Update at 8.58am : Self-checked in just before 8.30am.
In the queue at baggage drop counter number 53 at 8.33am.
At the counter by 8.35am.
Done by 8.36am.
Lesser crowd than earlier, but also fewer counters manned.
Some F&B staff told me that the scene this morning is a daily occurrence.
Huge crowds with grossly inadequate counters to clear them efficiently.
________________________________________________
In 2007?
Maybe.
Now?
Cheap, yes, but what’s that saying about peanuts and monkeys?
Was scheduled to fly this morning at 6.45am out of the KLIA LCCT.
Self-checked in yesterday afternoon on the web.
The boarding pass indicated that the gate would close at 6.25am.
Had one bag to check in.
Cabbed it out this morning from the office at 5am.
Was at one of the baggage drop counters for domestic flights by 5.50am.
Only about half the counters were manned.
The ones that were manned had queues that were long and moving at a snail’s pace.
I asked a few people ahead of me if I could jump queue as my gate closure time was drawing near.
They all had the same predicament.
40 minutes after I started to queue, I finally got to the counter.
Too late.
“Please go to counter 68”, I was told.
Went there.
Told that the plane doors were closed and I would have to purchase another ticket for the next flight, the earliest being 10.30am.
RM308.00
I c0mplained about waiting 40 minutes to get to the baggage drop counter, the huge crowd and the number of counters that were unmanned.
“Ok, sir, I’ll just charge you a fine of RM100 for your ticket for the next flight”, the staff offered instantly.
I sit here waiting for the 10.30 flight, RM100 poorer, with meetings at the intended destination having to be rescheduled.
Now everyone can fly, eh Tony?
Don’t bet on it, folks!
The People's Parliament 
rama ramanathan
November 10, 2011
I stopped flying AirAsia when they told me bags belonging to one family could not be checked in together “unless all the passengers are listed on the same PNR.”
If anyone who works for AirAsia is reading this, I would offer them the same advise I offered those who work for Jetstar after I experienced their ‘service’:
http://write2rest.blogspot.com/2011/05/if-i-worked-for-jetstar.html
Bobby
November 10, 2011
That usually happens in the early flights or the last few ones.
I suppose you’re one of the few who haven’t gotten used to these under-manned, substandard service.
Shamsul Yunos
November 10, 2011
Tony is an asshole and I don’t like to fly Air Asia because their rules are just there to reduce their staffing and charge customers and now we are being screwed by Tony through MAS as well… something has to be done to stop this robber
najib manaukau
November 10, 2011
Tony survives and thrives on telling lies !
Just check the final amount you are paying and not what Air Asia advertises and you will see that Air Asia is charging about the same amount as a full service airline is. Air Asia is charging you for everything from your bags to having a drink on the plane, taking food or even a snack on the plane. You are forbidden to take your own food or snack onto the plane, everyday Air Asia is coming with ‘new idea’ on what and how they can charge they passengers. That is Air Asia for you, a true reflection of this deceitful son of ******* !
K S Ong
November 10, 2011
I still cannot get over his ‘What did I get for being a crony?’ A friend suggested an answer, ‘Commissions’! Just imagine the billions involved in purchase of planes.
najib manaukau
November 10, 2011
How else do you think that this fake billionaire is able to buy himself Queenstown Park Rangers ?
Once you are conned to fly with Air Asia you have chosen to give them your ATM card with your PIN number to them and also the food you pay on the Air Asia us even worse than those at the fleece market. In short you are Air Asia ATM ?
But the passengers will soon realize what Air Asia is and rest assured it would be long before Air Asia real intentions are and will not be able to take their delivery of the air crafts they have ordered. That is the reason why Tony is now applying for the right to operate a full service airline when most of the full service airlines are in financial problems.
Once more don’t be fooled by his ‘every body can fly’ advertisement, Air Asia knows their deceits will not last forever !
