Lao Airlines is the flag carrier of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic with its hub at Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane. The airline was founded in 1976 from a merger between Air Lao and Lao Airlines. The carrier is wholly owned by the government of Laos and operates scheduled domestic and international flights to 20 destinations in six countries. Read on for a full review of my experience:
Date: 09 November 2018
Flight Path: Bangkok (BKK) – Luang Prabang (LPQ)
Seat: 8D / Window
Class: Economy
Length: 2 hours
Fare: USD 94.68 (one-way)
Frequent-flyer program: Champa Muang Lao
PRE-FLIGHT
I arrived Bangkok at 06.20am from Colombo and checked-in for my flight to Luang Prabang at Lao Airlines’ transfer desk somewhere around the arrival gates at Suvarnabhumi Airport. I was the third in the queue and was able to swiftly collect my boarding pass before proceeding to Bangkok Airways’ Blue Ribbon Club lounge to grab breakfast.
Lao Airlines’ Transfer Desk at Suvarnabhumi Airport
THE FLIGHT
Boarding commenced at 10.10am, and five minutes later, we were whisked away in a bus onto the far end of the airport tarmac to board our plane.
Operating Equipment: ATR 72-500 (AT7)
There was nothing special about boarding the aircraft as it did not require the usual long stairs and had its own attached to the door. There was only one male flight attendant since it was a single crew operated commercial aircraft and he did not inspect the passenger boarding passes. His welcome felt a little perfunctory and I did not feel any of the warmth I previously experienced with airlines in South-east Asia. He wore the airlines’ official attire consisting of a long-sleeved white shirt with a blue tie and black trousers. Soon after all passengers took their seats, the crew performed the final checks and conducted the safety demonstration and our aircraft was airborne at 10.40am with a twenty minute delay.
The twin-engine turboprop aircraft is eight years old, but the cabin looks clean and tidy and appears in excellent condition.
The ATR had 70 economy class seats with a 2-2 layout and a seat pitch of 31″ and width of 17″, and a single lavatory at the rear of the plane.
Each seat had an ample service tray, independent air controls, and seat-back pockets to store phones and adapters.
There was no in-flight entertainment – touch screen system, radio, music or USB input to charge the phone or any electronic lumbar support.
Passenger safety briefing card (Side A).
Passenger safety briefing card (Side B).
Lao Airlines’ Official inflight magazine, Champa Meuanglao.
Lao Airlines branded air sickness bag.
DINING
Lao Airlines in-flight meal.
A little over an hour into our flight and the crew distributed the in-flight meal packs. It consisted of two chicken sandwiches (white bread and whole wheat bread), butter tart for dessert and a 200ml orange juice tetra pack which was adequate for a two-hour regional flight.
Laos immigration cards were distributed after the meal service.
SUMMARY
We touched down with a two-minute delay at 12.22pm at Luang Prabang International Airport. I found the experience of flying with Lao Airlines to be pleasant overall and for the $95 airfare I paid, a good value as well. However, as an international airline, more staff interaction is required to help foreign visitors feel welcomed.
Have you flown Lao Airlines? How was your experience?
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