First time on Air Asia MEL-KUL

[wallacej]

Well folks. Off to KUL next week, and due only to the HUGE price difference I am taking Air Asia to KUL. Flying over in the Lie Flat bed, and Economy on the way back. Will report my thoughts and findings on my return.

As for the costs - Emirates (when checking today) was around $2200+ for Y return, Qantas, Malasyian and others were even more expensive, where as AirAsia $692 one way in the lie flat bed, and $292 in Y for the return.

The booking process was OK, but when I tried to book Y one way and Premium the other way on the return in the same booking I was not able to, so had to do two seperate bookings, both one way, and there was no difference in the price whether booking one way or return (that was very nice).

The ability to book one way only is truly showing the way things are headed now with one way fares, particularly on international routes.

So other than having no lounge access, and not accruing points (unless anybody here knows differently) I can not yet see any downside to this.
I had read in another post on air asia that the lie flat beds were not that great - has anyone else had any experience on Air Asia, and more so on the lie flat beds?

 

[docjames]

Looking forward to review of lie flat seat, reportedly quite narrow but still way better than y on other available carriers especially as cheaper!

Was the lie flat sold out on the return (wondering why you didn't go for it on return leg?)

 

[wallacej]

Looking forward to review of lie flat seat, reportedly quite narrow but still way better than y on other available carriers especially as cheaper!

Was the lie flat sold out on the return (wondering why you didn't go for it on return leg?)

The return Flat seat was $950+, so cost was one factor, and also, we are flying back during the day so no real need for laying flat. Because there are two of us, we opted for the rear of the plane where there are the two seats beside each other (not three), and because we are coming back from a trade show, we will have plenty to talk about... so the simple answer to your question is cost and day time flight.
Our outbound flight is over night, arriving at about 7am, then straight to the trade show. I am a little concerned having read some of the comments on here about how uncomfortable the seat is, but typically I have no problem sleeping so this will be interesting.

And you are correct, the pricing can not be overlooked. I am not paying for the trip, but I can not rightly justify flying QF or anyone else for that matter for 2-4 times this price. However, my review and hindsight may come back to bite me in the butt!

 

[docjames]

I am a little concerned having read some of the comments on here about how uncomfortable the seat is, but typically I have no problem sleeping so this will be interesting.

!

Thanks for the extra info - nteresting the cost differential outbound vs inbound.

I cant imagine the lie flat seat will be worse than QF Y for sleeping, even if it's not J standard.

 

[yohy?!]

If you're interested in lounge access the KUL LCCT has a Plaza Premium Lounge (Priority Pass)...I'm going there in November and would be interested on your feedback if you do end up using it

 

[wallacej]

If you're interested in lounge access the KUL LCCT has a Plaza Premium Lounge (Priority Pass)...I'm going there in November and would be interested on your feedback if you do end up using it

Do you know if they have single access passes?

 

[yohy?!]

Do you know if they have single access passes?

You can indeed, slightly more than Priority Pass access:

Plaza Onlinehttp://www.balloonaloft.com/http://www.plaza-network.com/Booking/

 

[wallacej]

You can indeed, slightly more than Priority Pass access:

Plaza Online

lol... it certainly looks like it is in a shed, stark contrast to what the main terminal looks like. 2 hour pass for US $31, could be tempted if for nothing else but the experience... not sure about timing though. Can entry be bought at the door? I am just not sure how early we plan on getting to the airport.
I couldnt find anything about that on the website, only the booking form.

 

[k_sheep]

I always buy my tickets separately, because even with the added convenience fee it's way cheaper to buy your Malaysia - Oz ticket in ringgit.

The 2 seats down the back are okay - but it's really noisy from the toilets and the crew movement back there. It really depends on loading though - if it's full obviously no one wants to be in a group of 3. But almost all of my flights haven't been too full, so middle seats are pretty rarely full except of groups.

On both the old and new configurations, 15a/k are my favourite, and if travelling with someone else put them in the corresponding aisle seat. Most people don't pay the extra for extra leg room seats, especially for a middle seat so you're pretty damn safe! The armrests don't move though, so if you want snuggles go for a normal group of 3.


edit: yes priority plaza passes can be bought at the door. Never been in, but have never found anyone who says it's worth it. There's a new set of eateries past the busses at the LCCT and it's pretty quiet there for a feed and relax

And never used the lie flat seats, so can't help there. But I find no need with my 15K, with legs out in front on the exit slide.

