Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

Common Complaints

• Long Immigration Queues: This is a recurring and significant complaint, especially for international arrivals, attributed to a lack of immigration officers and disorganization, sometimes leading to wait times of several hours. These queues can be particularly "hectic" during peak times (e.g., 5 PM to 9 PM).
• Lack of Queue Control: Some travelers report issues with people cutting lines at immigration.
• Limited Public Transit Options: While there are options, some feel there's a lack of comprehensive public transit, and getting to/from can be chaotic without a taxi or ride-share. The train is cheap but not always convenient with heavy luggage.
• High Food/Beverage Prices (Outside Magic Food Court): While the Magic Food Court is praised, other food and beverage options can be expensive with lower quality.
• Poor English Announcements: Flight announcements are sometimes too loud, frequent, and difficult to understand due to fast Thai speech and poor English pronunciation.
• Lack of Child-Friendly Facilities: DMK isn't considered a very kid-friendly airport, lacking dedicated play areas, though baby changing rooms are available.
• Website Outdated & Unhelpful Customer Service: Some travelers have found the airport's website to be outdated and customer service desks unhelpful regarding services like 24-hour luggage storage or bag wrapping.

Overall, Don Mueang International Airport can offer a smooth experience, especially for domestic travel or international flights outside of peak hours if travelers are prepared. However, persistent issues with immigration wait times and traffic congestion to and from the airport remain significant drawbacks for many international visitors. For those seeking to avoid potential long waits, utilizing services like eVOA or fast-track immigration is highly recommended.