Southeast Asia's backpacker-friendly vistas and tough terrain appear tailor-made for LCCs; regional capacity has expanded over 800% in 10 years, from 25 million seats in 2004 to around 200 million in 2014. Over half of Southeast Asia's aviation passengers fly LCC.
Amidst heated rivalry over flying butts on seats, a few brands emerge to the top - some by way of their wide-ranging network across Asia-Pacific, others by capturing low-cost seats inside a home market.
AirAsia (AK) was sold to Tony Fernandes for 1 ringgit (approximately a US quarter) in 2001. AirAsia presently flies to 88 Southeast Asian, Australian, and North Asian destinations from Langkawi-Kuala Lumpur. By fleet and passenger counts, AirAsia is Asia's fifth-largest airline.
Hubs/networks
Given its reach, it's no surprise that AirAsia is composed of six affiliated short-haul airlines. In addition to the parent company based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, AirAsia has affiliates in Thailand (airline code: FD), Indonesia (airline code: QZ), the Philippines (airline codes PQ and Z2), and India (airline code: I5).
Booking and sales
Seat sales are occasionally posted on AirAsia's Facebook and Twitter sites. AirAsia's mobile app lets smartphone users book flights.
The airline now offers a new Asean Pass that allows consumers to plan multi-city journeys in Southeast Asia on a single low-cost pass. See the Asean Pass' small print for details.
02. Cebu Pacific: Flying Filipinos
"We go where Filipinos go" is Cebu Pacific's unofficial motto. Since Filipinos are some of the world's most well-traveled foreign employees, the idea has paid off for this Manila-based low-cost airline.
From three Philippine domestic destinations in 1996, Cebu Pacific (5J) has expanded throughout Southeast Asia and the world.
Hubs&Networks
Cebu Pacific's main hub is Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, however more international flights arrive in Cebu.
Cebu Pacific's Airbus fleet travels to 26 cities in 15 Asian, Australian, and Middle Eastern countries, including Bali, China, and Hong Kong.
Booking and sales
Cebu Pacific announces seat specials on Facebook and Twitter; customers may buy flights on their website.
Cebu Pacific's GetGo loyalty programme awards points for frequent flights and retail purchases. Cebu Pacific's official app (Android, iTunes) lets smartphone users book flights.
03. JetStar Asia: Asia-Australia Bridge
Qantas' low-cost carrier JetStar is popular throughout Southeast Asia. JetStar Asia (3K) is based in Singapore, whereas JetStar Pacific (BL) is Vietnam's most popular low-cost carrier.
Hubs/networks
JetStar Asia links Australia to Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) and India, Japan, New Zealand, and China.
Booking and sales
Visit JetStar's website or Facebook and Twitter accounts to learn about sales and promotions. Sign up for destination-specific fare offers on their website.
Smartphone users may book flights with the JetStar app (Android, iTunes). JetStar's Friday Fare Frenzy runs from noon to 6pm (Singapore time, GMT +8).
Lion Air (JT) operates from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Rusdi Kirana launched the airline in 1999 after realising internet ticket purchasing will make his job redundant (source).
Lion Air has a reputation for flight delays and was recently named one of the world's most risky carriers.
Hubs/networks
Lion Air has 100 domestic destinations and international links to Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai), Malaysia (Penang and Kuala Lumpur), Singapore, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia.
Booking and sales
Lion Air's website offers flights to Indonesia. Lion Air app for smartphones (Android, iTunes).
05. Nok Air: Thailand's Biggest Bird
Every Nok Air jet has a smiling beak painted on its nose to symbolise its name. Nok Air (DD) operates out of Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.
Hubs/networks
Nok Air travels from Bangkok to 20 Thai locations, including Phuket and Chiang Mai. The airline serves Yangon, Myanmar.
Booking and sales
Nok Air's website lets Thai travellers purchase flights. Nok Air app for smartphones (Android, iTunes)
06. Scoot: Singapore's Budget Connection
Scoot (airline code: TR) is Singapore Airlines' low-cost carrier brand. TigerAir joined Scoot in 2017.
Scoot's long-haul flights blur the boundary between economical and full-service with roomier seats and no kids under 12.
Hubs/networks
Scoot flies from Singapore to over 60 Asian, Australian, Middle Eastern, and U.S. destinations.
Booking and sales
Visit Scoot's website or Facebook and Twitter accounts for early sale alerts. Travelers may also book using the Scoot app (Android, iTunes).
07. VietJet Air: Hot in Vietnam
VietJet Air (airline code: VJ) debuted in 2011 as the first private airline in Vietnam post-war. VietJet Air began flying to neighbouring nations in 2013, commencing with Singapore.
VietJet Air routinely invites controversy by displaying off its stewardesses in skimpy attire. For its debut trip to Nha Trang, the female flight crew danced in Hawaiian grass skirts mid-flight.
Hubs/networks
VietJet Air operates from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to 12 domestic and 3 foreign destinations.
Booking and sales
Vietjet Air's website allows bookings. Smartphone users can download the VietJet app (Android, iTunes) for real-time updates.
