Quantcast

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

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Flight review: AirAsia X Airbus A330 from Bali to Kuala Lumpur
Policy
Webp pno4lxv7wo81abjbmsmnebzhcydi
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

EVA Air has announced a promotional offer for its Infinity MileageLands members, providing up to 40% bonus miles for those who purchase or top up miles between April 15 and April 30, 2025.

Apr 17, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced its ongoing commitment to community support and development through various initiatives aimed at empowering children and families in East Granby, Connecticut.

Apr 17, 2025

Flying Food Group recently participated in the WTCE Conference in Hamburg, Germany, from April 8th to 10th, 2025.

Apr 17, 2025