Air Asia » User reviews

myspirow flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (25/04/2012 13:05)

Flight details
Flight Number AK 5119
Operated by Air Asia Bhd (Malaysia)

Route: Kota Kinabalu International (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)
Aircraft: A320-200

Aircraft registration: 9M-AHT (first delivery August 2009)
ETD 1500 (Actual departure time: 1530)
ETA 1730 (Actual arrival time: 1745)

Check-in
AirAsia flights were operated out of Terminal 2 at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Terminal 2 is the older of the two terminals of the airport.

Having checked-in via mobile phone, I walked to the mobile boarding pass printing kiosk (there are 2 of them), having my checked-luggage scanned through x-ray (prior entering check-in area), drop the luggage at the counter (staff performed very efficient task), and head to the security prior to entering boarding lounge.

Terminal 2 has limited eateries (there are 1 cafe in the international airside departure hall) and 2 others on the first floor. There are various gift shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, frozen seafood products, convenience stores, and chocolate shops.

Boarding is scheduled to begin at 1420 (40 minutes prior to scheduled departure at 1500). However, I later learned that the plane that would take us back to Kuala Lumpur won't arrive until 1430 (as flight AK5118).

A security check was being conducted before entering international departure hall (flights out of Sabah state are considered international flights) and after that immigration officer will check and give stamp in your passport (Malaysian need to show identity card only).

There are 4 gates at international boarding hall, numbered 1-4. However, the four gates are combined to form into 2 gates; each of which is dedicated for "hot seat" and "general seat". Hot Seat refers to AirAsia product for seating with more legroom.

Finally the aircraft from Kuala Lumpur arrived at almost 1440 and at the time boarding was announced simultaneously as the aircraft deplaning the passengers through front and aft door.

Gate 3 was dedicated for hot seat passengers which number is insignificant and shortly after two agents manning Gate 4 to board the rest of the passengers. Boarding completed around 1500, crew were doing final headcount, demonstrating safety prodecures and shortly after the aircraft doors were closed.

Seating
I was seated on row 18, four rows after the emergency exits at rows 13 and 14. Seat pitch was pretty small at 29-inch. It can be reclined to few degrees only (but it's not the sliding seat and thus would reduce the pitch significantly).

Originally there were 3 other people seated at the row behind me, but before they settled in, they found a spilled milk all over their seat and emanating strong unpleasant odor. Flight attendant was apologetic about this and arrange the three people to be seated at the back row. However, the incident signify that flight attendants do not perform their cleaning duty during turnaround - a feature that AirAsia's founder always brag about.

Fortunately, the row right behind me was kept empty and thus I can put my seat in recline position during the cruising time. There was IFE in any terms.

The seatback, right below the tray table was an advertisement space (of which during my flight, it was the advertisement from "Sime Darby" insurance). In the seat pocket, you can find an in-house magazine called Travel 360 (in very bad shape with torn pages, stick pages from sugar liquid, etc and they encourage you not to take it home as it's to be intended for sharing for one full month), a safety card (in similar condition as magazine with faded pictures), and duty free shopping and meal menu.

Although AirAsia has 1 hand-luggage policy (travelers can bring either a handbag or a laptop bag on top of the allowance), the rule is not being enforced strictly resulting in the overhead compartment in my row were almost full by the time I reached my seat).

Take off
After pushback, the aircraft was directed to take off from runway 20 which was the furthest from Terminal 2. It had to pass Terminal 1's apron and shortly after 1530 the aircraft took off from runway 20 heading to westward direction towards Kuala Lumpur. Not long afterwards we reached cruising altitude and fasten seat belt sign is turned off.

Service
Four female flight attendants were present on this flight. Service began with FA delivering pre-booked meal followed by sales from the meal cart (limited choices compared to prebook meal selection) and not all items were still available by the time FA reached your seat - a picture of AirAsia tried to keep their inventory low.

Service seemed to rush as flight attendant would come around with big black rubbish bag to collect any trash within a mere 5 minutes after she returned to the galley to put the meal trolley. After making one round of rubbish collection, an inflight duty free cart was rolled out in a very rushing manner, not even giving a chance for passenger to raise their hand to have the trolley stop (for those familiar with Pam Ann's touch-the-trolley joke, the FAs on this flight performed exactly like that!).

A second round of garbage collection was carried out. All these took less than 30minutes since the flight was airborne and for the rest of the flight, FAs were hibernating in the galley.

