Airline review: A lie-flat seat for the price of premium economy

Premium Flatbed allowance is 40 kilograms checked baggage, tagged Priority for early collection; carry-on allowance for all classes is seven kilograms.

The seat

There are only 12 Premium Flatbed seats available, two rows at the front of the plane with a 2-2-2 configuration. I’m in 1D, a bulkhead aisle seat; and while there is limited storage and no screen for entertainment, the 19-inch (48-cm) wide leather seat with a 59-inch (150-cm) pitch is comfortable, converting to a full flatbed at the touch of a button. It is still slightly angled, however, and a bit awkward for habitual stomach sleepers – still, to be able to lie flat on a budget airline is beyond fabulous. AirAsia has splashed out to provide plump red pillows and cosy cotton duvets for Flatbed class; however, no other amenities are handed out, so don’t forget to pack an eye mask. Thanks to the buffer of the “Quiet Zone” separating the Flatbeds from the buzz and cry-babies at the back of the plane, the premium cabin is whisper-quiet throughout the night.

Entertainment

All in-flight entertainment on AirAsia X flights has been suspended since COVID-19, with the XCite Tab (a tablet pre-loaded with movies and TV shows) still unavailable.

Service

This is a limited-service flight, even in the premium class – so no hot towels or champagne on boarding. A request for my water bottle to be refilled was met with a look of bewilderment – and it was only on my return flight in Economy that I realise you have to pay for a bottle of water, so on-tap fluids are not a given.

Food

One meal, pre-ordered online, is included with the Premium Flatbed fare, a choice of Malaysian staples such as biryani, chicken rice and chicken or plant-based Nasi Lemak, served with a much-coveted bottle of water. Passengers are given the choice of dining just after take-off or two hours before landing.

Carbon emissions

The Sydney to KL route in Premium Flatbed class emits 2.57 tonnes of CO2, with sustainability steps such as one-engine taxiing – which saves up to 10 kilograms of fuel a minute – contributing to the airline’s carbon-neutral growth mission.

One more thing

AirAsia has introduced its own ride-share service for airport transfers in key Asian cities, which can be booked via the AirAsia app up to four hours in advance. Fixed fares, prompt pick-up and clear communication with the driver makes this a seamless, welcome innovation.

The price

From $905, Flatbed Premium one way.*

The verdict

The no-frills economy fares to KL with AirAsia are enticing; but if you really need to sleep, the Flatbed experience is worth the added expense – which, if you pick up a fare in an advertised sale, could be as little as $599, about the same price as a Premium Economy seat in a full-service airline.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer travelled as a guest of AirAsia X.

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