One of my tips on getting a bargain flight is to choose a budget airline. I practice what I preach and for our recent lightening trip to Bali The Hubs and I chose Air Asia X, one of Asia’s most awarded budget airlines. This is our third trip on Air Asia but our first at the pointy end of the plane. I only have so many dollars to spend on airfares and I choose to travel more frequently than more comfortably, but an error fare of $570 for two Air Asia X business class return tickets (a saving of over $2000) was too good to pass up! While I am averse to paying full fare for business class, I am certainly not averse to enjoying a little extra comfort on the cheap. This trip was originally booked for October, but Air Asia cancelled the route after September and we had three alternatives; fly through Kuala Lumpur, get a refund or change the dates. The 13 hour layover in KL did not appeal and I knew we could never re-book for the same money so change dates it was, which is how we found ourselves heading back to Bali only 4 months after our last visit. Business class seats, cabins, facilities and service vary greatly across airlines and usually the budget airlines are the bottom of the pack. So how did Air Asia X business class compare to other flights we have taken? Read on for all the details …
Air Asia X Business Class Flat Bed Seats
Probably the single greatest reason people choose to fly business class is for a more comfortable seat with extra leg room and Air Asia X business class certainly delivers on that front. Their ‘premium flat bed’ is exactly that. What they leave off the advertising blurb is that is it not completely horizontal. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining as these seats are streets ahead of those behind the red curtain. They must have looked appealing because a few daring folk from economy tried to sneak in. It clearly wasn’t the crews first rodeo and the offenders were dispatched in record time, despite one particularly cheeky passenger claiming an urgent need to charge his laptop. She wasn’t buying it for a second but she did allow him to leave his laptop which I thought was a nice gesture. On both our outward and return journeys we sat in seats 1H and 1K on the right hand side of our Airbus A330-300. The business class cabin contains 12 seats in a 2x2x2 configuration. We had a daytime flight on the way out but having had little sleep the night before I still stretched out and snatched an extra two hours sleep en route. When completely reclined there was more than enough room for my 163cm frame but at 6ft The Hubs’ feet were right up against the bulkhead in front of us. No airline seat is ever going to compare to your own bed (especially when you have a king size!) but it is certainly a heck of a lot more comfortable than trying to sleep upright. Our 1am departure on the return trip meant we slept virtually from take off to landing and this is when the flat bed was really appreciated. When the seat is in the full upright position (only for take off and landing) my feet didn’t actually touch the floor which was a little uncomfortable. Of course The Hubs didn’t have this problem. Leg room is abundant and when you are in the window getting past your seat mate to the aisle is a much more dignified affair. The seats are fully automated with the controls at your fingertips. You can choose three presets or control each element individually. I loved the extra control panel in the seat canopy while in flat bed mode as the others are difficult to reach without contortions. The universal power point in the seat meant I touched down with a fully charged phone which was a bonus. If you don’t happen to snag a flat bed on the cheap, check out Optiontown’s empty seat options to give you a little more room in economy for next to nix.
Food
In a word … Disappointing. The food in Air Asia X business class is exactly the same as in economy. That said, you can pre-book your meal from 15 choices which is better than the usual ‘chicken or beef’ option. For lunch heading out I had the Vegetable Pasta. The broccoli was overlooked and the pasta was quite oily, suffice to say I didn’t eat it all but I wasn’t that hungry anyway. The Hubs chose the Asian Fried Rice with Chicken Satay, again this was not to my liking as the rice was doused in fish sauce and the chicken was not breast meat. Both meals were rather small and if you have a big appetite you would be left wanting. You can purchase additional meals for about $6. Other than water on boarding and with the meal all drinks are at a cost. I ordered a Coke which bizarrely was served warm, so make sure you take the ice offered. On the way home we chose to forgo our meals in favour of sleep. Meal service is on demand and you chose when you would like to dine rather than being bound by when the trolley makes its rounds. Don’t worry if you are not a fan of the food on board because once you land in Bali you are spoiled for choice. Check out my favourite restaurants here and here before heading out to eat.
