My Very First Flight With Firefly

Posted by : foongpc | Thursday, December 3, 2009 | Published in

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Last weekend, I went for a wonderful trip to Tasik Kenyir with a fellow blogger. To reach Kenyir, we took a flight to Kuala Terengganu and from there, we got onto a taxi which brought us to Kenyir Resort and Spa where we stayed.

It was my first time flying with Firefly! And I did not regret flying with this community airline. Let me tell you why.

Firstly, going to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang Skypark) airport which is located in Subang is a mere 20 minutes from my home in Petaling Jaya. Compare that to 45 minutes to go to LCCT!

The taxi fare only costs RM33, which is a substantial saving compared to RM65 for a taxi ride to LCCT.

Secondly, checking in luggage is a breeze, although for this trip, I did not check in any luggage. There is not many people around unlike the crowds you would normally find in LCCT. Furthermore, you are allowed free checking in of luggage up to a maximum weight of 20kg!

By the way, the Firefly check-in counters are open 90 minutes and close 30 minutes before departure time. The only thing I didn't like is that I have to show a print-out of my flight comfirmation. I really think that providing my booking number and IC should suffice, don't you agree?

Thirdly, there are a number of shops and restaurants in the airport building. I saw Juice Works and bought a drink there.



There's Big Apple if you are craving for donuts and coffee.



Do you see the music stand in the photo above? Yes, they even have a band performing there for your entertainment in the evenings.

There are many other shops and restaurants although it's no big deal, I know. It's just that I like that the place was not crowded.



Here's the airport waiting hall. There's a large TV screen in front and a cafe.



As you can see, there's hardly any crowd. Now that's bliss for any traveler!



And you know what? I love the Firefly plane! Look at those beautiful propellers!



No doubt the plane was small in size and could only fit 72 passengers. There were only 2 stewardesses on board the plane. I felt a little dizzy flying on such a small plane but I guess I would get used to it.



I have no complaints over the leg room as there are sufficient space although people who are taller might find it a bit tight.



I just had to take a shot of the interior. Well, it's my first time flying in a Firefly plane! Haha!



I did not expect this! Free food was given to all passengers! It may just be a muffin and Ribena but I was pretty happy with it!



Of course, flying with Firefly was not entirely a bed of roses. I had my fair share of panic and stress a day earlier when I discovered that my hotel booking was not confirmed.

I actually booked for Firefly's 3D/2N Kenyir Resort and Spa Holiday Package about 2 months ago, but a call to Kenyir Resort a day before my departure gave me quite a shock when they told me that they knew nothing of my bookings!

After many desperate calls to Firefly and several emails later, I was still unable to solve my problem! I even complained on Firefly's Facebook and they assured me that as long as I have printed out the booking confirmation, it would not be a problem.

I was still not totally convinced until a Kenyir Resort staff put my worries to rest when she told me that she would make sure I get a room in the resort and she would deal with Firefly on the matter. Many thanks to Ila (not sure if the spelling is correct) of Kenyir Resort!

Coming up next : Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa



Note : My China trip posts are still ongoing and will probably alternate with my Kenyir trip posts. I hope you will not be confused! : )

FIRST COMMENTER

(108) Comments

  1. ladyviral said...

    morning foong! :P

    Took Firefly ar? Propeller right?

    December 3, 2009 at 9:01 AM
  2. ladyviral said...

    How tall are you, foong? Least then I can know if I can fit myself into firefly or not.

    firefly flies to Singapore too, and since now you said the cab is cheaper in fare, I might consider since I travel a lot more to Singapore now :s.

    December 3, 2009 at 9:06 AM
  3. ladyviral said...

    With the lack of crowd... looks even better! I think it would be easier that way.

    Was the plane noisy? Afterall it is propeller.

    December 3, 2009 at 9:06 AM
  4. Tekkaus said...

    Arrgghh...I missed it! :(

    December 3, 2009 at 9:19 AM
  5. Tekkaus said...