The flight
It was an uneventful flight. Along the way the weather was pretty good with light, thin layer of clouds. No violent turbulence which typically being experienced when the plane was crossing South China Sea. Nearing to KL, the weather changed drastically with thick rain clouds. The plane was seen to circle for short period before getting ready to line up for Runway 14L.

Plane touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 1535 and have to make long ferry towards LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal). It came to a halt at the parking bay 10minutes later and passengers were greeted by light rain prior to disembarking

Arrival
Passengers were directed towards domestic arrival hall (which was around 10mins walk from where the aircraft was parked) and baggage was delivered in no time towards the conveyor belt.

There was less checked luggage delivered (people preferred to stuff their belonging in the overhead bins), but I saw this as disaster waiting to happen when an airline charged extra for checked luggage but does not enforce strict rule regarding hand luggage.

Verdict
I am very happy with the skill of the pilot to deliver a smooth flying experience and speedy baggage handler to deliver the luggage in no time.

The seat in AirAsia is not the most comfortable and it was pretty hurt to sit there for 2 and half hour flight without any entertainment other than bacteria-infested magazine.

The service is abysmal to the limit that FA is as sarcastic as pictured by Pam Ann's comedy (notably through performing the "touch-the-trolley" activity combined with ignoring cabin cleaning for putting make up during turnaround).

The share swap exercise between AirAsia and MAS resulting in both airline cannot compete in domestic market and thus those who want to fly economically stuck with no choice other than AirAsia.

Shahrimi7 flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (21/03/2012 09:50)

When we did a mobile-check in, we still need to Q at the counter :(

kempinski flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (06/10/2011 11:22)

Indonesia AirAsia
Flight QZ 7717
From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Jakarta Soekarno Hatta (CGK)
ETD 2040 ETA 0010
Fleet Airbus A320 PK-AXG (delivered March 2009)

Introduction
Indonesia AirAsia operates daily Jakarta-Bangkok flight departing Jakarta in the late afternoon and the plane flies back from Bangkok the same evening. As the only LCC serving this high demand route, ticket price increase very fast but still often lower than those of flag carriers (TG and GA) serving the route.

Check-in
I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport by Airport Link express train around 4pm. As I proceed to AirAsia check-in row (actually baggage drop counters), the ground staff said that check-in won't open until 3 hours before departure time. Suvarnabhumi has limited things to shop and eat in its groundside. After roaming around the terminal - but it's only 5pm - I approached baggage drop counter again and try my luck to see if check-in can be granted. The agent was kind enough and I could drop off my checked bags. I proceed to immigration (yes, bottleneck happen so fast that I was diverted to the end of other immigration area which luckily the line move manage-ably fast). Airside shops and restaurants offer much better selection - but still, prices of food are more expensive than in the city. The gate for the evening is E10 which is the furthermost gate.

Boarding
I arrived in front of gate E10 around 2010, 30 mins before scheduled departure time of 2040. But still, no ground staff there. Few other passengers starting to arrive but not until 2030 the gate opened and we were allowed to get in. The holding gate filled up almost quickly and no seat to spare. The Airbus A320 was taxiing to the gate at around 2040, our scheduled departure time. At this time, it was confirmed the plane was running late but no acknowledgment made. Boarding follow 25mins afterwards and everyone just scrambled for the gate - despite the seat was numbered already.
Going to the plane, the head flight attendant was busy with herself in the galley, similar with three other crew member; nowhere to be seen. I made way to my seat in 18A and settled in. The plane pushed back slightly after 2100 hours and made way towards the runway.

In flight
Shortly after take off, seatbelt sign turned-off and inflight service began. The crew seemed so rush to cater those who had pre-order meals. After that, another trolley for meal purchase followed as well as inflight sales. The crew managed to do all this less than 1 hour since the plane took off and shortly afterwards the cabin was dimmed all the way to Jakarta. Crew definitely looked tired - same case as evening Malaysia AirAsia flight that I took from Macau to Kuala Lumpur few months back. Service was rush, no smile, no walk around to check passenger, basically nothing. Really felt like taking evening bus which no one is expected to be disturbed.
The flight took 3,5 hours but due to poor seat pitch, it felt like being cramped in a coffin for at least half day. The condition is made worse if the person in front of you recline his/her seat, your knee would definitely scream from numbness! Of course since it was an evening flight, everyone expected him/herself to sleep in the most comfortable position as possible and reclining the already tight seat space is pretty much a big issue at AirAsia.

