Airport Rail Link to Improve Marketing Strategy - Thailand

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link has improved their check-in services at Makkasan Station to attract more users.

A marketing research team has identified that the Airport Rail Link, or ARL, is facing a decline in the number of users of their check-in services at Makkasan Station, as it currently stands at 20 users per day.

During May, the ARL started operating their Express Line train service from the Phayathai to Suvarnabhumi station to facilitate the BTS skytrain users.

This increased the wait time for people going from Makkasan station to Suvarnabhumi station, as two out of the four trains have been moved to operate on the Phayathai to Suvarnabhumi line instead.

As for the check-in services at Makkasan Station, initial regulations required that users check their luggage at least three hours prior to their scheduled flight time.

The ARL has shortened the required time to persuade more travelers to check luggage at the station.

The research team said that passengers expressed satisfaction with ARL's service, especially for the city line, which sees a large number of commuters on weekdays.

They said ARL service is cheaper than taxis.

However, they admit that it is better to drive to the airport on Sundays when there is no traffic.

ARL said they are satisfied with the current number of passengers, which is at 1,600 commuters per day, an increase from the initial 400 commuters per day who were traveling when it first opened.

They said they are currently offering a special promotion of 90 baht for one-way ticket, and 150-baht round trip, which can both be used within 14 days.

Moreover, ARL is seeking the cooperation of tour operators in bringing their tour groups to the check-in counter at Makkasan Station.