abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4919 posts, RR: 55 Posted (11 months 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 17068 times:
Feedback always appreciated.
I > Background:
Lao PDR was one of the last countries I had not been to in Asia, and a project in Thailand had given me an excuse to go check out Vientiane at the end of October 2011. I scouted for tickets online and while TG would mean more Star miles, I decided to try something a tad more “exotic” and settle for Lao Airlines.
a) Before Airport:
Lao Airlines is the flag carrier of Lao PDR based out of the capital city of Vientiane (VTE). Utilizing a fleet of 320’s, AT7’s, and some MA-60’s, it serves several domestic destinations and provide link to nearby cities in Cambodia, China, Thailand, VietNam, and Singapore.
Booking was done on the Lao Airlines website at http://www.laoairlines.com/ which was surprisingly easy to navigate. The airline uses the Amadeus platform which I find far superior to the compatriot offering from Sabre. Anyways, within minutes, an e-ticket was generated and I was USD 150 poorer. No option to choose a seat was given. While I could go back and view my reservation, advanced modification options were not present.
b) At Airport:
Arriving at BKK, I quickly looked up the flight and went to the appropriate check-in counter. The check-in counter was staffed by the local ground handling company where my wait time was approximately 2 minutes. The staff checking me in was rather indifferent to her job – she did not utter much during our entire rendezvous – it is not that she was unfriendly. She just seemed utterly detached and hence utterly forgettable.
Anyways, boarding pass in hand, I proceeded through a rather long immigration process, and an even longer security check. Since I was late, the flight was in the final stages of boarding and I run through the “not-for-my-taste” industrial design of Suvarnabhumi airport. It sort of reminds me of the Washington DC metro with the later having a little more élan.
Quickly greeted by the gate agent, I was shown to the bus. After a quick bus ride (my first ever @ BKK), I was taken to the waiting Lao ATR which looked good in the evening light. Upon embarkation, I was greeted by the two flight attendants. Load was a light 40%.
Airport - External:
(Bangkok Airport)
Check-in:
(Lao Airlines Check-In)
Airport - Internal:
(FIDS)
(Post Security @ BKK: The King is very revered.)
*
Scenes of the tarmac:
*
*
*
Lounge
NONE
Boarding:
(Gate Area)
(Boarding)
NONE
III> In-Flight:
a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
After take-off, this short flight had the following:
+ Pre-packaged moist towels
+ Snack box service
b) Aircraft + Seats:
Lao Airlines used an ATR 72-500 on this route that is normally done with an Airbus. While the aircraft looked good in QV colors, the full white interiors were a tad too bland for my taste. I was surprised at how clean the entire aircraft was, and it smelt new. This extended to the bathrooms as well.
Legroom was decent in the bulkhead and slightly below average in the regular rows – however, they were rather standard for a newer generation turbo-prop aircraft. Surprisingly, I found the recline to be generous for a turbo-prop aircraft.
Aircraft:
(@ BKK)
*
*
Views from Aircraft:
NONE
General Seat Views + Seat Legroom
(Legroom: Bulkhead)
(Legroom: Regular Row)
Seat Recline + Angle View:
(Recline)
(Angle view)
Cabin:
*
(Thoughts on where this came from?)
(Bathroom)
c) Meal + Beverage:
A light snack service commenced immediately after take-off with the now ubiquitous snack box that I dread on Latin flights. To its credit, the box was well designed – though, I found the “You are safe with us” slogan a little disturbing. Inside the box was 2 pieces of white bread, some mayo, and strategically placed carrots (which until now I failed to realize was making a smiley face). There was a mystery meat – it tasted fine. There was an accompanying non-descript dessert and an orange juice. Overall, for a flight with less than an hour flying time, I thought the offering was generous and I enjoyed the thought and took it all in.
(On board snack)
*
d) Inflight Entertainment:
There was no in-flight magazine in the form of audio and video. Their in-flight magazine provided a good update of the country and its history. Like many of the smaller flag-carriers, it was good at creating awareness of their unique culture and country.
