AirAsia: Hand-carry luggage must be stored under the seat to minimise contact

[ UPDATE 7/07/2020 11:30 ] AirAsia now allows passengers to carry two pieces of cabin baggage up to 7kg in total. Passengers can now store one bag in the overhead bins. More details here.

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AirAsia will resume domestic flights within Malaysia starting tomorrow, 29th April 2020. To ensure the safety for both passengers and crew, the low-cost carrier has introduced several safety measures for all passengers.

Eligibility to travel

AirAsia reminds all guests that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to travel before booking a flight. The Ministry of Transport has advised the public to apply for permission at the nearest police station before buying travel tickets to avoid any losses.

Mandatory Face Mask at all times

All passengers must bring their own face mask and wear it properly before, during and after the flight. This includes during check-in and baggage collection. AirAsia has highlighted that passengers without a mask will be denied boarding.

One piece cabin baggage stored under the seat

To ensure social distancing is practised, AirAsia is only allowing one piece of small hand-carry luggage per passenger and it must be stored underneath the seat in front of you. This means that you won’t be allowed to store your luggage on the overhead compartment and this is to minimise unwanted contact between you and another guest’s baggage and vice versa.

Initially, it was reported that AirAsia is limiting the cabin luggage to 5kg but this has been revised back to 7kg. The maximum 7kg rule is reflected in their current cabin baggage policy.

Previously, passengers are allowed 1 cabin + 1 small bag not exceeding 7kg in total. Since passengers are only allowed to use the space under the seat in front, the maximum size allowed is 40cm (height) x 30cm (width) x 10cm (length). This can be either a small bag, handbag or a laptop bag. The usual cabin bag will not be able to fit and you’ll have to checked that in. Passengers are advised to pre-book their checked baggage allowance before the cut-off time.

Arrive 3 hours before departure

All passengers are advised to arrive preferably 3 hours before departure time to allow time for all necessary processes to take place. AirAsia will be conducting temperature screening at different checkpoints including boarding gates and before arrival during the flight. Social distancing will be observed through the airport touchpoints with floor markers placed at queuing areas.

Passengers are also advised to use contactless web and mobile check-in to reduce surface and physical contact during check-in and boarding. In addition, everyone is also advised to practise high personal hygiene at all times.

Upon arrival, health declaration forms will be required and there will be thermal screening. Take note that all passengers arriving in Sabah and Sarawak are required to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine at the respective states. International travel is currently not permitted.

For more info, you can refer to AirAsia’s announcement.

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