To address complaints by users on the price difference of add-ons that went viral recently AirAsia has come out saying that the prices of ancillary products are not exclusive to a certain platform or device.
In a frequently asked question (FAQ) AirAsia says prices are instead influenced by a combination of other factors.
Similar to airfares, we have different pricing tiers for ancillary products and the price is not exclusive to a certain platform or device. The price is subjective as it is influenced by a combination of factors such as the current market condition and whether that flight has high ancillary demand.
AirAsia
AirAsia explains that they use the dynamic pricing system for add-ons which fluctuates according to demand and said that it is a common practice for airlines worldwide.
They also mentioned that this occurs to match the general demand trend of any particular flight and mentioned that all Airasia flights practice the same pricing mechanism.
Therefore, you may potentially see a lower or higher add-on price for a particular flight depending on whether that flight has high ancillary demand for the particular flight selected. This is similar to fares for flights which also fluctuate based on demand. Prices can increase, closer to the travel date when there is more demand for fares and add-ons.
AirAsia
As to why they choose to use dynamic pricing, AirAsia says that their model is about rewarding guests who book early.
This is similar to low-cost airlines the world over. As demand increases, closer to the travel date, so does the cost of the fares and some ancillary products. In most cases, the earlier you book, the more you can save.
AirAsia
For the best savings, the airline company recommends customers to pre-book their add-ons during the initial booking itself.
Recently users have reported that prices differ when being viewed on different platforms, suggesting that purchasing add-ons on some operating systems or devices might be more expensive than others.
READ MORE: AirAsia’s Baggage Prices Fluctuate Across Devices, Baffling Customers
Just in case you’re curious, below is the full FAQ released by the company.
- What does dynamic pricing mean for add-ons?
Dynamic pricing is a pricing mechanism for AirAsia where pricing fluctuates depending on the current demand of the market to provide the most optimal price. This is a common practice for many airlines worldwide.
- Why do I see different prices for baggage, seats, meals, and other add-ons when I check the airasia Superapp or the website?
Fluctuating prices occur to match the general demand trend of any particular flight. Therefore, you may potentially see a lower or higher add-on price for a particular flight depending on whether that flight has high ancillary demand for the particular flight selected. This is similar to fares for flights which also fluctuate based on demand. Prices can increase, closer to the travel date when there is more demand for fares and add-ons.
- Is there a difference in price if I choose meals, seats, and baggage when I first book compared to after my booking is confirmed?
For the best savings, you are encouraged to pre-book your add-ons during the initial booking itself. Please note that it will be most expensive to purchase add-ons at the airport counter as we wish to reduce congestion at the airport counters.
- Does this apply to all Airasia flights?
Yes, all Airasia flights practice the same pricing mechanism.
- If my friend and I book the exact same flight at the same time from two different sessions, will we be shown the same prices for add-ons?
Prices may fluctuate as per the different booking criteria, such as different times of booking. So, there is a higher possibility that you and your friend would be getting different prices for your add-ons.
- What might I see when demand-based dynamic pricing is applied?
You might see differences in the pricing of add-ons (meals, seats, and baggage) prices for example, based on different booking criteria.
- Are the prices for add-on products that I am seeing currently correct?
All prices offered to guests are correct and valid at the point of purchase.
- Why was I quoted a cheaper add-on fee on certain platforms such as the desktop than on other mobile devices?
Similar to airfares, we have different pricing tiers for ancillary products and the price is not exclusive to a certain platform or device. The price is subjective as it is influenced by a combination of factors such as the current market condition and whether that flight has high ancillary demand.
- Why would you implement dynamic pricing anyway?
- Our model is all about rewarding guests who book early, with lower prices and enjoy greater savings.
- This is similar to low-cost airlines the world over. As demand increases, closer to the travel date, so does the cost of the fares and some ancillary products.
- In most cases, the earlier you book, the more you can save.
- I saw some discounted prices for the pre-booked meals, seats, and baggage yesterday when I was looking at it. However, when I searched for the same itinerary, the discounted prices were no longer there. Can I get the same discount again today?
- Various discounts are offered from time to time as part of our efforts to help stimulate demand for certain flights/products/services. Usually, these are for flights with lower demand or for those booked in advance.
- Prices of add-ons will vary based on the new dynamic pricing setup and are subject to change from time to time without any prior notice.
- Discounts are only valid at the point and time of access and purchases are not extendable past the promotional period.
- However, we assure you that it is our commitment to ensure you get the best value for money when booking with us. We advise you to continuously check the site to view the latest discounts and promotions for our add-ons. Or sign up for our free e-newsletter (become a fan on our social channels) to be the first to receive information on our special deals, promotions and latest updates.
- I have purchased Uncle Chin chicken rice for MYR15, and now at Purchases I’m seeing Nasi lemak being offered for MYR13, can I change my meal?
Yes, changes to your meal selections are allowed within 24 hours from the scheduled flight departure time, and are subject to the following conditions:
- If a lower meal price is available, the difference in meal price will not be refunded.
- If the new meal is at a higher price than the initially purchased meal, the difference shall be paid before changes can be made.
- The change is only confirmed when a new itinerary has been issued.
- What is the highest price/range of pricing?
Our fee and charges page will indicate the max/top tier price of a specific add-on i.e. meal, seat, baggage, and other sets of fees. You may refer to our fees and charges: https://www.airasia.com/aa/about-us/en/gb/fees-and-charges.html
(charges will not exceed the rate/fee in our fees & charges page at any given time).
- Where can I find the lowest price for pre-book baggage, meals, or seats?
The lowest price will always be reflected and available on airasia.com and the AirAsia Superapp during the initial booking.
