About Thai Smile Airways
Thai Smile Airways (IATA: WE, ICAO: WOW) was a Thai regional airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thai Airways International. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, the airline was established to operate as a hybrid low-cost carrier, bridging the gap between Thai Airways' full-service long-haul operations and the budget airline segment. Thai Smile operated from its main base at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and served domestic Thai destinations as well as regional international routes across Southeast and South Asia. The airline officially ceased independent operations on 31 December 2023, with its fleet and routes fully integrated into Thai Airways International from 1 January 2024.
Airline Overview and History
Thai Smile Airways was launched as part of Thai Airways International's strategy to compete more effectively in the regional market. Key milestones in its history include:
- 2011 – Thai Airways announces plans to establish a subsidiary regional carrier.
- July 2012 – Thai Smile launches commercial operations with its first flights from Bangkok.
- 2012–2016 – Rapid domestic network expansion, connecting Bangkok to major Thai cities and tourist destinations.
- 2016–2023 – International network development to South Asian destinations including India, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.
- 2023 – Thai Airways announces the merger of Thai Smile into the parent carrier as part of its restructuring plan following bankruptcy proceedings.
- 31 December 2023 – Thai Smile operates its final independent flight. All 20 Airbus A320 aircraft and approximately 800 staff transfer to Thai Airways International.
During its operational lifespan, Thai Smile was known for its warm Thai service standards, bright magenta livery, and extensive domestic connectivity within Thailand. Passengers who previously flew with Thai Smile can now book equivalent routes under Thai Airways (TG).
Fleet and Aircraft
At the time of its closure in December 2023, Thai Smile Airways operated a fleet of 20 Airbus A320-200 aircraft, including standard A320-200 and fuel-efficient A320-200SL (Sharklet) variants. All aircraft were transferred to Thai Airways International upon the merger.
- Airbus A320-200 – Standard narrow-body in two-class configuration (Smile Plus and Smile Economy).
- Airbus A320-200SL (Sharklet) – More fuel-efficient variant of the A320 with wingtip devices, comprising the majority of the fleet in later years.
The A320 fleet was configured with approximately 156 seats in a two-class layout — 12 seats in Smile Plus (business class equivalent) at the front and 144 seats in Smile Economy at the rear.
Top Flight Routes
Thai Smile operated an extensive domestic Thai network alongside selected international routes. The airline served routes relevant to Malaysian travellers including connections through Bangkok. Route pages remain available on Traveloka for historical reference and for booking equivalent routes via partner airlines:
Baggage Allowance and Policies
When Thai Smile was operational, the airline offered the following baggage policy (for historical reference):
- Cabin Baggage: 1 piece up to 7 kg, maximum dimensions 56 cm × 45 cm × 25 cm.
- Checked Baggage – Smile Economy (domestic): 20 kg free.
- Checked Baggage – Smile Economy (international): 30 kg free.
- Checked Baggage – Smile Plus (domestic): 30 kg free.
- Checked Baggage – Smile Plus (international): 40 kg free.
Passengers now flying these routes via Thai Airways should refer to Thai Airways' current baggage policies, which vary by fare class and route. Excess baggage fees are charged per kilogram at airport rates.
Check-in Guide
Thai Smile's check-in procedures were as follows when the airline was operational:
- Airport Counter Check-in: Counters opened 3 hours (180 minutes) before departure for both domestic and international flights. Check-in closed 45–60 minutes before departure.
- Online Check-in: Available up to 24 hours before scheduled departure through the Thai Smile website or THAI Smile app. Passengers could select seats and obtain digital boarding passes.
- Mobile Check-in: The Thai Smile mobile application supported check-in and mobile boarding pass functionality.
Passengers booking replacement services through Thai Airways should check in according to Thai Airways' current procedures.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Thai Smile offered a two-class cabin experience on all its Airbus A320 flights:
- Smile Plus (Forward Cabin): 12 seats in a 2-2 configuration with enhanced legroom, wider seats, complimentary meals, and priority boarding. Equivalent to a domestic business class experience.
