Is Lao Airlines safe to fly? a Travelfish feature story

Is Lao Airlines safe to fly?

You're in Chiang Mai and want to fly to Luang Prabang. Or, you are in Vientiane and want to visit Angkor Wat, but don't have the time to go overland and can't afford flying via Bangkok. There's the rub. Sometimes a Lao Airlines flight is the only way to get where you want to go in the time you have. But given the airline's bad reputation for safety, what do you do? How bad is it really?

It's probably not as bad as you think. First off, it's important to make a distinction between routes flying the French-built ATR-72's, and the routes serviced by the Chinese-built MA-6 aircraft. The ATR-72 is used on the international routes, such as from Vientiane to Bangkok or Siem Reap, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, and on the main domestic link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Lao Airlines has never had a crash involving an ATR-72, and even the ever-cautious US State Department recommends that travellers fly only in Lao aircraft certified for regular international routes, such as the ATR's.

In the past, Lao Airlines' domestic routes workhorse was the Chinese built Y-12, but these routes have largely been taken over by the larger and more modern MA-6. Yet even here, international safety records show that Lao Y-12 crash statistics are not as bad as their reputation might suggest. The airline, operating as Lao Aviation, has had a total of five crashes, three with fatalities, since 1990. In December 1993, a Y-12 crashed in fog, killing 18. In May 1998, a Yak-40 carrying a Vietnamese Military delegation crashed in a rainstorm, with 26 dead. Then in October 2000, a Y-12 crashed in bad weather near Sam Neua, with 8 dead. The most recent mishap was in February 2002 when a Y-12 was knocked over by high winds while taking off. There were no deaths in that incident.

Obviously, this safety record can't compare with Qantas, but it does compare favourably with other regional airlines, and also compares well with the safety risks associated with other means of travel in Laos, such as riverboat or overland trips. The US State Department's advice here is simple, telling travellers to avoid flying in mountainous areas and particularly in bad weather.

Over the past few years, Lao Airlines has been making an effort to clean up its image. In April 2002, it signed an agreement with Air France for technical assistance to improve all aspects of its operations. There have been no recorded safety incidents since then. It has also attracted foreign investors, with China Yunnan Airlines taking a 60% interest.

These efforts have paid off both in the air and on the ground, with the vast majority of recent passenger comments complimenting the helpful staff, well-organised ground crew, and good in-flight service. Many passengers go on to recommend the airline, and say that they'd fly it again.

Take a look at Lao Airlines English-language website to check routes, schedules and fares. Sample one-way fares in September 2009 include Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang for US$100, Bangkok to Vientiane for $105, Luang Prabang to Bangkok for $126, and Vientiane to Siem Reap for $137. These fares do not include taxes or airport fees, and keep in mind that they charge airfares in US dollars. Also, not all flights are every day, so plan ahead. Perhaps best of all, Lao Airlines participates in the Discovery Airpass offered by Bangkok Airways. Check with your travel agent for details.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to fly Lao is yours. Could a crash happen with you on board? Absolutely. Will it? Probably not. At least now you'll be able to base your decision on facts rather than hearsay. See you up there.

story by Mark Foley, aka exacto

Read 34 comments on this story

Bill Howard
Posted on 2nd December, 2008
I looked at Lao Airlines website and have a question about the Vientiane-Xieng Khuang Route and would appreciate feedback if you know the answer. I don't understand the Days column (i.e. 13,24,etc). What do the numbers mean?

somtam2000
Posted on 2nd December, 2008
The numbers refer to the day of the week -- I assume 1 is Monday, 2 is Tuesday, 7 is Sunday etc.

lisa
Posted on 3rd January, 2009
Hi i am also having trouble getting the website to accept my payment. Keeps coming up error cannot finalise external payment
Has anybody had success

MaGabriel
Posted on 10th December, 2008
Thanks for the helpful article. It is not dated. Is it recent ? Also how do you recommend bookings are made. I don't seem to be able to get the website to accept bookings. I have tried using both Safari and Firefox.
Although the timetable lists a daily 10am flight from Vientiane to Siem Reap, the website only lists one at 06.30. Do you know if the other flight has been discontinued.
Many thanks for any responses.

