Last month, on a whim I booked my flight to go back to Malaysia for the long weekend. Not exactly on a whim, I thought about it for a while but didn't get myself to do it, because of the upcoming trip I am having, so I should save. So I wasn't plannng to go back.
But when mum kinda hinted for me to go back (at least that was what I felt LOL), I felt bad, if I am willing to spend money to go travelling, I should be more than willing to spend the money to go home too if my family wants me to. Plus it was mum's birthday, and she wasn't well (had a major op).
So yes I went back, via Airasia X. seriously, Thank God for Airasia, that I can afford to fly back to Malaysia to visit my hometown, family, friends (if not I don't know when I go back, seriously tickets can be so expensive!). I got my no so cheap tickets (because I booked quite late, just few days before), costed me about 400-450AUD return (could have been less than 400!)
Alot of people complained about Airasia seats being uncomfortable, no meals/ entertainment etc. Well hello, first of all, it is a budget airline, so they try to cut cost (no meals no entertainment) to offer you lower ticket are. I think that is fair. It helps for people that are trying to save. You can still buy meals if you really want to eat something (it is not that expensive). Would definitely recommend buying meals on board though, especially if it's a long flight, you will definitely get hungry (I learnt from my lesson lol). I supposed you can prepare your own snacks to bring on board to save abit. (even though they said no outside food, doubt they care that much I did that before with no issues).
Seats wise, during day flights I find it ok. Well imo, maybe because I'm tinier in size, I find the seats ok for me (well gotta admit compared to other airlines, they feel more squishy, so ya giant people I so don't feel for you :P). The only thing that I really hate is the headrest, and that is due to me being short =.=. I couldn't rest my head properly against the seat, thank God for next pillow that helps with comfort. the normal Airasia flights (domestic) has more comfortable seats though.
Night flight, I have mixed experiences. It would be best if no one sit next to you (same for day flights). You get more space that way, and can sleep at ease. That happened with my first few flights to/from Adelaide last year. I was quite satisfied with it and slept soundly. Recent few hadn't been as comfortable though. One of them, I had an afro looking guy sitting a seat next to me (middle seat was empty, I was at the window seat while he was sitting at the aisle seat), I barely slept the whole night (I felt uncomfortable maybe because he looked creepy, but that can happen with any airlines i guess). Then I have sore back =X
And, to think about it, I don't think any other airlines night flights will be more comfortable anyway (except very slightly bigger seats). You still have to sleep sitting (unless you are lucky enough and get the whole row to yourself when it is not a full flight). IMO Best night flight experience would be with Emirates, their reclining seats were awesome (you can adjust the whole seat and backrest, hmm don't know how to explain).
So yes, mixed feelings with Airasia X in regards to the night flights, till I discovered Optiontown, where you can choose to buy row of seats to yourself (subject to availability aka has to be non full flight, fully understandable!)!! I did that with my last trip back to Adelaide, RM125 on top, worth every dollar! I don't think you could even buy seats like that with normal non budgeted airlines (correct me if I'm wrong, because I rarely travel via expensive airlines hahaha). I brought along my pillow, blanket (or you can use a jacket/big scarf, it is a must for me, I need something to cover myself to sleep), slept like a baby (non crying 1 lol) that night, when I woke up it was time to prepare for landing :).
So yesh, taking into account various things mentioned, airasia is my preferred airline now :D.. However if I find any other airlines with cheaper price (esp when on sale) no doubt I will go for those! except maybe China air =X.. (quite scared about the safet). In the end the major deciding factor is still the airticket cost, I just need a plane to get me from 1 place to another with the lowest possible price, and I think it is quite hard to beat airasia :)..
Okay, that's all for now. continue on later Re new airport!
on the side note...
gonna customise a handcarry packing list here for my Malaysia weekend getaway / short break (for future use) so I do not have to google what to pack the midnight before my flight next time!
My Carry On packing essentials
wears:
jacket/scarf/airplane blanket (for sleep use)
yoga pants/leggings
lazy top
socks
neck pillow
handbag/backpack:
valuables
credit card/ malaysian currency
AUD (cab fee prn)
phone
keys (home & luggage & car) + lock
passport
airticket/boarding pass
camera
watch
Guntha
others
pen
water bottle
earphones
spare batteries
spare phone (MYS sim card)
toothbrush/toothpaste/facewipes
cosmetics
earphone/ipod
snacks (optional)
sleepaids (eye marks/ stilnox prn)
Handcarry luggage:
flipflops
toiletries (max 100ml size)
charger
1 set of bras and underwear (more back home)
clothes (if I have luggage space, to empty my wardrobe here and fill up my wardrobe in malaysia)
mum's nougat/chocolate/supplements
spare foldable handcarry