(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.: Just look at all the stuff I got)
e) Crew:
There were 2 flight attendants on this flight – a male senior purser, and a much junior younger woman. On a short flight, they did not have much to “prove”, but were efficient and courteous. They greeted all the passengers with a smile and were quick in their service run. Two things stood out – the female member playing with an expat kid in the aisle; and, during take-off after the lights were dimmed, seeing me read the in-flight magazine, the woman came and quietly turned on my reading light. Small touches, but enough to demonstrate a crew that cared.
IV> Post-Flight:
Arrival into Vientiane was smooth and since we were the only arrival, after a quick visa issuance and immigration process, I was landside in less than 30 minutes.
V> Impressions + Scores:
Lao Airlines did it job of safely and efficiently delivering me from point A to B. On such a short flight, it got all the essentials right, and even managed to smile and feed me along the way. While the ground experience at BKK could be improved, overall, I found QV a painless way of traveling on short distances.
I would definitely fly QV again – but always after checking other schedules and pricing. A one-thumb up for effort.
(Note on Codes: Y – Economy, J – Business, F – First :: I/D – International/Domestic :: SR/MR/LR – Short/Medium/Long Haul)
(Note on Date: Dates are modified to be +/- 3 days from actual flight date to not reveal actual flight pattern)
VII> Other Pictures:
I will leave you with some scenes from Vientiane. They city and the country were incredible – it is what I imagined Thailand to have been before being overrun by mass tourism. Go there before it really becomes big!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
* Unbiased view on how an actual traveler may view the flight
* Not a professional photographer (so please keep in mind)
* Commitment that I won’t identify myself to the airline as “reviewing them”
Braniff747SP From Spain, joined Oct 2008, 2649 posts, RR: 1 Reply 1, posted (11 months 2 days ago) and read 16851 times:
Another excellent trip report on another unknown airline. Since I've never flown (and likely will never fly) Lao Airlines, I thank you--very interesting.
The 747 will always be the TRUE queen of the skies!
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 953 posts, RR: 34 Reply 2, posted (11 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 16761 times:
Hi Alex,
Nice report, and a very fair review. It would seem that Lao Airlines is poised to do fairly well, as they keep within their modest reach. AFAIK it gets alot of leisure travellers keen to get to Laos, but not keen to brave the overland crossings from Thailand.
The sandwich looked quirky - there is a Laos speciality left over from the French - this baguette with chicken and other tasty morsels, normally sold on the street. Did you try it?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): They city and the country were incredible – it is what I imagined Thailand to have been before being overrun by mass tourism.
Yes, I was there 3 years ago. Sadly, it is already tainted with mass tourism (perhaps not Vientienne), but Vang Vienne and Luang Prabang are firmly on the backpacker curcuit these days. I really hope it is managed sensibly...
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 3, posted (11 months 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 16463 times:
Thanks for posting this Alex - Laos is also missing from my list, aloing with Myanmar - hopefully will be ticking them off soon. The flights looked pretty good, but the fare seemed quite high for such a short flight. At least you know you're safe with Lao Airlines!
aidansnn From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 22 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (11 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 16264 times:
Hi Abrelosojos,
Thanks for a very enjoyable read, as always! I visited Laos once a few years ago to do the 'Gibbon Experience' - a truly unforgettable time. Laos Airlines seems to be quite a decent airline (can't make out that carrot smiley face myself though!).
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1751 posts, RR: 4 Reply 5, posted (11 months 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 16228 times:
Hey there Alex,
Thanks for this report--enjoyed reading about Lao Airlines and Laos--indeed one of the lesser known Asian nations.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Lao PDR was one of the last countries I had not been to in Asia, and a project in Thailand had given me an excuse to go check out Vientiane at the end of October 2011. I scouted for tickets online and while TG would mean more Star miles, I decided to try something a tad more “exotic” and settle for Lao Airlines.
Of course, always go with the local carrier on such a trip
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): No option to choose a seat was given. While I could go back and view my reservation, advanced modification options were not present.
Sounds like what I'd expect. Similar with Air Moldova (which IIRC uses the platform you don't like).
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The staff checking me in was rather indifferent to her job – she did not utter much during our entire rendezvous – it is not that she was unfriendly. She just seemed utterly detached and hence utterly forgettable.