Arrival
Due to late departure, the flight arrived 30mins after midnight (20mins behind schedule). However, the worst has yet to come. We were brought to the remote parking where the aircraft would spend the night, has to wait longer for the airbridge to come, be bussed to the terminal, climbed up to arrival section, and queued for immigration. The pain did not end there as baggage handlers at Jakarta Soekarno Hatta delayed the baggage delivery even longer with the first baggage appeared on the belt some 20mins after passengers buzzing the carousel area. This kind of performance from baggage handler was not acceptable at all as this flight was the last to arrive for the day. I made my way out from the terminal at quarter past one and not impressed at all.

Verdict
Evening flight, late arrival and departure, tired crew, non-existence service, uncomfortable seat, walk from airplane to terminal upon arrival, and delayed baggage delivery summed up how disastrous this daily flight of Indonesia AirAsia. On the note for improvement; there are definitely lots to be done!

IamInTampa flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (27/07/2011 15:42)

Horrible, horrible seating even in the exit row. Air Asia will charge you for everything you can imagine. Their web site is designed to TRICK people into buying extra services. What looks cheap quickly becomes not so cheap once you add normal things to your flight like a bag! Go with Bangkok Airways where you get at least 20kg of luggage and better seat choices and a flight lounge!
This airline should also not be allowed to fly in my opinion because their exit rows are too narrow and the tray tables in the exit row drop down like a normal tray table. Why is this important? In an emergency how can you get through the aisle if the tray tables are down and already too narrow.

kempinski flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (28/06/2011 08:10)

This is a continuation of the previous review of AK385 (Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur)

Onbound KUL-CGK

Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ7695
Fleet Airbus A320 PK-AXM (delivered 28 October 2010)

Check-in
Baggage drop at LCCT was not of a big problem, but often, the information on the FIDS did not match with the allocation by the service agent themselves. However, baggage check was done quickly and I could make way to immigration and gates T for my flight departure.

After undergone the first security check before immigration (to check passengers only carry permissible hand-carry item), I proceed upstairs to immigration. Immigration lanes for foreigners were such a torture. Long lines everywhere with only limited counters open. Clearly not a good way to send foreigners out of Malaysia. Despite still having 90mins to departure, seeing these lines made me not sure if I could reach the gate in time. I had to stand at immigration for another 40mins before I proceed to another security check (this time to scan the carry-on item). Boarding gates T are all located downstairs and the expansive waiting lounge has few stores which are good. Passengers of QZ7695 were assigned to wait at gate T6 for departure.

The incoming plane from Jakarta was not arrived until 1700 and with 1725 scheduled departure, the turnaround staff at LCCT did a pretty amazing job. All we could see from the glass door of Gate T6 was that the plane was parked at the gate, two air stairs quickly attached to the doors, passengers disembarked and the baggage handlers are already waiting to unload and load our baggage. Not more than 15mins after the arrival was parked, we were allowed to board the plane.

In-flight
The new A320 featuring automated PA system; so everything was done automatically; from flight safety demo to turbulence announcement. The four Indonesian cabin crews were well groomed, but they’re all kinda reserved and not at all interested to make any contact with the passengers. I did not bother to make further purchase on this flight. Another general notice was that the plane, despite being new was getting dirtier than the AK flight that I took. Catalogues on the seat pocket were incomplete (some have meal menu, some don’t, some have barf bag, but mostly don’t). Cabin crew must missed the attention to details on this regard.

Flight was less bumpy compared to the outbound flight, and as we approach Jakarta, the sky was getting dark.

Landing
Plane was parked at jetway in Terminal 2, fearing to squeeze with other incoming passengers at immigration, I took a sprint into the immigration check. I was among the first to be checked and less than 5 mins after that, swarming passengers from widebody jets that landed at almost the same time with us started to buzzing the immigration lane.
Baggage claim was another story, it took ages before my luggage arrived at the carousel.

