AirAsia X

Only chose Air Asia as Jetstar did not have suitable options on the chosen dates. I did not find the price fair, in consideration of the following:
Even though I understand they are a no frill airline, having to pay even for water on long haul flights is unheard of. Seats are very uncomfortable and there is no entertainment (unless you pay), no USB ports, no nothing on board. Also, the air conditionining system on the A330 was beyond control generating polar temperatures on both flights.
When I compare a price of approx 1600 AUD for a return fare to Europe on a primary carrier like Emirates, I fail to understand how Air Asia manage to charge close to AUD 1000.00 return to Phuket, without including literally anything (this is a cumulative journey of approximately 9 hours.
Their long haul A330 also did not look its best on the interior.

EDITORS COMMENT: We agree with you about the water but there is not one low cost long haul carrier on the world that provides free water. We woudl like to see the ticket cost 4% more and include water.

Air Asia have since inception been intent on punishing passengers for even the most minor flight, date even time changes. Each country where they operate imply that they are unconnected with any other countries as if the whole airline is a series of franchises. Air Asia policies towards passengers seems to be that ‘The customer is never right’ and all or any complaints are covered by an endless list of fine print exclusions. I will do everything I can in the future to NOT fly with this money hungry carrier. Air Asia is a disgrace and should not be allowed to operate in Australia.

EDITORS COMMENT: They are completely separate identities hence they have different safety ratings, different airline codes, different Air Operation Certificates and even different in flight menu options. As they are low cost the low fares also come with zero flexibility ( though many full service airlines also offer zero flexibility these days).

Have been flying AirAsia regularly since 2002 to visit daughter in Java and have found booking and flights far superior to internal Indo airlines and flights with Garuda and JetStar. Booking is easy online, specials on tickets regular and good. Booking process is great, being 1.9+ metres tall it is fabulous being able to get seats with ample legroom. In flight meals R ordinary but often not needed, take our own entertainment with us. Always been on time and no hassles at either end. Only moans are: flight times and inability to book connecting flights Perth/Bali/Solo or Yogya – means overnight stay. Garuda has connecting flights, but internal flights are susceptible to major delays and changes of flight without notice meaning airport pickups don’t work.

I was made to buy a 2nd ticket because i missed my connecting flight

Flew with Air Asia on two occasions recently one from Bali to Kuala Lumpur 3 hour flight then from Kuala Lumpur to Aus 8 hour overnight and both were a horrible experience, I was aware that you had to pre book food which was fine. They did not however provide any complimentary water while aboard which I find ridiculous as your water is confiscated prior to entering the plane. You then have to pay for water, and if you happen to not have cash on you or not enough you can pay by credit card BUT you have to spend a certain amount. Ended up buying 4 bottles of water and a beer to be able to use my credit card. It’s the last thing you want to be doing when it’s late at night and your exhausted from travelling. The seats are uncomfortable and on the smaller planes the leg room very limited. The onboard entertainment that you need to pre purchase is a tablet so you need to use your food tray to seat it on. Yes they are a budget airline, but complimentry water would be great. A little goes a long way. Wouldn’t recommend unless you are prepared with your own entertainment and own snacks otherwise you end up spending the same amount you’d spend with a good airline.

EDITORS COMMENT: You’re absolutely right, when it comes to long haul flights you’re better off to spend a bit more. We don’t agree with the no free water thing but it is across the board with low cost carriers that you pay for water no matter how long the flight. In fact AirAsia X, Scoot and Norwegian are the only low cost airlines to do long haul flights and none of them offer free water.