Sounds like my check-in experience in NAS. Except in my case, she was talking on the phone while checking me in!
Yes, well, ATRs and jetways don't really go together for the most part
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): A light snack service commenced immediately after take-off with the now ubiquitous snack box that I dread on Latin flights. To its credit, the box was well designed – though, I found the “You are safe with us” slogan a little disturbing
It's definitely not as bad as Uzbekistan's "good luck" slogan--that one's really bad.
Snack boxes are becoming ubiquitous, eh? Well, not in the States, unless you pay for them!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): seeing me read the in-flight magazine, the woman came and quietly turned on my reading light. Small touches, but enough to demonstrate a crew that cared.
Yes, that really is a nice touch. Good on her for noticing
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4068 posts, RR: 51 Reply 6, posted (11 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 16205 times:
Hi Alex,
great little report, on this interesting airline. Love your writing style, you come to the point easily and yet very detailed.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The airline uses the Amadeus platform which I find far superior to the compatriot offering from Sabre.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): After a quick bus ride (my first ever @ BKK), I was taken to the waiting Lao ATR
I think these ATR's might be the smallest planes operating on passenger service ex BKK?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): While the aircraft looked good in QV colors, the full white interiors were a tad too bland for my taste. I was surprised at how clean the entire aircraft was, and it smelt new.
And this aircraft, RDPL-34173 , is even their oldest of a total 4 examples in their fleet (manufactured 07/2009)
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1673 posts, RR: 15 Reply 7, posted (11 months 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 16101 times:
Hey Alex, nice little bite-sized report you've made this time!
Lao Airlines seem like an interesting carrier, although not as exotic as Druk Air (which I guess is on your to-fly list? Given your recent passion of abandoning the generic likes of alliance airlines, in favor for more exotic alternatives). Interesting you say that TG also operate the route. With which type? Doubt VTE would even justify the need for a widebody.
I'm a bit surprised you picked the bulkhead to start with as it's the noisiest part of the plane. width="15" height="15" border="0"/>
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): A light snack service commenced immediately after take-off with the now ubiquitous snack box that I dread on Latin flights.
I honestly don't see why airlines even bother serving those generic snack boxes. They look flimsy, and most of the times the contents seem awful. Last time I was served one was on Czech Airlines back in 2008, but they don't seem to be much standard here in Europe, thankfully.
"Wheels Up!"
//Jonas
[Edited 2012-07-23 07:43:47]
I won't stop complaining until SAS reintroduces free service in Economy Class!
I flew on Lao Airlines last year. I couldn't secure a booking with the website, it kept bringing me back to the front, so I booked with a HK travel agent. I did it from the Plain of Jars to Vientiane. I quite liked the service and the airline, I think the video I took of the take off from Phosovan(sp?) was one the best with the Migs at the end of the runway. It was one of many trips we took on an ASEAN adventure.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 2): Yes, I was there 3 years ago. Sadly, it is already tainted with mass tourism (perhaps not Vientienne), but Vang Vienne and Luang Prabang are firmly on the backpacker curcuit these days. I really hope it is managed sensibly...
Definitely agree that Luang Prabang is on the circuit, but it's quite calm there. We deliberately avoided Vang Vienne because of the Lonely Planet description of the place. Both Phosovan(sp?) and Vientiane were relatively tourist free, though I found the capital a bit too sleepy.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2256 posts, RR: 14 Reply 11, posted (11 months 9 hours ago) and read 14851 times:
Hello Alex
Great report, Lao airlines looks good.
I'm impressed by the meal you get on a rather short flight.
Seat comfort looks ok as well, getting an ATR out of BKK is a bonus as well.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6219 posts, RR: 79 Reply 12, posted (11 months ago) and read 14621 times:
Hi A.,
very nice report about this little exotic airline - which operates a brand new fleet, btw. No plane is older than three years.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): . I was surprised at how clean the entire aircraft was, and it smelt new.
That's interesting considering that is was built in 2009, as Eric pointed out:
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Inside the box was 2 pieces of white bread, some mayo, and strategically placed carrots (which until now I failed to realize was making a smiley face). There was a mystery meat – it tasted fine. There was an accompanying non-descript dessert and an orange juice.
