Air Asia X vs KLM

[DJ737]

Hi there

I have a couple of options here :

KLM KUL-AMS-KUL for A$794.15 (includes bags, meals, drinks etc.)
or
Air Asia KUL-STN-KUL for A$797.75 (plus bags, meals, drinks etc.)

I am intending to visit friends in Eindhoven, and my original plan was MEL-KUL-STN return with Air Asia then STN-EIN-STN with Ryanair (A$53.50)

The fare on Ryanair is the same whichever way round i do it, but i will need to pay for the train from Schiphol-Eindhoven-Schiphol. (A$61.00)

Which is the best deal?

Cheers
DJ737

 

[N860CR]

KLM no doubt about it.

While they aren't the best Full Service Airline around, they're still miles ahead a LCC (esp Air AsiaX)

 

[JohnK]

It is really a no brainer. I don't know about Eurpoe but the only reasonable choices I had for BKK-TPE was Air Asia or a KLM tag flight. They were both ~$250 return in economy with everything included on KLM and nothing included on Air Asia.

At that point I was going to take my golf clubs and checked luggage so there was no way I was going to pay Air Asia any extras. I am now leaving my golf clubs and checked luggage in BKK for a couple of days but still going with KLM as everything is included and there are no hidden extras like selecting seats and carry-on restrictions. Also ended up paying ~$180 more for business class and I have 1A on the way over and upper deck on the way back. Should be an extremely comfortable flight....

 

[NYCguy]

I must agree - it's a no-brainer. KLM for sure.

 

[clifford]

This is indeed a strange question.

Why ask it, when the answer's obvious?

 

[russianrob]

May I ask where you got details of the KLM fare out of KUL please?

 

[DJ737]

Hi there

I got the fare from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Comprehensive Travel Planning Site

KUL-AMS 07/02
AMS-KUL 03/03

I am still not sure which option i am going to take.

EIN-STN-EIN will cop ryanair bag fees and 2x$61 train fares
while
STN-EIN-STN will be hand baggage only with the offer of free online check-in.

Cheers
DJ737

 

[russianrob]

Thanks for that.

 

[DJ737]

Hi there

KUL-AMS-KUL in business class on the above dates is only A$3352, which isn't bad for 24 hours in J.

Have to speak to the Minister of Finance ('er indoors) about this one.

Seems KLM also do Kuala Lumpar-Jakarta as a tag leg for about A$400 round trip in business class.

DJ737

 

[bushtuckerman]

Have to agree with previous comments...its a no-brainer

Having flown with AirAsiaX (not to be confused with AirAsia, which is great), its pretty hard to recommend unless you also fly TigerAirlines and clearly enjoy flying with the cellar-dwellers.

If, for some reason you ultimately choose AirAsiaX, take you own food because their in-flight meal is a bit of a disaster. The bottled water is OK.

Oh...and if you want in-flight entertainment...don't. Cut a hole in your sock and wriggle your toes instead.

Oh...and if you are a biggish person you might consider severing a limb or two prior to boarding. AirAsiaX's seats are designed for midgets.

Otherwise, all good.

Cheers
Bush

 

[DJ737]

Hi there

Thanks for the responses.

I am going with the Air Asia X option for a few reasons :

1. It gets me where I want to be (Stansted) at a reasonable time of day (21:50), so should be in The Queens Head in Stansted Mountfitchet by 22:30, my cousin can pick me up from there, instead of paying BAA for parking.

2. I don't eat food on any flight (other than cheese & crackers on DJ), I can get beer on Air Asia X that will do.

3. I don't use IFE other than to look at the moving map, just take newspaper's, aviation magazines and a book of suduko puzzels.

4. I have hot seats so leg room not really an issue.

Cheers
DJ737

 

[ejb]

Hi there

Thanks for the responses.

I am going with the Air Asia X option for a few reasons :

1. It gets me where I want to be (Stansted) at a reasonable time of day (21:50), so should be in The Queens Head in Stansted Mountfitchet by 22:30, my cousin can pick me up from there, instead of paying BAA for parking.

2. I don't eat food on any flight (other than cheese & crackers on DJ), I can get beer on Air Asia X that will do.

3. I don't use IFE other than to look at the moving map, just take newspaper's, aviation magazines and a book of suduko puzzels.

4. I have hot seats so leg room not really an issue.

Cheers
DJ737

Good luck with the trip and please do let us know how it turns out.

ejb