Extras
Business Class comes with many perks and Air Asia offers a dedicated queue in both Sydney and Bali which meant check in was a breeze. On both occasions the economy queue was snaking past the allocated area making me very glad I was not at the end of it. We were well under our 40kg per person baggage allowance but judging by the piled high trolleys around us, others were taking full advantage. Immigration at Sydney airport can be a drama but our business class status afforded us the luxury of going through express automated passport control and X-ray with our VIF passes. We left on a Tuesday morning and it was manic, probably the busiest I have ever seen it so this was an unexpected bonus. We were offered a similar service on our return to Sydney but it was wasted as it was very quiet. As you would expect, business class guests enjoy priority boarding and being in row 1 meant we were first to disembark. Waiting for luggage is a pain but not when you travel with Air Asia X business class. Ours was first on the carousel which enabled us to get the jump on everyone else trying to exit the airports. The business class cabin has a dedicated bathroom. If you have flown long haul economy you will know how messy bathrooms can get after a few hours in the air and the queues just before landing are diabolical. It was nice not to have to deal with any of that. There was no lounge access offered in Sydney which was a little surprising but was no issue for us as we time our arrival meticulously to have as little time as possible loitering around the airport. I believe lounge access does exist in Bali but we didn’t seek it out. There is no entertainment on Air Asia X on this route. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Unless you include the inflight magazine, which you are very politely asked not to take with you. We were aware of this before boarding so compensated by bringing a laptop and a few DVD’s. Sorted. Planes are notoriously cold but Air Asia sorts you out with a blanket and pillow to take care of that. The blanket wasn’t just one of those flimsy airline jobs either. It was a freshly laundered (I could still smell the fabric softener) doona like dream. The pillow was a little flat however and while adequate as a back rest on the outward journey I requested an extra one on the return to ensure a good nights sleep. A range of duty free items are available in flight but I never bother with that sort of thing.
Service
Outward only 5 of the 12 seats were occupied and while it was a full house coming home most passengers slept the entire flight so the crew had it pretty easy. They were attentive without being intrusive which is just the way I like it. All announcements are in both English and Indonesian so you won’t miss out on any vital information. The inflight service does close about an hour before landing so make sure you get your last drink order in early. The one niggle I had was the crew seemed more worried about cleaning up than passenger comfort and took our blankets and pillows away about an hour before landing. Why???? I reluctantly let it happen on the first flight but was insistent on keeping them until the death on the return. She wasn’t happy but there was not a lot she could do. It would literally take them minutes to gather them up after everyone had disembarked so I am not quite sure why they made such a big deal of this.
Overall
If I had my way I would travel business class every single time but my bank balance stifles that dream. I have travelled business class on Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates and Virgin and first class on Emirates A380. Don’t worry I’m not selling out, I didn’t pay for any of them. They were all either free upgrades or paid for in points. Air Asia X Business Class offers superior seats than both domestic carriers short-haul business but doesn’t come close in terms of quality of food or all inclusive drinks menu. It suffers in comparison to Qantas and Cathay international business class in all aspects however when you compare the prices Air Asia X business class wins hands down. I haven’t actually flown Jetstar to Bali in business class but I have had a sneak peek at the seats and Air Asia X has them well and truly beat for around the same cost. If it’s your first time heading to Bali find out the basics here before you hit the ground. Glance out the window just as you leave Australia, the landscape of northern Western Australia is spectacular!
Have you flown Air Asia X Business Class? What were your thoughts? If not would you give it a go? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Looking for things do do when you land? Check out my epic list of 110+ things to do in Bali for inspiration.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. I paid for my ticket in full and as always, all opinions are my own.
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Sandy N Vyjay says
We have flown Air Asia Economy class a couple of times and now that you mention, yes the leg space is a big advantage you get in the business class. It is a pity the food was not that great. But what can we expect from a Air Asia – which is basically known as a budget airline. Priority boarding does save standing in long queues!
Allison Smith says
I’m all about extra space and not having to wait Sandy and Air Asia did that well. For the price we paid, I am certainly not complaining!
James Smith says
I didn’t know error fares really existed and I didn’t know Air Asia had business class! It’s a shame you get priority boarding as part of the fun with AirAsia is the big panic of getting on the plane! It’s funny about the stewardess cleaning up before you had landed, my experience with Asian girls is they love cleaning up too!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’ve seen quite a few error fares but have never been able to take advantage until now. This was the mother of all bargains and I snapped it up as soon as I saw it. It only lasted about 4 hours before they noticed and fixed it. You gotta be quick!
