Airline review: This cheap (nearly) lie-flat bed is perk-free but worth it

The airline: AirAsia X

• Route Kuala Lumpur to Sydney, flight D7222
• Frequency Four times a week, departing Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
• Aircraft Airbus A330-300
• Class Business class Flatbed Premium, seat 2K
• Flight time 8 hours 30 minutes (take-off is delayed by 18 minutes but we arrive on time in Sydney)

AirAsia’s A330-300.

Checking in

AirAsia X is the medium and long-haul operation of AirAsia and I’m checking in at Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminal two (KLIA2), the budget airline terminal and usually the busiest in KL. My flight leaves from here at 9.15pm and fortunately the airport seems to have emptied when I arrive about two hours beforehand. Business class passengers have their own dedicated queue, which is empty when I arrive.

I’m transiting through KL on a “fly-thru” route from the Maldives to Sydney, so am unsure whether I need to check in again for the second leg of this flight, and whether my bags will be checked all the way through. I decide to confirm with the visibly not-busy business class staff. Single eyebrow raised, the desk attendant responds abruptly. Message received; bags will meet me in Sydney.

Baggage

Up to 40 kilograms of checked luggage, which as “priority baggage” for business class is first to come spinning out of the carousel when we arrive in Sydney. Carry-on allowance is two items not exceeding seven kilograms but judging by the massive wheely suitcases being stuffed into overhead lockers in economy, the rule doesn’t seem seriously policed.

Loyalty scheme

AirAsia rewards (formerly AirAsia BIG) gives points to use on future flights and hotel or car bookings through the airline’s partners. It’s not all that useful because most are based in Malaysia.

The seat

There are only two rows of Flatbed Premium seats on board.

It’s a 2-2-2 layout in business and I have a window on one side and an empty seat on the other. My seat is 20 inches (50.8cm) wide which is four inches (10cm) more space than the noticeably tight economy seats. There’s a wide centre armrest, nooks and hooks to store shoes, books and jackets, plus a universal power port.

Flat out at a budget price.

The seat has a 60-inch (152cm) pitch. In flatbed mode, the footrest extends, and the seat lies down to almost (but not entirely) flat, becoming a generous 77-inch (195cm) bed encased in a hard shell. Business class passengers receive a pillow and delightfully cosy duvet which, sadly, must be returned when I wake up in Sydney.

Entertainment + tech

Remember: this is “business class” on a resolutely budget airline. There are no TV screens anywhere on the plane, not even an armrest radio station to plug into. It’s fine by me as I have my tablet and book. However, being an overnight flight, I’m consumed by the best kind of in-flight entertainment – sleep.

Service

Smiling and efficient crew members serve business class first then get around to the rest of the plane, never out of sight for long. As soon as we’re in the air, one asks when I would like to eat, and I respond ASAP to maximise sleep. Dinner arrives steaming hot in 15 minutes.

Food

Despite the budget billing, AirAsia is renowned for its food. It has a cult following that even led to the airline opening its own restaurants on land. My ticket gives me the choice of a hot meal from the in-flight menu, one hot drink and one tiny 250ml bottle of water. Every extra bottle costs $2 so I’m grateful to have filled my own before take-off. Roast chicken and black pepper sauce with potatoes and vegetables is on the small side and comes with no hot bread roll or fancy butter, but it’s downright tasty.

As I elected to have my one included meal at night, there is no breakfast – it can be bought for about $8 and includes an omelette or a few rice-based dishes. I did, however, save my included hot drink for late in the flight. Call it jetlag or high-altitude sorcery, but the signature Santan Americano coffee may be the best I’ve ever woken up to on a plane.

Carbon emissions

2.07 tonnes. In March 2024, AirAsia began transitioning its short-haul fleet to the more sustainable A321neo aircraft, which emits 24 per cent less carbon emissions per seat.

One more thing

KLIA2 is a megalith, in the same league as Tom Bradley International at LAX, or the world’s biggest IKEA. Allow plenty of time to get lost as you navigate to your gate.

The price

From about $2500 return from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur for business Flatbed Premium*.

The verdict

If (like me) you are someone who sees a proper sleep as the biggest perk of flying business, AirAsia X’s Flatbed Premium is an attractive alternative. No champagne to my seat but a seven-hour sleep on an overnight flight is worth the price of admission.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer flew as a guest of AirAsia X, see airasia.com

*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.

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