KL to Phuket with Air Asia

[cutter1616]

So I've decided rather than spending 2 weeks in Malaysia and wishing I was in Thailand, I'm going to spend 3 nights in KL then fly to Phuket.

I checked with Malasia airlines and the price came in at $320 US return
I was then told about Air Asia and the price came in at about $110 US return

I couldn't believe how cheap Air Asia is compared to Malaysia Airlines. Is this price correct? I'm worried I'll book the flight, then get to the airport and it is some standby fare and I'll be SOL.

[dawsey]

Air Asia is used by quite a few BMs but their reliability isn't 100%

Flights often delayed or cancelled, so if you have a connection to meet, allow plenty of time between flights.

The fare alone was the reason for me to give them a try in March/Apr. I hope its OK.

[Coyotee]

Originally Posted by cutter1616

I couldn't believe how cheap Air Asia is compared to Malaysia Airlines. Is this price correct? I'm worried I'll book the flight, then get to the airport and it is some standby fare and I'll be SOL.

Price is correct and if you booked early, the price you quoted is for return ticket and not one way. There is no standby fare. I use Airasia all the time when i fly to Bangkok or Phuket.

C

[cutter1616]

Originally Posted by Coyotee

Price is correct and if you booked early, the price you quoted is for return ticket and not one way. There is no standby fare. I use Airasia all the time when i fly to Bangkok or Phuket.

C

Hey Coyotee, have any flights for you between KL and Phuket encountered major delays or cancellations. My flight from KL to Qatar is March 10 at 4 am so I have a lot of time on March 9 in case of a delay, but I can't risk a cancellation.

[dawsey]

Originally Posted by cutter1616

Hey Coyotee, have any flights for you between KL and Phuket encountered major delays or cancellations. My flight from KL to Qatar is March 10 at 4 am so I have a lot of time on March 9 in case of a delay, but I can't risk a cancellation.

Personally I'd check the flight schedule for any other airlines flying HKT - KL and book my Air Asia flight early enough to allow you to get a ticket for the other flight should Air Asia have a long delay/cancellation.

You can check AirAsia feedback <<HERE>>

[Nautilus]

Air Asia flies twice daily to Phuket from LCCT.

When you land at KLIA, take the Shuttle Bus priced at MYR 1.50 to LCCT. Cabs will cost you a lot. I dont know where the bus is, just ask around, you will be given directions.

I have only experienced delay once, which was last December for about 40 minutes or so.

I have heard cancellations for the later flight, not the 1st flight.

Anyway if you see a lot of people at the terminal flying to Phuket, then you're ok, they will normally cancel flights when the are too few or for some reason i dont know.

If you're really worried, then you better fly MAS.

Cheers.

[Nautilus]

Originally Posted by Mai Chob

Because of the huge discounts I can get from Malaysia Airlines Syd-KL I use Air Asia all the time to go on to Phuket. It can be even cheaper than you got. I have never faced a delay KL- Phu but had a 3 hour delay last time on the afteroon flight Phu (HKT) - KL. Never been cancelled in 7 trips.
You catch the bus to LCCT ( Air asias own new terminal) below the multi level carpark opposite KLs main terminal and they go about every 20 mins. An overpass on the 2nd floor links the 2 buidings or you can cross at ground level. Dont go around to LCCT too early as its smaller and far less comfortable, the air con. not as good . Oh and it doesnt do Duty Free...Whilst in KL i can recommend the Beach Club for Thai style partying but not the Thai Club opposite (no BGs). I stayed at The Cardogen Hotel (120 Ringit) on Bukhit Bintang (Central to the Golden Triangle in the new city ) and they were cool with visitors if u took a double..3 days will be enough for KL...

Mai Chob, what do you mean by "Oh and it doesnt do Duty Free"

There is a Duty Free outlet at the International Departure Hall.

I agree the aircond is not so good at the departure hall, i normally hang out at the liquor duty free store, standing under one of the aircond vents. Much cooler.

You can check in early but dont have to enter the hall so early. There is nothing to do there. Hang outside, read a book, smoke...etc. A friend of mine said there is free Wi Fi service at LCCT now. I cant confirm that.

[Nautilus]

Mai Chob, it's ok, i didnt know you were the 1st few who flew from LCCT.

