Immigration Lines at Swampy

[up2usexyman]

I always fly Eva from Taipei.  Get in around noon.  Have always gone to the first immigration line.  Sometimes it can be very busy.  Have thought about going further down to the next Immigration area.  Anyone do this?  Wondering if it is allowed?  Any issues? Suggestions?

[Wolf Cat]

Go to whatever line for foreigners looks the shortest.

[JABL]

I have used the second immigration area numerous times and it is generally less busy....j

[MrDK]

I have taken the by-pass a few times to the other immigration.

 

[striderman]

you can never tell what to expect, short or long.

i am entitled to a fast track card BUT i have not needed to use any of them on my last 5 arrivals, simply been no point.

each time i have still made the baggage belt before it cranked into action.

 

you can give yourself an advantage by booking a lowish seat number, using the plane toilet before descent, filling in the landing card correctly and getting a wiggle on when you exit the plane. at least that way most of your planes passengers should be behind you

[simguy_jp]

As mentioned if I see a long line at one I just head to the next and usually not as bad.

[awinkl]

I always look at the Immigration line when I arrive - and if the first one seems too long - I just go to the next Immigration check-point. But even on busy arrival days with reasonably long lines, to clear Immigration is usually not very long - not like in Sydney, where they have many Immigration Officers Booth unattended - even though several flight arrive within 1 hour early in the morning...... There the wait can be rather long.

[BAJA DAVE]

Someone posted about this about 2 years ago so.

I looked at the first immigration area and it was backed

up so I went to the second one and no line at all, I always 

go to the second one now.

[az89]

Wouldnt it depend on which gate you got off at which was the 1st immigration area and which was the 2nd immigration area ?

I have always got off at gates E F G how far further is the 2nd I A ?

[par47]

Rarely, if ever, has my bag made it to the luggage carousel before I do. So don't worry about the lines, if you get through quickly you'll just be waiting longer for your bag.

 

INB4 I dont have a bag... most people do.

[geezerrb]

I always have gone to first area and it has been horrendous some times I did not realise there were the other immigration points, been lucky last few arrivals, got through in reasonable time but as others post then wait and wait at carousel.

[StrikeEagle]

I have taken the by-pass a few times to the other immigration.

 

 

Thanks, MrDK.

Looking at this map, and the one on the BKK airport web site, it seems pretty obvious that the "center" customs station would be less likely to attract crowds as every 'newbie' traveler will automatically go to the first customs station they come to as they walk down the concourse. Only people who've been told about the other stations will even think to keep walking past the first station. Or, perhaps the adventurous traveler who has done some research and really looked at the maps posted on the airport web site will be willing to walk a few extra meters to check things out.

 

The airport web site does show some info that I wanted to validate. It seems to indicate that Concourse A-C are for Domestic Arrivals, and that Concourse E-G are for International Arrivals. Yet, the map shows THREE Customs stations. One is closest to A-C. One is closest to E-G. And, then the third is in the middle between the other two Customs Stations. This has me wondering. Why would there be a Customs Station next to a Domestic Arrivals area. And, if Concourse A-C is truly for Domestic Arrivals, then would not the Customs station closest to that terminal area be even less busy than even the station in the middle? Yes, it would be a bit of a longer walk from the Concourse E-G area of the terminal, but if there's zero queue at this location, it might be worth the walk.  

[striderman]

StrikeEagle you have written customs stations but i guess you mean immigration.

there are 3, but the middle one is for airline staff, first and business class travellers and anyone else fortunate to have a priority pass.

looking at the plan the one on the right tends to be the busier but as i've said my last 5 entries it's been so quiet there was no point in me walking to the priority lane.

 

the general procedure is better than before as most times they now screen arrivals to make sure they filled in the white arrivals card before they are allowed to join a line for an immigration officer. before this was not the case and would lead to more holdups

[not at home]

I have returned through Swampy 3 times in the last 6 Weeks, I have arrived at about 11:30am each time,lucky for me the 3 times there was no one waiting I had a choice of pretty much all the Immigration Booths,so straight through the only waiting was for the Bagage Carousel.

[Shakybfc]

I use Bangkok Flight services, at 850 THB you get met at the door of the plane and escorted right through the premium lanes then pick up your bags and down to find your taxi.

 

can't beat it 

 

Shaky.

[nixonsbest]

Check which carousel your baggage is on first!

[Sargy]

As Shakybfc says,you can book your Fast Track Pass online....I think the price is 1100baht though

[semi-retired member]

The airport web site does show some info that I wanted to validate. It seems to indicate that Concourse A-C are for Domestic Arrivals, and that Concourse E-G are for International Arrivals. Yet, the map shows THREE Customs stations. One is closest to A-C. One is closest to E-G. And, then the third is in the middle between the other two Customs Stations. This has me wondering. Why would there be a Customs Station next to a Domestic Arrivals area. And, if Concourse A-C is truly for Domestic Arrivals, then would not the Customs station closest to that terminal area be even less busy than even the station in the middle? Yes, it would be a bit of a longer walk from the Concourse E-G area of the terminal, but if there's zero queue at this location, it might be worth the walk.  

 

Domestic is A & B only.

 

C & D which are near the third immigration/customs stations are for International-flights.

 

E-G are near the first immigration/customs station.

 

The second/middle immigration station is used by fast-track first/business-class passengers & aircrew, IME.

[Tuna58]

As I understand it the lines at immigration are non existent at the moment as tourist numbers are down substantially.

Your experience may differ but that is the word on the street so to speak. Enjoy your trip.

[nixonsbest]

As I understand it the lines at immigration are non existent at the moment as tourist numbers are down substantially.

Your experience may differ but that is the word on the street so to speak. Enjoy your trip.

I have been 7 times this year and IMO depends on how many planes land at the same time.  And they are good at extra both when needed!

[up2usexyman]

Thanks for all the replies and info guys.  Will just wait and see how busy it is when I land.

[iluvasians/latins]

What's the big hurry? Ha ha.

[sparkydave]

Arrived at bangkok airport today @ 12:30, was busy, ( most i have seen in last 3 trips) even had a 10 min wait at the Fast track, but still got to the carosel just as my bag poped out .

 

Although busy the lines in imigration did not look too long,not back to the ramp anyway

[Shaygate]

you can never tell what to expect, short

you can give yourself an advantage by booking a lowish seat number, using the plane toilet before descent, filling in the landing card correctly and getting a wiggle on when you exit the plane. at least that way most of your planes passengers should be behind you

God advice and exactly what I do, get there before the 250 others on your flight :-?

[Ed Setra]

Monday 10th November the lines in Fast-Track were very slow with only 2 booths open.

Of course as soon as I approached the red line another booth opens.

But hey, the timing worked out perfectly anyway, as I approached the baggage belt after buying 50 Euros of Baht at a Forex booth, out popped my case.