Popular Airlines for Connecting Flights to Laos

Laos, one of the beautiful Southeast Asian countries, is gaining interest among travelers worldwide. With limited direct flights to Laos, several airlines provide convenient connecting flights, thus helping travelers to venture into this culturally rich country with ease.

Understanding Entry Requirements to Laos

Before buying tickets to Laos, please get familiar with basic information about entry: 

• Visa requirements – first check if your nationality falls under visa obligation when traveling to Laos. Many travelers are allowed to get an eVisa or apply for a visa upon arrival, although some might not need a visa for a short stay.

• Laos eVisa Application: Apply online Laos eVisa, provided your passport and date of travel meet the set requirements for eligibility.

• Visa on Arrival: Visa upon arrival can be availed at certain entry points in Laos for citizens of specific nationalities. Ensure you have a valid passport, a passport photo, and the payment for the visa fee in order.

• Health and Safety Protocols: Check for any health requirements, such as vaccination certificates or health screening processes at the time of travel.

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Laos.

• Travel Insurance: It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage for added security during your travels.

For that reason, confirmation of entry requirements before booking can enable you to avoid such delays and have an easier travel experience.

Regional Airlines Offering Routes to Laos

Several regional airlines operate routes to Laos, connecting the country to major cities in Southeast Asia and beyond. These airlines make it convenient for travelers to access Laos' key destinations like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse. Here are some regional airlines offering flights to Laos:

1. Airlines Connecting Through Thailand

Thailand is one of the most regular transit points in flights to Laos. Major airlines flying through Thailand include: 

• Thai Airways: Offers frequent flights to major cities such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
• Bangkok Airways: Offers boutique service, connecting Bangkok with major places in Laos.

2. Airlines Connecting Through Vietnam

The key cities of Vietnam thus offer as very excellent feeder points for traveling into Laos.

• Vietnam Airlines: Offers scheduled flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Laos.
• VietJet Air: For fliers connecting via Vietnam, it's a low-cost carrier.

3. Airlines Connecting Through China

For those originating from China or nearby areas:

• China Eastern Airlines: Has connecting flights from Kunming, among other cities, onward to Laos.
• Air China: Offers smooth travel options for visitors going to Vientiane or elsewhere.

4. Middle Eastern Airlines for Long-Haul Connections

When flying to Laos from either Europe, North America, or the Middle East, travelers may find Middle Eastern Airlines convenient for flight connections. Of course, they cannot fly directly but have partnered with carriers in the region to offer unrivaled onward connections through central Asian hubs.

• Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways connects travelers to Laos via Doha, with onward flights to Vientiane or Luang Prabang through Asian hubs like Bangkok and Hanoi using partner airlines. It offers spacious seating, great inflight entertainment, and generous baggage allowances.
• Emirates: Emirates flies to Laos through hubs like Bangkok and Hanoi, with regional airlines completing the journey. It provides luxury Economy, Business, and First-Class options and allows stopovers in Dubai for layovers.
• Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways connects to Laos via Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City through partner airlines. It is known for its comfortable seating and reliable connections to Southeast Asia.
• FlyDubai: FlyDubai offers budget-friendly flights to Laos with connections through Bangkok using partner airlines. It provides essential services, making it an affordable alternative to Emirates.

Budget Airlines for Connecting Flights to Laos

Low-cost travel options for low-budget travelers come with these carriers:

These airlines provide cost-effective options for travelers seeking to explore Laos without stretching their budget.

Premium Airlines for Luxury Travel to Laos

These airlines cater to travelers seeking comfort, exclusivity, and exceptional service on their journey to Laos.

Airlines Connecting Through Regional Hubs

A number of airlines connect flights to Laos through key regional hubs.

• Singapore Airlines: Offers flights through Singapore, with excellent service and onward connections.
• Malaysia Airlines: Offers flights through Kuala Lumpur to Laos.

European Airlines Partnering with Asian Carriers

European travelers can book smooth itineraries thanks to airline partnerships. Here’s a list of European airlines partnering with Asian carriers for routes to Laos:

Travel Tips for Choosing the Right Airline

Here are some travel tips 

• Consider Regional Hubs: Depending on your starting location, consider transiting through Bangkok, Hanoi, or Kuala Lumpur for more flight options.
• Budget vs. Comfort: Decide between low-cost carriers like AirAsia and full-service airlines like Thai Airways based on your preferences.
• Frequent Flyer Programs: Utilize partnerships and alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam for mileage benefits.

Eco-Friendly Airlines for Laos Travel

To the more ecologically minded, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are companies that have taken steps in the right direction: responsible to the environment, and keeping fuel-efficient fleets. Singapore Airlines promised to cut carbon emissions by using sustainable aviation fuel and energy-efficient aircraft. Similarly, Qatar Airways added several fuel-efficient planes, too, adding up to a reduction of their overall carbon footprint. Both airlines encourage travelers to offset their carbon emissions, making it easier for eco-conscious passengers to minimize their environmental impact while traveling to Laos.

Family-Friendly Airlines for Traveling to Laos

Traveling with children can be easier and more comfortable with airlines that cater to families. Here are some airlines that provide excellent services for families flying to Laos.

Airlines with Frequent Flyer Benefits for Travel to Laos

Here’s a list of airlines with frequent flyer benefits for travel to Laos:

• Qatar Airways: With the Privilege Club program, travelers can earn Qmiles on flights to Laos, enjoy upgrades, and gain access to exclusive lounges.
• Emirates: Through the Skywards program, passengers can accumulate Skywards Miles for flights to Laos, offering upgrades and special benefits like lounge access.
• Thai Airways: The Royal Orchid Plus program allows travelers to earn miles on flights to Laos, with benefits such as priority services, lounge access, and upgrades.
• Singapore Airlines: The KrisFlyer program enables travelers to earn miles on flights to Laos, offering flight upgrades, priority boarding, and other exclusive perks.
• Vietnam Airlines: Travelers can earn Lotus Miles on flights to Laos, providing benefits like priority check-in and upgrades.
• Cathay Pacific: The Marco Polo Club program lets travelers earn miles for flights to Laos, with added benefits like priority check-in and lounge access.

Disclaimer: Though accurate as of January 2025, we highly recommend confirming all travel details with the relevant governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.