AirAsia Review: My Honest Experience Flying Asia’s Budget Airline
AirAsia is one of the most popular budget airlines to fly throughout Asia. AirAsia is known for its low fares and extensive network across Southeast Asia and beyond.
After flying AirAsia on multiple routes around Southeast Asia, I want to share my honest AirAsia review covering everything from online booking to expectations.
If you are planning your trip around Asia and wondering what it’s like flying AirAsia or if it’s even worth it, I hope my AirAsia review proves to be useful! Safe Travels!
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Summary
About AirAsia: AirAsia is a low-budget multinational airline that was established in Malaysia. Today, AirAsia serves flights to more then 160 cities covering 25 countries. AirAsia is a certified 3-Star Airline.
Why Fly AirAsia:
- Ultra-Low Fares Across Asia
- Extensive Route Network
- Customizable Fare Options
In need of travel accessories for the long flight or layover? I shop on Amazon, from phone holders to travel bags, you can find everything here.
AirAsia is one of Asia’s most well-known and popular low-cost airlines. AirAsia is famous for making air travel affordable cross Southeast Asia, hence their slogan, “Now Everyone Can Fly.”
AirAsia was founded in 1993 in Malaysia. During the 1990’s, AirAsia had a rocky start and nearly went bankrupt. It was kind of rebranded in 2001 to a low-cost carrier inspired by other budget airlines like Southwest Airlines.
Since 2001, AirAsia has achieved great success and now operates an extensive network connecting major cities and smaller regional destinations n countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and even Australia.
Currently AirAsia operates using Airbus, primarily the Airbus A320-200, Airbus A320neo, and Airbus A321neo. “neo” means “New Engine Option.”
When flying AirAsia, expect a budget airline, no frills model. Fares are on the cheaper side because there are add-ons such as checked baggage, seat selection, and optional meals.
AirAsia’s branding is noticed by its bright red colors, country flags, and regional interiors. AirAsia is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers that are looking for flexible routes, great prices, and reliable/safe short to medium-haul flights.
AirAsia is a 3-Star Low-Cost Airline
According to Skytrax, AirAsia is a 3-Star low-cost airline. This rating is based on Airport services, onboard products, and cabin staff services. The ratings also take into account, cabin comfort, onboard meal services, cleanliness, and safety.
For low-cost airlines, I trust a 3-Star rating as most of them generally fall under this rating. From my experiences flying AirAsia, I have no complaints.
My AirAsia Review
My AirAsia review is solely based on my personal experience flying with this carrier.
My experiences flying AirAsia include a flight from Taiwan to Kota Kinabalu, flights within Malaysia Borneo, I’ve flown AirAsia from Okinawa, Japan to Bangkok, Thailand, and I’ve flown to and from Thailand and Cambodia.
In my AirAsia review, I’ll go over my experiences with booking tickets online, check-in at various airports, and then the overall aircraft experience from comfort of the seats to the food served on-board and everything in between.
The Aircraft and Flying with AirAsia
Above, I listed the fleet of AirAsia and it’s current fleet operates primarily the Airbus A320 neo and A321 neo, neo meaning “New Engine Option.”
So far each AirAsia flight I have been on has a seating configuration of 3 seats on each side.
For short distances, I find AirAsia to be great. Now, I don’t think I would take a flight more then 5 hours just based on comfort.
Keep in mind that AirAsia is a low-cost carrier. Don’t expect first-class service or anything like that. If you are realistic and know what to expect, then the flight will be well worth the money of just getting you to your destination.
Booking Flights Online
Now a days, I always book my flight tickets directly through the airline official website. You can find AirAsia’s website here.
Booking flights with AirAsia is like any other airline. You select one-way or roundtrip, the amount of passengers, and then the departing city and destination.
I find AirAsia’s website to be pretty user friendly.
Once you enter in your flights, you fill in all the required fields and then have an option to select Add-Ons.
AirAsia is cheap enough, I usually get the Premium Flex or Value Pack, this allows me to order food, select my owns seats, and have a little more flexibility with my purchasing options.
