Anyone Flown with Lao Central Airlines?

[VisaEd]

I'm just looking at flights from Bangkok to Vientiane and they seem to be the cheapest by quite a way.

How do they compare to Bangkok Airways and Lao Airlines?

Thanks.

[Tomtomtom69]

I'm not entirely convinced about their commitment to safety even though I have not heard of any problems so far. I would still fly either THAI or Bangkok Airways or on the Lao Airlines A320 between Bangkok and Vientiane, but I suppose you could give Lao Central Airlines a try anyway.

[axact]

I like Lao Central airlines, they fly out of Suvarnbumhi and charge $120 return trip. I have used them problem free several times and would recommend them. They fly an Airbus 320 ? & fly three times a week from memory.

It is a far better alternative than Nok Air or Air Asia as Lao Central fly in to Vientiane & you dont have to get across to Don Muang.

[orchis]

no.

[roamer]

A 1 plane airline (check their flight schedule) a 737-400, forget the Wiki claim to 2 planes and read the schedule. Certainly doesn't have any room for error, or maintenance come to that.

[Ricardo]

Interesting to see what the professional pilots say about them, over at pprune.com

http://www.pprune.org/south-asia-far-east/525342-laocentral-737-a-2.html

[steelepulse]

Interesting to see what the professional pilots say about them, over at pprune.com

http://www.pprune.org/south-asia-far-east/525342-laocentral-737-a-2.html

Pretty scary stuff on those later posts.

[thailandbeachisland]

I'm not entirely convinced about their commitment to safety even though I have not heard of any problems so far. I would still fly either THAI or Bangkok Airways or on the Lao Airlines A320 between Bangkok and Vientiane, but I suppose you could give Lao Central Airlines a try anyway.

For sure Lao airline is safe...

[Tomtomtom69]

I'm not entirely convinced about their commitment to safety even though I have not heard of any problems so far. I would still fly either THAI or Bangkok Airways or on the Lao Airlines A320 between Bangkok and Vientiane, but I suppose you could give Lao Central Airlines a try anyway.

For sure Lao airline is safe...

Well when I wrote my reply 3 months ago the Lao Airlines ATR72 crash in Pakse last October 16th was still fresh in my mind...however, despite that accident, Lao Airlines is still a much safer bet than Lao Central, especially after reading those reports on that airline forum.

Many Lao expats recommend Lao Airlines flights only if they are operated by an A320. Luckily, on the Bangkok-Vientiane route A320s are used, but you have to check their timetable as sometimes one of their 2 daily flights is operated by an ATR. Of course, aside from last year's crash the ATR is generally considered quite a safe aircraft. However, personally I avoid turboprop aircraft particularly during the rainy season if only to experience a less turbulent ride. In any case, I haven't flown on a turboprop anywhere in the world since 2004.

[rileyh]

I booked with Lao Central in April 2014 for a June flight despite their history of cancellations and delays. As expected, I received notice of flight cancellation a week after booking my flight. It all worked out in the end though. My full experience with Lao Central is documented here: http://www.pushtravels.com/travel/high-risk-high-payoff/

[Cithung]

i used to fly Lao Air a fair bit but after the last few incidents.. not so sure about it anymore..

Have tried Nok air (kee nok air ) also.. on some shorter internal flights but yea safety seems to have become an issue so now choosing only thai air or thai smile for these shorter flights..Thai also dont have any extra baggage fee and usually just much smoother to deal with ..

[brewsterbudgen]

Lao Airlines are fine; I've flown BKK to Pakse many times. Lao Central Airlines I have no idea, but I'd use them if the price and schedule suits.