    Finally a post about your Kenyir trip. :) War..so this is your 1st time on a Firefly? Great.

    December 3, 2009 at 9:30 AM
  6. Tekkaus said...

    Subang is so near to your house? Only 20 minutes?War...that's a real convenient huh. So can save around 22 ringgit. Not bad aye.

    December 3, 2009 at 9:31 AM
  7. Tekkaus said...

    That's why sometimes people say less is more right? I would love that situation too. Not much people rushing and nobody is going to shove me around. :p

    December 3, 2009 at 9:33 AM
  8. Tekkaus said...

    Haha :D Big Apple for us to fatten up ourselves huh. :p War...they even pull in a band?

    December 3, 2009 at 9:34 AM
  9. Tekkaus said...

    Wow! Only 2 air stewardess? :p So they cannot attend to everyone lar. Can only fit 72 people. Then you guys can get along well and get to know each other right?

    December 3, 2009 at 9:35 AM
  10. Tekkaus said...

    I will not complain about the legroom either as I am short. :p Free food better than nothing right? Plus the drink is Ribena ler. :)

    December 3, 2009 at 9:36 AM
  11. Tekkaus said...

    Wow! Thank goodness there managed to find a room for you to lodge in. If not you need to stay beside the lake? :p

    Thanks for sharing bro.

    December 3, 2009 at 9:37 AM
  12. Anonymous

    Not having your bookings confirmed at the resort is a scary thing. Good thing everything's sorted out right?

    I would like to visit Kenyir too. Have heard about it.

    December 3, 2009 at 9:39 AM
  13. Spabbles said...

    ya..flying in a smaller plane is a bit scary..i experienced that when i took a flight back from kl to ipoh in 2005..

    December 3, 2009 at 9:41 AM
  14. Unknown said...

    Never try firefly before,but all i heard from friends, all telling me very good comments,,,,,

    waiting for you next post

    December 3, 2009 at 10:22 AM
  15. manglish said...

    ohhh the airport quite classy looking now leh.....nice...must try next time hehehe

    December 3, 2009 at 10:36 AM
  16. Gallivanter said...

    The CEO of Nuffnang, Timothy flew Firefly too recently but he bashed them up left right center on his FB and Twitter. Hmmm..

    December 3, 2009 at 10:36 AM
  17. Tita Beng said...

    The size of that Firefly is probably just like the size of a bus. Ain't it too scary on the air?

    December 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
  18. Reanaclaire said...

    hey, i didnt know firefly flies from subang airport..now i know, :) looks nice, yes, better than LCCT from the pics here.. got band somemore? hahaah.. that is amazing.. yes, the air bus is pretty small huh?

    December 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM
  19. Merryn said...

    foong, subang skypark is only five minutes away from my house :)

    December 3, 2009 at 11:30 AM
  20. xin said...

    review the resort soon :D maybe its a good place for me to go on a short trip!

    December 3, 2009 at 11:35 AM
  21. CheaHSan said...

    foongpc thanks 2u, now I know there is an airport called "subang skypark". Been sitting too long in my cave..haha. Hope you dont make us LOST between Kenyir and Guilin as it is the lake looks like a boat ride in Guilin without the mountains..lol

    December 3, 2009 at 12:39 PM
  22. lina said...

    Wah, so it's good to fly Firefly eh?

    Foong got so much drama before he can get to his room and enjoy his massage. :D

    December 3, 2009 at 1:07 PM
  23. Donna said...

    I read from everywhere also said Firefly sucks.. you are the first said "ok".
    hahaha..

    December 3, 2009 at 1:17 PM
  24. Ken Wooi said...

    i think i only flied korean air.. lol.. then no more.. haha.. =P

    kenwooi.com

    December 3, 2009 at 1:41 PM
  25. Che-Cheh said...

    I'm liking firefly already. Not bad at all. Just that the propellers are they loud? What about the plane? I heard because it's a small plane any air turbulence will feel like 'end of the world'. Haha

    And who is this blogger you went to Kenyir with? So secretive one.

