Flying to Malaysia from Kolkata (featuring AirAsia)

If you follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then you would know that I have been to Malaysia twice this year, and both times, I flew with AirAsia because not only is it convenient, price wise, it is what I would pick over a lot other carriers because its got a lot of things going for it. Without further ado, lets delve into the options we have.

Currently, you have two flight options from Kolkata –

  • to Kuala Lumpur (seven days a week)
  • to Johor Bahru (five days a week)
Cheap Airasia Flights 
Cheap Airasia Flights

At the AirAsia website, you would find deals going on from time to time, so scoring a cheap ticket, especially during off-season, isn’t a big deal. I paid roughly 12,000 INR (about $187) for a round trip to Kuala Lumpur, and a return flight from Johor Bahru can cost you as low as INR 8000 ($125), especially because AirAsia is really promoting their flights from Johor Bahru right now. As they are a low-cost carrier, the basic amenities are provided, and the rest is up to you. Here’s my tips to make your trip a more comfortable one:

  • While booking, try getting the add-on value pack which allows you to add 20 kg check-in luggage, a meal, standard seat selection, and travel insurance. Now those of you who don’t think travel insurance is a good idea, I would have to say that I HAVE had my luggage misplaced, and I DID get a reimbursement, which took away from the fact that I did lose a few valuables.
  • Seat Selection, for me, is actually quite important (therefore my willingness to buy this pack), because I like getting a window seat and then switching off like a light).
  • The basic meal has non-vegetarian sandwiches, so if you are a vegetarian, I would suggest booking a hot meal and drink while you are booking the flight (their vegetarian biryani is pretty good, as per S, who bought it every time we flew). I picked hot meals for my Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur trips, and in one occasion picked up sandwiches. I have to admit, the sandwiches were literally the bomb – tuna and mayo, chicken salami and cucumber – seriously good stuff, especially when you don’t really want a hot meal. You also get a cup of water, soft drink, or tea/coffee, which you can select while buying the tickets. Later, you do have the option to change it, and I recommend getting an account to get frequent flyer miles because that way you may end up getting a flight or two for free!
  • If you have a flexible plan, then you can add the premium pack, which not only gives you all this, but also lets you change your flying dates twice. Plus, you are allowed to choose from the super-comfortable Hot Seats, with three hour access to the AirAsia lounge, priority baggage retrieval and priority boarding.
Malaysia flights cheap
Malaysia flights cheap
  • If you are travelling with a carry-on luggage, MAKE SURE its within 7 kilos, by weight, and not too big. Now, this is something both S and I faced during our trip to Malaysia – our luggage was overweight, and while they do overlook the odd few hundred grams, the moment the scale is over that, they will ask you to reduce load, and you might end up wearing a lot of clothes all of a sudden at the airport. It is also QUITE EXPENSIVE to buy extra luggage on the spot, so I do suggest getting a weighing scale and checking whether your luggage is overweight or not BEFORE arriving at the airport. They DO have the option to add more weight to your check-in and carry-on luggage in the website (which is considerably cheaper than what you would pay at the airport), so I DO suggest getting that sorted beforehand if you don’t want to pay a lot of money at the airport.
malaysia free flight
malaysia free flight
  • Water is NOT SERVED for free in these flights (in fact, in other international flights from other carriers as well), so it is a good idea to buy a bottle after security check, or buy one in-flight. Note: they DO NOT accept Indian currency in the flight, and you would have to pay the money in MYR (Malaysian Ringgit), so make sure you have enough MYR to pay for that.

In case you’re unsure still where to go in Malaysia, see my previous post about it here. In the next few posts, I will be discussing a few fantastic places to travel to in Malaysia.

Disclaimer: Poorna Banerjee was invited by AirAsia to go to Johor Bahru. However, her experience is based on her own trips as well, and her opinions are in no way biased in any manner.

 

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35 Responses

  1. I’ve flown Air Asia from Thailand to Vietnam and it was great! I didn’t eat or drink anything though, so know nothing about the price. A great and cheap airline!