DebbieSk
Posted on 21st January, 2009
The girls and i went on a trip to Cambodia and Laos and flew Lao Airlines. I would confidently say that i would never fly them again and would not let anyone i know fly them. we were delayed for 6 hours due to technical faults and eventually had to get a new plane. if we had known our lives were in danger would never had got on that flight. worst landing ever - the plane landed at a nose-dive lob-sided. do not fly this airline.

Vansana
Posted on 21st February, 2009
Modern, clean plane, ok seats. Amazing service, amazing smiles. Lao Airlines has come to par with regional airlines anywhere in the western world in terms of safety and efficiency but maintains a service, which is truly Asian.

InMySeoul
Posted on 25th February, 2009
I have flown Lao air twice.
-DebbieSK
I don't know how much you air travel, but can you honestly say you've never been delayed. Why did you think your life was in danger? Just because they had mechanical issues and had to change out planes? Again, you don't think this happens in the US? Seriously, stop being so melodramatic. Have you ever flown on a small prop plane before? They don't normal "coast" in like a Boeing or Airbus because they are much more affected my the weather.

Let me guess, you stayed in western hotels, traveled by big tour buses and never got off the "beaten path" during your travels? Which is a shame because you wasted all that money and didn't even get to see the real Cambodia and Laos. Riding a tuk tuk, eating at street food carts, and walking along the Mekong River on a "dirt path" from village to village (because there are no roads connecting them) is the way to see these aweinspiring countries.

I flew Lao Air from Chang Mai to Luang Prabang and then also from Luang Prabang down to Siem Reap with no problems at all. Excellent service and clean planes.

I found the easiest way to book these flights is to book them from whereever you are departing from. So for example if you are staying in Chang Mai or Bangkok prior to your flight, talk to your hotel and have them purchase your tickets for you. You typically only need a day or two advance notice.

Lastly, if you have flown on western airlines, you will be shocked and amazed by this airline. For such a small airline, the planes are extremely clean and the service is unbelievable. US carriers could learn a lot from airlines operating in southeast Asia Plus, you get a box meal/snack on every flight (much better tasting than any US carrier). Please don't let a snobby, melodramatic westerner give off a poor image of this airline.

mkelly139
Posted on 11th March, 2009
We have flown Lao on two occasions: Dec 08, VTE--LPQ and Dec 06, REP--LPQ without incident of any sort. Clean, efficient and, as far as I could tell, safe. I must admit, contrary to one of the other posts, the food did not appeal to me; short flights so who needs to eat anyhow. However, the web site for ticket purchase can sometimes be a challenge. That said, I have always been able to complete, purchase and print the e-ticket; never a problem with Lao Air honouring the e-ticket at the airport. UA and the other US domestic carriers should take customer service training from Lao; US domestic carriers these days seem to be the worst.

S45
Posted on 1st March, 2009
InMySeoul - your comments are a bit harsh and show your view of other cultures. I wouldn't put you in the "open minded traveller" camp which you no doubt claim to be in. If you have ever been in a scary situation in an airplane, no matter how trivial it may seem when it's over, it is very frightening when you are up in the air. Also, it's a bit rich to be on your high horse about avoiding the beaten path when you yourself are taking flights rather than the boat, etc. DebbieSK, thanks for the advice, though I think we may still fly it judging from the rest of the comments. Thanks!

Ari
Posted on 23rd April, 2009
Unfortunately I am caught with very little time to go overland between Cambodia > Laos > Thailand. I was wondering how people have booked flights through this airline before? When I click on the "Book Now" button nothing happens. It doesn't link to anything...

