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Air Asia

Types of Travelers

Business Travlers

2/5

Food and entertainment for purchase only

Family Traveler

3/5

Food and entertainment for purchase only, very competitive ticket pricing

Backpacker
Adventure Traveler

4/5

Southeast Asian destinations

Student
Budget Traveler

5/5

Lowest base fares in the region

Elderly
Disabled Traveler

2/5

Below average accessibility

Long Term Traveler

2/5

Food and entertainment for purchase only

Novice Traveler

4/5

User-friendly despite budget airline status

Introduction

Air Asia was created in Malaysia in 1993 and began service in 1996. Its domestic routes grew rapidly in the late 90s and through the early 2000s. It began international flights in 2003 with the additional of its 1st international route to Bangkok and also added a secondary hub at Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru, Malaysia that same year.

The airline serves about 20 million passengers a year and was awarded Skytrax “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” in 2010.  They are in the process of a major fleet modernization, switching from Boeing 737s to Airbus’A320s.  For low-cost fliers, Air Asia is the region’s best option.



Ratings

Important Factors 4/5

Average Delay

16%

Cancelled Flights
(average per month)

Less than 1%

Customer Satisfaction Rating

3 out of 5 stars

Types of Aircraft

Airbus A320 Boeing 737

General 4/5

Number of Domestic Flights (Daily)

15

Number of International Flights (Daily)

60

Size of Fleet

103

Major Airports and Destinations Served

Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor , Kong, Tianjin, Tokyo, Seoul, Delhi, Mumbai, Jakarta, Bangkok, Paris, London, Melbourne

Location of Hub

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Countries Served

Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, France, UK, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Taiwan

Number of Routes
Most Popular Routes

Kuala Lumpur-Singapore; Penang-Singapore; Kuala Lumpur-Bangalore; Kuching-Singapore, Hong Kong-Kuala Lumpur

In-Flight 2/5

Which Routes offer Meal Service?

Snacks available for purchase

Food Quality

Good

In-flight Menu

Indian, Malay and Chinese

Average Leg Room

30-33 inches

Types of In-flight Entertainment

For a fee: seatback movie, television, and music

Baggage 2/5

Baggage Fees

Passengers purchase a specific weight, fees from $14 USD and up

Number of Bags Allowed

1

Weight Limits and Restrictions

15-30 kg,

Web Site 5/5

Online Check-in

Yes

Web Site Usability

Very good

Special Needs 1/5

Handicap Accessibility

Below average accessibility, mostly only access on domestic flights; fee for wheelchair service

Pets

Not allowed

Special Offers /Partners 2/5

Airline Alliance Membership

None

Hotel Partners

None

Competing Airlines

Dragonair, Malaysian Airlines

Strengths
  • Rock-bottom fares
  • Good regional reach
  • Helpful staff

Weaknesses
  • Fees for baggage
  • Charges for food
  • No awards program

Frequent Flier Program and Airport Lounges

Air Asia does not have a frequent flier program. There are a few lounges that can be accessed by Air Asia passengers, though most require an American Express Platinum Card or Priority Pass membership.

Conclusion

Air Asia has become Asia’s most successful budget airline. It has taken the model used by Southwest Airlines and Virgin Airlines: offering low prices and basic services. The airline is a great choice for flights to East and South Asia. However, Air Asia has a la carte pricing, meaning that baggage checking and meals cost extra. For light travelers, however, Air Asia has the lowest fares in the region.