Nicki says
This hits home today. Just a few days ago I flew business class on a 16 hour flight with Southern China and it was awful. When I flew my second leg in coach it was amazing! It is so strange how that happened. The food on this flight was also disappointing – except that they fed everyone around 4-5 course meals and then told me their wasn’t enough food and fed me 1 or 2 things from coach. Refused me alcohol and then refused me water 45 minutes before landing when I needed to take my medicine.
Definitely wont be flying with them again.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s so bad Nikki how could they refuse you water if you had to take medicine? That’s terrible! Despite my glitches I would definitely choose Air Asia Bus again … If the price was right lol
Rashmi and Chalukya says
We agree with you, comfortable seats and leg space are definitely crucial on a long flight. And yes priority boarding is definitely an advantage for the business class. We have neither flown Air Asia X Business Class nor the Economy but your review is definitely gonna help us decide in future.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Glad to help. Given Air Asia is no longer flying direct Sydney to Bali I’m not sure if I will get a chance to use them again but never say never!
Diana - MVMT Blog says
Wow, you got such a good deal! I’ve never flown business class overseas before, but all of my experiences with Asian airlines have been positive. I’m surprised to hear that the food wasn’t that good because most of the food I’ve had in economy on Asian airlines have been fantastic. That’s great you were able to charge your phone though – I always run into the problem of having a dead phone while traveling, which makes for a huge inconvenience.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The good definitely outweighed the bad Diana. Much better than coach anyday lol
Natalie says
We flew business class to Istanbul on Turkish airlines and it was so incredible that it just ruins you for anything else! The seats really did lie flat, wonderful service, food from a chef who even had chef’s hat!! Still, the price inhibits from doing it often. 🙁 Your experience sounds like a good one overall. It makes sense to bring food and your own blanket though as a rule. You never really know what you’ll get!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Glad your experience was fantastic Natalie. I will be flying business and first with Emirates shortly and will be sure to share ?
Christina says
What i would love to know if how you managed to snaffle two Business Class tickets to Bali for $570. What a bargain. I always get excited about airline upgrades and flying Business Class makes the journey so much more comfortable.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was an error fare Christina. It was only up for a few hours before they realised and took it down. I was very lucky and just in the right place and the right time ?
Brenda says
I have never flown on Business Class (budget issues!) But definitely, if I found an offer like the one you found I would consider it. Looks like you definitely had an amazing experiences (besides the food!)
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I wouldn’t pay full price Brenda lol Bargains like this are hard to find!
Noemi of Pinay Flying High says
I have traveled business class with Emirates quite a few times but not because I paid for it, normally for business trips and recently when we got upgraded when the flight was full. It’s kind of annoying after traveling on business class and then you travel on economy, because then you know what you’re missing. Lol.
I haven’t flown Air Asia for such a long time, I didn’t know they have business class as well in some flights. I’ve only flown with them on short flights.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’ll be flying Emirates business class and first class in November t
blondemoments says
i never did business class but i would love to try it one day. it just looks so comfy. and i guess taht the food is so much better than the one in economy…
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The food is actually exactly the same in both classes on Air Asia and it was very average but for what we paid I’m not complaining!
John Rodgers says
Business class would be better than coach I am sure but for the money we just can’t afford to fly there. This week we flew coach from Nepal to Manila on AAX and this will be the last time I ever book a flight on their airlines. When I have to rent a blanket or get a small bottle of water and pay that is it. Even the lowly Nok Air which is cheaper gives you a paper bag and free drinks. AAX goodbye.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’ve flown economy Air Asia as well and you get what you pay for. I wouldn’t pay full price for business either but these tickets were a steal on an error fare and cheaper than coach. I tend to look for the cheapest flight and prepared to out up with a few issues given its only 5 hours. Now if I’m going to Europe that’s a different story lol
Bianca Adrienne Yu says
I havent tried Airasia yet but i think i wanna try it soon! 🙂
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Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m all about getting a bargain so I’ll fly anyone lol
Alyssa Panghulan says
I’ve only tried Air Asia once when my family went home to Cebu from the province. It wasn’t business class though but the staff were still so accommodating. It was the first airplane ride where I’ve experienced the most terrible turbulence but surprisingly, the supposed to be 1hour+ flight was just 45mins then. 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Glad you had a good experience Alyssa!
