Tag Archives: short

  • 1
Air Asia Inflight Experience

AirAsia 💺 Inflight Experience : Thailand to Malaysia

Tags : 

Embarking on a new adventure and considering Air Asia for your next trip? This article uncovers the pros and cons of flying with Air Asia. We’ll delve into the airline’s strengths, such as its pocket-friendly fares, extensive route options, and inflight services that make it a popular choice among travelers.

However, we won’t shy away from exploring any potential drawbacks, providing you with a well-rounded assessment to aid your decision-making process. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of Air Asia, helping you make an informed choice for an upcoming journey.

Flying from Thailand to Malaysia

Following a few days in Phuket, we planned to take a short AirAsia flight south to the tropical island paradise of Langkawi. We were curious to see how the AirAsia inflight experience compared to other budget Asian airlines such as Lion Air and (the now bankrupt) Jet Airways.

Although there is a boat that runs between Phuket and Langkawi, the cost is about the same as a budget flight. Also the flight – including a transit stop in Kuala Lumpur – is actually quicker.

Booking Tickets

We booked our AirAsia flights online, 2 months earlier. Their booking website is very user-friendly, and you can get some great bargains if you book early enough. We paid the equivalent of €58 each for single flights travelling from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur and then onwards from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi.

Departure from Phuket

Count on at least 45 minutes to get to the airport from the main beach areas of Phuket (early morning or late night). At any other time the journey can take twice as long. You can anticipate long queues at the airport. If you’re short on time, the whole experience can be quite stressful.

Make sure you still have your embarkation card: If not, you’ll lose your place in the queue and will be facing even longer delays.

AirAsia Inflight Experience

AirAsia inflight experience – Departure from Phuket

Free Snacks!

Our flight from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur was short and comfortable. Unlike equivalent European budget airlines such as Ryanair or Easyjet, we were offered complimentary warm snacks and drinks.

AirAsia Inflight Experience

AirAsia inflight experience – complimentary samosas and soda

In-transit through Kuala Lumpur

We had a couple of hours at the airport in Kuala Lumpur to find our connecting AirAsia flight. This means transferring from KL International (KLIA ) to KL Domestic (KLIA2). For this you need to take a short train ride using the KLIA Transit Service (RM 2 per ticket).

Our transit went smoothly, and we were soon on our next flight for an even shorter hop over to Langkawi.

We were suitably impressed with the service and efficiency of AirAsia. Additionally they offer a Big Loyalty scheme to all customers for even greater savings.

AirAsia Inflight Experience

AirAsia inflight experience – Arrival in Langkawi

Arrival in Langkawi

It was raining when we arrived in Langkawi, but the AirAsia staff had anticipated this. We had a covered gangway down from the aircraft to the tarmac where we were offered colorful red umbrellas for the short walk over to the terminal.

Quite a different experience from European budget airlines, who allow you to get soaked in the freezing rain while inefficiently be made to wait to embark/disembark the plane.

Despite the rain on arrival in Langkawi it was warm, and we were looking forward to a week of tropical relaxation.

Reasons *Not* to Fly with AirAsia

Known for its budget-friendly fares and extensive route network, AirAsia has gained popularity as a go-to option for cost-conscious travelers. However, as with any airline, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a booking. While the airline offers inexpensive flights, lets look at some of the drawbacks that may persuade you to search elsewhere.

  • Limited Seat Comfort: One of the most common concerns among travelers flying with AirAsia is the limited seat comfort. The seats on some of their aircraft can be relatively cramped, especially during long-haul flights. While this may not be an issue for short journeys, it could pose a challenge for travelers seeking extra legroom or more comfortable seating for extended travel periods.
  • Extra Fees and Add-Ons: AirAsia’s budget-friendly fares often come with additional fees and add-ons. From choosing preferred seats to meals and baggage allowance, these extras can add up quickly, potentially diminishing the initial cost savings. It’s essential to carefully review the fare breakdown and factor in any necessary add-ons to avoid surprises and ensure a hassle-free journey.
  • Limited Customer Support: While AirAsia prides itself on its streamlined online booking system, some travelers have reported challenges in reaching customer support when facing issues or changes in their travel plans. Limited customer service availability could be a concern, especially during peak travel periods or emergency situations.
  • Print your own Baggage Labels: With the ever-increasing move away from customer service and towards automation, AirAsia requires you to use one of their exasperating airport machines to print your own baggage labels. Have fun with that when you’re in a hurry at the airport 😠
  • Punctuality and Flight Cancellations: AirAsia’s punctuality record has become a hot topic of discussion. Many passengers have experienced flight delays, last-minute schedule changes, and cancellations causing inconveniences and disruptions to their travel plans. While not all flights encounter these problems, many do. It’s therefore crucial to consider this aspect when choosing AirAsia for time-sensitive trips.
  • Inflight Entertainment: Unlike some full-service carriers, AirAsia does not offer inflight entertainment options for their shorter flights. For passengers seeking a wide variety of movies, TV shows, or in-seat entertainment systems, this could be a point of concern.

Choosing an airline for your journey involves considering both the advantages and disadvantages to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. While AirAsia’s affordable fares and vast route network attract many travelers, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential drawbacks.

