Airasia Fake Prices

[blossombkk]

Hi,

This morning I received a mail from Airasia advertising their new lowest fares. It listed a few SouthEsat Asia destinations for 790tb, booking 16-24 April and travelling June 1st to Aug 10th.

Trying to book a flight BKK to Colombo Sri Lanka, I couldn't find any fare as quoted. So I called the airline and spoke to Porntrata. She explained to me that those fares are just to "draw attention" and don't really exist. When saying "it's a deceit" she said:"you don't understand the business".

I did complaint to the airline via mail, but just wanted to let you all know.

[Ricardo]

The email which I received said "from 790B", the clue is the word "from", sadly.

[blossombkk]

I just looked at this sale, wanted to book BKK to Penang but Penang wasn't part of the sale.

BKK - Colombo isn't 790, it's listed at 1990. 790 is only for certain domestic destinations. It is pretty clear on the air asia website.

Just looked at the mail again. It lists all destination for the low fare. Colombo IS one of them. It's true that when you get in to book your flight, fares start at 1990tb. Looks to me like a scam though.

[MisterBean]

AirAsia is great. They have good promotions with lots of avalability at the advertised prices for people who can understand their website.

A quick check is showing avalability at the advertised price for the route you want on June 4,5,7,8,9,10,11.........

The deals are there, you just need to read carefully.

[blossombkk]

AirAsia is great. They have good promotions with lots of avalability at the advertised prices for people who can understand their website.

A quick check is showing avalability at the advertised price for the route you want on June 4,5,7,8,9,10,11.........

The deals are there, you just need to read carefully.

Looked at their site again. The dates you mentioned start at 1990tb.

Maybe something is wrong with my reading. I'd have to work on that!

[bendix]

Right.

So that's resolved then. It isn't a scam at all and the Air Aisa rep was quite right - the OP not only doesn't understand the business and, in addition, can't read.

[blossombkk]

Right.

So that's resolved then. It isn't a scam at all and the Air Aisa rep was quite right - the OP not only doesn't understand the business and, in addition, can't read.

I am talking about two different things that don't match but should match:

1. Advertising one price

2. come to book a different price.

[Lifer]

Right.

So that's resolved then. It isn't a scam at all and the Air Aisa rep was quite right - the OP not only doesn't understand the business and, in addition, can't read.

Unnecessary comment. This serves no purpose other to get your usage count up. Whether he can read or not is not for you to judge.

[ThaidDown]

From the home page it quite clearly says fly from Bangkok to (various destinations inc Colombo) AND "all in fair FROM 790thb"

Further into the site some Thai destinations are listed at 790, seems clear to me what they are offering.

Did not get the email, so cannot comment on that, but the site does not seem to misrepresent the offer.

[blossombkk]

I wonder how a topic as such get some of you on your toes ,to the extent of judging my general abilities. I myself travel airasia occasionally and enjoy it. frequently on the higher price. I just don't think they should advertise a lower price just "to draw the attention" as the agent said, and then have me book it on a triple price.

[Thailand]

"I called the airline and spoke to Porntrata. She explained to me that those fares are just to "draw attention" and don't really exist. When saying "it's a deceit" she said:"you don't understand the business"."

If I was Air Asia the agent would no longer be an agent. Assuming of course that is exactly what she said and there was no chance of misunderstanding?

They offer some great deals and you simply have to get in quick,If you consider it a come on you simply don't have to book,the choice is yours.

[SeanPhuket]

Just booked HKT to BKK...

WOW! What a palaver!! (plus the add-ons) (and more add-ons) (and more) (which they automatically add) (suddenly the fare was double)

Next time I'll continue using the booth! Or better still another airline!

[OLDAUSSIE]

Right.

So that's resolved then. It isn't a scam at all and the Air Aisa rep was quite right - the OP not only doesn't understand the business and, in addition, can't read.

Another useless reply by bendix

[OLDAUSSIE]

Right.

So that's resolved then. It isn't a scam at all and the Air Aisa rep was quite right - the OP not only doesn't understand the business and, in addition, can't read.

Unnecessary comment. This serves no purpose other to get your usage count up. Whether he can read or not is not for you to judge.

spot on

[bendix]

Right.

