My Unexpected Eleventh Hour Flight Booking To SE Asia

My Unexpected Eleventh Hour Flight Booking To SE Asia

As you know the title, on Thursday was one of the most unexpected departures I have ever made. I normally book a lot of last-minute flights but this one had the most thrilling feeling.

A couple of days before departure, I was planning to visit Vietnam for the public holidays. But I couldn’t decide which day to depart and after long hesitation, I booked a flight on Thursday morning with Malaysia Airlines that was scheduled to depart in 5 hours.

The ticket booked was a round-trip economy class fare from Seoul/Incheon to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur as that was the cheapest and two separate one-way tickets on low-cost carriers to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Malaysian Airlines Flights To Bangkok

Getting to Ho Chi Minh City with Malaysia Airlines was not possible on the same day so I decided to make a stop in Bangkok and depart to Vietnam the following day with Thai Air Asia.

The first and the last two legs were with Malaysia Airlines. I have flown Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul in May but I have never flown an inbound flight. So I thought it will be an experience flying a daytime long-haul flight and how the service differs.

Thai Air Asia To Ho Chi Minh City

The following flight to Ho Chi Minh city was out from Bangkok’s second airport: Don Mueang Airport (DMK). I booked Air Asia for around US$50 on way with only hand carry as I left my baggage in the hotel storage.

Thai Vietjet Back To Bangkok

On the way back to Bangkok, I booked Thai Vietjet for just under US$50. It was only 70 minutes flight so I didn’t mind flying a low-cost carrier. Remember to always book from the airline’s webpage as it offers cheaper fares than third-party travel agencies, especially on LCCs.

Malaysia Airlines Flight Back To Seoul

Similar to May, I am flying back with Malaysian Airlines with only one purpose: The First Class/Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. On my last transit, the lounge was closed due to a water piping issue but this time, it is back again operating 24 hours.

So this is what I am going to review this time:

  • Korean Air Lounge Incheon Airport Terminal 1
  • Malaysia Airlines Economy Class Seoul to Kuala Lumpur
  • Malaysia Airlines Economy Class Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok
  • Thai Air Asia Bangkok (DMK) to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Vietjet Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok
  • Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge – Satellite Terminal
  • Malaysia Airlines First Class/Platinum Lounge – Satellite Terminal
  • Ibis Bangkok Sukhumvit 4

Summary

I did not even have time prior to departure to write this pre-departure introduction as I had to get ready and head to the airport for check-in which opened in 1 hour. This trip is more likely intended to review lounges rather than flights as I reviewed Malaysia Airlines A330 a couple of months ago and there’s not much to review LCCs.

I am still recovering from jet lag from flights I took a week before and I am flying again for the next 7 days. Anyone has other tips to reduce jetlag different from what I know? Let me know!😁

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