Your experience of low-cost carriers in Thailand eg. AirAsia

[Beachlover]

WhatтАЩs your experience of flying low-cost carriers (LCCs) in Thailand?

IтАЩve flown AirAsia, Tiger, Jetstar and Nok Air (only once) and found them all to be fairly good... no major issues. People complain about cancellations, reschedules, delays and other issues but IтАЩve had a great experience with LCCs.

IтАЩve flown AirAsia around 20 times in and around Thailand. Out of 20 flights, there was one major delay (2-3 hours) going from KL to Bangkok - annoying but no big deal for me. Roughly three flights had minor delays of 30-60 mins - no big deal. I missed one flight, forfeited another (change of plans) and the rest were perfect. All up, a good record, I think.

Space is a bit squishier in LCC cabins but as long as thereтАЩs enough room to read or work on my laptop, IтАЩm happy.

LCCs are prone to cancellations and delays so I think the rule of thumb is NEVER use an LCC if...

1. YouтАЩre transiting straight onto a long-haul full-fare flight, even if allowing a generous 4-5 hr gap. If the LCC is late/cancelled youтАЩll be screwed. LCCs take NO liability for you missing anything.

2. You have an important appointment after landing.

3. YouтАЩre on a tight or inflexible schedule.

... In any of the above situations, just pay more for the certainty of a full-service carrier like Bangkok Airways, THAI or Silk Air.

I always purchase a 15-20kg checked luggage allowance regardless of whether IтАЩm going to use it. Most of the time, fares are only 1,000 to 2,000 baht (AUD$30-$60) for short 1 to 2.5 hr flights. It makes hopping around Asia so cheap!

The Thai government recently announced some new regulations. I hope the new rules wonтАЩt jack up the cost of fares.

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From: http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/avi ... -play-fair (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/239557/no-frills-airlines-told-to-play-fair)

No-frills airlines told to play fair

Published: 30/05/2011 at 12:00 AM

Low-cost airlines must provide food and drinks or ticket refunds to delayed passengers under a Transport Ministry regulation to protect the rights of passengers.

Permanent secretary for transport Supoj Saplom said yesterday that the ministry had recently asked all budget airlines operating domestic routes to inform passengers about their rights in the event of flight delays.

Airlines are also required to provide disabled passengers with wheelchairs without extra fees. The carriers must provide consumer protection agencies with details of their minimum and maximum fares and show the details on their websites, said Mr Supoj.

Under the ministry's regulation, a low-cost airline must serve meals and drinks and provide communication services to passengers if flights are delayed more than two hours but not exceeding three hours.

The airline must give ticket refunds if passengers do not want to board delayed flights.

If the airline wants to make refunds in the form of vouchers or other items, it must receive consent from affected passengers.

If a flight is delayed by up to five hours, the airline must provide a replacement flight or a flight to the nearest destination with no additional cost, or repay the difference if the replacement fare is cheaper. Passengers must also be served with food and drinks.

If a flight is delayed for more than five hours, passengers are entitled to compensation of 600 baht from the airline. But there are exceptions if delays are caused by a political situation, weather conditions or work stoppages...

Read more: http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/avi ... -play-fair (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/239557/no-frills-airlines-told-to-play-fair)
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[thonglor55]

Or you could use the site that thousands use, Skytrax - http://www.airlinequality.com/ - to read others' reviews and write your own

Thanks Beachie. Thats interesting because I think it was AirAsia that charged me for a wheelchair and I was outraged but did not pursue it.

Just be thankful that Ryanair doesn't operate in Thailand.

:sign5:

On the wheelchair issue - Ryanair got round the "charging disabled people for a wheelchair" issue, by simply charging EVERYBODY for a wheelchair within the "Airport Fees" part of the ticket price!

Lately they are talking about ┬г1 to use the toilet and doing away with traditional seats in favour of a fold-down "perch"

I always read their Skytrax "comments" page - it's full of raging people with around 10% satisfied only on the basis of "pay crap money get crap product"

:rolling:

[krobbie]

Once my partner and I caught Air Asia to Phuket. We were over an hour late leaving BKK. The flight back to BKK was a nightmare. I new something was up when the previous flight had not left yet when we arrived and they were still processing that flight. 2 hours in the queue then another hour at the gate, then sitting in the plane for 50 minutes before I started shouting. That's all it took for everybody else to join in as well.

