When budgeting for travel in Southeast Asia, two airlines seem to always come out on top for cheap fares: Lion Air vs AirAsia. Both are low-priced carriers with flights across the region, but which one should you choose , and what are the important differences in service, routes, and value?
Route network and destinations
- AirAsia is the largest low-cost carrier in Asia, operating more than 150 destinations in more than 25 countries. The carrier has created hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, making it perfect for travelers who want to visit a few Southeast Asian nations. They are strong international companies, including Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea.
- Lion Air is an Indonesia-based airline that caters mainly to the domestic market, and it is currently the largest in that market. The airline operates to a good number of Indonesian towns, including rural areas where big boys are shy. Although Lion Air does have some international flights to nearby countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, the majority of its routes are relatively regional in contrast to AirAsia.
Pricing and value
Both airlines operate within the ultra-low-cost airline model, which means that base fares don’t include baggage, meals, or seat assignment.
- AirAsia is known to have attractive promotional fares and run sales for most months of the year. Their clear pricing makes it simple to work out the costs and add extras if you wish.
- Lion Air generally offers marginally cheaper base fares on domestic flights across Indonesia, as the competition is not as stiff. Fees for baggage and services, however, can add up to a higher cost overall. Expect travelers to compare final prices with all required add-ons, instead of just base fares.
Fleet and Comfort
- AirAsia has a modern fleet composed mainly of Airbus A320 family aircraft. The line has the same cabin standard throughout its network (29-inch standard seat pitch). They’re not roomy, but the planes are usually clean and well-maintained.
- Lion Air has both Boeing 737 aircraft and ATR turboprops for shorter routes. AirAsia’s fleet age and the quality of its cabin can be more surprising. Some travelers say there’s less uniformity in how clean the planes are and how well-maintained they are, even as the airline seeks to improve those metrics.
Punctuality and Reliability
- AirAsia has earned a reputation for consistently reliable operations and decent on-time performance for a budget carrier. The airline’s multiple hubs and its standardized operations make scheduling much smoother.
- Lion Air has traditionally had more issues with on-time performance and operational reliability. Flight delays are more frequent, and schedule changes may happen with less notice. Passengers connecting on short turnarounds are advised to build in extra time when booking Lion Air flights.
Booking Process and Customer Support
- AirAsia has a friendly website and mobile app that makes booking easy. Their customer service is multi-channel, and you can reach support quite easily if you need it. The airline’s loyalty program, BIG Loyalty, offers redemption throughout its network.
- Lion Air’s website is serviceable, but unrefined. Customer service is sometimes more difficult to get, especially for international travelers. Those who do not speak Indonesian will have a hard time getting help.
Which one should You Get?
- Pick AirAsia if you are doing multi-country travel around Southeast Asia, you care about that operational reliability factor, and you like a more established booking platform. The airline is good for travelers who want predictable standards of service and a wide range of routes (all of which go at least beyond Indonesia).
- Opt for Lion Air if you are only concentrating on Indonesia domestic travel, especially to smaller cities where the options aren’t as plentiful. The potentially lower base fares may represent savings for frugal travelers who don’t mind a bit less consistency in quality of service and schedule.
Closing Thoughts
Both airlines are the right answers to the question in the market of budget travel. AirAsia offers a more refined, dependable product with greater presence on international routes, while Lion Air is the undisputed king of domestic air travel in Indonesia with a seemingly never-ending number of local routes. Decide based on the route if applicable, if you can flex a bit in when to fly, and which of these things you value more: more consistent service, or the absolute bottom of the barrel price.
Always buy travel insurance, get to the airport early to check in, and make sure to read baggage allowances in full before booking with either airline, so you won’t get any surprise fees or hassles.