Hm, that looks interesting...
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 7): I honestly don't see why airlines even bother serving those generic snack boxes. They look flimsy, and most of the times the contents seem awful.
Different countries, different people, different demands. What's awful for our demanding Jonas may be just fine for millions of other people on this globe.
EL-AL From Israel, joined Oct 2001, 1132 posts, RR: 5 Reply 13, posted (10 months 4 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 14446 times:
Hey Alex,
Thx for another great report.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Lao PDR was one of the last countries I had not been to in Asia, and a project in Thailand had given me an excuse to go check out Vientiane
Laos is great indeed, but Vientiane do not represent Laos at all. More Thai then Lao city; have you been to other parts of the country?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): A quick search on Lao Airlines points out very limited reports – there is EL-AL’s VTE-PKZ report found at Indochina Trip 3/9: Lao Airlines VTE-PKZ+LPQ & LXG (by EL-AL May 9 2011 in Trip Reports) and B747-437B’s report from 2003 on the same route at A Laos-y Report : BKK To VTE Via UTH By TG/road (by B747-437B Aug 4 2003 in Trip Reports). Please do point out if there are others.
Thx for the link, nice memories.
Jonathan
"In our country, those who do not believe in miracles are irrational" - David Ben Gurion.
MHTripple7 From United States of America, joined Feb 2008, 1056 posts, RR: 5 Reply 14, posted (10 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 13949 times:
Great TR on what I'd consider to be an exotic airline.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The airline uses the Amadeus platform which I find far superior to the compatriot offering from Sabre.
Funny you say this, Sabre's platform is truthfully complete crap. Which I hate saying since it's an American company. Oh well...
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): While the aircraft looked good in QV colors, the full white interiors were a tad too bland for my taste. I was surprised at how clean the entire aircraft was, and it smelt new. This extended to the bathrooms as well.
Definitely a lack of originality in the cabin. Although I've yet to see any cool cabins come from a regional aircraft.
I just don't understand how that could happen. Wow!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): A light snack service commenced immediately after take-off with the now ubiquitous snack box that I dread on Latin flights.
The contents of said snack box look, well, rather unappetizing. But I guess it was alright?
I'm impressed with that. I feel like the "smaller" Asian carriers tend to have pretty sub-par service. Good to see that Lao Airlines isn't one of them.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I will leave you with some scenes from Vientiane. They city and the country were incredible – it is what I imagined Thailand to have been before being overrun by mass tourism. Go there before it really becomes big!
Looks like a really cool place. Will have to visit sometime.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4919 posts, RR: 55 Reply 15, posted (10 months 4 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 13609 times:
Quoting Braniff747SP (Reply 1): Another excellent trip report on another unknown airline. Since I've never flown (and likely will never fly) Lao Airlines, I thank you--very interesting.
= Well ... never say never. You may end up on them !
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 2): Nice report, and a very fair review. It would seem that Lao Airlines is poised to do fairly well, as they keep within their modest reach. AFAIK it gets alot of leisure travellers keen to get to Laos, but not keen to brave the overland crossings from Thailand.
= Fair enough. I think there is a small niche NB market to Korea and Japan - but that is the extent I see in the next 5 years or so.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 2): The sandwich looked quirky - there is a Laos speciality left over from the French - this baguette with chicken and other tasty morsels, normally sold on the street. Did you try it?
= Absolutely. I had it from the vendors under the Arch.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 3):
Thanks for posting this Alex - Laos is also missing from my list, aloing with Myanmar - hopefully will be ticking them off soon. The flights looked pretty good, but the fare seemed quite high for such a short flight. At least you know you're safe with Lao Airlines!
Thanks for a very enjoyable read, as always! I visited Laos once a few years ago to do the 'Gibbon Experience' - a truly unforgettable time. Laos Airlines seems to be quite a decent airline (can't make out that carrot smiley face myself though!).
Thanks again,
Aidan
= Aidan, thanks for the comments. I had to look up "Gibbon Experience". How did you find it? Do you have any pictures?