They must have walked up and down with the passenger "clicker" about 20 times. When I stated getting agitated one of the crew told me to sit down and be quiet. That really set me off. When she told me there was an unaccountable suitcase on the plane, I told her to throw the fucking thing on the tarmac and go. Everyone joined in and with that we were in the air within 10 minutes.

I will never fly Air Asia again. However I have flown Nok a few times to Chiang Mai and they seem to be on time and much more professional, IMHO.

[cameroncat]

I never had any delays on AirAsia. My worst experience was on NOK from Chiang Mai to BKK. 5 hour delay. The airport closed, we sat there in the airport with the A/C turned off. The farangs just stewed, the Thai Passengers were furious. Eventually Nok employees came around and handed out Cash refunds to everyone before we finally got flown back to BKK.

[ceejay]

I've used Nok a few times (Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani) and they were on time for all of those flights. Partly based on the passengers I've seen in the cabin, partly on recommendations made to me, Nok seem popular with Thais.

[Beachlover]

sitting in the plane for 50 minutes before I started shouting. That's all it took for everybody else to join in as well.
Heh... Inciting a riot onboard. You LUNATIC! :hello1:

I think you were very unlucky with those two flights. Problems are apparently common but only time AirAsia's really let me down badly is one time with a 2-3 hr delay waiting at the gate in KL. It was an early evening flight so I guess it had banked up during the day.

[krobbie]

It is not so much the waiting, it is the lack of communication that the plane is delayed and why and how long one is expected to be delayed.

It would seem communication is not their strong suit.

During that final 50 minute in-seat delay aboard this flight, there had been an announcement 30 minutes earlier that we would be airborne in 10 minutes. When it hadn't happened I just voiced what everyone was thinking and it didn't take much to get back-up from the gathering. Was quite raucous and my partner was horrified I had started the fuss. He is Muslim and would never start a fuss, lest he get shot.

Anyhow, I wish I could have got a picture of the the Purser or whatever her title was. She would cheerfully have thrown me down the steps and given that she was aware of my handicap (as I take my limb off during the flight), would have loved to have watched me tumble. I just smiled sweetly and thanked her. I could tell she wanted desperately to poke me in the eye at the very least or perhaps chop my other leg off. :drv:

Cheers
krobbie

[pong]

have had no major issues with AA-done some 12 or so flights with them now-the Thai, origina Malay and Indo branches.
ANY airline-incl. those conventional can be late and cancel flights.
Incidentally I had my last flight on RYAN=FR 3 days ago, here in Europe. Quiite full, but 20 min. early in. What scottish guy writes was just 1`of their many get free in the news hiccups-long since dismissed. Rumours keep on persisting. i think AA is more a copycat of EASYjet-uses the normal airports and not some faraway (but AA does in China and Europe) and same standard of service.
But oh my dfear BL'are you now disclosing your high standards of luxury and glamour even ALLOW you to use those dreaded no-frills low cost airthingies? you should be in FIRST-no less, on Singy or TG! And that way earn enough of those free miles to get you in all their hi-class lounges and take friends for free-like any Thai senator knows how to.

Pong, I'm glad to hear you arrived 20 mins early on Ryanair - but that's probably because most airlines now exaggerate the journey times in the first place in order to make themselves look good.

Fact is, Ryanair is an international JOKE as far as customer comfort or service is concerned, and on screwing the passengers for extra fees at every point.

Example: They are now charging a ┬г6 Credit/Debit card fee PER SECTOR, PER PERSON - so a family of 4 on a round trip pays 8 payment card fees = ┬г48 extra charge for using a credit card ONCE. This can only be avoided by using a Prepaid Mastercard, which is possibly the least common payment card around.

Don't take my word for it - go to SKYTRAX website - they award Ryanair 2 stars (there is only 1 airline in the world ranked lower) and explain it thus:

...a poor Quality performance - falling below the industry average in the different competitive rankings of Product and Service standards..

And that's their official, independent, assessment!

If you want the REAL story, go on and read the customer comments!

As I said, be thankful they don't operate in Asia, yet.

:rolling:

[Beachlover]

It is not so much the waiting, it is the lack of communication that the plane is delayed and why and how long one is expected to be delayed.
I agree... That's one thing that's been annoying but I guess they can only make estimates.


But oh my dfear BL'are you now disclosing your high standards of luxury and glamour even ALLOW you to use those dreaded no-frills low cost airthingies? you should be in FIRST-no less, on Singy or TG! And that way earn enough of those free miles to get you in all their hi-class lounges and take friends for free-like any Thai senator knows how to.
I love low-cost airlines! Happy to spend whatever money's needed for a decent hotel but when it comes to flying, I seek the cheapest flight possible. Don't see the value in spending an extra $200 per hour to be slightly more comfortable in business class etc. when I can stretch out and doze off in an economy seat just fine.

