Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Dependability of Prearranged Domestic Flights Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Papua New Guinea
vikingthor 16:01 UTC 09 Apr 2010 | I embark on a PNG adventure in just under two months. I'm trying to see and experience as much as possible while there, and would like to minimize time spent in airport lines trying to purchase domestic tickets. I plan on taking 6 domestic flights throughout a month long trip, half of which are to very remote areas. These flights are available online, but I'm concerned about the dependability of advanced purchases, particularly for the remote flights. Is it advisable to purchase them online now to reduce wasted time once in PNG, or is there a good chance of those flights being canceled and me not being reimbursed? All feedback is greatly appreciated. Josh |
ozziegiraffe 10:45 UTC 10 Apr 2010 | I would be more concerned about the flights being overbooked. You do need to book in advance, or you mightn't get a seat, and make sure you check in early, to ensure you don't get bumped. | 1
donbrisbane 11:18 UTC 10 Apr 2010 | internal flights in png is similar to playing the lottery,so many things can happen...weather,planes don't turn up,schedules change without notice,plane sizes are downsized,people are bumped on to the next flight,long delays due to mechanical faults,no fuel,no pilots...etc etc.what airlines are you planning on using?yes if you can pre book flights that is a good start.just expect one or many of the above situations to hamper your travel schedule.your patience level may be tested! we wish you luck in the "lottery" | 2
globaltourist 23:38 UTC 10 Apr 2010 | Got to be honest - having made 2 tourist trips to PNG & taken internal flights with a variety of carriers - the only time I had a problem was a few hours delay on a couple of the flights. Yes - stuff might go a bit peary, but go with a positive mental attitude that it will all fall into place. If it doesn't, what are you going to do about it? I would say buy them in advance & confirm 24 hours in advance - & still be prepared for a bit of waiting. | 3
vikingthor 18:52 UTC 11 Apr 2010 | Thanks so much for the advice. I intend to fly with pretty much every airline, as I can't find just one that goes everywhere I want to make it to. I'll book ahead of time, and remain flexible. Thanks again. | 4
luxingzhe63 16:40 UTC 25 Apr 2010 | PNG advertises itself as "the land of the unexpected". This can refer to anything from an armed robbery in a main street (always unexpected), or a flight with any airline. Firstly, always prepay a ticket. Apart from Port Moresby, there can be an incredible amount of stuffing around if you wish to purchase a ticket at an airport. And, not every credit card is accepted, and carrying large amounts of cash around in or around an airport would be hare-brained. Nobody, absolutely nobody, can predict whether or not a pre-booked, prepaid flight will ensure that you either have a seat or that the flight will depart on time. After traveling for more years years than I care to remember, I've spent 9 hours on one occasions in Port Moresby waiting for a flight that never eventuated, and on other occasions, traveled without a hitch. If there is one, "almost" consistent regularity, it's that you can usually depend on (very) early morning flights when the aircraft has overnighted at that departure point, and that there are usually no-shows on such flights. But, with the latter point, airlines used to offer discounted seats to people on wait lists so....... In short, your guess is as good as that of anyone else. | 5
seeseven 00:54 UTC 14 May 2012 | How about the reliability of flights from Port Moresby to Australia? Should one expect similar issues as those described for domestic flights? | 6