    December 3, 2009 at 1:57 PM
  26. Willie a.k.a Reptoz said...

    Thanks for sharing. Good tips

    December 3, 2009 at 2:28 PM
  27. iamthewitch said...

    Ooh another Firefly supporter. Hi 5! I still think Firefly is better, although lately there's a lot of people complaining about its delay. Hmm.. Anyway I'm definitely looking forward to the Kenyir posts, the lake looks amazing!

    December 3, 2009 at 2:37 PM
  28. Robo said...

    Ha! Luckily you read my comment about your China Trip! :)
    How much it cost you from Subang to Kuala Terengganu by Firefly?

    December 3, 2009 at 2:51 PM
  29. khengsiong said...

    The airport seems to have more shops now compared to just a few months ago.

    Was your flight delayed?

    December 3, 2009 at 3:03 PM
  30. creating my life said...

    hi, my family home is near the subang airport.it used to be an international airport and so near our home that i can get a lift instead of a taxi. thanks for the review of it and firefly.glad to see the airport being used for local flights by firefly. how much is the air asia package to the lake resort? will go if it is a good bargain. will look forward to ur review of it. fr anthony

    December 3, 2009 at 4:27 PM
  31. Borneo Falcon said...

    Subang airport has definitely changed. Definitely better than the LCCT

    December 3, 2009 at 4:46 PM
  32. இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

    A friend told me those aircraft on propellers are the safest coz if any technical problem arises it can still glide. How True? ക

    December 3, 2009 at 5:52 PM
  33. HappySurfer said...

    The airport looks well-maintained and certainly with a pleasant environment. In fact, I've almost forgotten that this airport is still available. It sure beats going all the way out to LCCT or KLIA. The plane is a bit too small for my liking though. However, like what Bananaz said, propeller planes are safer in the event of mechanical failure.

    Yeah, I see that legroom could be a problem for guys or taller ladies (like me?).

    Thanks for the very clear and informative pictures, Foong.

    December 3, 2009 at 6:29 PM
  34. HappySurfer said...

    If the last picture is anything to go by, the place must be awfully beautiful and peaceful. Looking forward to your next post.

    December 3, 2009 at 6:30 PM
  35. TZ said...

    Dude, why you din take a picture of Starbie @ terminal 3 Subang... there's one Starbie there :p

    December 3, 2009 at 7:06 PM
  36. Bengbeng said...

    hey, from the pics n yr write up Firefly is quite nice. now i jus wait for the Kenyir pics

    December 3, 2009 at 7:59 PM
  37. fufu said...

    yeah firefly is just like mas-wing... though i havent tried both of them... wish i could get free ticket or at least cheap deal flying with firefly 2yrs later =p

    December 3, 2009 at 8:00 PM
  38. wenn said...

    i hvn't tried firefly yet..

    December 3, 2009 at 9:48 PM
  39. [SK] said...

    i've not been to Subang Airport since KLIA opens.. and i am impress to see how clean and tidy the airport is - as compared to LCCT which i go the most often now..

    December 4, 2009 at 12:01 AM
  40. [SK] said...

    never taken FireFly before, so is it good?? yeah, i heard they serve refreshment and that is certainly something welcoming..

    December 4, 2009 at 12:02 AM
  41. [SK] said...

    actually i think it's stupid having to show the booking confirmation slip.. we are going paperless now and i think by just giving them passport will do, right??

    December 4, 2009 at 12:05 AM
  42. [SK] said...

    just like what AA is doing now, they never ask for the paper.. we print just because we want to be sure of the timings, not for checking in..

    December 4, 2009 at 12:05 AM
  43. [SK] said...

    actually come to think about it, i have not taken flights to destinations within the peninsular before!! what a shame..

