Booking internal flights in Myanmar

[garyinoz]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice on how best to achieve this. The only airline with online booking is Air Bagan, their timings aren't great and they're expensive.

I arrive into Yangon in the morning around 10am and want to head straight to Mandalay so I was hoping to fly Air KBZ at 13:00, I've emailed them several times and even tried ringing without any luck. Does anyone know anyone have any tips on getting a flight booked? I'm a bit wary of using a online travel agent but it may come to that.

Thanks

 

[docjames]

I'd be considering using a "bricks and mortar" TA who can advise you on the local airlines.

Id also be considering safety of any internal airlines serving Myanmar as a significant factor in my decisions.

 

[garyinoz]

I'd be considering using a "bricks and mortar" TA who can advise you on the local airlines.

Id also be considering safety of any internal airlines serving Myanmar as a significant factor in my decisions.

Unfortunately I don't think local TA's can book internal flights, unless anyone can suggest one locally is Aus? As for the airlines, most of them have fairly new planes and most tour groups use them so I think the safety is OK.

Thanks.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I went to Myanmar back in 1996 with Royal Brunei & flew into/out of Yangon (RGN). We got the overnight train from Yangon to Mandalay then we went to Bagan by road. This was with Intrepid but I don't believe they have tours in Myanmar any longer which I believe was a moral decision.

I don't think I'd be in a rush to fly on any of those domestic airlines.

 

[bass_ke]

We took 3 sectors with Yangon airways in 2009 - all booked through our guesthouse in each city, all fixed price and all within 3 days of travel. I really wish I'd gotten some pictures!

 

[Vim Fuego]

The inlaws got back from Burma this morning and did several internal flights. I'll find out what they did and how it went.

They were part of a tour though so no personal organisation required.

 

[drron]

I'd recommend you look at Trip advisor on Myanmar.Basically the easiest way is to book with a local TA.Several reccomendations on that forum.
Local TAs can book internal flights but the cost is way higher.
We are going in December.

 

[garyinoz]

I've looked at Trip Advisor and whilst there are some recommended Travel Agents, the problem is i'd probably have to go into Yangon to pick them up. I may have to go with one of the two Airlines that have online booking and just waste a few hours at the airport. I'll try ringing the other airline before I do though.

Thanks

 

[drron]

There was a trip report on FT a little while ago where a fellow had the travel agent deliver tickets to the airport.Cant find it now.
So email the agents and see whether they would do it.
You could also email the airlines to see if that could be done but everything I have read suggests the airlines are less reliable than the local TAs.

Flights within Myanmar - FlyerTalk Forums

Domestic Airline

 

[garyinoz]

Thanks drron - I've emailed my preferred airline several times. I'll try the phone again, failing that it's online with Bagan air.

Cheers

 

[drron]

I have been trying to book online with Bagan air.The flight is daily but every day I select comes back with -no service that day.
Not easy arranging a Myanmar trip!

 

[garyinoz]

I have been trying to book online with Bagan air.The flight is daily but every day I select comes back with -no service that day.
Not easy arranging a Myanmar trip!

No it isn't
Good luck.

 

[bass_ke]

No it isn't
Good luck.

It's worth it though!

OP, if air bagan is the same as bagan airways, do some research. It was owned by Tay Za, very friendly with the junta in '09

 

[garyinoz]

It is the same and I'm aware of it's history.

I finally got through to Air KBZ last night. I think I must have spoken to everyone in the office as English wasn't great but I have a booking reference with only my first name.....fingers crossed.

 

[WilkoJunior]

Ok, in Myanmar there are a few internal domestic / regional airlines operating. Most use ATR 42 or 72 planes. I've flown with Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay.

I booked through local travel agent, and we're issued paper tickets.

Prices are in USD, cash payment, no refunds.

Air Mandalay have on-line booking now, but I've not used it.

Major or tourist destinations have frequent flights, but delays happen like anywhere else.

As for safety, you won't get 7 star airlines here, but worth looking up different ones on the net to get some background information. And for those after FF and SC, your well out of luck.

 

[RooFlyer]

I'd recommend you look at Trip advisor on Myanmar.Basically the easiest way is to book with a local TA.Several reccomendations on that forum.
Local TAs can book internal flights but the cost is way higher.
We are going in December.

There was a trip report on FT a little while ago where a fellow had the travel agent deliver tickets to the airport.Cant find it now.
So email the agents and see whether they would do it.
You could also email the airlines to see if that could be done but everything I have read suggests the airlines are less reliable than the local TAs.

Flights within Myanmar - FlyerTalk Forums

Domestic Airline

Interesting ... I'm organising a quick trip there in December myself.

However, after looking and looking, I just can't bring myself to use domestic airlines. I know common sense says that even if the standards are a little lax, they have ?all managed to stay up in the air OK (that is, when they should) ... but I just can't do it.

Looking to get a car and driver Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Yangon. Might be a slow trip, but that's OK under the circumstances .

 

[drron]

Interesting ... I'm organising a quick trip there in December myself.

However, after looking and looking, I just can't bring myself to use domestic airlines. I know common sense says that even if the standards are a little lax, they have ?all managed to stay up in the air OK (that is, when they should) ... but I just can't do it.

Looking to get a car and driver Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Yangon. Might be a slow trip, but that's OK under the circumstances .

We'll be there in December.Arriving Yangon on the 20th.

 

[burmans]

Interesting ... I'm organising a quick trip there in December myself.

However, after looking and looking, I just can't bring myself to use domestic airlines. I know common sense says that even if the standards are a little lax, they have ?all managed to stay up in the air OK (that is, when they should) ... but I just can't do it.

Looking to get a car and driver Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Yangon. Might be a slow trip, but that's OK under the circumstances .

You can book online at oway.com.mm, visitmm.com, Golden Myanmar, Asian Wings, Air KBZ. Things are changing! I'm off next week.