 

[ColinP]

I used the same logic when choosing the seats that are only two abreast down the back when I travelled KUL - MEL on Air Asia. Long story short - it was cramped and horrible.:evil:
I've decided that I will only fly up the front or in the extra legroom seats IF I have any future long haul flights on Air Asia. I've been happy with the short haul flights I've taken with them and will do so again. Long haul, I'm not so sure.

I've used the Plaza Premium lounge at KUL LCCT and agree with above sentiments that it is not worth the entry fee.

 

[yohy?!]

I used the same logic when choosing the seats that are only two abreast down the back when I travelled KUL - MEL on Air Asia. Long story short - it was cramped and horrible.:evil:
I've decided that I will only fly up the front or in the extra legroom seats IF I have any future long haul flights on Air Asia. I've been happy with the short haul flights I've taken with them and will do so again. Long haul, I'm not so sure.

I've used the Plaza Premium lounge at KUL LCCT and agree with above sentiments that it is not worth the entry fee.

Would you mind posting what aspects of the lounge you found weren't good value? I've got a 4 hour layover at the LCCT coming up.... given the terminal area looks like a shed and the possibility of a massage and a couch to sit on I would've thought this would be the answer? Thanks!

 

[ColinP]

Would you mind posting what aspects of the lounge you found weren't good value? I've got a 4 hour layover at the LCCT coming up.... given the terminal area looks like a shed and the possibility of a massage and a couch to sit on I would've thought this would be the answer? Thanks!

Firstly, you won't be able to layover airside. There are no transit facilities at the LCCT. You'll have to pass through immigration on arrival then re-check for your next flight before going back through immigration.
There is a small Plaza premium lounge landside but it is tiny. I didn't go in but it didn't look inviting.

I didn't think there was anything particularly wrong with the lounge. Yes there are a couple of massage chairs. I thought the selection of food and drink was sub-standard and the general ambience just wasn't what I've experienced in other airport lounges.

I was only in the lounge for maybe 40 mins and didn't think the US$27 it cost me with my Priority Pass was good value. For 4 hours of comfort and relative quiet you might think differently but you'll possibly find that you can't check in more than ~ 2 hrs before your flight anyhow. Check in for my KUL - BKK flight only opened 2 hrs before. (I think the KUL - MEL was 3 hrs before)

There is a half decent cafe landside (I forget the name) on your left, between check-in and security. There are also a couple more eating places in the general area, including a Maccas :shock:.

 

[yohy?!]

Firstly, you won't be able to layover airside. There are no transit facilities at the LCCT. You'll have to pass through immigration on arrival then re-check for your next flight before going back through immigration.
There is a small Plaza premium lounge landside but it is tiny. I didn't go in but it didn't look inviting.

I didn't think there was anything particularly wrong with the lounge. Yes there are a couple of massage chairs. I thought the selection of food and drink was sub-standard and the general ambience just wasn't what I've experienced in other airport lounges.

I was only in the lounge for maybe 40 mins and didn't think the US$27 it cost me with my Priority Pass was good value. For 4 hours of comfort and relative quiet you might think differently but you'll possibly find that you can't check in more than ~ 2 hrs before your flight anyhow. Check in for my KUL - BKK flight only opened 2 hrs before. (I think the KUL - MEL was 3 hrs before)

There is a half decent cafe landside (I forget the name) on your left, between check-in and security. There are also a couple more eating places in the general area, including a Maccas :shock:.

Thanks for that, my connecting flight is an Air Asia domestic so I should be ok

 

[k_sheep]

There is a half decent cafe landside (I forget the name) on your left, between check-in and security. There are also a couple more eating places in the general area, including a Maccas :shock:.

Hmm probably choklat or similar. There are quite a few cheap and cheerful eateries in the area, but as I mentioned before, far better food (and peace and quiet!) is found at the building outside past the busses. Most meals are ~RM5. There are some power points there too, which are harder to find in the airport building itself.

And in true AFF-anatO1 style, here's a pic of my favourite seat

 

[DJ737]

Hi there

If you are not hungry, but just want a sit down and a beer, head to the Tune hotel, about 5 mins walk across the car park past the KFC etc.