Verdict
Lengthy queue at immigration at Kuala Lumpur LCCT need to be addressed properly and so did the lengthy baggage claim process at Jakarta airport. On comparison between AK and QZ flight experience; I have to give the edge to AK for attentive and friendly cabin crew, more maintained cabin condition (despite my AK flight was with older aircraft), and the performance of cockpit crew.

kempinski flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (28/06/2011 08:08)

CGK-KUL-CGK

Background
I reviewed quite a number of trip with AirAsia before, but it’s either the route is operated by one of the group. AirAsia has 4 different IATA code; each signifies the country they fly from; AK for AirAsia Malaysia, FD for Thai AirAsia, QZ for Indonesia AirAsia, and D7 for AirAsia X, the long-haul carrier. The route between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur is among one of the route whereby it’s flown by 2 companies of the group; AK and QZ so I guess it’s justified if I use this trip to compare the head-to-head product offering between the two companies. One can easily identify if LCC really took into measure all aspects if the flight is bound for its base; therefore for Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur route, I decided to book AK flight and QZ flight on the return from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta.

Outbound CGK-KUL

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia) flight AK385
Fleet Airbus A320 9M-AFI (delivered 21 July 2006)

Check-in
AirAsia has too eliminated check-in counters at Jakarta International Terminal 2. Passengers can either check-in online or if they haven’t done so, must check-in via check-in kiosks (only 2 kiosks available still). Counters are used for either baggage drop or document checks. I arrive at 12 noon in good time for 1450 departure. Since I’ve checked-in online, I proceed to baggage drop counter to drop all checked luggage, pay airport tax, and obtain immigration card.
Immigration saw pretty crowded lanes as that afternoon saw few international departures operated by few widebody jets as well. I’m airside just after 1300.

Boarding
At check-in, I was informed that the gate assigned was D5 (written manually by check-in agent). I spend the time to visit nearby coffee shop and at 1345, PA system announced passengers of AK385 were called to board to gate D5.

Arriving at D5, I saw the plane info clearly displayed on the monitor in front of gate D5, but I found the gate was locked. I went to neighbouring gate D3 which shown another AirAsia flight to Singapore, the gate agent (a young lady with bored attitude) pointed me to go to gate D4, seemed bugged when I asked her a question. The monitor at gate D4 was showing Jetstar flight to Singapore. But after a closer inspection, I saw few Indonesia AirAsia gate agents were there too. Upon reaching the agent, I enquired about the misleading gate info and they acknowledge the mistake by stating that they have informed to the person who made PA announcement. If they knew about this, a critical agent should stood in front of gate D5 and guide the passengers to the correct guide instead of acting indifferently.

Gate D5 filled up quickly with passengers of 2 different flights. The incoming plane from Kuala Lumpur was not arrived until 1430 (despite on boarding pass, boarding time was printed at 1410). Deplaning of previous passengers was rather slow since only the front jetway was used. Boarding for AK385 commenced just before scheduled departure time of 1450. Premium passengers (those who bought hot seat) got to board first and other passengers followed behind. It was not until thirty minutes later the boarding completed and the plane started to taxi back to the runway.

In-flight
All female Malaysian cabin crews were manning the flight. Since this is an older A320, all announcement need to be made manually, but the head of cabin crew spoke clearly in both English and bahasa Malaysia. In regular AirAsia tradition, service began with those who had made in-flight purchase online, followed by limited range of snack cart and then shopping trolley. I ordered a cheese pizza and it was served piping hot in within 7 mins. Despite its petite size and lack of topping; the hot pizza was pretty good. Sky was clear and we only encountered minor turbulences along the way. Cockpit crew made announcement about the flight routings and updates regularly, something that keep flying “civilized”.

Landing
We touched down at runway 14L shortly around 1800, 10mins behind scheduled arrival time, but we have to taxi down for another 10mins before the plane finally find a parking space at LCCT parking bays. Deplaning was fast, since 2 air-stairs were placed on both front and rear exit. It was still another 20mins stroll from the parking bays to the international arrival hall. Lucky for me, the immigration lanes were not crowded. The checked luggage was already waiting by the time I arrived at baggage claim area and in less than 10mins later, I was already on the bus that took me to KL Sentral.

Verdict
A 10-min delay of AirAsia Malaysia is not of much concerned and still tolerable, the cabin crew were generally light and friendly made a warm and enjoyable flight experience. Airport operations were something that AirAsia need to address more. In Jakarta, the attitude of service agents could easily be a turn-off and the overcrowded waiting gate is another issue at Jakarta airport. In Kuala Lumpur LCC Terminal, the long walk from aircraft parking bay to the terminal itself is not a pleasant experience at all.

