Which is cheaper RBA or Air Asia to KL? PART II

Was reading today's newspaper on MAS announcing an additional flight on a Wednesday and offering return fare to KL for $118 valid until November 2006.
The HEAT is Definitely ON!

So I did another test trying to compare which is the cheaper flight to KL

RBA Vs Air Asia Vs MAS

Like my previous post, new test dates:

Fly 9th August 06 back 13th August 2006 (Weekday coming back Weekend)

Let's See the Return Prices..

1. Air Asia: B$249.98 ($75.99+34.00 [<---hey this went up too! last post $29 sja] to KL $89.99+ $50.00 from KL)

Wow, the Administration Fee and Fuel Surcharge went up just within like last weekend when I tried it!

Previous test for Admin and Fuel from Brunei to KL was $29 and KL to Brunei $45. Now it's $34 from Brunei to KL and $50 from KL to Brunei.

When you register with Air Asia, there would be a pop up saying you need to pay $12 for Airport Tax in Brunei. So need to take note of this in your total flight cost (Total=B$249.98+B$12=B$261.98)

2. RBA: B$260 ($168 +$92 Tax) - B$272 inclusive of airport tax

Same as before.. no changes to any extra charges. Perhaps still need to consider B$12 for airport tax. I'm unsure about this but better check.

At least free flow of drinks and food is okay jua..

MAS: B$118 return (as stated from newpaper - no details of admin fee or fuel surcharge)

Seriously I found trying to find flight details for MAS is very annoying.. even since my 1st post. I tried every date possible within the week and it keeps saying this

"The flights you have selected are either fully booked or unavailable for your selected dates. Please select another date"

The good thing about RBA website is that they give you other available dates but unfortunately for MAS they give you what you specify. I double checked on their FAQs.

"Why can’t I see ALL the flights to my selected destinations online?
The Malaysia Airlines Online Booking facility only displays flights with available seats that match your search requirements"

No wonder lah payah...

I guess Verdict wise MAS is cheapest among the 3 ($118) BUT bear in mind I have no details of MAS's full price and extra charges as I was having a hard time just to find the flight, let alone book for them. A close call between Air Asia and RBA. Air Asia came 2nd with B$261.98 plus airport tax and RBA came last with $270 plus airport tax.

I find booking for Air Asia is easy, very straightforward. Tells you the pricing but doesnt show options. Prices vary with dates and day, whether weekday and weekends. The admin charges and fuel charges which I recently found out also changes. Changes makes it more uncertain for total overall cost.

RBA tops the list for easiest flight searches among the 3. They give other options dates for going and return which I like. You can search flights available or using lowest fares which is convenient. The prices dont vary as much. If they say $168 yes they mean it but off course with the extra charges. They say and they mean it.

Hope that helps. Any ideas on MAS extra charges or if $118 is the net cost - please tell! I'm also curious.

I will do another test date soon. For weekday to weekday flights and post soon in Part III.