- Smile Economy (Main Cabin): 144 seats in a 3-3 configuration with standard economy pitch. Meal purchase options available. Smiling, attentive Thai cabin crew known for warm, personalised service.
In-flight meals were a key differentiator for Thai Smile in the regional market. Economy passengers could pre-order Thai and international meals. Smile Plus passengers received complimentary Thai meals on all flights. Halal meal options were available on request. Thai Smile did not offer seatback in-flight entertainment on A320 aircraft but passengers could connect to the onboard Wi-Fi portal on select aircraft.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
- Children (2–11 years): Required to travel with an accompanying adult. Child fares applied and children occupied their own seat.
- Infants (under 2): Travelled on a lap infant fare without a seat. One infant per adult maximum.
- Pregnant Passengers: Passengers with a single pregnancy could travel until the 36th week for flights under 4 hours, or until the 34th week for flights over 4 hours. Pregnancies of 28 weeks or more required a medical certificate confirming fitness to fly.
- Special Assistance: Wheelchair and other mobility assistance was provided at airports upon advance request. Medical equipment and oxygen required prior airline approval.
- Frequent Flyer: Thai Smile participated in Thai Airways' Royal Orchid Plus loyalty programme. Members earned miles on eligible Thai Smile fare classes, redeemable across Thai Airways and all Star Alliance partner airlines.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
As Thai Smile is no longer independently operating, passengers with historical bookings or those seeking rebooking should contact Thai Airways International directly or manage their booking through the Traveloka app. General policies that applied when Thai Smile was active:
- Rescheduling: Permitted on flexible fares with a change fee. Promotional economy fares had restricted change options.
- Refund: Full refunds were available on fully refundable fares. Partially refundable fares returned the base fare minus taxes. Non-refundable fares could be converted to a travel credit in some circumstances.
- Airline-Initiated Cancellations: Passengers were entitled to a full refund or rebooking at no charge if Thai Smile cancelled the flight.
Why Book Thai Smile Airways Flights on Traveloka
- Wide Route Selection: Traveloka lists all available flights on the Malaysia–Thailand corridor including successor services operated by Thai Airways.
- Malaysian-Friendly Payments: Pay in RM using Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, credit/debit cards, or online banking.
- Instant E-Ticket: Booking confirmation delivered immediately to your email and the Traveloka app.
- Flexible Booking Management: Change seats, add baggage, or modify your trip through My Bookings in the Traveloka app.
- Price Comparison: Traveloka compares fares across multiple airlines for the same route, ensuring you always find the best deal for your Bangkok or Thailand trip.
- 24/7 Support: Customer service available around the clock for any pre- or post-booking queries.
Tips for Finding Cheap Thailand Flights on Traveloka
- Book in Advance: Fares on the Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok route are most competitive when booked 4–6 weeks ahead.
- Travel Midweek: Departing on Tuesday or Wednesday often yields lower fares than weekend travel.
- Use Price Alerts: Set alerts on Traveloka to be notified when Bangkok fares drop to your target price.
- Travel Off-Peak: Avoid Songkran (Thai New Year in April) and major Malaysian public holidays for cheaper fares.
- Compare Nearby Airports: Bangkok is served by both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) — compare both to find lower fares.
- Bundle Flights and Hotels: Traveloka's flight and hotel bundle packages often provide better overall value than booking separately.
How to Book Flight Tickets to Thailand on Traveloka
- Open the Traveloka app or go to www.traveloka.com.
- Tap Flight and select One Way or Round Trip.
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g., Bangkok).
- Choose your travel date and number of passengers, then tap Search.
- Browse available flights and select one that fits your schedule and budget.
- Choose a fare class and add optional extras such as baggage allowance or seat selection.
- Enter all passenger details as per passport or MyKad.
- Choose your payment method — Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or card.
- Review your booking summary and complete payment.
- Your e-ticket is sent instantly to your email and saved in the Traveloka app.