  2. Such a lovely pictures taken up there. I didn’t know that there is direct flight from malasia to Kolkota. That is really very interesting

  3. I did pay on board using INR and USD, got the change back in MYR though. Also, the flights used to be so much better when I first took AirAsia a couple of years ago. Quite terrible now. I agree about the food. I didn’t try the sandwiches, but the Malaysian fare on offer was actually quite good. I did buy extra baggage but they are fiends if you go over even by a teensy bit. And finally the Kolkata airport AirAsia Check in is a frigging disaster. No management whatsoever.
    Also, what do you mean that water is not free on international carriers? I believe Norwegian is the only other airline apart from AirAsia which has charged me for water.

    1. So, apart from AirAsia I have flown Vietjet, Jetstar, NokAir and a few other South East Asian carriers and they all charged me for water. I should edit and write, “Generally”, though.

      1. Gotcha. It’s an ASEAN thing prolly then. But man, you got a cool blog! Haven’t followed for so long. And making Vietnam plans now based off of that Hanoi post.

  4. I’m pretty much excited in tasting their sandwiches haha and it’s a thoughtful thing having a vegetarian choice of food! 👌

    1. In India, many people don’t eat non-vegetarian on flights because of indigestion-related issues. So having vegetarian options is always a bonus.

  5. I enjoy riding planes and Airasia is good as a budget airline, although there are things on my experience that I am displeased with.
    However, is Kolkata in India or in Malaysia? I just happen to pass by your blog today looking for places to go to Malaysia although I’ve been there before already.

  6. AirAsia is my go-to airline within Asia; they are so cheap! I’ve never had the luxury of sampling their airplane food, since I’m almost always borderline broke when I travel. Looks awesome!

    1. I know how it is – I generally am super broke too. But they’re quite cheap, only about $3-$4 per meal, which is not too bad.

  7. Great post! I am actually a big fan of Air Asia. Coming from Europe, where there are lots of budget airlines I can only say that the service at Air Asia is superb. Keep it up!

  8. Wow the hot meal looks like a feast already. Thanks for sharing such informative article. More power to your blog.

  9. Really detailed post. I have always had reservations about Air Asia but it certainly seems that they are getting better. Also the food pics nice.

  10. Have taken Air Asia flights from Singapore for a few times too. Like most budget airlines, the bulk of the fare comes from the baggage fee and most people load up on their hand luggage. I think that’s why the budget carriers gotta tighten the hand baggage limit or a lot of people might not have space for their hand luggage. Great info!

  11. I havent flown to Malaysia yet but I did have a similar experience with Air Asia as I flew with them from China to Bangkok. Such a great airline with top notch customer service. Going to have to keep an eye out for them when I get over to Malaysia next!

  12. That’s very cool informative, in fact I’m soon flying with Air Asia but little sceptical with the reviews and feedback I’ve received from others.

  13. The regulations for carry-on luggage at low cost carriers are often ridiculous! Even if the overhead bins are of the same size as with other full-service carriers, they would not allow certain types of luggage. I bought a carry-on suitcase which said “Cabin ok”, but had to learn that this statement was only valid for carriers like Cathay Pacific or Lufthansa. Hong Kong Express and Jetstar didn’t accept it… I am very cautious about additional
    Costs (and efforts) when it comes to LCCs!

    Perhaps I will try AirAsia one day though, on a route where there’s no alternative…

    1. I agree about the size of the carry-on – I found it to be incredibly annoying too!

  14. Nice write up Poorna, and thank you for meeting me last time when I was in Kolkata.
    AND guiding to the Kalman Cold Storage … god I loved those hungarian sausages and spiced beef. Makes me drool even thinking about them.

    I had a good laugh while reading this – laughing at myself actually, when I read about the baggage fees.
    Recently had to pay 4,700 for few extra kgs.. didn’t even realize while carrying the backpack.

    Btw, that Uncle Chin’s chicken rice is my fav among the Air Asia food.

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About Me

Hi, I’m Panushwari

Welcome to my blog which is mostly about Food, Travel, Lifestyle and Beauty. I generally review restaurants and hotels in Kolkata and my work as a Restaurant Consultant and Food Critic in Kolkata allows me to maintain this blog as a showcase of my work. I am also a published author and have been a panelist at many events.

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