Air Asia 888 – Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok Don Muang

Air Asia – AK 888– KUL– DMK

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Airbus A320
Seat 23D
Flight time: 18:45– 19:50 (19:27-20:14)
Duration: 2 hours 05 minutes
29th August 2015

O V E R V I E W :

This sector was totally unplanned and I did not intend to travel to Thailand. A month or so before the scheduled departure date, I read about the news that Air Asia X (D7) will be discontinuing flights to Tokyo Narita from Kuala Lumpur and true enough an email was received shortly after that from Air Asia regarding the cancellation of my flight to Tokyo Narita.

Two alternatives were offered:

Fly to Tokyo Haneda instead from Kuala Lumpur
Fly to Tokyo Narita but via Bangkok on Thai Air Asia X (XJ)

Chose option 2 instead as the flight to Haneda from KUL arrives around 10pm and hence 1 day will be wasted whereas the red eye flight to Narita from Bangkok arrives in the morning. Decided to go for AK 888 to Bangkok as it gives a rather optimal 4 hours of transit.Arrived at KLIA via the ERL feeling excited for this unplanned layover in Bangkok! Looking forward for my authentic Thai dinner at DMK.No check in luggage was bought so went to the self-check in kiosk to get my boarding passes printed in no time!Boarding gate L14, quite a journey here but not as bad as the ones after the sky bridge.My bird to Bangkok with the ordinary livery arriving late into the stand, causing a slight delay to my departure time. Did not occupy my original seat as the flight was only 70% full, got 3 seats to myself towards the rear of the aircraft.Rather tight seat pitch but bearable for this short hop.The amazing looking sky bridge featuring Malindo’s bird which will no longer be seen parking at KLIA2 starting March 15 this year. Safety demonstration was done manually by the wonderful crew after push back.A rather busy evening here at KLIA with numerous take off and landing. In the queue for departure. Lifted off after about 20 minutes in the queue waiting for our slot. No transit facilities at DMK which means I have to exit immigration and then re-enter for my onward flight to Tokyo.Seat pocket shot featuring the tempting Santan menu. Did not prebook or purchase any meal for this short hop as I planned to have my authentic Thai dinner at DMK.After close to two hours, final approach into DMK.Taxi to the gate.It was pouring heavily when we arrived and I was glad that aerobridge was used at DMK.Making my way to immigration. A free stamp for my passport’s collection?Can’t help but to take a picture of Scoot’s Dreamliner on my way out. Dinner at one of the restaurants at the departures level where the check-in desks are located. Yum yum authentic Thai food for dinner before my onward flight to Tokyo!

C O N C L U S I O N:

While this is my first trip report for Air Asia, it is not my first flight with them. In fact, I have lost count on the number of flights I have taken on AK. As usual, I can feel that the cabin crew are very proud to fly with their airline and are very friendly and professional at the same time. No doubts on why Air Asia have been crowned World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for a few times in a row now. Next up, to Tokyo!