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): Thanks for this report--enjoyed reading about Lao Airlines and Laos--indeed one of the lesser known Asian nations.
= Yes!
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): Sounds like my check-in experience in NAS. Except in my case, she was talking on the phone while checking me in!
= Look at it this way - she was at least good at multi-tasking .
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 5): It's definitely not as bad as Uzbekistan's "good luck" slogan--that one's really bad.
great little report, on this interesting airline. Love your writing style, you come to the point easily and yet very detailed.
= Thanks mate.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 6): I think these ATR's might be the smallest planes operating on passenger service ex BKK?
= You know what ... I did not think of this. But, I think you may be right.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 7): Hey Alex, nice little bite-sized report you've made this time!
= There is only so much one can write on a 1+ hour flight with regional aircraft that was uneventful .
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 7): Lao Airlines seem like an interesting carrier, although not as exotic as Druk Air (which I guess is on your to-fly list? Given your recent passion of abandoning the generic likes of alliance airlines, in favor for more exotic alternatives). Interesting you say that TG also operate the route. With which type? Doubt VTE would even justify the need for a widebody.
= I have actually flown Druk Air twice - great experience. That was before my TR writing days. I posted the pictures before. Have you seen them?
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 7): Well don't you have millions of those already?
= LOL. Fair enough. And, increasingly useless !
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 7): I honestly don't see why airlines even bother serving those generic snack boxes. They look flimsy, and most of the times the contents seem awful. Last time I was served one was on Czech Airlines back in 2008, but they don't seem to be much standard here in Europe, thankfully.
"Wheels Up!"
//Jonas
= Sometimes, they have interesting content.
Quoting kiramakora (Reply 8): Brilliant trip report. You do get around Alex!
= Thanks.
Quoting burj (Reply 9): I LOVE that TWA continues to live on in aviation!
= Agreed.
Quoting hz747300 (Reply 10): They did it with a 737-400 when I took it last year on the same trip mentioned below.
= Did they also not use a 300-600 on it for a year? My memory is failing me between VTE and RGN ...
Quoting hz747300 (Reply 10): It was one of many trips we took on an ASEAN adventure.
= Thanks. Neat stuff.
Quoting hz747300 (Reply 10): Both Phosovan(sp?) and Vientiane were relatively tourist free, though I found the capital a bit too sleepy.
= I agree ... but to me, that was part of VTE's charm.
Great report, Lao airlines looks good.
I'm impressed by the meal you get on a rather short flight.
Seat comfort looks ok as well, getting an ATR out of BKK is a bonus as well.
Greetings
Marc
= Thanks Marc.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 12): That's interesting considering that is was built in 2009, as Eric pointed out:
= Ya - and that is why I was perhaps so surprised at how clean it was. BTW, what is next for you?
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 13):
Laos is great indeed, but Vientiane do not represent Laos at all. More Thai then Lao city; have you been to other parts of the country?
= I only have gone to Luang Prabang. Anything else you recommend?
Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 14):
Great TR on what I'd consider to be an exotic airline.
= Thanks.
Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 14):
Funny you say this, Sabre's platform is truthfully complete crap. Which I hate saying since it's an American company. Oh well...
= Worse than Sabre platform, is their horrid web interface!
Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 14):
The contents of said snack box look, well, rather unappetizing. But I guess it was alright?
= It was not too bad ... or perhaps, I have been exposed to the utter crap they give you on Latin airlines. Avianca and TACA being the worst - I joke that it was a merger of shabby meal boxes.
Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 14):
P.S. Guess who got their Angolan visa haha?
= WHAT?????!!!! We need to talk. EMail me your new number - with my time zones, maybe SMS is best?
Thanks a lot for stopping by. I am sorry I have such a backlog of emails and stuff. I am under pressure at this current engagement, and might be moving out of Caracas to take a job being a VP (Haha) of Network Planning at a rather interesting airline ...
okapi From France, joined Jun 2006, 185 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (10 months 3 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 13498 times:
Another stunning report. A pity I never made it myself to Laos. Last time in Asia with my other half, Luang Prabang area was flooded, just like the north of Thailand. We went to Cambodia though with Bangkok Airways. The latter seems to offer a much nicer product than Lao Airlines, nevertheless, it seems to be an interesting airline. At least, they claim to fly you safely I love countries that have not been corrupted by massive tourism and that allow for visa on arrival. Did you have to pay for that?