A review for QZ7695 will follow...

kempinski flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (25/05/2011 08:20)

Indonesia AirAsia QZ7668
Departure airport: CGK Jakarta Soekarno Hatta International
Scheduled departure: 0600
Arrival airport: PEN Penang International
Scheduled arrival: 0925
Fleet: Airbus A320 with 180 seats all economy configuration

Check-in

AirAsia has so many check-in method but at Jakarta they have eliminated traditional check-in counters. So in case you have not make use of their web check-in or mobile check-in, the chance is you have to walk into one of their check-in kiosk (currently there are only 2 which I found inadequate). As I have checked-in via my mobile few days earlier, I walked in to Terminal 2E, passing security check, and go directly to the baggage drop-off counter. After the staff verified the passenger data and paid Rp150,000 airport tax (airport tax at all airports in Indonesia must be paid separately), I walked leisurely to immigration which was still a breeze on 4.30am

Boarding

Since this is the first flight out in the morning, boarding was called on time 20mins before scheduled departure. Free boarding at AirAsia after passengers seated in "Hot Seat" and those needing assistance.

In-flight ambiance

A320 was kept clean (although not immaculately clean) as one still can spotted candy wrappings on the carpet floor and few sneaky tissues on the seat pocket. Cabin crews; all ladies in bright red uniform looked fresh and energetic - not a bad start for the day.

In-flight entertainment

Reading material (AirAsia's 360 degree inflight magazine), safety instruction, and BOB menu are in the seat pocket despite not every seat has the same seat pocket content (some only the safety card; some other got all three; but more are the combination of the two - and not all in pristine condition).

No PTV or drop-down screen or even audio channel which is considered ok for flight less than 3 hours.

Inflight service began as soon as aircraft reaching cruising altitude starting with passengers who had prebook their meal. Not much passengers are interested to have inflight service; so all services (meal carts followed by duty free cart) ended quickly. However, cabin crew were going up and down the aisle to collect meal box and trash for the rest of the flight duration (the way I preferred rather than to see them gossiping in the galley). Weird but never heard any single word from the cockpit for the entire duration of the flight, luckily it was all clear sky as we head northbound.

Landing

The plane touched down in Penang 10mins early from scheduled arrival time from runway 04. Scenery prior to landing in Penang was breathtaking, mixed between hilly terrain with few highrise apartments strutting out of the bush, and the blue-green water of Malacca Straits. Passengers exit through air stairs and have to climb up the stairs to departure lounge at Penang International.

Verdict

I generally saw no problem for Indonesia AirAsia's morning flight as they tend to leave on time, the crew are generally fresh for the day - so you could be sure to meet smiley faces, and inflight offering was still complete. However, cabin maintenance need to be improved or else this new A320 army could look tired in no time.

SBingham flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (10/02/2011 18:21)

Took a flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur, Booked a hot seat, had 1st row seat so leg space good and with priority boarding was a slick flight. My only complaint is the long walk from the plane to the air asia terminal

kempinski flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (11/01/2011 00:56)

AirAsia Flight 701 Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Aircraft: A320-216 9M-AFP (delivered 20 Jan 2007) Seat: 15D

Background Kuala Lumpur - Singapore route is used to be held monopoly by 2 national carriers, but in 2008 AirAsia broke the 35 years monopoly and introduced 2 daily flights. Now they have 10 daily flights on this route alone and passenger has more option on this route with much cheaper fare. My flight, AK701 is the second AirAsia flight of the day to the Lion City.

Check-in AirAsia urges its passenger to do either online check-in or self check-in through check-in kiosk. Passengers who have done so can drop their luggage at baggage drop counters. LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) at Kuala Lumpur always has this gloomy warehouse look, but it was clean. I did check-in through my mobile phone few days earlier (online and mobile check-in opens 7 days prior to departure) but when I reached LCCT, the self check-in kiosk's scanner can't scan the QR code on my mobile, so I proceeded directly to baggage drop off counter (the only place where one can meet face-to-face with AirAsia's agent) to ask for the printed boarding pass. Of course each checked-luggage must be scanned prior to entering the check-in/baggage drop off area. Early morning is always a frenzy at LCCT. With only 3 baggage drop-off counter opens to cater for tens of flights, long queue is expected. However, this line moves quickly, but still not recommended for one with checked-luggage to arrive so late.

