Malaysian LCCs churn out general election offers

Local low-cost carriers are taking advantage of the recent announcement of the Malaysian general election date of May 5 to increase their loads, rolling out varied offers to entice travellers.

Malindo Air, which currently flies only between East and West Malaysia, has offered one-way fares between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching from RM78 (US$26), and from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu from RM108, for travel up to July 13.

AirAsia, on the other hand, has offered all-in fares starting at RM29 one-way for domestic flights within Peninsular Malaysia and from RM59 one-way for flights between East and West Malaysia, valid for travel from May 2 to August 31.

Regionally, AirAsia is offering all-in, one-way fares from RM55 departing Indonesian cities such as Medan, Padang, Balikpapan, Palembang and Pekanbaru; and from RM120 for all-in, one-way trips out of Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Miri. From other South-east Asian destinations, air tickets begin at RM124 one-way for the same travel period.

Longhaul affiliate AirAsia X is granting qualified registered voters access to its Fly Home to Vote campaign and promotional fares. Passengers are required to submit their identity card details to the airline, which will then check it against the election commission registry to ensure voting eligibility.

Those who qualify can book flights starting at A$199 (US$209) from its points in Australia, 12,000 yen (US$121) from Japan, RMB600 (US$97) from China, 129,000 won (US$114) from South Korea and NT$3,290 (US$110) from Taiwan to Kuala Lumpur.

Promotional fares are valid for travel between April 22 and May 5 for inbound passengers, and from May 5-19 for passengers returning after the elections.

-TTG Asia.