Victor
November 10, 2011
It seems that En Haris planned his trip to the airport around the closure of the boarding gate after online check-in which would be fine if you don’t check in luggage. Baggage drop off for a particular flight usually closes 1 hour before flight departure or rather 30 minutes before boarding gate closure.
I believe we just need to familiarise with the terms and conditions and educate ourselves to make travel on AirAsia more seamless.
Actually, I have been in similar situation when travelling AirAsia but there are few alternatives. It’s not perfect but it saves a lot of $$$.
I guess in Malaysia, we make do like we always do..
yuliang
November 10, 2011
when you are in monopoly all sorts of things come. 😀
HETCHESS
November 10, 2011
Flew on this airline once upon recommendation of a travel agent friend. It has also been the last since. Not only did it cost me a missed flight and my return fare I was told there were no available flights till some days later and that too at an exhorbitant fare. I flew out on the worlds top carrier within hours that day at a discounted rate with flyer miles and other goodies of value to boot and full service mind you meals and all. Unless you are intentionally looking for angst or have too much time to kill or notice I think saving a penny or two on this carrier is for you. Once was enough for me and without being judgemental I simply exercise my choice, preference and alternate options now
Amus
November 10, 2011
Air Asia thrived on penalties. They imposed regulation, interpreted arbitrarily and this often resulted in penalties. When you call to complain you are again charged for every minute you decided to sound off.
wwwdeliumcakeTony Chew
November 10, 2011
Somehow or rather Malaysia has the distinction of ffffing things up eventually…hub of this, hub of that, center of excellence for this and that….pergi lah !!!
Joachim Thayalan
November 10, 2011
Taking poor rakyat for ride, dei Tony….will be honest to ur own self…..dei remember for every action there is for reaction that you has to pay… The rakyat work so hard to earn yet people like you as cronies of BN only knew to screw the innocent rakyat……Heloo God is watching over u & jibby…..
Ricky
November 10, 2011
Once when my maid was returning to Jakarta, the AirAsia ground staff said that she had to check in the hand luggage because it was overweight. I insisted on a 2nd weigh in and found out that the scale they used was showing 2kg not 0. I asked them why and they said it was spoiled. I scolded them for fleecing all the other passengers as it was 10am. Just think of the money they made since the 1st flight that day. They immediately called for the Technician to rectify it….. swindlers…. They checked my maid in without a hitch……
malaysianfirst
November 10, 2011
Same thing happened to me Haris. The first and only time I have ever missed a flight was with Air Asia. Ptui!!!!!!
gekko
November 23, 2011
More tricks like this…. I fly AA twice a month since 2006. In 50% of the case, while making purchases on board, the crew handling the cash would mistakenly retain 1 or 2 RM while giving the change ack, especially when buying several items at once. It became kind of a game to bet wether this or this particular staff would try its luck. Check it out !
My2cen
November 10, 2011
Never flew AirAsia, heard too many horrid stories. Now with MAS-AirAsia tie-up, there’ll be no reason not to charge full fares for all destinations, won’t even be bothered to advertise reduced rates, afterall when you try to book those flights, there’re all sold already!
medza
November 10, 2011
I made an oath to myself to never fly this crooked tongue airline ever again. But not since MAS is hooked to them, I’m sorry to say that MAS is also out for me. I’ll go SIA, Air India, Cathay, China Airlines, Brunei Airlines, Emirates, even if it cost more, I’m happy to be treated like a human passenger.
Ranen Bhattacharyya
November 10, 2011
Dang Air Asia…15th October a Sunday KL to Kota Kinabalu. Family of four electronic check-in ok. Family friend in his 70’s, electronic check-in NOT done, has fully paid tickets BUT could not get him on board. Tickets and person not enough proof. Must have ‘Boarding Pass’, Air Asia to give or deny.
Oooophs found no charity from ground staff….
Rest of family denied flying as one member (me) stayed behind to assist senior citizen (74+ year old).
