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“How bad could it be?” This was my thought going into AirAsia economy class SIN-DPS after a marathon flight from Washington (IAD) to Singapore (SIN) via Abu Dhabi (AUH) in business and first class. Ultimately, it was not bad at all. It was a convenient way to get to Bali.
The Seat
Like other ultra-low-cost carriers, Air Asia has slimline economy seats packed into the plane. There was nearly no padding, recline, or legroom on these seats. I will honestly say it was probably one of the most uncomfortable airplane seats I have ever been on. I thought that Spirit’s or Frontier’s seats would be comparable, but I have to say that this was significantly less comfortable.
There was no in-flight entertainment and also barely a tray table. The truth is that you get what you pay for, and if you read the booking section, you will understand how I justified this uncomfortable experience.
Next time I may splurge to pay for a seat assignment with extra legroom, possibly in the bulkhead, because, quite frankly, it was an uncomfortable flight.
The Service
There was not much service on board. Of course, the flight attendants came through with a paid snack and drink cart. However, besides declining to pay for anything on board, I had no other interaction with the crew.
One disruptive customer was causing a problem for one reason or another during boarding. I will say that the crew was incredibly professional in speaking with her and asking he to kindly take her seat, which led to no further issues.
Booking AirAsia Economy Class SIN-DPS
When looking for flights from Singapore to Bali, the first option was to look at Singapore Airlines. With this route lasting only three hours, I did not think it was worth splurging for business class.
Singapore’s economy happened to be about $260-ish for the one-way economy fare, which I thought was particularly steep. Singapore did not release award availability to its partners for our dates, and rates in Singapore were too high.
Comparatively, we could book a flight at the perfect time in the late morning AirAsia for only $63. This included paying for carry-on bags, which I thought was a great deal. We did not splurge to pay for seat assignments, which worked fine. For three hours, I figured I would deal with the discomfort for $200 in savings.
The Last Point
AirAsia economy class did what its best at on our flight: being cheap. It was not the most comfortable experience, but it got us from point A to point B on time and for a very affordable price.
I would not hesitate to fly them again on a short flight, such as to Bali. However, I would consider flying another carrier or splurging for more legroom on longer flights.
Trip Report
This article is part of my Asia Trip Report:
- Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge IAD
- Review: Etihad B787-9 First Class IAD-AUH
- My Lucky Day: A FREE Upgrade to Etihad $10,000 First Class
- Review: Etihad First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi AUH
- Review: Etihad B787-10 Business Class AUH-SIN
- Is First Class on Etihad Worth It?
- Booking 21 Hours in Business Class for $45: My Best Redemption Yet!
- Quick Review: Hilton Singapore Orchard
- Wandering Singapore: My Thoughts
- Exploring the Jewel at Changi: My Thoughts
- Review: Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore (SIN)
- Review: Air Asia SIN-DPS A320
- Review: Hyatt Regency Bali Deluxe Room
- Review: Alila Ubud Deluxe Room
- Review: Alila Seminyak Studio
- How I Saved 20,000 Hyatt Points Per Night
- Bali in 2023: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
- Review: Singapore Airlines Economy Class
- Review: Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit
- Luxury For Cheap: Category 1 Hyatt Hotels
- Exploring Bangkok: My Thoughts
- Review: Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge Bangkok (BKK)
- Review: Japan Airlines B777-300er Business Class BKK-HND
- Review: Japan Airlines Domestic Sakura Lounge HND
- Review: Japan Airlines Domestic Business Class Experience
- Review: Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda
- Visiting Hiroshima: My Thoughts
- Trains in Japan: My Thoughts
- Traditional Townhouse Kyoto: My Thoughts
- Hiking to the Top of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto
- Review: Capsule Hotel Experience in Tokyo
- Watching Baseball in Japan: My Thoughts
- Review: ANA First Class Lounge Tokyo Narita (NRT)
- The Best Flight of My Life: ANA First Class NRT-ORD Review
- Craziest Travel Turn Around: From Capsule Hotel to ANA First Class
- No Lounge on a $13,000 First Class Ticket?!?
- Booking a $13,000 First Class Ticket for 47,000 Points
Nonstop Points has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Nonstop Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. This post may contain affiliate links; please read our advertiser disclosure for more information
Pure BS! This airline SUX big time! Is considered the Spirit Airlines of SE Asia. Trying to get in touch with their Customer Service is virtually nonexistent, even trying to text or WhatApp is Ridiculous! There is no flexibility if you need to change a flight or time, just dole out more money. And recently signed up for the ASEAN Pass, what a waste of time and ripoff! Don’t try this service unless you’re willing to book at least 3 months out you wont find any flights. And when you do it’s typical crazy and/or limited times, and the two timers I looked at using the Pass vs. just a regular booking, saved maybe $5.00. Do not take the plung, absolutely not worth the money, time, or effort!