My “side trip” to scuba dive in Bali was a last minute thing. Recommended by a diver I met in the bone chilling waters north of Port Hardy at Easter. The plan was to spend two weeks in Ko Tao, Thailand.

“I saw more people than fish in Ko Tao,” she told me. “If you want to see a lot of fish, go to Bali.”

So, I went to Bali.

I flew Thai Air Asia from the old Bangkok airport (Don Muang) to Denpasar, Bali return. I went for some add-ons at extra cost.

• I paid for 5 kilograms of extra suitcase weight, because I carry scuba gear and it would have cost me more for an overweight suitcase at check-in.
• I pre-selected my seats and ordered two meals (pancakes for out-bound and fried rice for in-bound).
• I arranged for Air Asia’s Red Carpet Service in Bali on the way back. Red Service gets you time in a departure lounge with snacks and beverages, priority line through security, immigration and priority boarding on the plane.
• I also got priority baggage handling at my final destination.

The flight was about 4 hours. The total cost about $350.00 Canadian. The extras were worth the money.

The seats are close together but Air Asia is good value. As long as you’re not really tall.

Yup, the flight was pretty full and the seats were fitted closely together. But it left and arrived on time. The line up at check in at Don Muang was a bit hellish. That’s a post for another time.

It’s budget flying at its best and worst.

I’ll definitely fly Air Asia again.