AirAsia X DL289 Sydney (SYD) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL);Airbus A330-300,Premium Flatbed class,seat 1D. Flight time 8 hours,55 minutes.
Frequency
Daily.
Loyalty scheme
Airasia rewards (formerly AirAsia BIG). No airline alliances,but points can be earned through other partners such as Booking.com and the Commonwealth Bank.
Check-in
All straightforward,with a dedicated Premium Flatbed check-in counter at Sydney airport,but no lounge access.
Baggage
Premium Flatbed allowance is 40 kilograms checked baggage,tagged Priority for early collection;carry-on allowance for all classes is seven kilograms.
The seat
There are only 12 Premium Flatbed seats available,two rows at the front of the plane with a 2-2-2 configuration. I’m in 1D,a bulkhead aisle seat;and while there is limited storage and no screen for entertainment,the 19-inch (48-cm) wide leather seat with a 59-inch (150-cm) pitch is comfortable,converting to a full flatbed at the touch of a button. It is still slightly angled,however,and a bit awkward for habitual stomach sleepers – still,to be able to lie flat on a budget airline is beyond fabulous. AirAsia has splashed out to provide plump red pillows and cosy cotton duvets for Flatbed class;however,no other amenities are handed out,so don’t forget to pack an eye mask. Thanks to the buffer of the “Quiet Zone” separating the Flatbeds from the buzz and cry-babies at the back of the plane,the premium cabin is whisper-quiet throughout the night.
Entertainment
All in-flight entertainment on AirAsia X flights has been suspended since COVID-19,with the XCite Tab (a tablet pre-loaded with movies and TV shows) still unavailable.
Service
This is a limited-service flight,even in the premium class – so no hot towels or champagne on boarding. A request for my water bottle to be refilled was met with a look of bewilderment – and it was only on my return flight in Economy that I realise you have to pay for a bottle of water,so on-tap fluids are not a given.
Food
One meal,pre-ordered online,is included with the Premium Flatbed fare,a choice of Malaysian staples such as biryani,chicken rice and chicken or plant-based Nasi Lemak,served with a much-coveted bottle of water. Passengers are given the choice of dining just after take-off or two hours before landing.
Carbon emissions
The Sydney to KL route in Premium Flatbed class emits 2.57 tonnes of CO2,with sustainability steps such as one-engine taxiing – which saves up to 10 kilograms of fuel a minute – contributing to the airline’s carbon-neutral growth mission.
One more thing
AirAsia has introduced its own ride-share service for airport transfers in key Asian cities,which can be booked via the AirAsia app up to four hours in advance. Fixed fares,prompt pick-up and clear communication with the driver makes this a seamless,welcome innovation.
The price
From $905,Flatbed Premium one way.*
The verdict
The no-frills economy fares to KL with AirAsia are enticing;but if you really need to sleep,the Flatbed experience is worth the added expense – which,if you pick up a fare in an advertised sale,could be as little as $599,about the same price as a Premium Economy seat in a full-service airline.
Our rating out of five
★★★★
The writer travelled as a guest of AirAsia X.
*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.