Air Asia VS Malaysia Airlines

Looking back several decades ago, when traveling across the nations by Plane had been something which only the rich could afford. For the poor, they have always gone to the Airport to look at aeroplanes landing and take-off. For the government servants, they have always been waiting for the free passage ONCE for every 3 years. For the above average, of course, they get to fly without any worries and thoughts.

I have been fortunate enough to fly at very young age, because my parents are under the 2nd Category, which have been waiting for 3 odd years just to get the chance to bring their family for a trip to KL. By then, only Malaysia Airlines was available. Hence, it was so obvious that the air route was dominated by MAS. Nevertheless, their service were excellent. They served good foods on board, offering souvenirs to the little ones, and IF you are cold and uncomfortable of the seat, you can always request for blankets and pillows. I had quite a few bad experiences flying, because i tend to vomit and got headache whenever sitting in an aeroplane. Weakling me...

So, those were the days when MAS had their golden years. Their indisputable service were finally threatened by the new born baby, Air Asia.

Air Asia is just similar to a smart kid. When we look at those extraordinary kid, they tend to learn things faster than normal human, and can even master knowledge only 30 years old people can achieve. Same goes to AirAsia. Under the leadership of Datuk Tony Fernandes, Air Asia has grown fast enough to become one of the best Low-Cost Courier in the world.

Air Asia is smart enough to come out with the theme "Now Everyone Can Fly". MAS is not that bad too, with the theme "Malaysian Hospitality".

From these air courier companies, i have actually learnt one lesson from it.

"In order to suit yourself in this ever changing world, you have to adapt to what is around, and never be stubborn with what you think it the best. What is applicable 10 years back doesn't mean it is still effective today."

I guess this goes to General Motors too, and they are regaining back their position.

MAS had faced quite a huge loss for the past few years, ever since AirAsia emerged as the most-favourite Airlines in Malaysia. Ever since, they have adopted AirAsia's strategy to sustain in the airline industry. Undoubtedly, MAS is protected by our Malaysian Government. Hence, they were pampered all this while. This is the time for them to show what they are actually made on. Not on Government, but because of their Past Excellent tracks record and history.

But, i would like to list down some of the amazing things about each airlines. Behold, the following are just my personal views, and shall not be related to any particular groups/ parties/ people.

Source: Ngaiti.Com

Let me start with Air Asia.

1. They offer free seats

2. They offer low-price seats

3. They waive Airport Tax

4. They ease air ticket purchasing through online booking

5. They have pretty stewardess

6. LCCT is easily accessible at low price (SkyBus)

7. They accept CIMB & Maybank account for online booking (no longer rely on Credit Cards)

8. They have a very well-written magazine on board - Travel2Sixty.

BUT

1. They like to trick customers with their Go-Insure Insurance. "Click CANCEL to cancel insurance, not OK"

2. Airport tax is waived, but there are still other charges being applied. Recently, they charge for booking through Credit Card. So, use CIMB or Maybank for cheaper rates.

3. They only allow 15KG luggage weight to be checked in.

4. They charge for the number of checked-in luggages

5. The service crews/ staffs of AirAsi

a are a little arrogant, and unfriendly EXCEPT the stewardess. (I believe most of us agree with this).

6. The impose quite a high charges on the food menu.

7. Passengers has to walk up/ down the stairs to board/ leave the plane.

8. Impose a lot of charges for flight ticket change.

9. A few more which i am lazy to list them down here.

So, now let's compare with MAS.

1. MAS provides the "Canopy" or "overhead shelter" when boarding/ leaving the plane.

2. They treat their customers with the principle "Customers always Right".

3. They open new counter 30 minutes before departure of flight, to cater for passengers who are still in the queue. If Air Asia, they will just keep silent and by the time you reach the counter, "I am sorry Sir, but our counter is closed. You will have to catch the next flight to reach your destination". Too "Business Oriented".

4. Very considerate. Let's look at how they deal with passengers with baby. They will serve the Father with the meal 20 minutes before the original catering time. Hence, by the time they serve the meal, the Father can take care of the baby, and the Mother can happily enjoy her meal. THUMB UP!!

5. Adopting Air Asia's strategy, which makes our flying experience even greater.

6. No limit of number of Checked-in Luggages.

7. Tolerance of +-2KG from 20 KGs for luggage.

8. Friendly Staffs. 9. More spacious seats

BUT

1. Fare is a little too expensive

2. Old Aircraft

3. Un-Screened selection of Stewardess/ Steward. The rule of "170cm for Female, and 180cm for Male" no longer applies.

4. Yet to think

All in all, their pilot's landing skill has improved a lot, expecially for MAS airlines. Last time, whenever the aircraft touching the runway, i could feel my heart nearly fell out from my body. Now, it's all smooth and comfortable landing. Wee~