Exploitation by AirAsia on Sibu route during CNY

Many people who travel during CNY using AirAsia between KL and Sibu might have realized this but still many have no choice but to pay a hefty price for the air tickets. Next year’s CNY is at the end of January and most people will travel in between that duration. For this study, I have picked 22 Jan. 2009 and 31 Jan. 2009 as the traveling time. Lets check out a few samples of AirAsia itineraries on the air ticket charges inclusive of airport taxes. All itineraries are created on the same day.

Lets start with KL – Sibu (Total RM802)

KL – Bintulu, which is nearest town from Sibu (Total RM627)

KL – Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), which is the nearest international destination from Sibu (Total RM 435)

KL – Tawau, which is located far to the east of Sabah (Total RM 527)

For other international route:
KL – Hong Kong (Total RM830 only!!!)

KL – Bali (Total RM760 only!!!)

In summary:
KL – Sibu: RM802

Other local routes:
KL – Bintulu: RM627
KL – Tawau: RM527

International routes:
KL – Bandar Seri Begawan: RM435
KL – Hong Kong: RM830
KL – Bali: RM760

This makes KL – Sibu route the most expensive domestic route during CNY. This town is not even a tourist spot, commercial nor exotic place, which is still unknown to many Malaysians and foreigners.

Comparing the distance between KL and Sibu, its much more nearer compare to Tawau. Even the closest town from Sibu, Bintulu is cheaper. So, aircraft fuel expense shouldn’t be an issue here.

How about Bandar Seri Begawan, Hong Kong and Bali? These are international routes, further in distance, different airport taxes and fuel surcharges and yet cheaper compare to the KL – Sibu route.

Why? Can Mr. Tony answer my modest question? Is it because Sibu has a bugger (ex-Uban leg kisser) who has successfully made his way into Forbes’ list or due to numbers of logging tycoons? But this doesn’t indicates that Sibu people are all rich or born rich. It’s unfair for us to pay extra for flying on this domestic route compare to the others flying other destinations. Can you imagine how much burden does a big family needs to bear just for the air tickets?

By the time people want to buy at the end of the year, the pricing for this route might have shoot up exceeding RM1000. Its unfair to people who can’t decide their traveling period now pending their bosses approval on leaves and other factors that restrict them to make their purchase earlier. So, is AirAsia trying to mistreat and exploit the passengers in this part of Sarawak at this festive time for the sake of Tony’s pocket?