It's all about my travel experience and things I love to do…
Airline
Jakarta & Bandung by Garuda Indonesia
Jun 1st
Last week was exciting and fun and draining…
Thanks to Garuda Indonesia, I had a chance to visit both Jakarta and Bandung.
Also, I had a chance to travel with the fehmes bloggers in Malaysia. Oh my! How can I not be excited after the trip! Some did actually commented how lucky I was, but to me, they are just ordinary people with great individual achievements.
Here’s my travel companions and we were at Hangar 2 at Garuda Indonesia HQ in Jakarta, right below the Airbus330-200’s tail.
Top Left:
Joe from LotsOfCravings.
Top Right:
Isabelle from Garuda Indonesia Malaysia.
Bottom from Left:
That’s me, if you haven’t notice. Niki Cheong, Hanis aka “Adik Chomel” from IniBelogSaya and Nicole from Nicolekiss.
Each and everyone of them are great travel companions and gosh, these people can really shop I tell you! They are all crazy shoppers. Maybe I didn’t shop as much, that also because I did not find anything of my interest.
Speaking of which, both Niki and Joe was trying really hard to change my “mundane” dressing. They say I have such boring clothing and I should try to be more creative with the tees I wear and no black/brown or long sleeves. Then again, I would definitely start changing my wardrobe from now on.
Hmmm… Takes a huge step my friends, but I will certainly try… 
More to come from this trip… Stay tuned.
Air Asia/Airline Baggage “Handling” Practice
Mar 30th
Sawadikap!…
I am back from Phuket, Thailand as some of you would already know. But if you didn’t know, now you know.
Before I go on and proceed with my traveling experiences, let me write about one experience that I always see it with my own eyes but never had a chance to proof my words whenever I tell people what I saw.
It is about Air Asia’s baggage “handling” practice. I’m just curious, how much Air Asia actually has spent on baggage damage compensation?
Maybe to the airlines, it is cheaper to spend on compensation rather than spending time to carefully transfer our baggage from the aircraft to the baggage trolley. I don’t know, don’t quote me on this.
Here was what I captured when I arrived at LCCT on the 30th March 2010 at 0200 hours from Phuket. This flight is not my flight, but some other flight that arrived a moment earlier than us.
Looking up for my video I saw other similar videos that would show you further on how Air Asia handles your baggage.
Here’s on from danielpurser
Interesting isn’t it? Oh wells, what can I say? You want cheap and budget, your service also cheap and budget lah.
Okay… to be fair, Air Asia is not the only airline that does this kind of baggage handling. Search on YouTube reveals that almost all the airlines does this. Saves time… but does it save their cost in compensation?
This is how easyJet handles baggage from ValienteVejete.
Maybe these airport workers/airline staffs learn their trick from these luggage monkeys in the USA. Video by ministryofcctv.
But if you want to view more of baggage handlings on YouTube, click here.
It’s good that airlines offer us cheap fares and made it affordable for us to travel, but if we were to experience this kind of baggage damage trauma, why do we have to pay you to handle our baggage?
My take is that, if you want to accept a fee in handling our baggage, handle them with care! Why waste money to print out the “Fragile” sticker and stick on our bags.
Might as well put up a disclaimer right in front of your check-in counter and say “Your baggage “might” be thrown by our tarmac staffs, please take note that you can claim for any damages.” Right?
Oh wells, this is my 3rd time experiencing and seeing how Air Asia handles their passenger’s baggage. Next time, I will just buy a harder cover luggage bag or a heavier luggage bag and then see how much they want to throw my luggage!
Air Asia Last Minute Super Value Fare
Dec 29th
Yes, trust me when I say this. I can have access to “Air Asia Last Minute Super Value Fare”.
How?
Because I’m working in a travel agency!
I’m on a last minute plan to head up north, yes again. This time with Air Asia.
Wanted to fly Firefly because I’ve never flew on it and they have good comments so far. But, Air Asia stole my heart as the air fare that I can get is super cheap!
This is what I get from Firefly.
So expensive, even though it is nearer to my place but still, I don’t mind traveling further for cheaper fare.
This is what I get from Air Asia online price.
Even more expensive, given that I’ve added 20kg baggage and also taken advance boarding and on board meals, it is still expensive compared to what I can get through my system. Look at how cheap it is…
Half the price I can get online. Nyek! Nyek! Nyek! This is so so so cool! Plus, I just only bought my flight. Super last minute right? Even if I buy tomorrow also, the price is fixed and will never change.
Yes. I shall brand this as “Air Asia Last Minute Super Value Fare” (C). Of course, as a travel agent, we still will charge service fee and what not. In the end, it will still be cheaper than online price. Say, we charge RM 50 for all tickets issued, it totals up to RM 176 and it’s still cheaper than RM 241.
