Long Haul Flight

We are in UK already, after a 14 hours flight and arriving in the wee hours of the morning. We were originally scheduled to arrive at about 9.30 pm but the flight was rescheduled to arrive at 3.00am. I have travel insurance which compensates flight delays in blocks of six hours and I am just half an hour short….. sigh!

We were apprehensive taking the flight. It is not the first time that we take these long haul flights but this is the first time we do it on a budget airline, but it is one voted the best budget airline in the world. We took this flight as it is very much cheaper when compared to the regular airlines we are used to. There is a more than 50% discount actually. We were apprehensive when we got a lot of negative comments and flak from others who hear that we will be taking the budget airline. And when the airline rescheduled this flight I thought, “oh my! Will this be the beginning of all the negativity I hear about?”

We arrived at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang just in time for the flight. We’ve checked on-line, hence it was a no hassle bag drop at the counter. Just had time for the evening prayers and then on to security and immigration formalities, no hassle too. No time to even browse at the D-Free shops as they had called for boarding. I was using walking stick and the attendants were extra helpful during boarding. We got to our seats (at the back of the plane, purposely chosen to be near the toilets!!) and were surprised that the seats were comfy and with sufficient leg-room!! A good start to the journey, I thought.

The flight was uneventful. We were comfortable all the way. No free entertainment on board (but one can rent Air Asia X hand-held entertainment-pod for RM30 with a wide selection of video-on-demand). We skipped that because even when we travel MAS we very seldom watch movies. We had pre-purchased food and they were good, slightly small portion than MAS but what the heck! We can always order extra if not enough. Pre-ordered food came with a bottle of mineral water. They have quite a selection of food, beverages and drinks, sandwiches, chocolates and tit-bits.

In-flight I was reading a lot. I finished their in-flight magazine front to back, and I had brought along reading materials of my own. I also had the i-pod which was convenient.

We arrived about 10 minutes behind schedule which the pilot attributed to strong headwinds during flight. Formalities at the arrival terminal were without hassle and there were no customs officials at the check-out. Fahrul was already waiting for us when we exited the arrival hall with our thick clothes. It was 1 Celcius outside!!

So, where were all the negativity and the flak others threw about the flight? We would do it again, and at more than 50% discount to the regular ticket if flying by other airlines, we thought we made a good choice. Only downside is the flight arrived at Stansted airport which is way to the East of London but convenient transport facilities were available if required.

We travelled the six hours road journey to Tenby with Fahrul and Sita alternating in the drivers’ seat. Najla and little Fieras were excited of course. Fieras just took a few moments to size us up and was soon all over us giggling and smiling. He showed off that he can crawl and beginning to hold onto things to stand up. They were quite active when on the road, keeping us entertained somewhat….



Winter Penguin??

Lost in Baggage?

Overall it was a good trip. Our return in six weeks time will be the reverse and I hope that trip will be as good as this trip….. and may the Almighty grant us this priviledge and may He be pleased……



MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales.