Lao AirlinesQV

Lao Airlines is the flag carrier of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, headquartered in Vientiane. Originally founded in 1976 as Lao Aviation (a division of Civil Aviation Administration of Laos), the airline was rebranded as Lao Airlines in 2003 following restructuring and fleet modernization.

The airline operates a network connecting domestic destinations within Laos to regional cities across Southeast Asia and beyond. Lao Airlines serves as a critical transport link for tourism to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other destinations throughout the country. The airline is not a member of any global airline alliance.

Lao Airlines maintains a mixed fleet of Airbus A320s for regional international routes, ATR 72 turboprops for domestic and shorter routes, and recently added COMAC C909 aircraft. The airline serves approximately 20 destinations across Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and South Korea.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 60 x 30 x 18 cm (24" x 12" x 7")
• Total linear dimensions: 115 cm maximum
• Weight: 7 kg (15 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead compartment

Additional Personal Items (free):

• Handbag, pocketbook, or small purse
• Reading materials
• Infant food for the journey
• Collapsible wheelchair, crutches, or prosthetic devices

Checked Baggage

Domestic and International Flights:

Fare Class	Checked Allowance	Weight Limit
Economy Easy	None	N/A
Economy (Saving/Promo/Silver/Gold)	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Business Class	1 bag	30 kg (66 lbs)
Infants (all classes)	1 bag	10 kg (22 lbs)

Route Exceptions:

• Luang Namtha (LXG) to Vientiane (VTE): Maximum 15 kg checked + 5 kg cabin
• Oudomxay (ODY) to Vientiane (VTE): Maximum 15 kg checked + 5 kg cabin

These reduced allowances apply to ATR aircraft operations on mountain routes.

Excess Baggage Fees

Excess baggage fees are charged per kilogram and vary by route:

Domestic Routes:

• $1-3 USD per kg depending on sector

International Routes:

Destination	Excess Fee (per kg)
Thailand	$6-8 USD
Vietnam	$7-10 USD
Cambodia	$6-8 USD
China	$10-13 USD
South Korea	$12-13 USD

Fees must be paid at airport check-in. Pre-purchase not available online.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Advance notice recommended

Prohibited Items:

• Compressed gases (butane, oxygen, propane)
• Explosives and flammable materials
• Corrosives (acids, alkalis, wet cell batteries)

For full restricted items list, see Lao Airlines restrictions.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at laoairlines.com/baggage before traveling.

Business Class

Airbus A320:

• Configuration: 2-2 (8-16 seats depending on aircraft)
• Seat pitch: Approximately 38" (96 cm)
• Enhanced legroom and recline
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Business lounge access (where available)
• Enhanced meal service on longer routes
• Complimentary beverages including beer and wine

Economy Class

Airbus A320:

• Configuration: 3-3
• Seat pitch: Approximately 30-32" (76-81 cm)
• Standard seat width: 18" (46 cm)
• Total capacity: 126-150 seats

ATR 72-500/600:

• Configuration: 2-2
• Total capacity: 70 seats
• Single class (Economy only)
• Used for domestic routes and shorter regional flights

COMAC C909:

• Configuration: 2-3
• Total capacity: 90 seats
• Single class (Economy only)
• Operates medium-range domestic routes

Catering

Domestic Flights:

• Complimentary light snacks and beverages on most routes
• Limited service on shorter ATR flights

International Flights:

• Complimentary meal service
• Hot meals on longer sectors (Bangkok, Seoul, China routes)
• Beverages including soft drinks, juice, tea, coffee
• Beer and wine available on international routes

Business Class:

• Enhanced meal presentation
• Premium beverage selection
• Priority service

Entertainment

Lao Airlines does not offer in-flight entertainment systems. Passengers should bring personal devices with downloaded content for entertainment during flights.

WiFi

WiFi is not available on Lao Airlines flights.

Booking:

• Book directly on laoairlines.com to ensure payment verification issues are minimized
• Compare fare types carefully - "Easy" fare has no checked baggage
• For domestic flights, Silver or Gold fares often provide better value when checked baggage is needed
• Child fares (under 12): 75% of adult fare
• Infant fares (under 2, no seat): 10% of adult fare

At the Airport:

• Arrive early for international flights - Wattay airport can be congested during peak hours
• Have your physical credit card ready if you booked online without 3D Secure
• Print your itinerary receipt - staff may request it at check-in
• Vientiane airport has limited food options after security

Domestic Travel:

• Luang Prabang flights fill quickly during peak tourist season (November-March)
• Mountain routes (to Luang Namtha, Xieng Khouang) have reduced baggage allowances
• ATR flights may experience weather delays during monsoon season (May-October)
• Domestic flights often depart on time - don't arrive late

International Travel:

• Bangkok route is most frequent with multiple daily options
• Seoul and China routes operate less frequently - book in advance
• Connecting to other airlines in Bangkok: Allow minimum 3 hours for immigration and terminal transfer

Baggage:

• Weigh bags before arriving - excess fees are paid at airport only
• Pack light for domestic ATR routes with 15kg limits on some sectors
• Gate-check strollers and car seats for free

Payment:

• Credit card payments may require presenting the physical card at check-in
• Bring USD or LAK for any airport fees or excess baggage
• ATMs available at Vientiane airport (limited hours)

Luang Prabang Visitors:

• Morning departures from Vientiane offer stunning views of the Mekong
• Book return flights early - this route sells out during high season
• Consider one-way flights if planning overland travel via slow boat

Common Issues:

• Limited online services compared to major carriers
• No mobile app for boarding passes at all airports
• English support may be limited outside Vientiane
• Flight schedule changes are common - reconfirm 24-48 hours before departure