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Flight review: AirAsia X Airbus A330 from Bali to Kuala Lumpur

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Flight review: AirAsia X Airbus A330 from Bali to Kuala Lumpur
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Jonathan E. Hendry U.S & Loyalty Journalist | Simple Flying

AirAsia X provided a comfortable and affordable flight experience from Bali to Malaysia, with a 3-3-3 seating configuration and meal options. The Garuda Indonesia business lounge offered a tranquil start to the journey, while the A330 aircraft had limited in-flight entertainment for longer flights. AirAsia's low-cost carrier model maintains value and satisfaction, making budget travel accessible and enjoyable for regional journeys.

After five days on the tropical island of Bali in Indonesia, it was time to head to my next destination—Malaysia. I had a few options but chose AirAsia as it was the cheapest option. For this two-and-a-half-hour flight, I opted for its long-haul arm, AirAsia X.

AirAsia facilitated the delivery of my bags and allowed me to board with priority so I could easily take photos for my report.

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The journey began with my departure from Bali's Denpasar International Airport (DPS)'s international terminal, which has two separate terminals for global and domestic flights. Just after check-in, I cleared security and immigration and made my way to the airside zone.

"I decided to spend my wait time in the Garuda Indonesia business lounge," where I purchased access for a fee of $20. "As I arrived pretty early, around 10:00, I was the sole occupant of the lounge at that time." It was a tranquil start to my journey, especially considering that "the first round of international flights" were scheduled to depart several hours later.

The lounge was very comfortable and had plenty of options.

After enjoying an Indonesian breakfast, I received the gate announcement for my flight. The registration for this particular aircraft was 9M-XBE, which had its maiden flight on July 31, 2006.

Thanks to special arrangements made by D7, "I had the privilege of being the first to board the aircraft." As I settled into my seat, 4F, for the relatively short journey to Kuala Lumpur (KL), "I was surprised that the aircraft did not feature any premium flatbeds." Instead, it boasted a 100% economy class layout with an impressive 3-3-3 seating configuration—an unusual arrangement compared to other carriers' typical 2-3-2 layout.

Despite initial concerns about potential cramped settings, "I was pleasantly surprised" by how comfortable the seat was even for someone of average height like myself.

While designed for long-haul flights within the airline's network, "I would only choose them for flights at most four or five hours due to the lack of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems."

As we began boarding, everything was organized and well-structured. After approximately thirty minutes, we heard the aircraft doors close. The plane then made its way to the active runway; since our gate was conveniently located close by, taxi time took only about four minutes before ascending above Indian Ocean waters.

As our plane rose higher into the sky leaving ground behind us—crossing Surubaya island—the mid-flight meal service began offering savory aromas wafting through cabin signaling pleasant interlude during travels allowing us savor flying experience while enjoying delicious food.

Since AirAsia is a low-cost carrier requiring pre-ordering meals online before your flight: “The meal options are reasonably priced,” typically ranging from €8–€10 making it relatively affordable.

"I decided try AirAsia’s signature dish Uncle Chin’s fried rice" finding pleasantly surprising deliciousness even though not accustomed spicy food pleased right amount heat finishing entire meal.

The rest of flight remained uneventful landing approximately one-and-a-half hours post-meal service; during this period listening music phone taking nap sufficed remaining travel duration.

My flight with AirAsia X from vibrant isle Bali bustling energy Malaysia noteworthy journey despite initial hesitations absence inflight entertainment premium seating options comfort seats exceptional views compensated adequately highlighting culinary experience aboard notably Uncle Chin’s fried rice satisfying hunger introducing blend comforting refreshing flavors affordability aligning well ethos providing value money making journey accessible enjoyable regional trips where convenience comfort cost key considerations underscoring budget-friendly flights maintaining comfort satisfaction recommending particularly regional journeys convenience comfort cost key considerations.

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