By Azlan Othman
AirAsia yesterday introduced its new service 'Xpress Boarding' to the public, offering passengers greater options when it comes to seat selection.
The new service offers guests the opportunity to be among the first to board the flight and at the same time allow them greater choices of seats for as little as B$9.50 one way.
AirAsia - which practises a free-seating policy - will extend the Xpress Boarding service to all airports within its network, including those serviced by its sister companies Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia.
This service allows those who are prepared to pay a little extra to enjoy a head start to select the seat of their choice on a first come first served basis.
The AirAsia free-seating policy encourages guests to be punctual at the boarding gate, which is a crucial element for the airline's 25-minute turnaround.
A quick turnaround translates to cost savings, enhanced operation efficiency -which will in return be passed on to the guests, enabling the airline to offer consistent low fares.
AirAsia Commercial Executive Vice President Kathleen Tan said, "We are constantly on our toes in innovating our products and services. With our extensive route network with the Airbus A320, AirAsia is attracting a more diverse group of travellers.
"We have had special requests by passengers who say they are prepared to pay a little more for the enhanced service.
"We believe at the initial stage, most of our guests that are likely to take up this boarding service will consist of business, corporate and middle income travellers who are keen to get off the aircraft ahead of the rest upon landing.
"We believe this service will also prove enormously attractive for families who want to be able to sit together without the fuss of rushing to reserve seats and avoid the frustrating long queues upon boarding.
"The Xpress Boarding announcement is one of our steps to offer innovative products that meet the demand of the ever changing schedule of diverse target segment profiles; adapting to new consumer needs.
"This service has proven to be very popular amongst the other low cost carriers such as Europe's leading and largest low fare airlines like EasyJet and Wizz Air.
"Xpress Boarding is nice to have, but it is not a must have," Kathleen added.
Xpress Boarding is sold online on a first come first served basis as part of the normal flight booking process at www.airasia.com and at any of the AirAsia sales offices, airport sales counters or call centre.
Guests are encouraged to check in two hours before flight departure and the counter closes 45 minutes before flight departure time.
Guests with Xpress Boarding should be at the boarding gate no later than 30 minutes before the flight is scheduled to depart.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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