Thai Lion Air

Thai Lion Air is the Thai arm of the Lion Air group, a low-cost carrier based in Bangkok flying domestic Thailand and short-haul regional routes. It runs an all-economy product on a Boeing 737 fleet, so there is no business or premium cabin to weigh up; every decision comes down to where in the single economy cabin you want to sit. Fares are low and unbundled, with bags, seat selection and food bought separately, which is standard for the group and the price point.

The fleet is built around two Boeing 737 variants: the 737-800 and the stretched, higher-capacity 737-900ER. Both fly a six-abreast economy layout, but the -900ER is the longer aircraft and carries more rows, which means more seats between you and the doors and a denser cabin overall. On both types the newer the airframe, the quieter it tends to be toward the rear, though neither is a quiet aircraft by widebody standards.

This is a single economy cabin at a tight pitch tuned for short sectors rather than long-haul comfort. The experience is functional and geared to getting you between Thai and regional cities at a low fare, so extras are bought as you go. Because there is only one class, the difference between a good flight and a cramped one is entirely down to the row you pick, which makes seat selection worth the small fee on a full flight.

On both 737s the exit rows and the bulkhead offer the most legroom, and they are the seats to pay for if space matters more than the fare. Sit forward of the wing if you want a smoother ride and less engine noise, and keep clear of the very back rows, which sit closest to the rear lavatories and galley and take the most cabin traffic. On the longer -900ER the extra rows put the rear seats further from the front door, so choose a forward row if a quick exit matters for a tight connection.