Gate Area LCCT layout is somewhat unique. For international departures, passengers have to do 2 steps after checking in: wait at the departure lounge and from there walk to the respective bay where the aircraft is parked. The departure lounge is very packed and consist of 2 gate; Y1 and Y2 both in a very tight 6x6m space at most. One need to pay close attention to the announcement and can only enter the departure lounge once his flight is announced. Prior to entering departure lounge, there is another security check and immigration counters. For my 7.20 flight, I was allowed entry at 6.30 and wait at boarding gate Y2. Right before my flight, AirAsia was announcing boarding for flight AK280 to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Boarding is printed at 6.40 but until close to 7am, flight AK280 still missing its 4 passengers. After few last calls, those passengers showed up and AK701 is ready for boarding.

Boarding Our plane, 9M-AFP is parked at bay F083 which is few hundred meters walk from the boarding gate. This morning crew is made up of 4 stewardess and all of them are very energetic and welcome the passenger enthusiastically. I secured to my seat, one row behind overwing exit and wait until the rest of passengers settled in. At 7.20 the plane is ready for push back and proceed to the runway for a 1-hour flight down to Singapore.

Seat It is confirmed that AirAsia has only 29" seat pitch. Stingy offering indeed. Wider seat pitch can be found on hot seats in rows 1-5, and emergency exit rows 12 and 14. Seats are covered in black leather, pretty classy and definitely easier to clean (compared to regular cloth-seat). Those premium seats are indicated by red head cover. No TV, audio channel, or other accessories. You'll only find tray table and seat pocket containing safety card, sickness bag, 360-degree magazine (their inflight-magazine), and couple of duty free and buy-on-board menu.

Flight Attendant The flight attendant on this morning flight is fresh (maybe it was their first task of the day, unlike the horrid and disinterested crew I met on evening AirAsia flight). They also enforced the rule strictly; such as no passenger move to red hot seat. This would be ideal if such attendants present on every AirAsia flights; no matter it's a first flight in the morning or the last flight of the day.

Service With airborne time of only around 45mins, the crew manage to walk up and down the aisle to offer 2 carts; meal and duty free stuff. I have to praise the crew efficiency on this regards. Even notable European carrier can't do so much on a 100-min flight; only to giveaway meal boxes and no more. AirAsia crew has to make coffee on the spot (using sachet instant coffee mix), pour hot water over cup noodles, etc. But yet, they managed to satisfy all passenger requests.

Arrival Just around 8am the captain announced that we're descending towards Changi airport and arrive just in time before 8.20am scheduled arrival time. We're connected to jetway in Terminal 1 and within 20mins later, I was already on the MRT to the city.

Verdict AirAsia offer a very competitive choice on this route; despite using LCCT at Kuala Lumpur, but in Singapore, AirAsia flights depart/arrive at Terminal 1 which is very convenient rather having to depart/arrive at Singapore Budget Terminal (Tiger Airways do that for this route in comparison). For a 1 hour flight, a 29" seat pitch seemed not bothering me at all (being seated by the aisle, I even don't have to put one of my leg on the aisle), but I doubt it will do any good for flights of more than 3 hours since there will be no place to even do in-flight exercises.

kempinski flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (22/12/2010 10:30)

AirAsia A320-216 9M-AHP (delivered 10 Sep 2008) 42nd A320 in AirAsia AK057 MFM-KUL ETD 2120 ETA0115+1 Seat 6F

AirAsia holds the monopoly on this route since MAS withdrew their short-lived service to Macau in 2009. Macau is linked to three destinations in Malaysia: KUL, PEN, and BKI. For MFM-KUL route, AirAsia has three daily flights.

Check-in AirAsia's check-in counter in Macau airport only open 3 hours prior to scheduled departure time. For those who had checked-in online, one still needs to visit the check-in counter to exchange their printed boarding pass with standard airline-issue boarding pass. Seat selection can be pre-purchased or assigned automatically by the system. There is no chance to swap seat for those who didn't pre-purchase the seat selection.

Immigration and Security Unlike its ferry terminal, the airport in Macau is a breeze. Most flights are dominated by Air Macau's flights to China mainland and Taiwan. Security and immigration only took minutes before one can enter the restricted departure hall

Boarding In the boarding pass, boarding time is printed at 20:40. However, the actual boarding won't start until 21:00.

Boarding priority was given for passengers with disability and passenger who purchase red hot seat (row 1-5 and exit row 12-14) Boarding was done via stairway. The crew were busy arranging the galley and tired welcome message can be heard in ultra-low voice. It was an evening flight, but I never found the crew so tired and unwelcoming like that even on red-eye.