Air Asia ground staff have a lousy attitude to client interest. Never a help.
Lost all five seats.
Bought new tickets at RM500 ++ prices for next flight. Placed the 70 year old on an earlier flight. He missed it yet again…NOBODY at the departure gate helped aged passenger even with boarding pass, Air Asia NO help to aged.
Bought another, now RM600++ ticket for aged. Talked to ground staff to look after senior citizen. Air Asia man must have, have not seen the old man since.
Point is, bloody chaos at LCCT, ALL signage is painted and or hung above the line of sight of everyone, except those with legs of 20 feet and above. NO help extended to confused, disoriented senior citizen passengers.
Tony Fernandez help the old and infirm and improve the streaming of passengers from check-in counter to departure gate, please. Otherwise, you are a THIEF.
Naksam
November 11, 2011
I remembered Tony’s answer when asked how he was able to overcome the fuel price hike sometimes back. Part of his answer was “….I was able to squeeze .. from the passengers ..” Now I understand what he meant by ‘squeeze’.
Ricky
November 11, 2011
SCOOT, Singapore’s newest airline will be charging 40% lesser than AirAsia…………
flyer168
November 11, 2011
Haris,
Suggest you take a travel insurance anytime you travel on LCC flights…
Travel Insurance – http://www.chartisdirect.com.my/travel-guard_1558_301623.html?cmpid=KNC-Google-cont:travel_insurance::general_travel
Travel Insurance provides compensation for people traveling abroad from unexpected events like accidents, delayed flights, trip cancellation due to covered reasons such as hospitalization, lost of travel documents and emergency medical treatment You will have immediate access to 24 hour worldwide assistance in case of an emergency situation when you are abroad.
The short term coverage is for domestic and overseas leisure travel.
Annual multiple-trips coverage are available depending on the plan selected.
Next to share this…
Write The Company » Blog Archive » Private Matters with Ryanair – http://writethecompany.com/private-matters-with-ryanair
And finally….how about some humor on the subject:
“Ladies and gentlemen, our flight attendants are about to begin the safety briefing…
Please insert $2 in the seatback ahead of you to release the safety card so that you can follow along.
Please insert $5 in the slot located in the armrest of your seat to access your seat-belt. Insert the metal end into the buckle and tighten using the strap.
To release, insert $2.50 and lift the buckle.
In the event of a sudden change in cabin pressure…
Please insert $25 in the ceiling panel above your head, and an oxygen mask will drop down. Take the mask, place it over your nose and mouth and breath normally. Even though oxygen will be flowing, the bag will not inflate. Please secure your own mask before purchasing additional masks for children.
In the event of a water landing….
Please insert $45 in the slot below your seat and remove the pouch containing your life vest.
Please place the vest over your head and secure the straps around your waste and clip into the buckle.
To inflate the vest, tug sharply on the red tabs as you leave the aircraft.
Also available, a manual inflation tube for $5.50, a light for $3.75, and a whistle for $1.25”
At the rate AA is going…don’t be surprised !
You be the judge.
Shalom.
flyer168
November 11, 2011
Haris,
Just to share this…
Jesse Ventura Decries Fascist America After Judge Tosses TSA Case – YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jia5_6H72E&feature=player_embedded#!
You be the judge.
Shalom.
saimon chok
November 11, 2011
We were silly and have trusted the bait we have taken.
shakuntala
November 12, 2011
In the beginning, Tony Fernandez got some good accolades, back when he was not spoiled by a title.
Have heard from a reliable source, one of his old pilots, who then thought highly of him but who since has moved to another lucrative flyer, that he even was ready to chip in with his crew doing the least menial of jobs on board. One could believe it, then.
Air Asia once hectic and truly glowing red has fallen by the wayside, like everything else in this country…new brooms sweeping well story. now sad……And the Captain’s since gone cold and dead!!
