings, this lounge is open 24/7, catering to passengers travelling with a wide range of partner airlines, as well as various lounge cardholders flying with any airline.

Access

• Business class and first class passengers (as available) of Turkish Airlines and its Star Alliance partners. From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, that roster includes Thai Airways, plus Air China, Air India, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines and SWISS.
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus frequent flyers prior to Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance flights
• Other Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers departing on Star Alliance flights
• Paid members of Air Canada Maple Leaf Club (Worldwide plan only) and United Club, before Star Alliance flights
• Members of eligible independent airport lounge programs such Priority Pass and LoungeKey prior to international flights with any airline
• Diners Club cardholders also prior to international flights with any airline, on presentation of their Diners Club card (excludes Australian Citibank Linked Diners Club Cards)

Thai Airways also operates many of its own lounges in Bangkok which welcome many of the same travellers – including the Royal Silk and Royal Orchid business class lounges, plus a Royal First Lounge for first class flyers – with other Star Alliance lounges from EVA Air and Singapore Airlines also within walking distance.

Dining

You'll find all of your food and beverage options by turning right as you enter the space, or by following this corridor down to the end of the lounge:

A busy Friday evening visit prior to the departure of two Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul (TK65 and TK69) found a selection of fruit, sandwiches and sweet treats available...

... joined by an array of fresh ingredients to assemble your own salad:

Several hot dishes were served nearby, including those heroing vegetables and chicken, as well as lighter options like pita bread with dips such as hummus.

Around the corner, there's another food counter. At first pass, I thought I'd missed my chance to try the daily special...

... but returning soon after saw a freshly-made Turkish Pide (pizza) emerge from the oven, made of meat and cheese with a nice spicy kick:

Beverage-wise, non-alcoholic drinks are self-served, with a DIY espresso coffee machine not far away...

... or for something stronger, head to the staffed bar (with the blue barstools):

Here, you'll find a range of spirits, beer and wine, including a choice between a French sparkling (which differs from Champagne) and Italian sparkling (which is also not Prosecco):

I tried the French sparkling and found it acceptable, but would have preferred it served in a flute rather than a regular wine glass, as a wider surface area means the bubbles can escape faster and can affect the taste, particularly if you're in no hurry to finish the glass.

(Although these wines were sitting in ice on the counter, they're still poured by the bartender, as glasses are kept behind the bar.)

Work

If your lounge visit will be more 'business' than 'bar', those needs are catered for in a quiet working space:

Located at the opposite end of the lounge to the bar and buffet, there's less foot traffic around this space, so you're less likely to be disturbed while working at one of the computer stations, or holding an impromptu meeting:

Some seats in the general lounge space also provide access to AC (although not USB) power, via outlets nearby – although it's somewhat of a 'lucky dip', as not all seats provide this:

WiFi is fast and free, with the password provided as you arrive. My tests showed average download speeds of 19Mbps and average uploads just shy of 2Mbps: perfectly usable, particularly given how busy the lounge was ahead of the airline's two evening departures.

Relax

Kicking back before your flight is easy in a dedicated quiet room just off from the main lounge, where complimentary 15-minute head and shoulder messages are also provided between 3pm to 11pm daily.

These are booked via reception and a massage booking was proactively offered when I arrived – even though I wasn't flying with Turkish Airlines that day (instead, its Star Alliance partner Thai Airways). However, the next available time was in an hour, so I declined.

Otherwise, there's ample space to settle in and kick back with a drink...

... or to make just a brief stay, while still enjoying the Turkish hospitality. Shower facilities are available too, along with flight information screens. Boarding calls are also made for Turkish Airlines flights.

All things considered, while there was already no shortage of Star Alliance and Priority Pass lounges at Bangkok Airport, the addition of Turkish Airlines into the mix is most welcome, offering guests a modern space, a taste of Turkish food and bartender service.

It's also a significant step up from the various Thai Airways business class lounges in Bangkok – and as a Thai Airways (or any other Star Alliance) business class boarding pass can get you through the door here, it's definitely worth the walk if there's time before your flight.

If you’re bound for Bangkok, don’t miss our selection of the best hotels in Bangkok.

Chris Chamberlin travelled at his own expense using frequent flyer points.

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.