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 17, posted (10 months 3 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 13171 times:
Hi Alex,
You always managed to squeeze in an exciting short trip during your business trip. Thank you so much for sharing this unique experience of Lao Airlines, including the sights of Laos.
A substantial one indeed. Was there additional drink offer as well?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Two things stood out – the female member playing with an expat kid in the aisle; and, during take-off after the lights were dimmed, seeing me read the in-flight magazine, the woman came and quietly turned on my reading light. Small touches, but enough to demonstrate a crew that cared.
Such genuine warmth and hospitality, how I miss South East Asia.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6115 posts, RR: 56 Reply 18, posted (10 months 3 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 13054 times:
Hi Alex !
Nice report on a very small airline!
I think QV was much better than I expected! Nice to get a snack box even on such a short flight even though it's generic. Rather get that than nothing at all which is what I would expect.
Pictures from Vientiane are great! Would love to go there some day!
Looking forward to your next report and I hope your new job does not interfere with going on a T5 77L .....
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
AJ From Australia, joined Nov 1999, 2376 posts, RR: 27 Reply 19, posted (10 months 3 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 12856 times:
Nice report!
Brings back memories of my first flights on the then 'Lao Aviation' Antonov 24s between Don Mueng and Vientiane in the late eighties. They sometimes left on the same day as scheduled and inflight service was a sandwich, a green banana and a glass bottle of Pepsi or Sprite.
I flew them again in 2004 as 'Lao Airlines' on their ex-Ansett A320 and ATR 72-200 between Hanoi and Vientiane, then Vientiane to Luang Prabang, all efficient and friendly with similar service to what you experienced.
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8278 posts, RR: 56 Reply 22, posted (10 months 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 12665 times:
Hi Alex,
Great read as always, thanks for posting!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I scouted for tickets online and while TG would mean more Star miles, I decided to try something a tad more “exotic” and settle for Lao Airlines.
- Agreed, if I don't need the miles or tier points I'm happy to be able to look at something a little different.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): boarding pass in hand, I proceeded through a rather long immigration process, and an even longer security check.
- Ah, something I'm used to @ BKK.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): the “not-for-my-taste” industrial design of Suvarnabhumi airport.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I will leave you with some scenes from Vientiane. They city and the country were incredible – it is what I imagined Thailand to have been before being overrun by mass tourism. Go there before it really becomes big!
- Thanks, it's a city on my hit list when the wife and I return to Asia.
swissgabe From Switzerland, joined Jan 2000, 5265 posts, RR: 36 Reply 23, posted (10 months 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 12440 times:
I visited Laos several times. My first flight on Lao Aviation was back in 1996 on an Antonov 24. Until 2005 I flew several times on their Yun 7, Yun 12 and ATR 72. Their safety record was one of the worst in entire Asia and their Schedules been very unreliable back then.
Glad to see that the Lao national airline made such a nice improvement of their product and service. They finally arrived into the 21st century.
Smooth as silk - Royal Orchid Service /// Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens - Springbok
817Dreamliiner From Montserrat, joined Jul 2008, 1490 posts, RR: 1 Reply 24, posted (10 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 12025 times:
Great report Alex
Nice to see a report on a rare airline, thanks for posting it!
Blast Reality, Burst it into shreds! Banishment, This World!
25 stipica: Hi Abri ! huge backlog in my reading hobby ... and after I noticed that you are crying in the first sentence for the comments ... hehhehe interesting
26 abrelosojos: = Yes. I don't remember what it was, but perhaps a reasonable 20 USD? Your really do need to visit Lao PDR. I have a fear that both Burma an it will
27 stipica: Hi abri ! HAHAHHAHAHA now I feel the pressure to comment on other two ... and one thought ...the problem is not eurowhite problem is in process who sy
28 win1290: Hi Alex, Very nice trip report as usual! A very nice read. Thank you. Lao Airlines looks like a very nice regional airline. Cabin looks well-maintaine
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