Star Lengas says
I haven’t yet flown AirAsia and have heard mixed reviews from those flying Economy. It sounds like flying Business class is definitely the preferable option. My husband is tall and we’re willing to a pay bit more for comfort. Also, super weird about the blankets/pillow.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Having flown both economy and business with Air Asia now I definitely know where I would be prepared to be lol. Glad I am not the only one who thought the blanket/pillow was weird. There was just no need for it!
Danielle says
So interesting to read what it was like behind that curtain! I recently flew Air Asia X from Kyoto to Vietnam and back, and even though everything went smoothly – I could really tell it was a budget airline! Lucky for you though, getting those cheap tickets!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Agree Danielle there is no doubting it is a budget airline but it has a lot going for it ?
Soraya says
For a budget airline, I think Air Asia X is a great option for budget business class. And that’s exactly what it is – a budget business class. To compare it to premium airlines like Qantas or Cathay is unfair, because on those airlines you can be paying $5k-$10k just to be in business class, compared to around the $1k for Air Asia X. I can’t believe how good your deal was for 2 x tickets, return! That is fantastic.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Totally agree Soraya. I am very unwilling to part with the cash for premium airlines business class but I suppose you get what you pay for and Air Asia X delivers exceptional value for the money
Ivanna says
I have never been in business class or had a seat like that so I would definitely be in heaven. I could deal with the food, but I would definitely be upset about the premature pillow/blanket collection.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Lol it’s funny the little things that annoy us. I wasn’t happy mainly beachside there was just no need for it!
Clare says
As a backpacker business class for me is a dream and not an option, though I have got to experience it once on a business trip with Air France, it was amazing and I had such a great sleep, I would love to do every flight this way, maybe when I win the lottery 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m hearing you Clare although I am way past my backpacking days This is the first time I have ever paid for business and only because it was such a bargain and cheaper than economy! Getting good sleep in a plane is hard for me so this was the best bit for me!
Candy says
What a fun read. I can’t believe people try to sneak into the business class. That one guy’s excuse about having to charge his laptop was hilarious. Too bad the food wasn’t anything special! That is one thing I look forward to in business class 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was pretty funny and I have to give him points for trying! The food definitely did not measure up to any of the premium airlines but for what we paid I am not complaining!
Angela says
I’ve only flown business class domestically, but never internationally. I was super jealous reading this, hopefully I can snag a business or first class ticket for that price! I think that splurge was worth it and a steal if you ask me. Hope you enjoyed your trip!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Definitely a steal. Would have cost us more in economy. That’s the beauty of an error fare. They don’t come up often but when they do you have to grab them quick!
Aparna says
First of all, GREAT deal! I’ve only flown Business class once, but boy is it hard to go back to Economy! That’s sad that the food was disappointing, but the comfort still sounds worth the extra $$. I need to keep an eye out for error fares!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Yes it was an exceptional deal Aparna! Yes the food was not great but getting a great sleep was perfect! I wish I could get an error fare more often!
Amaia says
Once you’ve traveled Business class you don’t want to go back to Economy anymore, lol! And also, you understand why business man/women like traveling so much!!
I have only tried Air France’s business class and I can say it is pretty high end service!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s so true Amaia but so can’t afford business class all the time. I do travel a lot domestically for work (mostly Sydney-Melbourne) but we only get to fly economy ?
Katelyn Thomas says
I’ve never flown business class, but now I’m tempted. A shame the meals weren’t as good, but I feel like airline food rarely is amazing regardless!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
At this price I couldn’t resist. The food was never the draw card anyway. I would definitely do it again if the price was right ?
Amber says
That’s such a good deal on the flights, I’d travel business for that much! It’s a shame you didn’t get better food, I flew Premium Economy once on Air New Zealand I think it was (free upgrade) and the meals were so much better.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Amber the premium airlines go business so much better but this was great for the cost!