Yeah, just dont go there too late. Sometimes when it's peak travel time, you cant even get a seat.

Anyway the duty free shop is small, and variety is limited. Sometimes Phuket International Airport has some better deals.

Cheers and enjoy your stay in KL.

It has been pouring every afternoon and evening lately. Not yet today, but the sky is getting dark. One word of advise, if you're stuck in the traffic due to rain or flood, just get out of the cab and walk!!!

[Premier]

I've flown AirAsia from Bangkok to Phnom Penh several times and had no issues, however I was in Malaysia last year and I had big issues. For a start the LCCT is bloody crowded and I don't know if it's just me but I found Malaysians to be the rudest people I have yet encountered in Asia. The airline's motto is 'now everybody can fly' - and they are correct unfortunately. Because there is no allocated seating people seem to think that there aren't enough seats or something and there is an almighty rush to the gate when boarding commences, in the same scenario in Bangkok or Phnom Penh people have manners and line in an orderly queue, you'll see what I mean.
I flew Phnom Penh to KL return and their were minor delays each way however a flight I had from Borneo to KL was simply cancelled and no explanation given, I got stuck in a $hithole mining town called Miri for five hours. Luckily the airport had a bar but unfortunately I encountered absolutely the worst bar service imaginable. As AirAsia are a low cost carrier I suspect that they cancel flights and then double up with a later flight if they have insufficient bookings for two flights, which I suppose you have to begrudgingly accept for the cheap rates on offer.
Three days in KL is heaps, I didn't really like the place at all, being a modern city it just felt like being back home. The only place I will recomend in Malaysia is the Mulu Caves in Borneo, absolutely awesome, well worth a trip in to the jungles.
I should also add that booking online with AirAsia can be a wretched experience.
Just my two cents worth.

[cutter1616]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I've decided to fly AirAsia from KL to Phuket, then return via Malaysia Airlines. It'll cost more but save a possible headache with a delayed or cancelled flight.

[Maverick351]

I'm spending 7 days in KL at the end of this week, leaving from BKK, then returning. Happy that I booked with Thai, should be limited hasles in the end.

[Nautilus]

Originally Posted by Premier

I've flown AirAsia from Bangkok to Phnom Penh several times and had no issues, however I was in Malaysia last year and I had big issues. For a start the LCCT is bloody crowded and I don't know if it's just me but I found Malaysians to be the rudest people I have yet encountered in Asia. The airline's motto is 'now everybody can fly' - and they are correct unfortunately. Because there is no allocated seating people seem to think that there aren't enough seats or something and there is an almighty rush to the gate when boarding commences, in the same scenario in Bangkok or Phnom Penh people have manners and line in an orderly queue, you'll see what I mean.
I flew Phnom Penh to KL return and their were minor delays each way however a flight I had from Borneo to KL was simply cancelled and no explanation given, I got stuck in a $hithole mining town called Miri for five hours. Luckily the airport had a bar but unfortunately I encountered absolutely the worst bar service imaginable. As AirAsia are a low cost carrier I suspect that they cancel flights and then double up with a later flight if they have insufficient bookings for two flights, which I suppose you have to begrudgingly accept for the cheap rates on offer.
Three days in KL is heaps, I didn't really like the place at all, being a modern city it just felt like being back home. The only place I will recomend in Malaysia is the Mulu Caves in Borneo, absolutely awesome, well worth a trip in to the jungles.
I should also add that booking online with AirAsia can be a wretched experience.
Just my two cents worth.

To say all Malaysians are rude is a lil too much. I agree with you when those people rush to the gate once the flight is announced.

I couldnt be bothered and i will board last.

I find it amazing sometimes and i will laugh looking at them.

[Simbo]

I love it when they rush the gate to get on the first three rows of seats. I let the rabble setle down and casually stroll down to the seats by the wing exit with the extra leg room. Yhey all think I'm mad but travelling with carryon oly its a piece of p*** Would never depend on Air Asia of making a connection but am prepared to put up with delays if I can get to KL for B3580 return,. Be aware tey have big price hikes over the Chinese New Year weekend (18 Feb)

[dbcooper99]

I was pleased with their service, specially considering the price.