Emil

I have never gone thru multiple security checks (with the exception of what United requires at the gate). Yes there were multiple check points throughout the terminal but I only went through the one where my gate was located. Maybe if one experienced a gate change after arriving at their designated gate and had to move to another gate area then you would have to pass through another security check. This was my routine when flying with United: Pass thru immigration, turn left after entering the main lobby, walk all the way to the intersection with the other gates, go down escalator, go to Thai Air lounge, leave lounge and head to my gate area while staying on this lower level (D-2 gate), prior to reaching the D gates go thru security (this was my first security check), then walk a short distance to my gate. A very painless process. Do you by chance have high blood pressure?

I meant to type immigration. I still don't see why your having a problem with your belt and passport. I had to have my passport out when I went thru security, then placed it in my pocket, picked up my belongings, got out of the way and then replaced my belt. When in the states I also have to put my shoes back on and it's no problem. If it's really that big of a problem for you then you might want to use the other security for us economy class folks. I departed BKK on the 19th of Oct and from the sounds of it I had less problems than you and I doubt that you got through any faster than me if at all. Enterance to the immigration area is right next to the United check in, not a single traveler in the immigration area nor when I went through security. And no I'm not confussing the moving walkway with the belt. Unless your on a moving walkway or are being dragged along by an airport official I don't see why you can't put your belt on before moving along to the immigration counter. You have me confussed, prior to the recent change didn't you have to go thru a single security check. I know that the number of security checks for me hasn't changed. On an earlier post you said that the new setup was quicker to pass thru security. That may be true for those traveling in business or first class as it appears these travelers now have a dedicated security check area. But for the others, time will tell when it comes to high season whether fewer security stations will cause any backup, at this time it's only speculation.

Okay I found the post about getting your passport out and agree that would mean that your before security. But go back and look at your post (#27) where you stated that BKK had a single main security after immigration. They have 2 and that's what I had mentioned to Joe. I'm still not accepting that multiple security checkpoints are more efficient unless your talking about costs. BKK still has a security check area on the lower level, I'm guessing it for those making connections. Just out of curiousity what's with the Fast Track security area? Are you on a moving walkway to the immigration offical which doesn't allow you to put your belt back on before leaving the security area?

What with this taking off of the belt? It not something that is only done for fast track as I've had to take mine off going through the regular security checks. So you mentioning about taking off your belt would mean the same thing to me as placing a laptop in a tray to go thru x-ray. The comment to Joe was partially correct even if we disregard the Fast Track security check area. You had stated that their was one centeralized security check area when there are 2 areas for the regular travelers and another area for Fast Track so that would make 3 areas. When I mentioned improvement in security it pertained to security, not how fast one can go through security. Even Roy mentioned that he thought that the new area would have to be enlarged to avoid long line when air travel picks up. Prior to this change I never had to wait for more than 2 travelers in the security line, but I used the security on the lower level that many were not aware existed.

Well give us the contact info, don't keep it a secret. If your refering to the Bell service, I arrive at 11 PM and the next Bell run is at 8 AM. After spending close to 24 hours getting to LOS I don't feel like waiting at the airport for another 9 hours so I'll overpay gladly to get to my room in Pattaya.

I guess I'm just cyncial and thought they were trying to reduce their operating costs. So far they haven't impressed United with the increase in security as they are still doing the physical checks at the gate. I don't think you'll see any long lines until high season kicks in, if it does this year. When I departed BKK on the 21st it took me all of about 5 minutes from the time I arrived at the United counter until I was finished with security. Immigration had two stations opened and I was the only one in the area, same with security. Under the old system the quickest way through security was to use the security stations located on the lower level as most travelers were not aware of those locations.

That post was made on Sep 10th and you didn't mention that you had gone through Fast Track. I'll post of things that I haven't actually experienced but haven't observed. When I posted that prior to the security changes that BKK had about 10 security check points I hadn't gone through all of them, in fact I had only been through two of them. We didn't get involved in our discussion until nearly a month later after your Sep 10th post and when I click of the topic I go to last unread post. I don't go back and re read all of the posts so that post of yours back on the 10th of Sep was long gone from my memory especially since your post on Fast Track didn't pertain to me. I know that the process have changed but the point of our discussion was whether that change was for the better. So far I haven't heard how this changed improved security or how they can go from about 20 security check stations to around 14 will expedite the security process.

Used Mr T services both ways on my just completed trip. Both trips I asked for a car and both times I had a van pick me up. Charged the same price as the car because a group had been taken to the airport prior to me being picked up and on my return to the airport the driver was picking up a group.

Which post did you clearly state that you flew Business Class and said that you went through Fast Track? Rereading the post now at one time I can now see how it is implied. I've flown Business Class a couple times in the past and the process didn't differ from my other trips except for the time I was processed through the VIP, diplomat area because the plane was about to depart. Anyway there are two security check point areas for the non fast track traveler.

