Air Asia

AirAsia continues to be a leading low-cost airline in Southeast Asia, providing a multitude of daily direct flights from major cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta to various destinations in Vietnam. As of 2025, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi operate daily with departures around 6:25 a.m. Current ticket prices are approximately $210 for a round trip and $105 for a one-way journey.

AirAsia Aircraft - Photo: Visit Victoria

In addition to the Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi route, AirAsia provides a daily flight from Bangkok to Hanoi, departing at 6:45 a.m. (local time). The ticket price currently hovers around $90 for a one-way trip and about $160 for a round trip.

There are more daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City than to Hanoi, with two flights from Bangkok, one from Jakarta, and three from Kuala Lumpur. The flights from Bangkok leave at 7:45 a.m. and 3:55 p.m. daily, with one-way fares averaging between $55 and $75, and round-trip fares around $130.

On the Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City route, AirAsia operates three flights each day at 9:10 a.m., 2:55 p.m., and 6:20 p.m. The fare for these flights is approximately $75 for a one-way ticket and $150 for a round trip. Additionally, there is a direct flight from Jakarta to Ho Chi Minh City with a departure at 4:35 p.m. (local time), where one-way fares are on average $95 and round-trip fares $190.

Baggage Allowance

Checked Baggage

AirAsia charges for checked baggage based on when passengers reserve their luggage. If passengers reserve their luggage during the online booking process, the fees are about $12 for 15 kg, $14 for 20 kg, $16 for 25 kg, and $20 for 30 kg. At the airport check-in, excess luggage fees are calculated at approximately $16 per kg.

Hand Baggage

Passengers on AirAsia flights are allowed to carry two small pieces of luggage onboard, such as a handbag and a laptop bag. The combined weight limit for these bags is 7 kg, and the total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 115 cm to ensure they fit in the plane’s storage compartments. Additional items such as mobile phones, a lightweight jacket, and snacks are also permitted in the cabin.

Business Class

AirAsia offers a unique X Premium Class on many of its flights. While it may not match the standards of traditional business classes offered by international airlines, the Premium Class provides more spacious seating and convenient features that convert seats into soft flat beds. Premium pillows and blankets are provided to enhance passenger comfort during flights. In addition, the airline serves a variety of delicious, hot meals. However, this class lacks a full entertainment system found on carriers like Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines.

Photo: 8days.sg

Safety Record

AirAsia has established a solid safety record since its inception, having fewer incidents compared to other airlines in the region. Throughout its 23 years of operation, there have been only two notable accidents, both of which resulted in no fatalities. The first incident occurred on November 7, 2004, when AirAsia Flight 104 overshot the runway at Kota Kinabalu Airport in Malaysia, injuring two passengers. The second incident occurred on January 10, 2011, involving Flight 5218 at Kuching International Airport, which caused minor injuries to four passengers.

Customer Reviews

Among budget airlines in Asia, AirAsia enjoys considerable popularity among travelers. While its low fares attract many, services and amenities on board receive mixed reviews from customers. Below is a summary of common feedback highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the airline.

Positive Feedback

Many passengers commend AirAsia for its punctuality, noting that flights typically depart and arrive on schedule with minimal delays or cancellations. The airline is proactive in communicating any changes to flight schedules.

Passengers appreciate the courteous and helpful staff, who demonstrate professionalism and commitment to customer service, maintaining a friendly demeanor regardless of passenger types.

The services and facilities offered align well with the price point. While seats may be narrow, they are considered comfortable enough for typical passengers. While meals are not included in the ticket price, the additional meal options are relatively affordable compared to other airlines.

Negative Feedback

Despite the availability of purchasable in-flight meals, the range of available options can be limited, and food quality may not always meet higher expectations, particularly for passengers accustomed to more premium airlines.

Entertainment options during flights are quite restricted, with only a handful of magazines offered in economy class and limited entertainment systems in the business class.