I was seated in 6F and settled in for 4 hours flight down to KUL. The captain, on the other hand, gave a welcoming message not long after, and he did sound energetic - just reassuring enough that he still had energy for the flight back. He explained the flight path will take the south then south west direction towards peninsular Malaysia. He also expected thunderstorm to build up around peninsula Malaysia prior to our arrival at KUL.

Finally, the door closed at 21:15 and we started to push back at 21:22 The safety demo was done manually with 3 crews stood in the aisle and one was reading the manual from the front cabin.

The seat Seat pitch is very stingy; despite advertised as 32", I don't think it's more than 31" or even less. Initially, the row i front of me was left empty (no one was buying those expensive seat), but mid-flight, a mother and daughter scooped from back of the cabin and occupy those seats and they reclined those seats! I had to kick those seats and kept them from reclining their seat since once they reclined, my knee would be touching those seats and it's uncomfortable. The crew seemed uninteresting to enforce that passenger can't swap seat on this particular flight (despite on other AirAsia's flights this rule is strictly enforced).

Take-off We proceed towards runway 34 and soon the plane took off at 21:42. The lights of glitzy casinos at Cotai Strip slowly faded as we left Macau.

Mid-flight AirAsia has encouraged passengers to pre-book everything online - from seat selection, checked baggage, meal to amenity kit.

As soon as the fasten seatbelt light has been switched off, an announcement for in-flight service was aired. Passengers who had pre-booked their meal will get their meal first then followed by regular meal cart where passengers could buy from. However, on this particular flight, everything seemed to go in slow motion. It almost took 1 hour for the crew to deliver pre-booked meals. Also, since this flight is a return trip to KUL, there's not much selection left by the time the crew rolled the meal cart.

Only one or two hot meal selection left (out of tens) and couple of buns. They also didn't refill the ice cube at MFM, so every canned drink is served lukewarm (my Lipton Ice Lemon Tea became warm lemon tea). Definitely not a service offered from a Low Cost Carrier who had win numerous awards...

The in-flight shopping cart was rolled the last. From the beginning of the flight, the cabin was dimmed - don't know why: to give chance for those who wants to take a rest or to encourage everyone to have a candlelight dinner in the sky - it's your call.

Despite the warning of possible thunderstorm, the flight was less bumpy.

Cabin crew observation: it's very unusual to see AirAsia assigned all non-Chinese flight attendants on a flight to China.

Landing The plane landed at KUL at 1:15am and had to drag all over the taxiway to the apron. By the time we reached the apron, it was 01:21. It was raining heavily and at LCCT in KUL, everyone must disembark via stairway.

Due to heavy rain, the captain advised that only rear door will be opened for disembarkation, but this won't open until 01:35. At the base of the stairway, one needed to take the umbrella and bring it over to the covered walkway.

Due to the layout of LCCT and since the plane was parked far away from international arrival section, we need to walk around 10mins through covered walkway (but still leaking from heavy rain) and water puddles were everywhere.

By the time I reached baggage claim area, my baggage was already waiting. It was 2:00 am when I got out of LCCT.

Verdict The weather was not AirAsia's fault but they still can improve on the facilities at LCCT. Onto the in-flight service and indifferent cabin crew: it's such a shame that the crew seemed uninterested in what they're doing. They might be tired from the outgoing flight, but at least be hospitable enough to the guests.

Braveheart flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (01/02/2009 15:02)

AirAsia Denpasar-Jakarta A320 Seat 1A Checked-in just behind a Chinese tour group, which took longer than expected. I’d paid for Xpress check-in that provides for preferred seating and priority boarding as I had a connection in Jakarta. 1A is a bulkhead window seat with extra leg-room and the advantage of being close to the exit when the inevitable mad rush for disembarkation starts. A good choice in the circumstances.

Braveheart flew Air Asia Economy, on a A320 (01/02/2009 14:58)

AirAsia Indonesia Route: Jakarta-Denapasar Seat: 18F Air Asia uses Jakarta’s third terminal, reserved for low-cost domestic carriers. Terminal 3 has a number of gate entrances dedicated to different carriers. AirAsia’s is the final one and by far the quietest. Check-in was smooth and had time to grab a quick lunch in one of the terminal restaurants. Boarding was pretty easy, we took off only a few minutes after schedule, admittedly Indonesia is in the middle of its rainy season, so there were a number of weather-related delays. No IFE and only a paid-for snack service. Nonetheless good value for the price with no big surprises.