Saturday, August 31, 2013

Air Asia

My first experience with an international low cost carrier was in 2009. I flew from South Florida to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Let me sum it up by saying it was not a good experience. That was my first and last flight with Spirit Airlines. So back in June when I booked our flights from South Korea to Sydney, Australia with Air Asia (AA), I had some reservations. But as usual, a great sale will get me, all the time. I had some issues booking our flights on AA's website, and had to call the 24 hour customer service line in Australia to help with the booking. The customer service agent stated that the problem was with using a US issued American Express card. The agent was able to process the booking for us over the phone. I choose to book the return flights on Expedia's website and still couldn't use a US issued American Express card. We ended up booking with our Korean Mastercard. Lesson learned; US issued Amex cards cannot be used to book AA flights on Expedia or AA's website. Now on to the flight. My experience with the low cost carrier was lovely, but there are some things about AA that you need to know. First, they charge for every extra perk. I opted not to pay for an inflight meal, but was expecting at least a drink and snacks for free, but passengers have to pay for such items. Luckily, I did have snacks in my bags, but once we got on the plane, I noticed signs that said food brought onto the plane could not be consumed on board. I get the rule in theory, but I didn't see it being enforced. Plenty of people were consuming food that they brought on the plane without being hassled. AA also does not provide inflight blankets. They could be purchased or rented, but not borrowed. If you get cold easily like I do, then you should bring something to keep you warm during the flight. On my second flight segment from Kuala Lumpor to Sydney, I requested to buy a blanket before the flight took off. However, I was not provided with one as I was informed that they had sold out of blankets. They offered to rent me one, but I am not big on renting anything so I declined the offer. Lets just say it was a cold flight, and a mistake never to be made again. I am fine with AA's "a la carte" way of doing business. It allows me to only pay for services that I need!
Happy Travels