It’s time for another random snapshot, this time looking at the passenger experience on AirAsia 710 between Singapore Changi and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
I’m sure you know how I do this travel writing thing by now. But for those reading this for the first time, I have two major travel writing styles:
- Trip Reports—These are full, deep-dive reports that take you into the experience, the small things and the big things!
- Snapshots – These are bite-sized reviews that show you the product in some gentle headlines (and normally, only images shot on the phone)
We’re on Snapshots at the moment as I swim back uproute. Might have a few headlines too when I finally get to a proper editing station.
Booking and Check-in
Booking was made on the AirAsia website. This included the basic fare, priority boarding with extra hand luggage and an in-flight meal.
Due to the lateness of the booking, the total cost was £104.
Check-in was conducted on the AirAsia app, where a boarding pass was issued and downloaded to the wallet app. And yes, there were upsells by the plenty during the sales and check-in processes.
At the Airport
AirAsia uses Terminal 4 at Singapore Changi Airport. If you’re travelling by train to Changi, allow extra time for transit to T4 by bus.
Whilst there was no need to get a paper boarding pass, people were checking that their bags would fit in sizers for hand luggage weight and size.
Immigration and security at Terminal 4 is handled in one area (compared to other terminals at Changi, where security is handled at the gate).
After clearing immigration and security, passengers were able to cross through the duty-free store and public waiting space.
Boarding
Boarding was at gate G6 at Changi Terminal 4. Boarding was split into three zones, with an offer to check in carry-on bags to create overhead space. My backpack did not qualify.
The aircraft arrived around 15 minutes late at Changi Airport, requiring a quick turnaround with the aircraft departing only 10 minutes delay.
Boarding commenced in zones, with zone 1 boarding first. Passengers were able to head down the waiting queue as the last passengers were cleared from the aircraft.
Once clear, I was allowed to board.
The aircraft
It’s an Airbus A320neo in a Discover Malaysia Wildlife livery.
The Seat
AirAsia seats in an all-economy 186-seat configuration. Whilst this is now a seven-year old aircraft, these seats are a lot thicker than usual slimline seats that are the norm for low-cost carriers.
IFE+C
No in-flight entertainment (other than the magazine) and no in-flight connectivity were offered.
Food and drink
Air Asia offered a paid food and drink service. Your author was one of the few who ordered a meal. (Due to it being a couple of pounds).
Of course, they selected the Nasi Lemak.
Arrival
With a 50-minute flight, service was brisk, if filled wth announcments, both customer service and regulatory.
Arrivals
With a 50-minute flight packed with passengers, the service was cleared down quickly.
The aircraft arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, with the A320 taxing over to KLIA 2. The aircraft was met by a jet bridge at the terminal.
Onward into KL
The aircraft docked at one of the far ends of KLIA2. Thus, it was 20 minute walk through the terminal, over the taxiway and down to the Malaysia immigration.
At the border, my pre-filled MDAC was approved, and my passport was stamped. With that, I was allowed through to luggage collection and the exit.
Before being able to leave the secured zone, all bags had to be X-rayed.
Once in the country, I was able to proceed to the KLIA Express for the ride onward into Central Kuala Lumpur.
Additional pictures
The full review is coming sometime as part of a big trip report. Stay tuned!
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