Who says you can only get cheaper price online?
Good thing about this “Air Asia Last Minute Super Value Fare” is that with the price I’m paying, I’m getting all these:
- Additional 20kg of baggage allowance.
- Meals of my choice.
- Express boarding with seat selection.
- I can change date anytime I want without being charged extra.
You know where to reach me should you feel like trying to grab this deal.
But anyhow, just email travel(at)yapthomas.com for more info.
Disclaimer:
“Air Asia Last Minute Super Value Fare” is my own term and is a contracted fare with my agency. I’m only using that term of “Air Asia Last Minute Super Value Fare” on my own accord. Don’t sue me.
Travel Plan Derailed…
Oct 22nd
So, I’ve booked my flight long ago and now my travel plan is literally thrown out of the window! Gah!
What? Let me show you…
This was my original flight itinerary…
and this is the new flight itinerary…
My times are moved forward and I have less time in Chiang Mai. 
Gah!! I have to rework my whole travel itinerary now.
Wait! I don’t even have a travel itinerary. Haha. This is so gonna be fun.
Touching down in Chiang Mai and then not knowing where to go!
No time to do research lah. Call me lazy, but I’m adventurous that way! 
MAS Travel Fair is BACK AGAIN!!!
Jun 21st
Yes, just like I said, it is back again!
The Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair (MATF) 2009 – June
Let me be the first* to tell you about it… Here are the prices…
You be your own judge if the price is cheap or not…
Remember, compare an apple to an apple.
You can only use this fare for traveling from 29th June onwards till 15th December.
Your last date to book is on 5th July 2009…
Please READ CLEARLY as it is all self explanatory. More question?
Email me at travel(at)yapthomas(dot)com
Also, with every promo prices there are terms & conditions. Here are the important T&C you should know before you make decision of picking up the phone to call your favourite travel agent (I know it’s me. ) or start going to http://malaysiaairlines.com. Oh you can also buy this promo ticket from the MAS ticket counter at KL Sentral.
As this fare is open for all, bookings with travel agents will incur a fee. You can either choose to use their service or head on to KL Sentral or MAS website for bookings.
MATF June 2009 Terms & Conditions
| Advanced Purchase | From Malaysia to Singapore & Bandar Seri Begawan: 21 Days From Singapore to Malaysia: 21 Days Others: 7 days |
| Minimum/Maximum Stay | Nil, but all travels must be completed by 15 December 2009 |
| Waitlist | Not permitted. |
| Flight change | Once booking number has been issued, NO Flight changes allowed. |
| Name change | Once booking number has been issued, NO Name changes allowed. |
| Cancellation/Refund | All partially & totally unutilised tickets are NOT refundable. |
| Stopover | Not permitted. |
| Rerouting | Not permitted. |
| Enrich Upgrade | Not permitted. |
| Child/ Infant Discount | Infants pays 20% of adult promotional fares. No discount on child fares. |
| Air Fare | Price includes airfare, airport tax, fuel surcharge, insurance and administrative fees. Certain selected all-inclusive low fares does not include airport taxes as such charge is collected separately by the airport authorities at point of check-in. Price listed is correct as of date of publication and may be subject to change due to fluctuations in exchange rate, airport tax, fuel surcharge, insurance and administrative fees. Airport tax is subject to revision from time to time by the relevant airport authorities. Fares are not applicable during peak periods and subject to seat availability. |
So, now you’ve known every little details…
The question is… Where would you like to go tomorrow?
My previous post on MAS Travel Fair…
* I Google already wan. No other websites popping up.
** GIF pictures from Malaysia Airlines’ website **
Flying with Malaysia Airlines to Bangkok
Apr 22nd
See, the whole reason why I need a ‘blog secretary‘ is to remind me that I haven’t finish posting about my Perth Adventure. Now I am stuck! Should I continue blogging about Perth or should I start with Bangkok?
Oh no! It’s like some love hate relationship with my own blog. What the heck right? I know!
Anyways… I’ve got a plan… nyek nyek nyek…
Okay, so I went to Bangkok two weeks ago. It was such a random plan. Wingz was one of my travel companion to Bangkok. I told him I wanna plan a trip cause I got ‘jalan’ for cheap fare and cheap accommodation at Courtyard Marriott. See! The benefit of a travel agent! Wingz got his buddy Frostier to join in, since he needs to break his flight virginity. That fella so lucky you know! ‘Cause he broke his flight virginity with Malaysia Airlines! So many people out there now breaks their flight virginity with Air Asia. :p hahaha
Since I got my contact in MAS to give me this flight to Bangkok free of charge, I promised to blog about them like how I blog about Air Asia. FOC is only for me, not for Wingz and Frostier. Muahahahha *bragging time*
My flight was…
MH 784 Y 10APR KULBKK HS1 0910 1015
MH 783 Y 12APR BKKKUL HS1 1710 2015
I was so busy before I flew and I barely even have time to pack. But what pack? Three pair of cloths and I’m set to go!