So that's resolved then. It isn't a scam at all and the Air Aisa rep was quite right - the OP not only doesn't understand the business and, in addition, can't read.

Another useless reply by bendix

Rubbish. There is far too much of this 'everything is a scam' bullshit on this forum, when what is really happening is that people simply aren't reading properly or taking time to think issues through.

As other posters have said, it is CLEARLY not a scam. The intro clearly said that Air Asia was offering a number of flghts to destinations around SEA (including Sri Lanka) FROM 790 baht. Not FOR 790 baht. FROM 790.

This is standard practice. It is not misleading. It is factual. They will obviously push their lowest fair, but surely only the most idiotic numpty thinks that every flight will be 790baht.

Every single marketer does this. Open the Bkk post and you will see a thousand adds for hotels, flights, meals, car hire etc úsing the same tactic.

There is something about punters who come to Thailand who get so defensive and paranoid that everything - every single little think they don't like - is perceived as a scam.

[farang000999]

hey guys. the advertised fares really do exist but sometimes they get booked up. you have to be fast.

for example, i got macau flights for 3 people in june for 11k baht. try looking at the rates now for 3 people it will be 20k baht.

the booth is always more expensive.

AA has very good rates but you want to look for promotion and to book several months ahead if not.

Good Luck.

[ozzieovaseas]

Sheez, whats next?

Im suprised we don't have posters claiming 7/11 stores are a big scam because they do not trade within those hours

[orchis]

Sheez, whats next?

Im suprised we don't have posters claiming 7/11 stores are a big scam because they do not trade within those hours

555!

or DTAC doesn't really make one "Happy".

Edited April 16, 2012 by orchis

[blossombkk]

Still surprised with the responses.

When an airline or any other commercial agency advertises from 790tb that means prices start from 790tb and up, It should include this low price and could include many other prices.

In my case, I received the mail this morning, tried to book it 30 minutes after receiving it. instructions said specifically book april 16th and on. couldn't book it any earlier.

even the agent i spoke to didn't pretend the price ever existed.

any lawyer would see it as a scam. sorry you all.

[sysardman]

Still surprised with the responses.

When an airline or any other commercial agency advertises from 790tb that means prices start from 790tb and up, It should include this low price and could include many other prices.

In my case, I received the mail this morning, tried to book it 30 minutes after receiving it. instructions said specifically book april 16th and on. couldn't book it any earlier.

even the agent i spoke to didn't pretend the price ever existed.

any lawyer would see it as a scam. sorry you all.

This is common marketing practice and is used worldwide, the airline could have only one seat on the plane selling for 790Bt and still comply with the rules. As pointed out the 'get out clause' is FROM and I for one never believe any of these 'promotions'.

[endure]

From AirAsia's website:

Domestic All-in-fare from

Ubon Ratchathani THB 790

Hat Yai THB 790

Nakhon Phanom THB 790

Udon Thani THB 790

Nakhon Si Thammarat THB 790

Surat Thani THB 790

Trang THB 990

Chiang Mai THB 990

Krabi THB 1,090

Narathiwat THB 1,090

Plenty of 790bt fares - just not to the place you want to go to. Do you think you're going to pay the same for a 350 mile flight to Nakhon Phanom as you are for a 1500 mile flight to Colombo?

Edited April 16, 2012 by endure

[Thailand]

Still surprised with the responses.

When an airline or any other commercial agency advertises from 790tb that means prices start from 790tb and up, It should include this low price and could include many other prices.

In my case, I received the mail this morning, tried to book it 30 minutes after receiving it. instructions said specifically book april 16th and on. couldn't book it any earlier.

even the agent i spoke to didn't pretend the price ever existed.

any lawyer would see it as a scam. sorry you all.

Take it to ANY lawyer and ask them. I fear the fees will put you out of pocket and a little wiser.

Pricing whatever - "from----- ".Absolute standard business practice.

[blossombkk]

From AirAsia's website:

Domestic All-in-fare from

Ubon Ratchathani THB 790

Hat Yai THB 790

Nakhon Phanom THB 790

Udon Thani THB 790

Nakhon Si Thammarat THB 790

Surat Thani THB 790

Trang THB 990

Chiang Mai THB 990

Krabi THB 1,090

Narathiwat THB 1,090

Plenty of 790bt fares - just not to the place you want to go to. Do you think you're going to pay the same for a 350 mile flight to Nakhon Phanom as you are for a 1500 mile flight to Colombo?

