The Daily Telegraph - Malaysia Airlines v Air Asia X
September 17, 2011
Michelle Jana Chan compares Malaysia Airlines, the country's national carrier with Air Asia X, its no-frills rival.
Michelle Jana Chan flew from London to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia X, the long-haul arm of the budget airline AirAsia, and returned on the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines. She weighs up the pros and cons of each.
Price
Malaysia Airlines currently has an offer of £699 return (including taxes). AirAsia X’s lead-in fare is £338 one way (including taxes), with charges for additional services (e.g., £16 for checking in a bag weighing 20kg). NB: both airlines offer astonishingly good promotions from time to time and you may find that the fare with the national carrier is lower than with the budget one.
Convenience
Both airlines have user-friendly websites for online booking. Malaysia Airlines flies from Heathrow and arrives at Kuala Lumpur’s award-winning airport, KLIA. AirAsia X currently flies to Kuala Lumpur from Stansted, but on October 24 it will switch to Gatwick. In Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X planes land on the same runway as those of Malaysia Airlines, but passengers have to go through the more rudimentary LCCT (Low-Cost-Carrier Terminal).
Comfort
AirAsia X’s fleet of aircraft is newer but Malaysia Airlines still has the edge when it comes to space (seat pitch of 34 inches) and comfort. The national carrier provides a pillow, blanket and headphones (with a good choice of films and games). AirAsia X charges £5 for a pillow and blanket, and £7 to hire a personal entertainment device.
Service
The flight crew delivered excellent briefings on both airlines. Malaysia Airlines’ crew were more polished and seemed more experienced; catering was generous, with intermittent snacks and drinks. The hot meals on AirAsia X were disappointing, but they can be purchased at any time during the flight.
Value
Malaysia Airlines offers a generally better experience. If you are booking several months ahead or very late, however, AirAsia X can come up trumps on price. Check fares for the dates you can travel. If prices are close and you can afford Malaysia Airlines, book with it. If AirAsia X has a better deal, grab it and travel prepared (wear layers, bring a pillow, pack light).