From seat comfort to extra fees and customer support, being well-informed allows you to make a decision that aligns with your preferences and travel needs. Ultimately, by weighing the reasons not to fly AirAsia against its benefits, you can make a confident choice for your upcoming adventures.

 


If you enjoyed AirAsia Inflight Experience, check out Island Hopping from Phuket to Penang. You may also like:

AirAsia Inflight Experience

  • 1
Boquete Mountain Trails

Boquete Mountain Trails 🥾 Dangers & Precautions

Tags : 

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the surrounding Panamanian mountains, Boquete offers breathtaking vistas and adrenaline-pumping escapades, with a variety of activities and hiking trails to choose from.

While these trails offer unparalleled beauty and excitement, it is essential to be well-prepared for the potential dangers that lie ahead. In this article, we unveil the captivating allure of Boquete’s mountainous terrain while offering essential tips to ensure a safe and memorable exploration.

So lace up your hiking boots for an exhilarating expedition through nature’s wonders, where thrill meets precaution in perfect harmony.

The Boquete Mountains

The hills and mountains around Boquete are a huge draw for tourists who want to enjoy some serious trekking off the beaten path. However, you may first want to take into account some recent and not-so-recent incidents before heading out alone on the Boquete mountain trails.

As much as the local media and authorities try to play down the risks, there are real issues facing budget travellers in Panama. These risks are not just limited to the well-known danger areas in cities such as Colon and Panama City.

Over the past few years, there have been a number of unsolved and gruesome murders, as well as tourist disappearances in the Boquete and Bocas Del Toro areas of Panama.

Boquete Mountain Trails

Boquete Mountain Trails

The most infamous of these was the death of 2 girl backpackers on the Volcan trail, Boquete in 2014. The actual facts of the case are still unsolved, and speculation is rife. There are a number of more or less lurid theories: An accidental fall, a drugs deal gone wrong, or an attack by wild animals.

The police search recovered only some bones and belongings. Months later, some indigenous people turned in a bag of bones containing the remains of 2 girls, plus 3 other unidentified people.

The police didn’t pursue the case further, possibly to avoid any repercussions to the tourist industry.

Isla Bastimentos

More recently in early 2017 an American girl was dragged into the jungle and murdered near the Red Frog trail in Isla Bastimentos, not far from Bocas Del Toro. Again, more speculation and rumours, but this time the FBI was called in.

When we visited Bastimentos 3 weeks later, we were greeted with billboards advising tourists not to take valuables onto the trails. It wasn’t clear to us if this meant there was a risk of being mugged (since our bags would be on our shoulders on the trails), or worse.

In any event, we heeded the advice and left everything except a camera in our guesthouse. This actually was a tricky decision, since our guesthouse – The Ushuaia – gave us the distinct impression of being anything but safe and secure, with a window that couldn’t be closed facing directly onto the jungle.

Jungle Trail to Wizard Beach

From Bastimentos town, we started on the trail through the jungle to Wizard beach (the other side of the island) in the early morning. After 200 yards we passed a couple of policemen. They were discreetly taking pictures of everyone who passed into the jungle. There were a couple more policemen close to the end of the trail.

We didn’t meet anybody during the 30-minute walk in between.

Isla Colon

At Bluff beach on Isla Colon, we saw notices advising tourists – for their personal safety – not to use the beaches before 9 am and after 5 pm.

Nevertheless, one night due to unforeseen delays we were obliged to make an unplanned hike in the dark back along the jungle path to our guesthouse.

It was a pretty creepy experience, and one to be avoided if possible. Even during the day there was a noticeable police presence around both town and beaches.

The takeaway from all this?

Take especial care when travelling in Panama at night, on or off the beaten path. And ideally, don’t travel alone after dark.

Stay Informed : Stay Safe

Panama is considered generally safe for travel. However, like in any country, there are certain precautions travelers should take to ensure their safety, and one common piece of advice is to avoid traveling after dark, especially in certain areas.

Petty crime, such as theft and muggings, may increase in poorly lit areas and less frequented locations during nighttime.

Boquete Mountain Trails

Boquete – Nestled on the edge of the jungle, the infamous ‘ghost house’

To stay safe while traveling in Panama, consider the following tips:

  1. Schedule your sightseeing, shopping, and other outdoor activities during the daytime when it’s safer and more crowded.
  2. If you need to move around after dark, use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps rather than walking or using public transportation.
  3. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas, especially if exploring at night.
  4. Be vigilant with your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items like jewelry or electronic devices.
  5. Carry only essential identification and travel documents with you, leaving the originals safely stored in a hotel safe.
  6. Stay informed about the safety situation in the specific regions of Panama you intend to explore and be aware of any recent travel advisories.

It’s important to note that situations can change over time, so check with the latest travel advisories and updates from official government sources before your trip to Panama. These resources will provide the most up-to-date information on safety and security for travelers.

All your hotel options in Boquete


If you enjoyed Boquete Mountain Trails, check out our Panama Roundtrip. You may also like:

 


________________________________________

Short Breaks Asia

Tropical Accessories

Short Breaks Europe

The SandSpice Shop