DOES every disgruntled AirAsia passenger need to vent their frustrations on social media – and pray that their posts will become viral – to be rapidly attended to?
Well, this seems to be the trick/remedy shared by Facebook user JR Life who has booked a 11.35am flight to Langkawi on June 18 (this Saturday) nearly a month ago, only to receive a rude shock on June 12 that his flight has been re-scheduled to 5pm.
Upon checking the available flights online, JR Life said the 11.35am flight is actually available but at double the price he had bought. Therefore, it goes without saying that if he wanted to revert to his original itinerary, he would have to fork out extra expenses.
“My flight is a week away (as of his posting on June 12). And the reason given is operational issues,” fumed the AirAsia passenger.
“So are you telling me that you cannot resolve that issue in a week and keep to what you have sold me? You can’t change my flight to the available one? How stupid do you think people are?”
JR Life further blasted the so-called home-grown budget airline: “Do you think we the consumers are that stupid that we cannot see you changed that time to a later time as that is a good/peak time and your bookings were full. By moving my flight now, you can again sell that time at double the price?”
Ironically, following his FB posting going viral with 33 shares, 147 Likes (and Haha) and 17 ‘spicy’ comments, JR Life revealed that AirAsia has eventually reached out to him and assisted with the necessary changes.
“But what I have to say is that it shouldn’t have needed a viral post for it to be handled and changed,” he shared.
“Nevertheless thank you AA for settling the issue as fast as they could after this post. For everyone else, please remember our rights as consumers. Wishing all a safe and happy journey ahead.”
Well, let’s listen to what JR Life penned on the rest of his FB posting as food for thought for both the AirAsia management and passengers alike (verbatim with minimal editing):
“Is this what everyone can fly is about? This is how you get an AWARD AS THE BEST LOW COST CARRIER?
I wonder how many more flights and destinations you have done this, too, and some people are really naive and except this re-scheduling and just look at the other way? I wonder how many years you have been doing this to the people of Malaysia and filling up your own pockets?
What you deserve is to be boycotted by the people to make you realise that you should not cheat the people and go back to doing honest business as how when you first started!
I will be seriously considering other airlines moving forward. You Tony Fernandes & Airasia are a disgrace to Malaysia now, nothing more.
Airasia #Airasia #tonyfernandes
#tonyfernandesairasia – June 15, 2022”
