We were simply ecstatic when the MAS Airlines (Malaysian Airlines) launched it’s very own Sub- Zero Fare promotional flights. Who wouldn’t? Flight tickets are FOC! Of course the free tickets do not include tax, fuel charges and other surcharge. But still. It’s a good deal.

Too good to be true? Well… the answer is yes and… no.

Since we were already planning for a trip to somewhere, we decided to check out MAS’ website wondering whether we are having a better deal at MAS or at Air Asia (the competing airline). We tried the nearest and mostly affordable destination which is Yogyakarta.

In comparison:-

* Assuming both MAS and Air Asia is having a zero fair promotion.

MAS total fees double the ones in Air Asia. This will be true for all destinations since MAS is using the state of the art KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) for landing which of course means tax and fees by MAS Airlines are way higher than those charged by Air Asia. Air Asia by the way, using the run down strip of LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) guarantees lower fees.

All this makes MAS promotional sub-zero fare not too impressive doesn’t it? Plus the zero fare is only applicable to short destinations to nearby Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and such. For such a short trip, i would think that traveler or tourist would rather opt for a lower fees alternative.

We’ll just have to wait and see if the sub-zero promotion will be open to other destinations besides Asian countries. If so, it’ll be a fantastic deal. Nobody wants to sit 8 hours cramped up in a low cost carrier.