Reached the airport very early in the morning and since I’m still early, I decided to give the self check-in kiosk a try. I’ve tried the self check-in kiosk for Air Asia at LCCT long time ago but never used MAS’ kiosk.
Such a hassle free and not like Wingz he has to line up because the window for self check in is one hour before flight departure. So he was unlucky. Muahahaha!! Take picture summore lah!
Traveling with Malaysia Airlines, I was expecting the MH is Malaysian Hospitality that was much talked and advertised all over.
The plane was a small one (Boeing 737, I think) when I was going to Bangkok but I was only complaining for the first 15 minutes upon entering the plane. This one particular stewardess was so sweet that it took my complains away! Her name is Agnes Soh. *bluek*
See! So sweet right? Her smile just threw all my complaints out of the window. She was just like the Cool & Cold Korean Lady I met when I was at Arirang, Perth. She was kinda frustrating at one point when her mate at the back of the plane was slow in responding to her request but that frustration she had diminish when she turns to the passenger. *melts*
Anyways, that aside. I have babbled enough. *hik* Let the pictures do all the talking from now on…
I got this pillow from the flight going to Bangkok…
Was served Nasi Lemak with Sambal Prawn…
Liked the deserts very much…
Liked even more the smile of Agnes Soh…
Didn’t like the seat given to me. Should have asked for emergency seat which I always do. My leg so long I can’t have enough seat pitch!! *boo*
The flight coming back was a lot better. They are using a bigger aircraft. YAY! That time I was smarter also, I asked for emergency aisle seat! Clever right? I know!!
That flight MH783 from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur got screen also wei!!!
The seats were a lot nicer and more comfy also!
Was served pizza. I was jealous because Frostier got rice. Was so hungry that I wanted rice, but they said finish. See lah! You want nice seats but couldn’t have nice food because when the trolley cart reaches you, everyone else had the nice food. But I got good seats!! *Hmmph!*
Oh… I was hoping to see that sweet stewardess Ms. Agnes Soh again on my way back from Bangkok.
NO! she was not on that flight. “Hi Agnes, If you are reading this…” hahaha
Anyways… it was a nice experience flying with Malaysia Airlines after so long!!!
I think with the increasing sales volume I have with MAS, I shall ask for a flight to UK?
Coming up next… the hotel I stayed in Bangkok!!…
LSG SkyChef – The In-Flight Meals
Apr 9th
Continuing from the tour at LSG SkyChef, we were treated for lunch. The meals served to us during lunch was all in flight meals that is being served on board their flights.
Come… let me show you what they have on display, which are also what we were fed that afternoon.
This is how their business class lunch looks like. Got scallops, got salmon…!!
This is how their economy snack pack looks like. They got Ferraro Roche and some other tidbits…
This is another type of lunch tray which is meant for economy class. The main course would be depending on your orders. It could be satay or lamb or chicken or anything else…
Now, I’m gonna let you see some pictures of the food. These food presentation is meant for First Class passengers only. They are all served on plate wan, so the high class right? That’s what you get when you pay premium.
The Salmon…
The Tiger Prawn…
The Lamb Shank…
The Seafood Platter…
That’s about it… you can read more about the experiences of other bloggers who were present that day at the links below.. They got powderful camera, so their pictures are a lot more wonderful too…
During that visit, Lex aka Kampung Boy wore the same tee I have. I wanted to wear that exact same tee, but decided not. Else, sure fashion clash wan!!! hahaha
These are the other bunch of bloggers whom were invited by MAS to LSG SkyChef…
VKeong, Simon, Kenny, Dale, Chef Zainuddin, KampungBoyCityGal, moi and Wingz…
You can read more about their experiences:
KampungBoyCityGal
VKeong
Rojaks
Simon Seow
Now, I am hungry… -_-
LSG SkyChef – The Tour
Apr 5th
Everytime I fly with an airline, I always wonder, how these people ever prepare the meals on board the aircraft. LIke, do they even have a kitchen in the aircraft? That will be cool wei, seeing air crews frying an egg on board. Wouldn’t it? hahaha
About 3 weeks ago, I was invited by Jon of Fleishman and Hillard Malaysia with a bunch of other bloggers to visit the LSG SkyChef at Sepang. LSG SkyChef is a global provider of in-flight meals, in-flight entertainment, in-flight management and logistics . They have a global presence in major cities in the world, either wholly owned or joint-venture base operations.