Kathy says
Thanks for your post. I once managed to bid on an upgrade with Etihad Airways and travelled business class. However the chair didn’t even turn into a bed. There was just a foot rest. Very disappointed as I would have preferred a sloped bed than nothing at all.
Here’s hooing that we both get to travel Business Class again
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Agree Kathy! If it always was this price I would never travel economy again lol
Jean says
Wow! This is such a great and very informative detailed review. I have never tried the Business Class but will def try this atleast once. Thanks for sharing this.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Jean. I never want to go back to economy lol
Ella Ivoire says
What the hell? I was NOT expecting that the food would be the same in economics and business! That’s… I don’t know. Good for the ones in the economic but at the same time strange? I don’t know. I’ve never flight with that company but it doesn’t sounds super exciting for me.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Ella the flight was only 6 hours and the flat bad more than made up for the food. I would definitely fly them again.
Freelancer Rene says
yes, the most disappointing point there was the food.. Lol! Kidding aside, of course a comfortable travel means a lot, and that is why people go for business class; for comfort and satisfaction. Well, once in a while you get these kinds of deal that’s not quite worth.. Well, that is maybe because there are alternative to choose and compare with.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s very rare to get a deal this good which is why I jumped on it very quickly. At these prices I would fly business class all the time ?
Roselle CT says
I haven’t tried a business class air travel yet but I appreciate the food on the economy flights of Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. Philippine Airlines is ok too. Anyways, my trips are within Asia only so I don’t see the need for a business class. My husband is the one who always fly on business class and he likes Delta Airlines and Emirates.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I agree there is no need in short flights and I always fly economy on domestic, unless it’s to Perth and then sometime I will upgrade on points for the return trip. I will be trying Emirates business class for the first time in November when I head to New Zealand. I will be sure to post about my experience ?
Bernadette Angelie Pangilinan says
Ahh! I’m so jelly! You were so lucky 😉 I have never flown in Business class before, I bet that’s such an amazing experience. I always travel on budget airlines too because I’d rather spend my money on tours and local food than on airlines and costly hotels. 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m hearing you Bernadette but at this price how could I not! I’m all for luxury on the cheap lol
PRERNA SINHA says
I have travelled business class a few times(on work not personally as I too find the costs very high) and honestly this didn’t look very premium to me. But having said that, the advantages of a flatbed cannot be denied especially during long flights.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Totally agree Prerna it certainly does not stack up to premium airlines but the flat bed on the night flight was very welcome and at this price I would choose Air Asia X any time ?
Zwitsy says
I haven’t tried Air Asia yet but if ever Business class is affordable, I would take that opportunity. Perhaps that there may be disappointments but sure that compared to other types of class comfortability is guaranteed in here, after all.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Exactly Zwitsy. It was all about comfort and that flat bed seat for me!
Tamshuk says
First, I did not have any idea that Air Asia has business class now (maybe I need to start traveling again!!). I would always prefer a comfortable flight especially if it is longer than four hours. I have never tried the food served in AA so I wouldnt know. But AA is my preferred choice of airline when I am flying within SEA countries.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Mine too Tamshuk. They are such good value. I’ve flown economy with them a number of time and picked up a flight from Phuket to Bankgok for only $4o!
Nilyn says
I have never tried a business class flight nor any international flights. All flights that I experienced were local and I’ll be honest, if not for the seat sales, I may not be able to buy the other tickets! lol! So, with that, my flight experiences only lasted for 1:30 – 2:30 hrs max, economy class, no meals (unless you bring one or purchase from their ridiculously overpriced items during the flight).
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I wouldn’t have been travelling business either other than the fact we paid less than the price of economy Nilyn and I love a sale. I NEVER pay full price ?
ROBERT LEE says
I have never flown business class except once on Philippine Airlines. I can’t complain because I was given a bottle of wine which I finished by the time I landed in Taipei from Manila and was on my way to the second bottle. LOL! As you describe your observations of Air Asia X business class and what they offer, I guess it’s the rice you pay and the standards of the airline itself. It is a budget airline, so business class is an upgrade, but it can’t be compared to premium airlines.
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Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Ahhhh a man after my own heart … I love my wine ? Yes it was budget business class but The flat beds means I would still rather be there then in a premium airlines economy ?