My mom had the sudden desire to travel to Hong Kong for a big shopping spree. But the inspiration to travel to Hong Kong struck at the peak traveling time, which is near the end of the year. Since most of the big airlines such as Cathay Pacific are fully booked during peak seasons, we were left with extremely limited options.
And one of them was taking the Hong Kong Express, a budget airliner that has daily flights back and forth Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Something like a Hong Kong equivalent to the ever famous AirAsia.
Let us look at this fresh new airlines in a few perspectives:
THE FLEET
Comprising of Boeing 737-800, according to their official website and the oh-so-obvious engraving at the side of the airplane. Not bad for a low budget airliner. 🙂
THE SEATS
The pic says it all. Leg space is a rare luxury if you are 180 cm and above. Even for me and my mom, both 158 cm and 162 cm respectively, I also don’t feel that the leg space is sufficient to last us three hours of just sitting there. My mom strained her knees during her flight. Was in a tense position due to the slightly awkward seating. Not as comfortable as compared to Singapore Airlines, which I’ve come to grow fond of.
Because the seats are cramped into the small, single aisle Boeing 737-800, it’s no wonder the retractable seat can only go slightly to the back to avoid discomfort to the passsenger behind. But I’m fairly confident that it’s more comfortable than AirAsia, even though I have not tried the seating on AirAsia. Citation please. 🙂
Since it’s a 1 aisle airplane with 3 seats on both sides, you might be sitting with a stranger if you’re with a partner. So no mushy moments please! *ho ho ho* Unless you have the luck of not having an occupied seat beside you, you can have more privacy for you and your partner as well as stretch out your legs on the vacant seat.
That said, take note. It has just got 1 aisle, so if the cabin crew are on duty and you are in a great rush to use the toilet, good luck in squishing past the cabin crew man. Hardly any space for walking at all. 😦
THE CABIN CREW
Definitely NOT as fugly as the one published in their website. I get jitters just by seeing this picture of their ‘receptionist’ person or thingie.
Well, they’re friendly and extremely polite. Myth busted man! Hongkees are no longer that unpleasant. According to locals, since the economy turned good, it has relaxed the citizens of the island. Lame much?! Bleh. Dun care, as long as I get tip top quality service. 😉
THE FOOD
Okay, now this? I gotta bash it real hard man. Picture this: 1000 kg of limp noodles, a bottle of cheap soy sauce, and a few pieces of shrimp dropped into a gigantic pot then mixed around by a mechanical mixer. Add a dash of MSG and then packed into a foil package, served as ‘Seafood Noodles’ to the unknowing passengers.
Pfft. THE NOODLE SUCKS MAN!
The black pepper chicken served was no better. 😦
Two thumbs and a foot down. I’d rather have the cup noodles that are sold in AirAsia. At least I’m guaranteed good quality Maggi taste. Bluek!
THE ENTERTAINMENT
An overhead screen is located at the top, one shared in between 5 rows of seats. A Hong Kong movie is featured, mostly outdated, and earphones are provided if you’re interested in the movie. Didn’t try it out since I was suffering from altitude sickness.
When I was on the flight back home, the fucker in front of me was blaring his PSP for a long period of time. Gradually, my temper rose and screwed the idiot when I realised my mom wasn’t able to sleep due to the noise.
In short, bring your own entertainment! IPod, Walkman phone, whatever. Was expecting in-flight entertainment like Singapore Airlines?! Man man deng lah (slow slow wait lah!)
BOARDING THE HONG KONG EXPRESS
Well, one good note about it is you don’t have to head to LCCT to board. You can board the plane in KLIA itself, through the main gates. Don’t need to specially travel all the way to LCCT. A waste of time and KLIA should be more comfortable to wait in when your flight is pending. 🙂
BUT BUT BUT…
Boarding in HKIA is the old-school method, that is…
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TA-DA!
IN GENERAL
I’m pretty happy with this fresh new airliner. Since it’s considered a budget liner, I don’t expect much from the food but what’s essential is superb service, which was delivered by their cabin crew. The flight crew delivered us all safely to our designated destinations too. Thank God for a safe flight. So, here’s a 7/10 and kudos for a bright future for the Hong Kong Express.
Hope you enjoyed this brief review. If I left out anything, you can drop me a comment and I shall add more information for you. 🙂
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