In what seems like a turnaround for a low-cost carrier, Air Asia has announced that it will be abolishing the counter check-in fee for all international flights.
The RM10 fee (~$3/£2 or so) will no longer apply for International bookings from 22nd December 2011 onwards, however Domestic flights with Malaysia (which is fairly spread out) will be required to pay the fee – or use a free self check-in option such as using a kiosk at the airport, web check-in or mobile check-in.
What’s really surprising is the fee was introduced in September this year, and in being rescinded quickly after 4 months. Air Asia has refused to give a reason, but with every penny counting these days, you can the money that was paid for check in fees stacked up with a free complaint from each customer.
Either Air Asia is made of less sterner stuff than Ryanair (who will happily charge you £5 to check in online or £40 to use a counter), or Air Asia is actually realises they can’t ding customers for every little thing….