Go to the cafe for your first beer. (you get a frosted glass) then buy subsequent beers from the 7-11 store (cheaper, more variety) and use the glass you got from the cafe.

Also the Tune has free internet to the right of the lobby. (take your beer)

Cheers
DJ737

PS say hello to the local cat.

 

[wallacej]

I always buy my tickets separately, because even with the added convenience fee it's way cheaper to buy your Malaysia - Oz ticket in ringgit.

The 2 seats down the back are okay - but it's really noisy from the toilets and the crew movement back there. It really depends on loading though - if it's full obviously no one wants to be in a group of 3. But almost all of my flights haven't been too full, so middle seats are pretty rarely full except of groups.

On both the old and new configurations, 15a/k are my favourite, and if travelling with someone else put them in the corresponding aisle seat. Most people don't pay the extra for extra leg room seats, especially for a middle seat so you're pretty damn safe! The armrests don't move though, so if you want snuggles go for a normal group of 3.


edit: yes priority plaza passes can be bought at the door. Never been in, but have never found anyone who says it's worth it. There's a new set of eateries past the busses at the LCCT and it's pretty quiet there for a feed and relax

And never used the lie flat seats, so can't help there. But I find no need with my 15K, with legs out in front on the exit slide.

Just tried changing to 15a/k, not available, so stuck in 47 a/c for now
Also, I had booked the return flight in ringitt, and it was a few dollars cheaper???

 

[k_sheep]

Yep cheaper when you buy in ringgits rather than the return AU fare.

35A/K are the same sort of seat layout, the only slight downside is the toilets right in front of you - people tend to congregate there. Not really a problem on night flights though (ear plugs, eye mask, feet up on slide - I'm out for the count!)

At least you'll have no chance of a middle seat

 

[freofan]

Hi Folks,

I recently did a PER - KUL - STN (london) return on AirAsia X in Premium.. I also used my priority pass for access to the LCCT Plaza lounge, so hopefully my thoughts will be of some assistance...

I found the lie flat to be sufficient in most regards the biggest negatives (for me) were:
-I found it ROCK HARD. Much much harder than QF Skybed MK1... I also found I slid down more
-There were VERY FEW storage options which was difficult for me with a laptop/books/mags etc

Positives I found were:
-Sufficient legroom and general quality
-The 'new' premium seat cabin was mostly empty on both of the sectors (2/4) so I always had a spare seat. I'm thinking this may have been due to the higher tariff. Naturally this isn't going to be the case for everyone.

As for the KULLCCT Plaza Prem Lounge...

I'd agree with SOME of the previous comments. For 45 minutes I'd not bother... I had a 3 hr layover and would definitely recommend it for that!

But my needs are prioritized as follows;
-Comfortable QUIET space to sit in without having to 'share' my personal space
-Wireless Internet
-Some food and Booze to pass my time
-Convenient and clean toilet facilities (especially in Asia)

I found the Plaza prem to more than adequately satisfy my needs for these three hours. The only downside of the above for me was the average food (though the chili chicken, if on offer, is simply delicious, despite not looking great) and the booze - only local beer on offer. (which was fine in itself).

Personally I find the KUL LCCT an unpleasant experience... crowded, basic and just... meh... so if you want some peace and quiet (and the Plaza lounge is mostly empty IME then it's worth a go )

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Hi Folks,

I recently did a PER - KUL - STN (london) return on AirAsia X in Premium..

Can I ask your reasoning for using Air Asia to get to London? Price alone? Also, were the aircraft the same for the PER-KUL leg as the KUL-STN leg?

 

[k_sheep]

But my needs are prioritized as follows;
-Comfortable QUIET space to sit in without having to 'share' my personal space
-Wireless Internet
-Some food and Booze to pass my time
-Convenient and clean toilet facilities (especially in Asia)

All good points. But for those who are ringgit poor, there's quiet space in the food fall. Wireless internet is actually free at the LCCT for 2 hours (so if you're there longer than that, I don't know if you can restart it or what - I'm sure more tech savvy people would know how to get around it). Food is RM5 a meal, and the toilets at the eatery are very clean (every time I've been there anyway).

But mind you, I'm always very jealous of those in the lounge when I pass by on my way to a hard plastic chair If there was a priority pass lounge at OOL, I'd be buying it in a heartbeat.