Joe this is old news as Jacko already informed me of the security changes on an earlier post. Although his info was not entirely correct as he stated that the security check point was centeralized prior to immigration. I just went thru as Ⅰ am now sitting in the ANA lounge at Narita waiting for my connection to SFO. The security checks are now immediately after immigtration and they have consolidated from around 10 check areas to two. I could not tell if this change provides better security and it appears that United does not believe as I still have to do the physical checks before entering the boarding area. I depart early morning so the amount of time to pass thru security was the same, however latter in the day one may have a longer wait under the new setup since they went from around 10 check points to two.

Sep 2006, the reason I remember it was about the same time of Thaskin's departure and when I first got my retirement visa as I decided to wait an additional day to see how the situation was in Bangkok before I headed to the US Embassy for my income verification form. I make 6 trips a year to LOS so its easy to do the math.

I last went through BKK on Aug 19th which was my 17th time since the new airport opened so it sounds like things have changed from what I've been telling you, I will find out in a few days as I depart on the 21st and will post my experiences on this topic.

You need to take a closer look at BKK as they don't have a single security check point. I told you before that just the gate area that I use has 2 security check points. By chance I noticed another security check area for another group of gate due to the fact that I now have to use a different Thai Airline lounge. So I'm guessing that they have a security checks at each group of gate areas. BKK does not have security just after immigration, the air lounges retail shops and restaurants are all located before you have to go thru security. I've only gone thru the Singapore Airport twice, as I fly United and only get the opportunity to fly on Singapore when I get lucky when I use my air miles. Both times there was no waiting time when I went thru the security at the gate area, unlike the long lines that I've had to wait at LAX, SFO and Narita. Do you really think that the airports that have the single security check point are doing so because if provides better security and not that they would have to purchase more security devices, hire more staff and pay to re-configure each gate area?

Not winding you up. For security for the aircraft I would say having the security at each gate as there is less of a chance of something getting thru and being hidden in let say a restroom for another person to retrieve. Like I mentioned earlier you wouldn't have to do security for all of the employees and supplies who work at the retail shop, restaurants and vendors that provide the supplies. These independent ones have exactly the same security devices as the larger ones. Even the large airports like BKK dosen't have a single central security area as I've been thru 2 areas myself for just the gates that I use. (I think its the D gates) If its security for the terminal itself then the best spot would be prior to entering the terminal itself. I agree that the airport would have to purchase more of these security devices and hire more staff. I like this airport and think they provide more for the traveler than any airport that I've been thru. They have computer stations throughout the terminal that are free, all they ask is thatyou don't hog the station if someone is waiting. I also saw a small theater showing movies for free while one waits for their flight.

You need a refresher on geography. The country of Singapore is so small that they don't have a domestic area of the airport as it would be quicker to drive to the other side of the country. What difference does it matter where you place the security checks at the airport? Closer to the aircraft provides the best security as you don't have to do checks on the various retailers, restaurants and their suppliers. Now this method does require the purchase of more x-ray machines as they are needed at each gate area, but thats a different issuse.

Domestic ??? I don't think they have another airport unless its a military one. Again I didn't pass through any security except at my gate. At each gate is where you put your carryons on a tray to be screened and you walk thru a screening device and show your boarding pass. So when you stand in line for security, the only people in front of you are those that are on the same flight as you. There is no greater risk at Singapore than any other airport unless your concerned about a bomb going off at a restaurant but that could happen at other airports, just not those that are past the security check.

Where did I mention that these non paxs went thru any security checks? The checks happen at each individual gate area prior to entering the secured gate area.

I'm actually glad that United has the 2nd check at the gate area, the more checks the better I feel. The last time that I flew thru Singapore's airport they had the security check at each gate. This practice allows those that accompany you to the airport the ability to stay with you until you enter the gate area.

I fly on United Airlines and they have been doing a thorough check of ones hand carry and also doing a hand wan over your body before you enter the waiting area of the gate. They have been doing this for a couple of years.

If your planning to retire soon then open a Thai bank account if you haven't done so already. Then you'll be able to transfer the required funds prior to your move.

Doesn't apply to this place because its not a buffet. Each time you request more food it is cooked at that time, does require more wait time but you food doesn't sit around in a steamer. Had breakfast there the other day with 2 friends, had the omelett, French toast, pancakes, home fries, bacon and sausage. Would have had more but I'm on a diet.

Both the Sabai Wing and Sabai Resort are advertising rooms starting at 900 baht a night.

I was there today helping a friend move in. I asked about their new property (Evergreen) behind them on Soi 15 and was told that it would open in Dec.

This place sat vacant for many years. Then for the past 3 or 4 it has been worked on to become a condo and opened around August. They might have sat aside some units for daily rental though.

The sign that they have up says 3rd Q 2010.