Check-in
AirAsia check-in experiences vary depending on the airport you are in. I’ve flown them in and out of Naha Airport, Taoyuan Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
I’ve never had an issue with check-in no matter what airport I am flying to and from. The lines are pretty quick, staff is professional, and the process is easy.
Seating
In my experience flying AirAsia, every aircraft I have flown has a 3-3 configuration, meaning there are three seats on each side of the aircraft.
The seats are wide enough and have just enough cushion for a maximum five hour flight, at least for me. If you have flown a budget airline, you’ll known exactly what to expect in terms of seat comfort.
The width is around 40-46 cm (16-18 inches). Legroom is around 73-79cm (28-31 inches).
When it comes to reclining your seats on AirAsia, they do recline a bit, but don’t expect a full recline like on long-haul flights.
There is no built-in entertainment screen or USB ports, especially on short flights. Always make sure to charge your electronic devices and bring your own entertainment.
Personally, I don’t mind the basics, especially if it means I am saving money in other aspects of my flight. The flights I’ve taken with AirAsia are short enough where I don’t need entertainment or fully reclining chairs.
Food and Beverages
AirAsia does offer food and beverages. When booking your flight, you can opt to choose the Premium Flex or Value Pack and food will be included, you get a decent selection of food options to choose from.
You can also pay for food, snacks, and beverages on-board.
So far, I’m satisfied with the food and beverages on AirAsia. The food seems to be different depending on your destination.
I’ve had Char Kuey Teow, Peri Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Nasi Lemak.
The dishes come in small containers, with the main dish, rice, and sometimes another side like vegetables. Keep in mind, some of the food is spicy so double check the spice levels before ordering.
If you purchase the Premium Flex or Value Pack, you will get a complimentary water.
In-flight Service
Being a low-cost carrier, the in-flight service is pretty basic. The staff is attentive and friendly. Just don’t expect customer service that goes above and beyond. Again, expect low-cost carrier service.
In-flight service on AirAsia is good, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
Questions About AirAsia
Is AirAsia safe?
Yes, AirAsia is a safe and reliable airline. AirAsia meets all the safety standards and has a seven-star safety rating.
Is AirAsia a reliable airline and on time?
Based on my experience alone, AirAsia is reliable and I’ve yet to have any major delays or issues.
Are AirAsia Tickets refundable?
It depend what flight package you decide to go with. Some options only include change or dates/times. Typically you will get a refund if the airline cancels a flight.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
AirAsia does offer Wi-Fi on board on selected flights. There are both free and paid plans.
Is AirAsia worth flying?
Absolutely! I’ve flown with AirAsia numerous times and plan to in the future depending on where I go. I’ve had no complaints flying with AirAsia and do recommend them, especially if you are looking for cheap fares around Southeast Asia.
Don't Forget These Travel Accessories
For those long flights around the world, there are a few accessories that I use that have made flying so much more pleasant. Here are a few of my recommended travel accessories.
✅ Universal Phone Holder (Handsfree phone mount. It can attach to the tray.)
✅ Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds (The AirPods have been my best purchase in a few years. It drowns out sound and the sound quality is excellent.)
✅ Multi-Pocket Sling Bag (A Sling Bag is a game changer for me. I keep all the smaller items that I use during the flight in here and put my backpack in the overhead bin.)
✅ Airplane Bluetooth Adapter (This product is useful for flights that don’t have built in Bluetooth for the entertainment. You can connect your wireless earbuds.)
✅ Cable Organizer (Storage Bag for cords and chargers)
Conclusion
Overall, AirAsia is a solid choice and I highly recommend flying with them. AirAsia is one of the regions leading low-cost airlines and offers an extensive network, affordable prices, and reliable point-to-point destinations across parts of Asia.
Just keep in mind, AirAsia is a low-cost carrier, so don’t set your standards or expectations out of reach. If you can honor that, then you’ll enjoy your flight and experience with AirAsia just as much as I do.
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Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇲🇾
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