For long-haul I might pay an extra $200 to get a better airline or newer plane but if Jetstar or AirAsia can save me $400, I'll use them instead. Qantas charge $80 for exit row seats now (unlimited legroom), which I always pay for overnight flights when I want to sleep. For short 1-2 hour flights it doesn't matter at all.


Ryanair is an international JOKE as far as customer comfort or service is concerned, and on screwing the passengers for extra fees at every point.
All I can say is I have a family member who flies Ryanair all the time and he LOVES them. You just have to set your expectations very low, which is fine considering how cheap they sound.

Loved this interview O'leary, the Ryanair CEO gave about beds and blowjobs onboard LOL.

[youtube:2bftcgwh]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfIY24BErBE[/youtube:2bftcgwh]

[Beachlover]

Jetstar flies to various destinations in Thailand from Australia and Singapore.

Saw this article today that shows how much Jetstar pays its cabin crew, depending on country of employment. Pretty major difference in cost base! Look at the damn overpaid Aussies! :happy7:


From: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/jets ... 6073646361 (http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/jetstar-pays-half-price-for-hosties/story-e6frfq80-1226073646361)

WHAT JETSTAR CREW ARE PAID

THAI-BASED CREW

$437 per month base salary or $5220 a year, plus allowances

SINGAPORE-BASED CREW

$20,000 a year

AUSTRALIAN CREW

$43,000 to $50,000 a year

Jetstar says the Thai crew's 14,000 BAHT per month rate can increase to up to $30,000 a year with overtime.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/jets ... 6073646361 (http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/jetstar-pays-half-price-for-hosties/story-e6frfq80-1226073646361)

[lexusgs]

As you continue to pretend to be some smart Asian guy why would you find the cost comparison surprising. Toyota for example pay their payroll 20% of what they reward their staff in Japan or Europe.
It's called market economics dumb ass. Asia's major advantage is it's cost base you goon. You really do leave yourself wide open Beachy. How many hours were u googling today to find this shit anyway. Go find some stuff on GAY THAILAND. It's much more productive :evil4:

[Beachlover]

why would you find the cost comparison surprising... It's called market economics dumb ass.
I didn't say anything about being surprised, you dopey fuckstick.

[lexusgs]

why would you find the cost comparison surprising... It's called market economics dumb ass.
I didn't say anything about being surprised, you dopey fuckstick.



Looks that way to me Beachy. You're getting to be a bit of a joke pet..not to mention a prick. :laughing3:

A prick is useful.

Just saying.

:occasion9:

[Beachlover]

Looks that way to me Beachy.
Ha! That doesn't surprise me. You have the comprehension skills of a brainless yob.

Looks that way to me Beachy.

Ha! That doesn't surprise me. You have the comprehension skills of a brainless yob.

Or a Bogan sex tourist.

[lexusgs]

Looks that way to me Beachy.
Ha! That doesn't surprise me. You have the comprehension skills of a brainless yob.

Coming from a deluded mindless *uckwit as yourself? I find it quite amusing to note that you must spend every god given hour of your life replying to posts here in addition to conjuring up mindless posts about stuff you know absolutely nothing about. Your only reference being Google. Just give it up mate and admit you're a tired old guy getting his rocks off on a daily basis as YOU CLEARLY have no life.
That's the part that puts a satisfied smile on my face to know that you will always return here with some childish comment. You're pathetic Beachy. I'm just calling it as I see it....I'm waiting :boxing: :laughing3:

[lexusgs]

Looks that way to me Beachy.

Ha! That doesn't surprise me. You have the comprehension skills of a brainless yob.

Or a Bogan sex tourist.


Hi Combot,

Is it just me or ARE you Beachy's other part of his split personality? Seems you're a bit of a dick too mate always having to jump on the bandwagon of your deluded mate BL. Try to come up with some an original thought you silly old fool. What exactly is YOUR interest in gay Thailand? You truly have an obsession with age and sex. Have you got problems in those areas mate?

Is it just me or ARE you Beachy's other part of his split personality? Seems you're a bit of a dick too mate always having to jump on the bandwagon of your deluded mate BL. Try to come up with some an original thought you silly old fool. What exactly is YOUR interest in gay Thailand? You truly have an obsession with age and sex. Have you got problems in those areas mate?