That's not the issue here. It's not just the place I want to go. I follow the ad. They calculate and promote what they want. It's their job and mine is to choose, pay and go. you guys take it for granted that everything is permissible when coming to promote an airline.

[blossombkk]

Still surprised with the responses.

When an airline or any other commercial agency advertises from 790tb that means prices start from 790tb and up, It should include this low price and could include many other prices.

In my case, I received the mail this morning, tried to book it 30 minutes after receiving it. instructions said specifically book april 16th and on. couldn't book it any earlier.

even the agent i spoke to didn't pretend the price ever existed.

any lawyer would see it as a scam. sorry you all.

This is common marketing practice and is used worldwide, the airline could have only one seat on the plane selling for 790Bt and still comply with the rules. As pointed out the 'get out clause' is FROM and I for one never believe any of these 'promotions'.

True!!! the airline could have only one seat at this price. THEY DIDN'T. the agent said THE PRICE DOESN'T EXIST, IT WAS JUST TO DRAW ATTENTION!!!

[blossombkk]

What's wrong with you people? you should be aware of your rights as customers, being wise customers, able to criticize when doubting your intelligence and demand more respect from any company who wants your money. at the same time you can still enjoy flying any airline.

[UbonOz]

I think it is quite clear, it says "FROM". The shortest distance is the lowest fare, the further you travel the fare increases.

Check this link, nothing hidden - http://www.airasia.com/th/en/promotion/rr0860608b.page?mb

I have had many good deals with AA, and have more booked to travel in the future.

I booked AA sale fares in February for travel in October, Ubon/Bangkok/Kuala Lumpur/Sydney return for two adults, 22,200baht, including insurance. Can't complain about that.

[blossombkk]

Fly from Bangkok <img height="13" width="14" /> Nakhon Phanom <img height="13" width="14" /> Chiang Mai <img height="13" width="14" /> Udon Thani Surat Thani <img height="13" width="14" /> Krabi <img height="13" width="14" /> Hat Yai Trang Nakhon Si Thammarat <img height="13" width="14" /> Narathiwat <img height="13" width="14" /> Yangon Colombo Ho Chi Minh City <img height="13" width="14" /> Hanoi <img height="13" width="14" /> Phnom Penh Guangzhou Shenzhen <img height="13" width="14" /> Hong Kong <img height="13" width="14" /> Macau Chennai Kolkata Fly from Phuket Fly from Chiang Mai Udon Thani <img height="13" width="14" /> Ubon Ratchathani <img height="13" width="14" /> Hat Yai Phuket Bali Jakarta Macau All-in-fare

from THB 790

<img alt="Book now" border="0" title="Twitter" /> Book from 16 - 22 Apr 2012 Travel from 1 Jun - 10 Aug 2012

Terms & conditions apply.

to all those who doubt my reading abilities!

[blossombkk]

Sorry, that's not what they've mailed me. You'd have to trust me on this.

I see it as done

[sysardman]

What's wrong with you people? you should be aware of your rights as customers, being wise customers, able to criticize when doubting your intelligence and demand more respect from any company who wants your money. at the same time you can still enjoy flying any airline.

I don't think there's anything wrong with 'us people', it seems you're the only one that has seen this amazing price of 790Bt for BKK to Colombo. I looked at the posted link and it clearly says 1990Bt. I don't suppose your price included a weeks hotel inclusive?

[FergusMPower]

I fly with AirAsia frequently, and have had numerous 'virtually free' flights with them (some long-haul, like Australia to KL), with only airport tax to pay, and $0 flight costs (although, horrors, you do still have to pay for your meal). Their other specials are also fantastic, but you have to be very fast on the uptake. Popular routes get cherry-picked within minutes when these deals are announced/activated, and (unsurprisingly) the long-haul routes are consumed the fastest. As an aside, anyone wanting to go to Colombo would be best advised to consider another destination! We cut our holiday in Sri Lanka short by half because the food was so shocking and the customer service ethos non-existent (among other things)). Sure - the non-refundability of their fares annoys some people, but hey - you can't have your bread buttered on both sides (for free, or very little) .....