Also, are these flights cheap (under 80 US)? If they are very expensive it might be more worth it to take an extra day to travel overland...

I have sent them an e-mail asking for the prices but haven't received a reply, any help would be greatly appreciated!!

somtam2000
Posted on 23rd April, 2009
Ari,

Price varies depending on route. See this thread on the messageboard for more information, and a discussion of reservation issues.

Carl
Posted on 30th May, 2009
I have just successfully booked and paid for domestic flights on the (official!) Lao Airlines website - and I received email confirmation AND the e-tickets within minutes.

Fingers crossed...!

Olen
Posted on 13th May, 2009
Do any of you have suggestions on how to go from Bangkok to Luang Prabang? I plan to go next month and only have a little time, so I need to fly. I have checked Bangkok Airways and their price is pretty reasonable -- not so cheap though, but I couldn't check Lao Airlines website. Just as Ari said above, when I clicked "Book Now" nothing happened...

Denise
Posted on 26th May, 2009
Hi - I have been trying to book online with Laos Airlines, and am also having difficulty. Often I can get past the 'book now' button, but lately I have been getting a message asking me to contact them by email if I am booking on my credit card for more than one person, even if I enter it as only 1 passenger. So I sent an email, but it has been rejected. Sigh ... keep trying.

Is it possible, and is it cheaper than US$210, to book the flight 4 days ahead in Siem Reap?

Also, beware of the other website www.laos-airlines.com, which is not the official Lao Airlines site but belongs to a company with its HO in Paris. Have heard tickets issued by this company are not honored by Laos Airlines.

Latsa
Posted on 15th June, 2009
Hi - well, sometimes the website doesn't work properly i guess ...
but you can always purchase your ticket in the airport. for example at Suvannaphum airport there is a ticket counter for Lao airlines. I did that last time i flight with Lao airlines.

and welcome to Laos :)

kent
Posted on 2nd July, 2009
i have booked a ticket online at laoairlines.com using someones elses credit card and am having dificulty sending the email confirming permision for the purshase from the card holder as requested by the site. does anyone have any experience or advice??

coco
Posted on 2nd July, 2009
I agree with the story. I've lived in the area for a while and travelled on Laos airlines several times, and yes, I would fly again... but only on the main touristic routes.
I got so scared on the Ventiane/Kunming (China) route, flying on an old plane, amazingly noisy, that I changed for China Eastern to return.

For bookings, Lao Airlines website is a disaster... still not improving.
People who make a stop-over in Bangkok can book ahead with a local travel agency (Exotissimo travel for ex. is reliable) and you'll get the tickets upon arrival. Easier and safer !

Smudge
Posted on 11th July, 2009
Flown several times with Lao Airlines on Savannakhet-Bangkok and Bangkok-Vientiane on their MAC-60 (Chineses version of the ATR-72). Efficient service, friendly cabin crew and clean plane. No worries over safety. And their schedule suits my needs better.

moonwire
Posted on 16th August, 2009
for website bookings try IE instead of safari/firefox. for whatever reason, it works fine with IE (though slightly bumpy at times) but not at all with safari/firefox.

hokasch
Posted on 21st August, 2009
If you happen to be in Vientiane, there is a Laos Airlines office. I booked my flight (to Chang Mai) there, and surprisingly it was even cheaper than on the website, let alone any tourist agent in town.

The flight was one of the most bumpiest I ever had. Safe in my experience, though.

lennybruce
Posted on 27th August, 2009
As I was planning all my domestic flights in Laos I read this bit and got a bit nervous. However as I rechecked all the flights I was hoping to take I see that all the domestic flights were on the ATR-72. I checked a bunch of other domestic routes out of curiosity and I can only find the ATR-72. But as our government Foreign Ministry (Dutch) advises not flying on the Y12 due to poor maintenance you should always look at the flight details I guess to see what equipment is used.

