KUCHING: AirAsia’s recent announcement of fixed-fare one-way tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Sarawak at RM328 and to Sabah at RM398 has sparked discussion among Sarawakians, with many welcoming the move as a positive step towards making festive travel more affordable, while others caution that the fares can still pose challenges for families.
For many travellers, particularly those in the M40 income group, the capped fares provide much-needed certainty amid traditionally high ticket prices during Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Nur Mahfuzah Mataha, 36, said the fixed fares are relatively fair compared to the usual skyrocketing prices, which can exceed RM1,000 during peak seasons.
“As someone in the M40 group, I still have to budget carefully for festive travel, but at least this gives us some price certainty,” she said.
She added that knowing ticket prices in advance allows for better planning.
“Having fixed fares means I can arrange my leave, travel, and family gatherings more confidently without last-minute stress or overpaying,” she explained.
She also urged airlines and the government to work together to increase flight frequency during peak seasons and improve transparency in fare structures.
“More subsidies or incentives for local airlines could help maintain affordable prices. Also, improving facilities at smaller airports and streamlining check-in and security processes can make festive travel smoother for everyone,” she said.
Similarly, Irma Coelho, 32, who has previous experience working in the airline industry, said that fixed fares would influence her travel planning decisions.
“It allows me to budget more effectively. With fixed pricing, I can plan and allocate funds for my flight tickets up to six months in advance without worrying about fare fluctuations,” she said.
Irma also highlighted the high cost of checked baggage, particularly for travellers from West Malaysia bringing gifts and local goods back to their families.
“Reducing baggage fees would make a big difference, especially during festive seasons,” she added.
However, not all responses were entirely positive.
Nurul Farahain Kamaruzaman, 35, said that while the fares are capped, they could still be burdensome for families with multiple children.
“Aside from the ticket costs, there are other festive expenses such as clothing and food preparations. For some, travelling by land might be a more economical option, where fuel costs can be shared,” she opined.
Nurul also suggested that subsidies or cash assistance for Sarawakians and Sabahans could help ease the burden, and that airlines should maintain lower fares even during peak festive periods.
The discussion reflects a wider conversation among East Malaysians about the cost of festive travel, which often sees airline prices surge due to demand.
Many residents welcome fixed fares as a tool to provide transparency and certainty, yet there remains a call for additional measures to make travel more accessible, particularly for larger families.
As festive seasons approach, travellers like Mahfuzah, Irma and Nurul exemplify the balancing act faced by many: weighing convenience and comfort against affordability, and navigating travel plans amid rising costs and limited flight options.
