Approval
In late January AirAsia X got permission from the FAA to fly to the U.S (h/t tip TPG). This is significant because AirAsia is one of the major players when it comes to ultra low cost carriers. Even if you’re not a fan of the ULCC model (low case rates and fees for everything), this can only be seen as good news as it puts additional pressure on legacy carriers to lower their rates (this could be seen as less true with the introduction of basic economy fares that basically just mimic the ULCC model).
Flights To Hawaii
In the last few days AirAsia X announced that the first U.S. destination they will serve will be Hawaii. They will be offering flights from their hub in Kuala Lumpur to Honolulu from RM499 (~$112 USD approximately), these fares will last until February 26th (or until sold out) for flights between June 28th, 2017 to February 6th 2018. You’ll also be able to access their “lie flat” seats for RM2,999 (~$674).
It will not be a direct flight with a two hour transit stop in Osaka, Japan (guests are allowed to return to their seats after clearing security). The flight schedule will be as follows:
F.A.Q’s about the flight can also be found here.
Our Verdict
This move by AirAsia is about connecting Japan with Hawaii due to strong demand for that route. I wouldn’t expect more flights to the U.S. in the near future.
I’ve flown AirAsia a lot more than you might expect and I’ve never actually had any issues with them, in terms of low cost carriers they are probably my favorite to fly. It’s no frills but if I’m doing a short intra-ASEAN flight I don’t exactly need a full service airline.
Do any of you think you’d make use of these flights? What are your thoughts on AirAsia & ULCC’s in general? Let us know in the comments below.
flew air asia a bunch, last was from chiang mai – manila with a layover in kuala lumour, they dont take credit card and I didnt not have any baht left, couldnt even get any water for a few hrs…plus side is up to a 17hr layover in malyasia to check it out…air asia fligts r ok n time unlike cebupacific
I’m sure they take CC now, although now I think about it I can’t really remember because I usually don’t buy anything in flight.
I flew that CNX-KLIA2 referenced above on 01/14/17. Usually airasia is good, their BIGPOINTS loyalty program isnt too bad either.
Could you terminate your flight in Osaka without consequence? $122 seriously undercuts OW & RT fares between Japan & HNL.
Are they not discounting the HNL > Osaka portion of the flight as well? I suspect they are because they specifically mentioned Japanese travel.
Your right, overlooked that FAQ section sorry. Japan route will be offered as a seperate itinerary. Transit passengers to KUL are going to be held. I suspect that HNL – KIX route will be a pricier fare.
” … for those in Asian countries wanted to visiting Hawaii then American’s wanting to visit Asia (unless AirAsia is planning on building out Hawaii as a hub and I don’t see that happening). Apparently the main driver for these flights are Japanese tourists and there isn’t any plans for other US destinations in the near future.”
Atrocious grammar, punctuation, spelling … doesn’t anyone edit this?
lol, that was a pretty bad paragraph
Congratulations, you have just been appointed first ever DoC Grammar & Spell Editor.
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But really, DoC is not running a newspaper here. I am happy to correct the spelling/grammar in my head as long as the content is relevant.
No, nobody edits this. Hiring an editor is not exactly in our budget. Like I’ve said before, we’re always open to constructive criticism. I’ve edited the post to try and make my points clearer.
We come here for deals, grammar doesnt matter. Get your priorites right dikfor.
No need to attack them, everybody is entitled to their opinion.