With AirAsia available in our own land, budget travel has become a key contributor to increase in travel for leisure. Needless to say, one can't expect the same level of comfort as what one would have on a regular full-service airline. We've often heard gripes about the lack of space or the seat being too small or not able to recline.
This article I stumbled upon on
Articlesbase would give us a little insight into AirAsia seating.
5 Facts About Choosing the Best Air Asia X SeatThis article will give you five facts that everyone should know before choosing the best Air Asia X seat for your next flight. As well as informing you of the best seats and explaining the truth about the Air Asia X seat pitch, this article will also explain how to actually go about securing these seats for your next flight.
Tip #1: The truth about seat pitch
Many major newspapers around the world incorrectly slate Air Asia for having very small seats with only a 31" seat pitch. Well 31" isn't that small and it is actually the same as British Airways, Lufthansa and United Airlines have. Even tall people can still fit in these seats no problem.
Tip#2: Seat widths
Air Asia X use Airbus A330 aircraft equipped with 9 seats (3-3-3) across. Most airlines that use the aircraft have 8 seats across (2-4-2). Air Asia was smart about it and reduced the width of the aisles and the armrests making the seats only slightly narrower. If you are fine with a regular Economy seat, then you will find Air Asia X seats to be comfortable enough as well.
Tip#3: Seat recline
The genius behind the 9 seat across plan was clearly having a bad day when the seat recline options were chosen. Air Asia X seats do not recline, instead the base slides forward to create an angled back. If you are in a regular seat this will kill most of your legroom and make it very uncomfortable. This is not an issue with exit row/bulkhead seats or if you are a small person. The airline has listened to customer feedback and is replacing these seats with regular ones in 2010. Until then, remember to bring a neck pillow.
Tip #4: Exit row seats
It is worth mentioning that all seats on Air Asia X have individual TV screens with video on demand. The TV for exit row seats is in the armrest, which normally makes these seats slightly narrower. Air Asia X decided this would make these seats too small. Instead, the airline made the middle seat in the Exit row very narrow and always leaves these seats empty. This is a great as it means the remaining exit row seats have unlimited legroom and they have an empty seat next to them. These seats can be booked in advance, for a fee, anytime including at time of booking and are labelled as hot seats. These normally cost 100 Ringgit, £20GBP or $40AUD.
Tip#5: Bulkhead seats
Bulkhead seats are a similar story to Exit row seats. The middle seat is always free as it is too narrow for anyone to sit in. The downside of bulkhead seats is that their legroom is slightly limited when compared to exit row seats. Furthermore, they are more likely to have babies in them as these seats are next to the bassinet. Still, if exit row seats are not available, these are excellent seats to have. Again, you can book these on the Air Asia X website when you book you ticket or at any time until you have checked in. Also note that if these seats are empty, you will not be permitted to sit in them unless you have paid the extra hot seat charge.
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Author:
Christian Webster has spent his life flying all over the world find out the secrets of affordable luxury air travel. To find out more about what he thinks of flight delays click
here. Wondering how you can save time and money on air travel, visit his blog now at:
http://www.neverflyeconomy.com
