AirAsia has introduced a service called Fly-Thru, aiming to streamline the connecting flight experience for passengers using low-cost carriers. Traditionally, travelers with budget airlines have had to manage their own connections, often dealing with separate bookings and lacking protection against delays or cancellations.
Fly-Thru changes this by allowing passengers to book two AirAsia flights under one booking. This includes checked-through baggage and eliminates the need for clearing immigration or collecting bags at designated transit hubs. Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, remarked that "AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service fills a long-standing gap in low-cost carrier transit travel." She emphasized the benefits of having protection on these bookings, a feature not commonly available before.
The service offers reassurance similar to full-service airlines; if a delay causes a missed connection, AirAsia will rebook passengers on the next available flight at no extra cost. In cases where no suitable connection is available, options like full refunds or travel credits are offered.