AirAsia an affordable option for a trip to Osaka

AirAsia is a Malaysian-­based airline that started its Honolulu­-Osaka service last year, offering introductory rates as low as $129 each way.

When I tried to book a flight, I found it was tough to secure that price for a vacation, as the length-of-stay would have been less than a week. I wound up paying around $300 for a 10-day stay and while AirAsia’s prices have since gone up, they are still quite affordable. Through its website airasia.com, I could book a round-trip ticket for a 12-day stay in August for as low as $400.

AirAsia’s luggage policies are so strict that I would include packing as part of your early planning for the trip. The airline limits the weight of all carry-on luggage — not only a carry-on suitcase, but also the so-called “personal item” like a purse or computer bag — to 7 kilograms, or 15 pounds total.

What’s more, it can cost up to $100 to check a bag at the last minute, though if you pay online ahead of time, it’s the typical $25. Considering AirAsia’s overall low price, it might be best to pay that $25 upfront to avoid the hassle, especially if you’re traveling during the cooler seasons when you’ll need warm clothing.

Otherwise, plan to travel as light as possible. Leave that favorite sweater behind. Bring a tablet rather than a laptop to save a pound or two, or plan to use your smartphone for all your computer needs. (You can rent a portable Wi-Fi unit at major airports and train stations for connectivity throughout the country.)

I caught a break from a sympathetic flight attendant who saw that I was just a few pounds over the weight limit. She suggested I take some clothing out of my bag and wear it. A pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeve shirt later and my bags were able to make the weight limit.

Those extra clothes turned out handy during the flight. The cabin temperature was no different than on other planes, but AirAsia, as a no-frills airline, charges you for everything, not only baggage and meals, but blankets and pillows too. You’ll even pay for soft drinks, although they did give me a cup of ice to cool down a bottled soft drink that I’d bought at the airport.

The flight itself, however, was as comfortable as one could hope for, for an eight-hour flight. Neither my arriving nor departing flight was crowded, so I was able to find a row of empty seats and stretch out.

The flight was punctual as well, though I found it comforting to arrive at the airport well ahead of time, as is always suggested for international flights. It was one of those quaint experiences to see the staff at the Osaka airport line up and give a deep bow to us before taking their station behind the checkout counters.

And of course, the best thing was visiting Japan, a beautiful, tranquil land with lots to offer for newcomers and repeat visitors alike. I’ve already booked my trip for next year.