Comparing budget flights with Nok Air and Air Asia

Sometimes I’ve been guilty of falling in love with a product and/or service to the point where it blinds me from trying something else. When it comes to flying around select destinations in Asia, I’ve been a huge fan of Air Asia for years. Almost exclusively I’ve flown with Air Asia – on both long and short haul flights – whenever I haven’t taken more local forms of transportation such as trains or buses.

As a traveller that seeks value over comfort, I’ve come to appreciate being able to take flights (when booked well in advance) that costs a mere fraction compared with major airlines. In certain cases, I’ve found flights with Air Asia that were far cheaper than taking either the bus or train!

Recently, I was forced to look at flights with another carrier when the route I was looking for, a flight from Chiang Mai, Thailand to Penang, Malaysia, was fully booked. With an impending Visa run just mere days away, I had yet to book a flight out of Thailand.

I had heard about Nok Air, from several friends who had flown with them before; although, they had mentioned positive things about their experiences flying with Nok Air, I had yet to really consider them for my own personal connections.

Scrambling last minute, I was initially disappointed when I noticed they also didn’t have any available flights from Chiang Mai to Penang. Randomly, I started thinking of destinations in the southern part of Thailand that were close to the Malaysian border; Hat Yai and Krabi immediately came to mind.

When I discovered that a flight from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai, on a promo fare, would cost less than half of the price of a train ticket I immediately pounced. Not knowing what to expect, concerns about safety, service and reliability from this ‘new’ airline crept into my mind as time grew closer to my departure.

Now that I’m writing this post from Phuket, Thailand, having just completed my Visa run to Penang, Malaysia, I’ve only got overwhelming positive things to say about Nok Air. When compared to flights I’ve taken in the past with Air Asia, three things really stand out:

FREE WIFI IN THE AIRPORT

Free wifi in the airport? For those accustomed to flying out of the highest rated airports in the world, such as Changi International Airport in Sinagore or Incheon International Aiport in Korea, free wifi has been in play for years; however, for those in North America – or flying with budget airlines – waiting for delayed flights can be excruciatingly painful without a wifi connection.

What I loved about Nok Air, is that they had free wifi for customers waiting to board their flights. To connect, it didn’t require any fancy password or login id; I just simply had to enter my boarding number and within seconds I was surfing online.

FREE LUGGAGE

Another huge bonus was that I didn’t have to pay extra online (or at the check in counter) for luggage. Because our bag was under 15 kg it was free to have it checked. When booking flights with Air Asia, I always find it a bit misleading when I have the fare etched out in my mind and then suddenly the extras (such as luggage) tack on a significant amount more.

SNACKS ON BOARD THE PLANE

Now the real kicker was having a surprise snack and beverage on board Nok Air! I’m used to having to purchase overpriced tiny portion meals from Air Asia; and in the rare case that I actually do decide I’m hungry enough to fork over money for something to eat,

I end up paying more money out of pocket. Although the snack on Nok Air was merely nothing more than a couple of coconut pastries filled with raisins along with a water, I felt as though I was a valued customer.

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Air Asia Information For Travelers

AirAsia is a low-cost airline based in Malaysia that offers flights to destinations across Asia and beyond. Here are some key pieces of information that travelers should know:

1. Booking: AirAsia allows you to book flights online through their website or mobile app. You can also book through a travel agent.
2. Baggage: AirAsia has strict baggage policies, so make sure to check their website before packing for your trip. You may need to pay extra for checked baggage or for bringing a carry-on bag on board.
3. Check-in: AirAsia offers online check-in, self-service kiosks at the airport, and counter check-in. Make sure to arrive at the airport with enough time to check-in, clear security, and get to your gate.
4. In-flight experience: AirAsia offers a no-frills experience, which means you’ll need to purchase any food, drinks, or entertainment on board. You can purchase these items online ahead of time to save money.
5. Safety: AirAsia has a strong safety record and is committed to ensuring the safety of their passengers. They have implemented enhanced cleaning and safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Loyalty program: AirAsia has a loyalty program called AirAsia BIG that allows you to earn and redeem points for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
7. Customer service: If you have any questions or concerns, AirAsia has a customer service team that you can reach through their website, social media, or by phone.

Overall, AirAsia is a decent option for travelers who are looking for affordable flights to destinations across Asia and beyond. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with their policies and procedures before your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Nok Air Information For Travelers

Nok Air is a low-cost airline based in Thailand that offers domestic and international flights to various destinations in Thailand, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, and more. Here are some key pieces of information for travelers:

1. Booking: You can book flights on Nok Air’s website or through their mobile app. They also have partnerships with travel agencies and online travel booking platforms.
2. Baggage: Nok Air has a baggage allowance of 15 kg for checked baggage and 7 kg for carry-on baggage. You may need to pay extra for additional baggage or for oversized or overweight baggage.
3. Check-in: Nok Air offers online check-in, self-service kiosks at the airport, and counter check-in. Make sure to arrive at the airport with enough time to check-in, clear security, and get to your gate.
4. In-flight experience: Nok Air offers a no-frills experience, similar to other low-cost airlines. They do offer food and drinks for purchase on board.
5. Safety: Nok Air has a strong safety record and is committed to ensuring the safety of their passengers. They have implemented enhanced cleaning and safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Nok Fan Club: Nok Air has a loyalty program called Nok Fan Club that allows you to earn and redeem points for flights and other travel-related expenses.
7. Customer service: If you have any questions or concerns, Nok Air has a customer service team that you can reach through their website or by phone.

