AirAsia

Traveled from COK to KUL (LCCT) and back on AK 1203/1204. The in-flight services were truly good and the on time performance has to be highlighted.

I have traveled this airline twice. While their inflight service is average I found other aspects to be quite awful. I travel extensively across US Europe and Asia so have a good basis of comparison. If there is a problem - don't expect any competent problem solving. Ground staff are poorly trained and unhelpful in case of a problem. First time I traveled my flight from Phuket to Bangkok was delayed several hours and they had no idea when the flight was going to depart or even which gate it would depart from. On a recent flight from Siem Reap to Denpasar via Kuala Lumpur several transit passengers had to be offloaded because they could not transit through KL - you need to enter the country and then exit via immigration so those from countries requiring visas were not able to board. They have no transit facilities at their hub in KL. The website clearly states they have through transit facilities - to this the passengers were told by the ground staff manager that the website is frequently incorrect and cannot be relied on. So that is the other problem - their website is unreliable and not kept current by their own admission. which in this day and age is totally unacceptable. Their terminal in KL is awful - it makes a Greyhound bus terminal seem sophisticated and comfortable. There is no place to sit and its bursting at the seams with passengers. If you have a long stopover be prepared to stand around or sit on the floor or on your bag. There is little to eat or drink until after you go past immigration to the gate but you can't check in to your flight until 2 hours before departure - so if you have a long break between flights you better come equipped. I have taken my last flight on AirAsia - it is truly the worst airline I have flown. The inflight service however is OK given its a totally discount airline with no frills whatsoever - you will pay for everything including water.

KUL-SIN-KUL. Overall flight experience is fair only. Flight delayed 20 min because one of the crews absence and had to wait for another staff to replace. The staff seem to be moody and not so friendly from KUL-SIN but from SIN-KUL the staff are happy and providing good service.

JKT-KUL. Flight was slightly behind schedule pre-booked a meal that tasted delicious. Flight attendants were in a good mood and the senior FA wished us "happy Sunday and god bless you". That made my day. Was on board the new plane. Looked very clean and the plane look liked it had been cleaned regularly.

Don Muang - Phuket - Don Muang. Pre-booked assigned seats together (65bht) and meals (120 bht) in booking. Both flights excellent value at promo fares offered and even with the extras came to just over 100 pounds return for 2 people return. Flights on time aircraft very clean check-in at both airports very efficient. Airline food on way out OK but way back actually very good for an airline hot meal (roast chicken and thai green curry options for the return flight). Euro low cost carriers could learn a lot from the service and pricing model of their Asian counterparts. Only minor gripe is the lack of use of airbridge except departing Don Muang and wait for luggage on return flight.

SYD - KUL - PEN - SIN. Was nervous about using a budget carrier but need not have been. SYD - KUL loads of spare seats around us at rear of plane. Samsung tablet provided decent entertainment. Food was as expected. KUL - PEN was delayed around 90 minutes with no announcement or board notice of when we would actually depart which was a little frustrating. Both KUL - PEN and PEN - SIN flights were cramped but for short flights at a bargain cost who cares. Will happily fly them again.

SRG-KUL. Check in at Semarang airport was very messy and immigration was slow. Plane arrived early and at around 9am we took off. The meal that I ordered was delicious and the crew was very friendly towards the passengers. Don't expect too much from a low cost airline but at least the service offered by air Asia is good value for money highly recommended.

Udon Thani - Phuket - Udon Thani. Both flights on time. Check in at Phuket a bit crazy because of Thai peoples lack of ability to understand which line to be in. Good friendly crew who explained the safety drill in perfect English. Captains announcements also perfectly spoken and clear. Soft drinks snacks and hot dishes are served at a cost which is not expensive. Overall a very enjoyable experience and would recommend to others.

Bangkok - Macau return 20th Sep return on 22nd. Excellent flight for low budget airline choose the first row in plane priority boarding. Only problem was the 20 minutes delay with no explanations.

I flew from KL to Miri and it was very pleasant. I was late and was the last passenger to board but Air Asia were very nice about it. Flight was smooth and arrived on time. Can't think of a single thing to criticise them except food could be better.