    December 4, 2009 at 12:06 AM
  44. foongpc said...

    ladyviral, congrats for being FC again! : )

    How tall am I? About 5 ft 6in. So are you taller or shorter than me? : )

    Yeah, it's definitely cheaper to fly with Firefly to Singapore!

    No the plane was not noisy at all. You should give it a try!

    December 4, 2009 at 1:05 AM
  45. foongpc said...

    tekkaus, yes it's more convenient and cheaper for me to go Subang airport than to LCCT.

    You are short? How short? : )

    Stay beside the lake? Yeah, I was staying beside the lake actually : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:07 AM
  46. foongpc said...

    mei teng, yeah it's such a relief once everything was sorted out. I was really feeling panicky when told we did not book any room in the hotel!

    Yes, go visit Kenyir! I highly recommend it : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:09 AM
  47. foongpc said...

    spabbles, yes I felt a bit dizzy on the plane. It was a good experience though : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:24 AM
  48. foongpc said...

    eugene, all your friends have good comments about Firefly? Well, you should try it then!

    Next post coming up soon : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:25 AM
  49. foongpc said...

    manglish, yeah go try it! : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:26 AM
  50. foongpc said...

    gallivanter, really? What did he complain about? To me, Firefly is quite good.

    December 4, 2009 at 1:28 AM
  51. foongpc said...

    tita beng, no it's not that scary really. Just a bit dizzy when the plane takes off and when it makes sudden ascend or descend : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:29 AM
  52. foongpc said...

    reanaclaire, yes the plane is pretty small. So now you know, will you fly Firefly? : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:30 AM
  53. foongpc said...

    merryn, 5 minutes only? Haha! You must be staying damn near! : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:31 AM
  54. foongpc said...

    xin, I'm pretty sure Kenyir is a good place to go for a short trip like over the weekend or something : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:31 AM
  55. foongpc said...

    cheahs@n, haha! I hope you won't be confused! : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:32 AM
  56. foongpc said...

    lina, where got drama? Haha! Oh yeah the massage - that's very nice! ; )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:33 AM
  57. foongpc said...

    donna, really? But it's really quite good in my opinion : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:34 AM
  58. foongpc said...

    kenwooi,only korean air? You must travel more lah, bro : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:35 AM
  59. foongpc said...

    che-cheh, no the propellers are not loud. Yes, it's a small plane and you do feel it more when there is air turbulence but no, it's not end of the world. haha!

    Who is the blogger? I'm so tempted to tell but I've promised not to reveal, so what to do but to keep my mouth shut! : (

    December 4, 2009 at 1:37 AM
  60. foongpc said...

    willie, you are welcome! : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:38 AM
  61. Mariuca said...

    I've been to Kenyir Resort too a long time ago and it was such a relaxing getaway! :)

    December 4, 2009 at 1:39 AM
  62. Mariuca said...

    I came back to work all refreshed and rejuvenated even my colleagues noticed the difference LOL!

    December 4, 2009 at 1:39 AM
  63. Mariuca said...

    Also saw an iguana near the lake huhuhuhu!

    December 4, 2009 at 1:40 AM
  64. Mariuca said...

    But dat time wasn't blogging so of coz no pics to remember my visit by hehe!

    December 4, 2009 at 1:40 AM
  65. foongpc said...

    iamthewitch, you are a Firefly supporter? So you travel with Firefly nowadays? Yes, the delay happened to me on my return trip. 4pm retimed to 7pm!! But good also, cos I used the extra time to visit Kuala Terengganu : )

    The lake is amazing indeed. Kenyir post coming up soon : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:40 AM
  66. foongpc said...

    robo, not sure of the cost because I pay for the holiday package which includes the flight, accommodation at Kenyir Resort and lake cruise.

    December 4, 2009 at 1:42 AM
  67. foongpc said...

    khengsiong, yes my flight was delayed by several hours! Luckily I used that time to visit Kuala Terengganu so I wasn't too upset with it : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:44 AM
  68. foongpc said...

    creating my life, hi Anthony! Your family home is near Subang airport? How convenient! Yes, it was previously an international airport, now moved to KLIA.

