Tuesday January 13, 2009
WONG MUN CHOONG,
Subang Jaya.

I WAS at the LCCT terminal for a flight to Melbourne on Dec 15 and arrived three hours early to check in.

The queue was long and snaked out beyond the tiny doorway. There was no personnel to control the crowd and everyone was jumping queue trying to squeeze through the doorway.

I managed to check in after being in line for two hours by discarding the trolleys and pushing my way through. It was complete chaos and a horrible experience.

AirAsia/LCCT should have prepared for the long haul flights well in advance as the number of flights and passengers are known in advance.

However, my check-in on the return flight from Melbourne was the very opposite – very well organised and orderly. Although it took almost an hour in the queue, it was rather pleasant and relaxed with the line advancing in an orderly manner. We should learn from Melbourne airport authorities in their advance planning and control.

I'm sure visitors to Malaysia leaving via LCCT could never imagine this chaos, reminiscent of the balik kampung at our train or bus stations during the Chinese New Year holidays.

The officials just stood by and only intervened for the flight crews to enter. Not a pleasant experience for visitors, I'm sure.

I don't think I will fly AirAsia X via LCCT ever again. AirAsia's long haul planes may be new but the seats are uncomfortable as they cannot recline.

Instead of reclining backwards they extend forward and your knees hit the seat in front. Imagine sitting upright for eight hours trying to sleep during a night flight?

WONG MUN CHOONG,
Subang Jaya.

This article is a verbatim copy of the original article from The Star.