Air Asia Business Class flight review of D7223 Sydney to Kuala Lumpur and connecting flight to Kolkata
IN-DI-A-HHH beckons as usual. Attractive, intriguing, full of history, varied, colourful, entrancing, frustrating at times our relationship is a special one.
We (India and I) converse, argue, break up and make up and I always come back.
This time I am heading for Kolkata and choose Air Asia.
The long international leg from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur will be on Business Class.
From Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata, it being a short flight, the facility is not available. Best price and convenient connection times have determined my choice.
I have flown Air Asia many times before and could never fault it.
Before the Air Asia flight
Check in counter service at Sydney international Airport is fast and effective. I am given an Express Lane Pass and breeze through Immigration.
Air Asia Business Class passengers are soon to have access to a shared Business Class Lounge but there was no Lounge available at the time I was there.
Boarding Air Asia Business Class
Boarding starts on time and is completed with no delays.
Experience
My seat is 1D and first impressions are very positive. The whole cabin décor is a striking black and red.
Capsule leather seats are superbly comfortable and recline to what airlines call a flat bed.
There are power points well placed and all the expected reading lights and nooks and crannies to put your small stuff in are there.
The cabin is small (only three rows of seats which equals to 18 passengers) and the feeling is intimate.
Amenities Kit
There is no amenities kit, which generally speaking is not an essential requirement, especially if you have in mind this is a budget airline.
You can easily bring socks, toothbrush and an eyeshade from home if you need them.
Service
The cabin service is neat and prompt delivered by a young crew who aim to please. Entertainment units are brought to those who request it.
This consists of an iPad in a handy holder with a wide selection of movies, news and music. There are no screens on seats or anywhere else.
Although this is a noontime flight I notice that right after the meal service the cabin is darkened and the shades are pulled down.
I personally like this as it provides an environment conducive to rest, work or sleep which to me is paramount on a long flight.
Their crew’s red uniforms are very attractive and matched to the cabin’s interior design and colour scheme.
The meals are surprisingly good. Not fancy but just tasty and enough to satisfy. Chicken rice and curries are a favourite that travel well.
There are no cocktails, signature drinks, champagne, wines or spirits included.
Again, this is a budget airline and you are paying a fraction of the price the big airlines charge and I am more focused on a comfortable seat (bed) than on amenities.
Entertainment
The iPad contains a comprehensive list of films and music and the earphones provided are the basic ones. If you are a sound purist, bring your own.
Workspace
If you have to do work during the flight, power points are placed conveniently and there is peace and quiet in the darkened cabin.
Air Asia has gone as far as to section off part of their Economy cabins as a Quiet Zone where you can request to sit in if you treasure silence. No children are booked in this Quiet area.
The bottom line
Air Asia Business Class is worth it. No unnecessary frills but you get a comfortable capsule seat that reclines to a spacious bed.
You are fed a reasonable meal and you have a good choice of entertainment available on your personal unit.
I know I prefer a comfortable bed to any amenity kits and free alcoholic drinks on an international Business Class flight. What about you?
Maria Visconti paid for her own Economy fares and was upgraded to Business Class by Air Asia
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