Johan Khan
November 12, 2011
What can you do about it? This is Malaysia. They have even cornered MAS!
Despite being a full fare airline, you now have to pay if you want to choose your seat. Sound familiar? The wise old man says…Malay must unite! …guess so that THEY can continue to lead them by the nose. Malay-Sai Boleh! Semua nya OK!
jay
November 13, 2011
amid all the bluster in these posts there was one sane one which said that you should allow more time to get your bags checked in. If you don’t allow at least 90 mins for this, you will miss your flight even if you have done a web check in.
surely an intelligent man like haris willunderstand this.
seems like he is bad mouthing air asia just because they have become part of a glc
storm62
November 13, 2011
all these are just part of the Great Rot that is Msia…thats why ABU… we have to kick them all out… otherwise there aint nothing left of this nation… sob sob…
Jocelyn
November 14, 2011
Flight was delayed from Bali to Spore for 5 hours, was told to put in claims for their “guarantee on time” policy by ground staff in Bali, submitted online, no response, called them, was told to go to another website, couldn’t submit there, seems like a ruse, called again,,,, as you guess gave up after numerous tries. Air Asia = Tony = Liars!
John Lang
November 14, 2011
This bloke Tony demands free first class seat from MAS and managed to get away with his demands all the time until Idris Jala put a stop to his nonsence. Now he gets himself a board seat in MAS. May God bless MAS from now onward. This idiot will plot to kill off MAS. Don’t believe? Just wait and see for yourself. Just like many others, I was convinced to try AA once in 2007 for a flight to Bali. Immediately after that encounter, I ceased using their stupid and unreliable service. Now with all these monkeys in MAS, I have also ceased using MAS and have since switched to SIA & Thai. For short trips, I use Tiger and JetStar. More reliable and safer too. What is Pakatan doing? This bloke campaigned strongly for BN/Sharizat in 2008. Yet I still see Pakatan leaders and supporters patronizing this s** of b***h’s airline. You blokes in PR have no back bone arh??
audie61
November 14, 2011
Its about air asia
Regina
November 14, 2011
I agree with Ranen. Air Asia has no sympathy for older and underprivileged folks. Not everyone can afford a smart phone or has internet access to do self check-in. Why charge an extra RM10 for those who cannot afford these luxuries?
I like flying budget but I can’t help to think that AA is somehow penalising those less fortunate. What is the point of being cheap but cheats? I guess not everyone can fly…cheap,eh?
gekko
November 23, 2011
No sympathy for anyone…Now everyone can pay! The last trick when you pay via credit card is to charge you 2X the amount of 6 RM when you take a return ticket! 1 payment but double charge. Next trick will be 6RM per person and per trip…
audie61
November 15, 2011
Now also we have MP Nancy from Sarawak saying we are ” It is like we are dianaktirikan (neglected) in our own country” About time we really speak out.
Members of Parliament in Sabah and sarawak there are 56 out of total 222 of you. You all hold the balance of power in MALAYSIA. Speak up and let us not be short-changed again.
Bung Mokhtar “Thanks Give it to ‘em..!!”
audie61.wordpress.com
Sabah BN MP Bung Mokhtar Radin is at the moment our closest ally in the fight of Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines share swap. We have also been receiving feedbacks from members of public …
pohyoke
November 16, 2011
Air Asia is very unreliable..your flight can be canceled and postponed for hours..a flight at 6pm can become a flight at 12 midnight. The toilets in the LCCT are terrible.By the way..the advertisement for the new uniform show the ladies wearing clothes that look at least one size too small for them..with creases around the arms and chest. In the flight from Kl to KK yesterday, the ladies skirts were definitely tight with panty and butt lines visible. Can the airline afford better tailored clothes for the girls? Hope MAS does not end up like Air Asia.
Vadivale
November 16, 2011
Hi Haris,
I posted ur link on Tony’s FB page when you posted this entry. He reply is below,
“some may not like us but we’ve made many happy…if anyone has issues they can always write to me and we’ll sort it out.”
