During beginning of June 2024, I had short free time for my holidays, only 2-3 days as I was attending Chinese Language Class every Saturday. I did decide to spend my short holiday to nearby country from Thailand like Malaysia. However, as I used to visit KL and Malacca already, I had chosen another interesting city what is one of the world heritage city, Penang (Georgetown). This city had direct flight from Bangkok with plenty of choice of schedule. And, luckily, Thai Air Asia had offered me the attractive airfare and the flight time was convenient from/to Don Mueang International Airport. After I finished my class in the morning, I could direct to the airport to catch the flight.

Herewith the flight details.

Route : Bangkok_Don Mueang (DMK) – Penang (Pen)
Carrier : Thai Air Asia
Flight No. : FD328
ETD : 5.05 PM (GMT+7)
ETA : 7.50 PM (GMT+8)
Duration : 1 hour and 50 minutes
Aircraft : Airbus A320
Cabin Class : ECONOMY

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I had arrived Don Mueang International Airport by taxi on 2PM, about 3 hours before departure time. Thai Air Asia’s passenger could skip the queue by using automatic kiosk to check-in and print boarding pass. Then, the passenger could proceed baggage drop counter at Row-1 and Row-2 to manage checked-in baggage.

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Even the long queue, But I could complete everything within 5 minutes. 🤩🤩 Upon I got my boarding pass, I proceeded to pass immigration and security checkpoint. I had about 2 hours before boarding to sip a cup of coffee at Starbuck. Today, the boarding will be performed at Gate No.2.

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About 4.30PM, I arrived at the boarding gate. It surprised me 2 things. First, it is the bus gate. 🚌😅 Second, the flight was delayed by 20 minutes. 🕰️

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I waited until 5PM, the boarding was announced. the passengers were gathered to board the bus promptly. The bus took about 10 minutes from the gate to the aircraft.

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As I is the low cost carrier, it had only economy class. The seat was arranged as 3-3 as per general single aisle turbojet aircraft. The seat pitch was narrow as the signature of Air Asia. But it was acceptable as this flight was below 2 hours.

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The flight was pushed back and taken-off at 5.25PM. Then, after it was at cruising speed and the seat-belt sign had been switched off, I started to survey the lavatory. It was well cleaned and well equipped with escential things.

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Next, the cabin crews were started to sell the in-flight food and drink. As I was already full before boarding, I did not order anything.

About an hour after taking off, the flight was started to descent to Penang International Airport and landed at 8.15PM (the local time in Malaysia is 1 hour ahead Thailand).

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At arrival, I found another bad thing. It was shattered raining day. But the aircraft did not use aerobridge. It just stopped near to the gate and let the passengers walk through the rain to the building.

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Upon I got in to the building, I just followed the sign to pass the immigration. The officer just asked me that “How long will I stay?” and stamped my passport. So Fast ! 😃

NOTE : All passengers entry Malaysia must complete online Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAD) before arrival at this website (maximum 3 days prior arrival day).
https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main

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Then, I could re-claim the baggage at Belt-C.

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Next, after I completely arrived Penang, I exchanged the money at the airport (to get Malaysian Ringgit : MYR) and searched the way to get in the city. Fortunately, Malaysia has taxi hailing application, GRAB. It is very convenient and has reasonable price. For example, from the airport to city center (Georgetown) was only 25 MYR (about 5.50 USD) for 18 km distance. You just download this application to your mobile phone and connect with your credit card for payment. The GRAB boarding point is just in front of Door number 3 at arrival floor (ground floor).

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It took about 30 minutes to get the hotel in Georgetown. I arrived the hotel about 9.45PM to take a rest to be ready to explore the world heritage city in the next day.

In overall, Thai Air Asia to Penang was acceptable in term of service and punctuality. Furthermore, it offered very attractive fare and more frequent than another carrier from Bangkok to Penang. It is one of unavoidable choice for this route. Finally, I hope you have a wonderful stay in Penang. 🇲🇾

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Written by : Shipy Siwarit Tiasuwattiseth

https://www.facebook.com/shipyshipdotcom