Andy Jarosz
Posted on 19th November, 2009
I have heard from a traveller who flew into Pakse airport last week. So can confirm it is open.

Cpertuti
Posted on 2nd October, 2009
I've booked a flight from SIN to BKK via SQ and then connecting from BKK to PKZ.
Does anyone know whether a visa is needed or if you just stay within transit area?

I've allowed 2 hours and hope this is sufficient to get from one flight to the other.

Anyone with info on connecting flight is much appreciated!

naim
Posted on 8th October, 2009
We just did Vientiane-LuangPrabang-Vientiane over the weekend. VTE-LPQ on Oct 2 was with a brand new ATR72, while the return trip on Oct 5 was with the MA60. Flights were on-time and pleasant. Friendly service, no problem, will fly them again.

mathias
Posted on 17th October, 2009
Did several Flights with Lao Airlines, and in 2005 even a short Flight with the Yarbin Y12, which i remember very good!

I think the airline is doing a pretty good job in this little but interesting country. I like to fly them whenever I travel in the region!

The Y12 is since 2006 retired, so relax about old Airplanes. They use now 2 MA60, which is a Passenger Version of the Antonov 24, and 3 ATR 72, of which 2 new will be delivered before the end of the Year.

naim
Posted on 18th October, 2009
Please see these entries in my blog regarding the Vientiane-LuangPrabang Lao Airlines flights:

http://m.naim.my/vientiane-to-luang-prabang-with-lao-airlines/

http://m.naim.my/luang-prabang-and-back-to-vientiane/

Thanks!

cpertuti
Posted on 18th October, 2009
Does anyone have updated info on Pakse airport?
Will this complete by mid November?

lennybruce
Posted on 23rd October, 2009
You better check that Pakse info real good as I have heard from a very good tour operator in Laos that the new opening date target is sometime in January 2010.

wong
Posted on 6th December, 2009
I flew Laos airline from Chiangmai to Luang prabang, about half way to Luagn prabang suddenly the plane drop about 100' I was shock to dead. Since that day I never flew it again.

Leonard
Posted on 6th December, 2009
You can hardly blame an airline for an airpocket. I assume if it was due to mechanical failure or pilot error, you would have mentioned that salient detail. This fall I flew 5 segments with Laos Airline and each one was perfectly fine.

cpertuti
Posted on 7th December, 2009
Just returned from Laos a few days ago. All Laos airline flight went well and in fact, left early on some occasions. It is impt to get to check-in earlier despite the fact you have e-ticket. I understand sometimes the airline will sell your seat if you don't show up within the hour of flight departure time.
Flights were all good - flew under 20000' most times so take-off and landing pretty smooth.
Do note planes are small, so overhead bins are really tiny. If you bring 22' carry-on, they will check it at gate. You'll also have to walk onto tarmac to board the plane.

bayerwolf
Posted on 20th December, 2009
If you want to book Lao Airlines the easiest way, just do it through www.laos-airtickets.com. It is a real Bangkok based Sales Agent for Lao Airlines. The website is easy. You must pay by PayPal. After payment you get your e-tickets without any problem. Overall transaction time from reservation request until getting the etix: aboaut 4 days. Fare is about 10 USD higher than the published on Lao Airline's web site.

I made good experience.

Archmichael
Posted on 2nd January, 2010
We flew Lao Airlines on the LPQ>HAN route twice in Spring 2009. Great equipment and absolutely no problems (discounting the cockroach crawling up the wall just before take-off :)

I find the US State Dept. warning not to fly Lao Airlines over mountainous areas amusing. Pretty well excludes flying over Lao at all, wouldn't you say?

Poiter
Posted on 27th January, 2010
They did the job very nicely on a trip from Luang Prabang to Vientiane; professional in every respect and they did not seem to resent actually having passengers on board, as is the case with many airlines in the west. Would not hesitate to fly with them again over major routes. Cannot vouch for the regional services.

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