AirAsia - The biggest Liar? The only gainer.

AirAsia, so called one of the best low cost airline in Asia. How could they manage to make profit out of their so called 'zero' cost flight ticket? I have heard enough stories from people around me on how poor their service is, the flight delay and so on, but, this time I can tell you a true story of mine with this cheap but costly airline- AirAsia.

It happened during my way to have a nice vacation with my lovely wife in Bali recently. I bought 2 ticket plus accomodation package with AirAsia-go-holiday online. It was all right until the departure date. The departure time from LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal?) was 10:55 am. So, we forwarded to the check-in counter at 9:55am so as to make sure we check ourselve in not later than 45 minutes before the departure time. But we could not find the counter for our flight number! So, I checked with one of the officer and surprisingly, the gentlemen told me that the counter was closed 5 minutes agoand we were late!? According to their rules and regulation, as published on their information board, all passengers have to check-in to their flight 45minutes before the departure, but if I followed my Tissot's time (it should be very close to the international time), they closed the counter 1 hour before that!

So, I was furious and started argueing with the front counter officer. Surprisingly, he was so calm and nice to counteroffer us a replacement ticket for the next flight but it would be 6 hours later. And moreover, he handed us a couple of meal voucher to be spent waiting for the next flight. And finally, it was the only option we have! Well, we have no choice but to accept it.

What is the truth behind? Firstly, why do they close the check-in counter early? Secondly, why AirAsia always depart earlier than scheduled? And finally, why the front counter officers able to issue replacement tickets if truely the passenger is late for checking-in?

Alright, there is only one answer for all. It is because THEY OVERSOLD THEIR TICKETS!! AND IT HAPPENED TO ALL FLIGHT!! This is because in most happened occasion, there won't be 100% passengers turned up for the flight and this is the trick for pick hour flight. How about off peak hour flight like evening and night flight? There is another trick: FLIGHT DELAYED!! So, they can combine both flights to one if low occupancy.

Please let me know, who is the eventual winner?