I got lost when finding that location and if Wingz didn’t call me, I wouldn’t have reached to the right location which is the road leading to LCCT. I would have ended up at KLIA instead. -_-
I arrived just in time when they were about to start. I think they waited for me. *shy*
We listened to the introduction by LSG chef. He brief us through on how did LSG was established and how have they expanded their operation throughout the world.
Today, LSG SkyChef has already served many major airlines and has also won several recognitions from airlines for their outstandingin services. Now, that’s what we Malaysian should be proud of don’t we?
After the presentation, we we brought into their operation area to see how their productions are being made. But sadly, it was lunch break that day, so we can’t see much on how the meals are prepared. Nevertheless, we got to see how their operational facilities look like. Before going to their operational area, we all have to go through a tough hygienic process. We have to wash our hands, put on head condom cap and wear a long robe before entering.
It is a well equipped facility from loading bay to cleaning area to cooking to preparation to pre-flight loading areas. Different area caters to different need. They even have different preparation areas for different class seatings. Not bad.
We took their service lift down one floor to where their pre-flight loading area is. Lower ground also houses many huge temperature controlled storage rooms. If I remember correctly, they have about 10 of them. Big huge chiller and freezers and even dry stock areas.
We were not allowed to take pictures of their operational facilities due to security and industry competitive reasons. So I took this one picture below to show that I am in of their pre-flight loading chiller. This room is where they keep all the meals prepared in trolleys. These trolleys are all prepared and ready to be loaded approximately 3 hours before flight departure. They are all kept in the chiller room to preserve its quality and freshness.
If you want to enjoy winter, come in here. This is what I get after staying in the rooms for about 10 minutes.
It was a brief tour as we couldn’t see much on people working on the preparations. We head back to the presentation room earlier to be briefed by another chef about their in-flight menus. How they are all being designed and set for each different seating classes.
Then, it is time to savor the wonderful meals prepared by LSG SkyChef.
The food are all ready…
and the tables are all set…
It is time to ‘makan’……
Yummm…. till I show you in my next entry of all the foods prepared for us.. stay tuned..
Gonna meet up with the DGMBians for banana leave now.. ciaozz…
MATTA Fair MAR 2009 – Malaysia Airlines Promo
Mar 12th
So yeah, MATTA FAIR is coming… which is tomorrow…
Anyways, I will usually put up image of the pricing for previous MATTA FAIR postings, but you can download them instead.
MATTA FAIR MAR 2009 FIT PRICES
MATTA FAIR MAR 2009 2 TO GO PRICES
There are more and more promotions during MATTA Fair, but always read the fine prints.
Some other airlines that I know would have their promo prices are Qatar Airways, Qantas-British Airways, Brunei Airlines and Japan Airlines. Otherwise, head to PWTC for the fair and look it out yourself…
Read more about it here at MATTA Official Website.
For free passes, you can read Nicolekiss’ post about MATTA March 2009.
Talk Is Not Cheap Above The Clouds
Mar 7th
Remember I mentioned back in November about MAS allows passengers to use mobile phones on board?
It’s here! It’s here.
Read all about it here. Shall I quote a little bit here and there from Mobile World.
Mobile Phones now useable on MAS planes
- Nigel. Friday, 06 March 2009
Yes you’ve read it right you can now use your mobile phones on MAS planes. More specifically mobile phones that use a Maxis postpaid line. Maxis Communications’ cellular postpaid subscribers can now use their mobile phones and BlackBerry devices to make and receive calls, send and receive SMS, e-mail and access GPRS data services while airborne in Malaysia Airlines aircraft. This follows a partnership agreement reached on 5 March between Malaysia’s leading mobile operator, Maxis, Malaysia Airlines and world leading in-flight mobile operator, the UK-based AeroMobile which is owned by ARINC, Inc and Telenor ASA.
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But, with all that, the cost is going to be expensive. Very expensive.
Call and data charges are however rather hefty compared to terrestrial charges, with voice calls charged at RM15 per minute for outgoing and incoming calls; data sent or received is charged at RM100 per MB and SMS message sent are charged at RM3 each but are free for SMS received, with charges billed to the user’s postpaid account.
The charges are crazy!
A phone conversation as simple as:
Tom: Hey Tim, how are you?
Tim: Hey Tom, I am good. Where are you now?
Tom: I am reaching Kuala Lumpur already! Can you come and fetch me?
Tim: Wat time is your arrival?
Tom: 3:30pm. Can?
Tim: Ohkay. I’ll see you at the airport.
*slam* RM 30 charged to your phone. Usually? RM 1 only.
Those of you who wants to use your mobile phones during flight, better make sure you talk business and close a deal out of it. Best is to adopt the “No Money, No Talk” policy with your counterpart. Else, you will cry over the charges that is being sent to your phone.
Definitely, talk is not cheap above the clouds…
