AirAsia don’t offer any in flight entertainment. No screens, no Wifi and certainly no in seat power so bring your ow fully charged device full of your favourite shows. I also asked about renting a blanket because, naturally, planes are flying refrigerators. Nope—you have to buy a $22 AUD comfort kit (a flimsy looking blanket, inflatable neck pillow, and eye mask). Yeah, I passed on that and decided to tough it out. BYO blanket should definitely be on your packing list for budget flights!

Both flights were on an AirAsia Airbus A320-200. It is basically the go-to for short- to medium-haul flights. This little workhorse, with its 3-3 seat layout, can squeeze in up to 180 passengers if the airline really pushes it. It’s efficient, reliable, and perfect for budget airlines. But if you get stuck in that middle seat, let’s just say you’ll understand why I call it the ‘sardine can.’ You’ll be doing acrobatics in your seat just to get comfortable. Luckily, I wasn’t taking any chances with legroom—I booked row 1 almost a year in advance, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. Legroom? Check. First one off the plane and through immigration? Double check. It’s the little things that make all the difference! In terms off scoring, I have scored the seating a 4/5 because I was in Row 1. If I was in any other seat, given the tiny 28 inch seat pitch it would have to be scored a 1/5.

While you can't expect white-glove service on a budget airline, the AirAsia crew did what was expected with minimal fuss. The flight attendants were polite, but there wasn’t the extra warmth or enthusiasm you’d find on full-service carriers. On both flights, they handled the boarding process smoothly and were quick to respond to requests, though the interactions felt very functional rather than personable. If you’re after friendly smiles and upbeat service, you might find AirAsia a bit lacking, but for a budget carrier, they got the basics done without any major issues. For what it’s worth, they keep things moving efficiently, which is really all you can ask for at this price point.

Now, I didn’t board AirAsia expecting to be wined and dined like it’s a Michelin-star experience. I ordered the chicken and rice—edible, though far from exciting. I did have my eye on the double decker sandwich, but despite sitting in row 1, somehow, they’d managed to sell out before they even got to me. How does that even happen? What are they doing, loading just one sandwich onto the plane? Mystery!

For drinks, the only alcoholic option was Bintang beer, which wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but it did the job.

On the return flight I was determined not to miss out on the elusive double decker sandwich—and while I finally managed to get my hands on it, let’s just say it was nothing to write home about. The Bintang I ordered to go with it was unfortunately lukewarm, which is not exactly the refreshing cold beverage I’d been hoping for.

For a short, simple and direct hop to Bali, absolutely. AirAsia serves its purpose: it gets you there without draining your savings. But after a few hours of budget travel, you start to think about what a full-service carrier like Qantas or Virgin could offer.

If they were to offer direct flights, it wouldn’t just be about the free (or included) baggage and meals, It’s about the overall experience: smoother check-ins, in-flight entertainment, and maybe even a blanket that doesn’t come with a price tag. Plus, there’s something to be said for flight attendants who always seem happy and upbeat, making the journey feel that little bit more enjoyable. A full-service airline would also bring more reliability, fewer gate changes, and the chance for frequent flyers to enjoy a few perks, like upgrades and points.

That said, when it comes to budget airlines in Asia, AirAsia still tops my list. They’ve mastered the art of low-cost travel, delivering exactly what they promise—simple, but plenty of efficiency.

My overall score? A 3/5. While affordable, additional costs for seat selection, luggage, food, drinks, and even the optional blanket add up. Still a decent deal for budget travel.