Today we’re heading down to Krabi from Bangkok. We’re riding on Thai AirAsia’s A320 on the relatively short 90 minute flight. I love a good low cost carrier and AirAisa(with it’s subsidiaries) is one of the largest in the world so I was excited to try it out. Overall the flight was perfectly acceptable, but not exactly comfortable. For the price, AirAsia is perfectly acceptable, but it’s certainly a Ultra Low Cost Airline.
Bottom Line: The Thai AirAsia A320 Economy seat is small, the plane was old, and I was somewhat sweaty for much of the flight. With that said, the service was good, cheap, and on-time. Hard to fault the airline for delivering exactly what’s expected.
Thai AirAsia A320 BKK Boarding
We made our way to the gate after spending about a half hour in the Coral Executive Lounge here at Bangkok(Full Review Here). Terminal A here at BKK has security near the gate and the lounges are landside so we left a little extra time to get through security and to our gate.
About 10 minutes after schedule, the boarding process started. I had paid a little extra for zone one as it included heavier carry on allowance.
Once past the boarding podium, we were held in the jet bridge for about 5 minutes. In the mid day sun that was pretty sweaty.
Thai AirAsia A320 Economy Cabin
The Thai AirAisa A320 has 180 seats in an all economy cabin. Pretty standard 3-3 seating arrangement with the only differences being some extra leg room seats at the front of the cabin and the exit rows. These seats are denoted with the red headrests as opposed to the standard blue.
Nothing special about the seats on the AirAsia A320. They are packed in pretty tightly and without much padding in the back or seat. The plane has definitely seen some miles over the years. Well worn is how I’d describe it, but it’s not dirty so that’s nice.
As you can see, the seat pitch is tight. If you’re a taller person, you might want to spring for the extra leg room seats.
We found our seats on the left hand side of the plane, just behind the wing. I only paid a few extra dollars for a seat assignment so we’re pretty far back.
Thai AirAsia A320 Seat Comfort
These seats are pretty tight, I’m not a tall person and I’m stuffed in here pretty good.
Thai AirAsia doesn’t have in seat entertainment on the A320. There’s also no power port’s offered to charge devices. This is a short flight so not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.
I was expecting a little bit of a sweat box here on the ground, but it’s really hot. The overhead vents don’t align with the seats, I assume the plane was reconfigure at some point to add more seats and they didn’t bother with the overhead panels.
I have to laugh a little bit, the plane to our left is an ex-egipt air plane that’s not been repainted but has a Bangkok air logo added to it. The one on the right is ex-WOW that VietJet has given the same treatment.
Boarding was completed and the plane is almost completely full, just one or two seats left empty. Flying in this part of the world is funny, all sorts of people are traveling today. Backpackers, local workers, older European couples, young families, and us. Just lots of different people so it’s fun people watching.
Thai AirAsia A320 Departure and Takeoff
The flight attendants closed the door then gave their safety presentation. We pushed back from the gate right on time and headed for the runway. Lots of talkative people today, like an annoying amount of yelling.
We took off towards the south and quickly climbed through the haze of Bangkok.
The seatbelt sign was turned off and the flight attendants sprung into action in the cabin. No entertainment or wifi on this AirAsia A320, but don’t worry, everyone around me is just yelling at each other instead.
Thai AirAsia A320 Onboard Menu
The flight is only about an hour in the air. AirAsia offers full hot meals on the flight, they are obviously an extra purchase but I was surprised at how reasonable the prices are. Not enough to tempt me, but I thought it was interesting.
Thai AirAisa Buy onboard menu.
Thai AirAisa Buy onboard menu.
Thai AirAisa Buy onboard menu.
Honestly, the buy onboard menu looked really good. I probably should have ordered something, but I wasn’t hungry.
Thai AirAsia A320 In Flight
Nice smooth day for flying down to Krabi. We did get some really nice views once we were above the clouds.
Interestingly, I heard an announcement I’ve never heard before. AirAsia apparently allows paid, on board, in flight seat upgrades. Apparently they are first come first serve and available for this flight. I’m not sure who would take them up on an upgrade with less than an hour left in flight, but I’m sure someone does.
With about 45 minutes left in flight, we started our decent into KBV. The seatbelt sign was turned on as we passed through the cloud layer.
Thai AirAsia A320 Decent and Landing
The flight attendants made their announcement to put seatbelts on, seat backs up, and tray tables stowed. They then passed thru the cabin again to check for garbage.
This more rural part of Thailand is much different than the cityscape of Bangkok.
Just a few minutes later we touched down in Krabi. We’re right on time, perfect.
Thai AirAisa A320 Final Thoughts
I enjoy a good low cost carrier. Airlines like EasyJet and Norwegian serve a purpose and do great in their markets. AirAisa serves a similar roll in Asia. This AirAsia flight between Bangkok and Krabi was good enough for the price.
Things I liked: We were on-time, the plane was clean, and the flight attendants were friendly.
Things I disliked: The cabin was very warm, and the seating was very tight, even for a low cost carrier.
All in, I’d gladly ride with Thai AirAsia again. I’d even like to try the meals for purchase onboard next time.