KL to Sydney: Air Asia X or Malaysian Airlines?

16 replies

rob01

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 10 Nov 2011

Total posts 110

Hi All


I need to book a one way flight from KUL to SYD and looking at either Air Asia X or Malaysian (in economy unfortunately!). Both are comparable in price. I haven't flown with either in years as I normally stick to SQ. Would appreciate any comments on service, reliability etc.

Thanks!

ajstubbs

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 15 Mar 2016

Total posts 117

Malaysian. It might not be a popular choice anymore but their safety programs etc. were actually fantastic before their reputation took a hit that was probably not directly their fault. Food was always good, as was service. Conversely, I wouldn't fly Air Asia for anything.

freshthoughts

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 08 Aug 2016

Total posts 112

always full service over low cost, especially if the price is comparable.

you can also credit malaysian to QF and their a330's would be more comfortable than a 9 across 787

mannej

QF

Member since 21 May 2014

Total posts 176

D7 use the A330, not the 787 (9 across in the 330 doesn't sound pleasant).

rob01

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 10 Nov 2011

Total posts 110

Thanks guys .... it was interesting reading reviews on SkyTrax with Air Asia getting great reviews over Malaysian! That being said it's all very subjective. In the end I've decided to just stump up the extra cash and come back via SIN with SQ.

victort

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 14 Feb 2017

Total posts 77

Go for a full service airline like MAS. Just flew this exact route via Air Asia X and it's not something i ever want to do again. Food, checked baggage and entertainment is extra. There are no screens so unless you've got a book for the 8 1/2 hour flight, you'll likely be bored out of your mind like i was!

alexlips99

Member since 16 Jun 2017

Total posts 5

If the price is similar, you'd be shooting yourself in the foot not to go with Malaysian. It would be like choosing Jetstar over Qantas for the same price. That said, AirAsia is great for rock-bottom fairs to Asia (and soon to the US and Europe...) via their new KLIA2 purpose-built low-cost hub.

Dredgy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 182

In economy, definetly Malaysian.

AirAsia X used to have lie flats though, for like a $199 upgrade. Doesn't make the food any more edible, but it's still a bed!

airADL

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 25 Mar 2014

Total posts 214

199 for lie flat bed awesome bugger the food.

In economy, definetly Malaysian.
AirAsia X used to have lie flats though, for like a $199 upgrade. Doesn't make the food any more edible, but it's still a bed!

Dredgy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 182

199 for lie flat bed awesome bugger the food.


My thoughts. It's been 3 or 4 years since I've flown them so no idea what the offering is now, but the 199 was for a lie flat with blanket, plus included food and I think entertainment. Food was inedible, but Red Rooster at the airport made up for that.

 And it was cheaper than flying economy in a full service airline at the time.
 

Nick Sydney 2

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 22 Jul 2015

Total posts 83

Hard choice. MH have recovered some lost ground but their cost cutting is very evident on my lats run with them to London. Its a short run so either should be fine. 

moa999

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Jul 2011

Total posts 834

, but the 199 was for a lie flat with blanket, plus included food and I think entertainment.
Sadly Optiontown prices have increased considerably. Think last one I saw was over $400, and D7 seems to be selling out it's Business cabins, so the chance of getting it is low

Dredgy

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 02 Apr 2017

Total posts 182

, but the 199 was for a lie flat with blanket, plus included food and I think entertainment.
Sadly Optiontown prices have increased considerably. Think last one I saw was over $400, and D7 seems to be selling out it's Business cabins, so the chance of getting it is low

Definitely not worth it then.

MaxwellSmart

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 18 Jun 2017

Total posts 1

I have flown this route (SYD-KUL) a couple of times on AirAsia over the past three months, with one trip KUL-SYD.  If you fly Airasia X, remember they do not pretend to be anything other than a low cost carrier. Their food is suitable, for what it is, their drinks are okay. Their staff, while nice, are not overly invested in the brand. Three times, was fortunate to get extra seats with go to OptionTown, so was able to stetch out and attempt sleep on the flight. 


here is the amazing part- I slept BETTER in a sitting up seat on a packed Qantas flight (SIN-SYD) than any of the flights where I could lie down on three seats in AirAsia X.

Summary- While I am unable to talk about Malaysia Airlines economy, AirAsia will get you there and back for a fair price. However, given a choice, I'd probably go Malaysain next time.

Hope this helps.

btaus

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 15 Dec 2016

Total posts 171

Go for SQ. It costs bit more plus a connection in SIN, but who can really beat SQ in terms of service and comfort (not even "gulf three" can match them)

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