TRIED & TESTED_FLIGHTS

Kuala Lumpur to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

We try and test flights with Vietnam Airlines and AirAsia

Flight Number: AK545 Aircraft: Airbus A320 Class: Economy Seat: 14c Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes Reviewed by: Briar Jensen

The cabin The all-economy cabin has two rows of three seats 3-3. There are Hot Seats at the front (rows 1-5) or with extra legroom (row 1 and exit rows 12 and 14). Hot Seats incur a premium and include Xpress boarding. The difference between the cheapest seat and a Hot Seat is about $12.

The seat I’m in 14C, an exit row Hot Seat with extra legroom. Normal seat pitch is 28 inches (71 centimetres), this seat 29 inches (74 centimetres). Exit row 12 also has extra legroom but the seats do not recline, nor do seats in rows 11 and 31. (The A320s are currently transitioning to innovative new slimline, ergonomic Mirus Hawk seats.)

Entertainment Free WiFi connection to Rokki in-flight entertainment from your phone or tablet for movies and games. The English inflight magazine, Travel 360, available in print and on Rokki, is an informative read.

Service The service is friendly though limited on such a short flight.

Food + Drink Save money and have more choice of meals by pre-booking and you’ll receive priority service. If buying onboard, your first choice may not be available. The Asianinfluenced meals are great value at about $6 and flavoursome, if not all visually appetising.

Baggage Pre-purchase baggage allowance when booking, as it’s cheaper than at the airport. Hand luggage allowance is two pieces totalling 7kg.

One more thing This flight connects with flights from Australia to Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia’s A330 and baggage can be checked through. I flew from Sydney to KL and onward to Phu Quoc return. I took a daytime flight to KL in economy and an overnight return flight from KL in a Premium Flatbed. While it wasn’t totally flat, it was extremely comfortable and afforded a full night’s sleep.

Pro tips This is a budget airline but an award-winning one. Keep the right mindset, do your homework and you can score really cheap flights or upgrade to a flatbed for about the price of premium economy on a full service airline (upgrades are possible at check-in if available). For the best price and to avoid disappointment, pre-purchase everything you need. Red Lounge access in Kuala Lumpur is free with flatbed seats or can be purchased for about $25.