Overall, Nok Air is a good option for travelers who are looking for affordable flights within Thailand and to nearby countries in Asia. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with their policies and procedures before your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Air Asia versus Nok Air Comparison

AirAsia and Nok Air are both low-cost airlines based in Southeast Asia, but they differ in some key aspects that may affect travelers’ preferences.

1. Network: AirAsia has a larger network and flies to more destinations compared to Nok Air. AirAsia also offers international flights to destinations beyond Southeast Asia.
2. Prices: Both airlines offer affordable fares, but AirAsia may sometimes have lower prices than Nok Air, especially on international routes.
3. In-flight experience: Both airlines offer a no-frills experience, but AirAsia offers more amenities and services on board, such as in-flight entertainment, hot meals, and more comfortable seats. Nok Air, on the other hand, offers a simpler and more basic in-flight experience.
4. Baggage allowance: Nok Air has a more generous baggage allowance than AirAsia, with a free checked baggage allowance of 20 kg and a carry-on allowance of 7 kg. AirAsia, on the other hand, charges for checked baggage and has a lower carry-on allowance.
5. Loyalty program: Both airlines have loyalty programs, but AirAsia’s BIG program is more extensive and offers more opportunities to earn and redeem points.
6. Customer service: Both airlines have customer service teams, but AirAsia has a larger and more established customer service network with multiple channels for support.

AirAsia may be a better choice for travelers looking for a wider network, more amenities on board, and a more established loyalty program.

Nok Air may be a better choice for travelers who value a more generous baggage allowance and a simpler in-flight experience. However, it’s important to check both airlines’ fares, schedules, and policies before booking to find the best option for your travel needs.

Budget Airlines In Southeast Asia

There are several budget airlines in Southeast Asia that offer affordable air travel options to passengers. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. AirAsia: Founded in 1993, AirAsia is one of the largest and most well-known budget airlines in Southeast Asia. The airline operates flights to over 165 destinations in 25 countries, including domestic and international routes. AirAsia is known for its low fares, which are often significantly cheaper than full-service airlines. The airline frequently offers promotional deals and discounts to further reduce the cost of air travel. In addition, AirAsia offers a range of in-flight amenities such as hot meals, in-flight entertainment, and comfortable seats to enhance the flying experience.
2. Lion Air: Lion Air is an Indonesian-based airline that operates flights to over 100 destinations across Asia and Australia. The airline is known for its low fares and basic in-flight experience, which includes no frills or amenities. Lion Air was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become one of the largest airlines in Indonesia. The airline’s low fares make it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers who are willing to sacrifice some comforts for affordability.
3. VietJet Air: VietJet Air is a Vietnamese airline that operates flights to over 40 destinations across Asia. The airline was founded in 2007 and has quickly become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the region. VietJet Air is known for its low fares and distinctive in-flight experience, which includes cheerful flight attendants who perform dance routines for passengers. The airline also offers a range of optional add-ons such as baggage allowance, seat selection, and hot meals.
4. Nok Air: Nok Air is a Thai-based airline that operates flights to around 30 destinations in Thailand and neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Vietnam. The airline was founded in 2004 and is known for its affordable fares, simple in-flight experience, and more generous baggage allowance compared to other budget airlines. Nok Air’s in-flight experience includes no frills or amenities, but the airline’s low fares make it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
5. Cebu Pacific Air: Cebu Pacific Air is a Philippine-based airline that operates flights to over 60 destinations across Asia and Australia. The airline was founded in 1996 and has since become one of the largest airlines in the Philippines. Cebu Pacific Air is known for its low fares and frequent promotional deals, which often include discounts on flights, baggage, and add-ons such as seat selection and meals. The airline’s in-flight experience is basic, but passengers can choose to purchase additional amenities such as hot meals and entertainment.
6. Jetstar Asia: Jetstar Asia is a Singapore-based airline that operates flights to over 20 destinations across Asia and Australia. The airline is known for its low fares, simple in-flight experience, and optional add-ons such as checked baggage and hot meals. Jetstar Asia was founded in 2004 and is a subsidiary of the Australian airline, Jetstar Airways. The airline’s low fares and frequent promotions make it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers in the region.

In conclusion, budget airlines are a great option for travelers who want to save money on air travel in Southeast Asia. Each airline has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider factors such as fare prices, in-flight experience, baggage allowance, and safety records before booking a flight. With a bit of research and planning, travelers can find affordable flights to many destinations in the region.

CONCLUSION

Overall, I was so thoroughly impressed with the service of Nok Air, not to mention the silky smooth flights, that I’m going to consider them AHEAD of Air Asia on routes in and around Thailand and nearby borders.

Although, I’ll likely price compare with Air Asia, and ultimately select the best value flight, if it is anywhere close to a tie I’m going with Nok Air hands down. I’ve found that it’s the little things, such as free wifi and a small snack, that can make the world of a difference when flying from point A to B.

Moreover, I realize budget airlines often come with reduced service, or as they say in the industry ‘with no frills’; however, I think that there is a difference between being frugal (or value conscious) with your service versus being flat out stingy.

I feel that Nok Air scores much higher in this area than Air Asia and it has consequently won me over as a customer.

Have you ever flown with Nok Air or Air Asia? What was your experience like?

How about your experiences flying with different airlines? Have you been as ridiculously stubborn and loyal as I’ve been in the past? What sort of things do you value when flying?

Let me know in the comments! 🙂