Time you write to him to get sorted out 🙂
audie61
November 16, 2011
Extracted{ The source said that Fernandes has been under a lot of pressure recently, referring to the controversy over the MAS and AirAsia tie-up}
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/11/16/airasia-chiefs-outburst-at-mahb-puzzling/ also check out:- http://audie61.wordpress.com/
Michelle
November 21, 2011
Your RM100 “fine” sounds awfully familiar. My cousins and their friends (5 people in total) were set to fly to Bali. They waited at the boarding gate about half an hour before the flight was bound to leave, and were waiting for the people to announce for boarding. 45 minutes later, my cousins felt slightly disturbed that there was yet any announcement to be made, and were told rather coolly that their plane had already departed!
They, along with about another 30 or so people, were told to get new tickets for the next flight, which would cost RM300++. They complained about not having heard any announcement for the flight boarding and departure, and were told that they would be fined RM100, and still be allowed to get on the next flight.
It’s all starting to sound like an evil plan to punish us end-users for their own inefficiency.
Adilah
November 23, 2011
Cut Price? No Frills? AirAsia More Expensive Than Qantas, British Airways and Singapore Airlines over December Holiday Break .. http://bit.ly/sitiAC .. while Malaysia Airlines is allowed to run into the ground with loss-making fares. Ask yourself why? And now a new player, before Malaysia Airlines is ‘resurrected’? Malaysian politics makes me fart! lol
charleskiwi
December 10, 2011
This Tony is now getting out of his con game after everyone who flew with AA will not fly again with AA ! Tony knew from day one he had a large enough base of people to tell his lies for a start but he base is now almost empty. Also any wonder why he is ‘demanding to fly 1st class with MAS and for free !
Have you ere heard of anyone complementing AA ?
Tony has now got to come up with a new cheat just to keep AA alive ! You pay peanuts and you get monkeys and soon MAS will become monkey also. That is why this Tony guy is now thinking of leaving AA no more people to cheat.
sub99
January 7, 2012
After reading of all the comments from you guys, I wonder why people are still chasing to go with AA. They have a lot of alternatives, why they pick AA then? If u don’t believe u go to LCCT see the crowd for yourself, worst than bus-station. If u all find it difficult with AA then don’t fly it is very easy. Go and fly with MAS or SIA of Firefly and get the 1st class treatment. U will get the treatment for what u pay. I don’t mind paying for the food in AA rather pay the flight fare for the full service airlines to get the food or check in the luggage. I am a regular user of AA and I don’t see any difficulties with AA. MAS failure if coz of wrong management, I guess and over spending and over staffing. Guys, why SIA, Emirates and Qantas can make profit. Why not MAS, streched your head. Why?
Charles
March 12, 2012
HI All,
I can give you some additional information to this topic on my blog:
http://www.dontworryjusttravel.com/index.php/en/component/content/article/3-rss/74-low-cost-
airlines-europe-top-5.html
Nobody likes to spend too much money on flying…. Hope it will be useful. The top 5 Low
Cost Airlines in Asia are listed.
Cheers
Charles
Charles
March 12, 2012
HI All,
I can give you some additional information to this topic on my blog:
http://www.dontworryjusttravel.com/index.php/en/component/content/article/3-rss/73-low-cost-airlines-asia-top-5.html
Nobody likes to spend too much money on flying…. Hope it will be useful. The top 5 Low
Cost Airlines in Asia are listed.
Cheers
Charles
Boycott AirAsia
May 7, 2012
The company has been taking a lot of money from the citizen of Malaysia. There are so pathetic that they’re not willing to refund money even though they cannot detect any error from their own “f***ing” system.
Boycott AirAsia
Hui Chyr
March 24, 2013
I hope Malindo Airline starts soon. IT’s better to have 2 crooks competing for business, than one monopolizing it.