I am about to do a Visa trip from Phuket to Penang with Air Asia.These days you have to travel to KL and get the second flight to Penang.They were by far the cheapest and I will post a report on if good or not.
Malaysia full fare was 13,000 Baht

(discount fare if available was 9,600 Baht)
Thai airways via Bangkok and then direct to Penang was 18,000 Baht
I have heard rumours that some airline wants to start the direct flights from Phuket to Penang - that would be great.