Believe me I'm not your 'mate' in fact I would be very suprised if you had any 'mates'. It's obvious your main reason for posting in SGT is to try to stir the shit.. Do carry on Bogan you won't be the first or the last.

[Beachlover]

stuff you know absolutely nothing about... I'm just calling it as I see it
Hey dickhead... Let me call it as I see it. You're the dopiest fuckstick since LMTU. :hello1:

You've no idea who I am so you know absolutely nothing about what you're saying. Whoever you are, you do almost nothing but follow me around in your posts. You sound obsessed. :rolling:


[Combat] you silly old fool. What exactly is YOUR interest in gay Thailand? You truly have an obsession with age and sex.
You tell me, fuckstick. When did Combat ever mention having issues with age and sex? You having trouble understanding people's posts again? :rolling:

[thonglor55]

They must have walked up and down with the passenger "clicker" about 20 times. When I stated getting agitated one of the crew told me to sit down and be quiet. That really set me off. When she told me there was an unaccountable suitcase on the plane, I told her to throw the fucking thing on the tarmac and go. Everyone joined in and with that we were in the air within 10 minutes.You're a clown, krobbie. They were following the procedure that every reputable airline follows these days (and a few disreputable ones as well). I'm surprised you weren't banned from flying with that airline and potentially ending up on a security watch list. You certainly would have been in the US or Europe.

I have little doubt that in the UK, police would have been called to the aircraft, krobbie would have been arrested, escorted from the plane, charged, and prosecuted. He would also have been banned sine die by the Airline concerned.

As for the other sanctions Thonglor mentions, I cannot comment.

:occasion9:

I have little doubt that in the UK, police would have been called to the aircraft, krobbie would have been arrested, escorted from the plane, charged, and prosecuted. He would also have been banned sine die by the Airline concerned.

As for the other sanctions Thonglor mentions, I cannot comment.

:occasion9:

Nah Scotty you missed out the bit about if it had been in UK good old krobbie would have been escorted off whisked through immigration, given a substantial amount of money plus a beautiful new flat to live in. It's all to do with one's human rights now. Come on guys do you really think such a nice guy as krobbie would have made all that commotion? I think not, he is far, far too much of a nice guy. :love4:

I have little doubt that in the UK, police would have been called to the aircraft, krobbie would have been arrested, escorted from the plane, charged, and prosecuted. He would also have been banned sine die by the Airline concerned.

As for the other sanctions Thonglor mentions, I cannot comment.

:occasion9:

Nah Scotty you missed out the bit about if it had been in UK good old krobbie would have been escorted off whisked through immigration, given a substantial amount of money plus a beautiful new flat to live in. It's all to do with one's human rights now. Come on guys do you really think such a nice guy as krobbie would have made all that commotion? I think not, he is far, far too much of a nice guy. :love4:

I suggest you try it then

:rolling: :rolling:

I suggest you try it then :rolling: :rolling:

You know Scotty since you were stalked at that hotel and then later on started wearing that bag over your head you seem to have completely lost your sense of humour.... :occasion9:

..You know Scotty since you were stalked at that hotel and then later on started wearing that bag over your head you seem to have completely lost your sense of humour.... :occasion9:

No - that only happened when I was exposed as a transvestite bar-owner (now lessee), dear.
Remember that one?

:sign5:

No - that only happened when I was exposed as a transvestite bar-owner (now lessee), dear.
Remember that one? :sign5:

It had been dropped, but as you want it to remain in the headlines by bringing it up again, do you wear a skirt instead of a kilt? :drv:

No - that only happened when I was exposed as a transvestite bar-owner (now lessee), dear.
Remember that one? :sign5:

It had been dropped, but as you want it to remain in the headlines by bringing it up again, do you wear a skirt instead of a kilt? :drv:

I have worn a kilt considerably more times than I have worn a skirt.

Does that answer the question?

:sharm:

I have worn a kilt considerably more times than I have worn a skirt.Does that answer the question? :sharm:

All depends on whether you bring the subject matter up again or not Scotty :occasion9:

My poor old mum just flew to the UK on Malaysian Airlines, which is supposed to be the "full' service carrier, unlike AA which is Malaysia's LCC.

She said the trip from Australia to KL (on an A330) was woeful, she is not a tall lady, and said her knees were in the back of the seat in front of her.

I have never flow MA but it does not sound like a full service to me.

She did say however the 747 from KL to the UK was OK.

I am flying from Bangkok to the UK Wednesday week on Air Berlin, so I will leave some feedback on that one when I get back.