    Air Asia package? Do you mean Firefly package? It costs about RM465 per person.

    December 4, 2009 at 1:48 AM
  69. foongpc said...

    borneo falcon, maybe because it's newer? : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:49 AM
  70. foongpc said...

    bananaz, really? I'm not sure if that is true!

    December 4, 2009 at 1:49 AM
  71. foongpc said...

    happysurfer, yes it's well maintained and yes it definitely beats going all the way to LCCT or KLIA.

    Really? Propeller planes are safer in the event of mechanical failure? I really am not too sure of that!

    So you are tall? How tall? : )

    Kenyir is really beautiful! Next post coming up soon : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:52 AM
  72. foongpc said...

    TZ, oh! I didn't notice there's a Starbie there! Haha!

    December 4, 2009 at 1:52 AM
  73. foongpc said...

    bengbeng, thanks! Kenyir pics coming soon : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:53 AM
  74. foongpc said...

    fufu, I'm sure you'll be able to find some cheap deals when you fly with Firefly 2 years from now : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:54 AM
  75. foongpc said...

    wenn, then you should give it a try : )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:55 AM
  76. foongpc said...

    SK, yes it's clean and tidy. maybe because not many people there?

    Yes, the refreshment was a pleasant surprise to me!

    I agree we are going paperless - they should stop asking us to print out the booking confirmation! AirAsia is doing the right thing by going paperless!

    You have never taken domestic flights within the Peninsular? Yalah, you only go overseas all the time, so rich! ; )

    December 4, 2009 at 1:58 AM
  77. foongpc said...

    mariuca, so you've been there a long time ago? And came back all refreshed and rejuvenated? Too bad you weren't blogging then if not can see all your photos! : )

    December 4, 2009 at 2:00 AM
  78. Ayie said...

    I took smaller planes also like that before just for domestic travel of course going to an island and it was a shaky ride! It was fun though.

    Good thing your booking was fixed, so much trouble and worries!

    December 4, 2009 at 10:05 AM
  79. Ayie said...

    my husband will definitely not be happy with the seats, he complains even with the big carriers how much more with small one? If the flight is mere 30mins then i think he can get by.

    December 4, 2009 at 10:06 AM
  80. eiling lim said...

    I think i must try the Firefly one day! Just haven't got the chance yet.

    December 4, 2009 at 11:05 AM
  81. annant said...

    never fly with firefly...but heard that flight delay was kinda bad too, macam airasia :(

    December 4, 2009 at 2:09 PM
  82. Oman said...

    it surly is an adventure in itself :)

    December 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
  83. Pete said...

    Ha ha, luckily got place to stay...if not have to sleep in tents! LOL!

    December 4, 2009 at 3:18 PM
  84. vialentino said...

    i am worry to sit firefly too now...cause i dun trust the engine propelled proppeller ... it sounds noisy rite...

    December 4, 2009 at 5:31 PM
  85. Sourav said...

    wow wonderful shots taken.
    the plane is nice too...
    You have won lots of comments too.

    hehe
    Enjoy
    TC

    December 4, 2009 at 7:04 PM
  86. Monica said...

    your flight no delay Foong? u're so lucky then! coz i read a few complaints abt firefly..hmmm..

    December 5, 2009 at 4:35 AM
  87. Monica said...

    but I'd love to visit Tasik Kenyir one day!!

    December 5, 2009 at 4:36 AM
  88. Tekkaus said...

    Me? Really short ler. Only 1.65 meter only. :( Buahahahahaha :'(

    December 5, 2009 at 6:50 AM
  89. ladyviral said...

    foongpc : yea I am FC again yay! ^_^

    I am slightly taller than you :P.

    I was checking to fly to Singapore in Firefly, it cost double the price to use Tigerairways!! So /i am still taking Tigerairways this christmas. Maybe compare the rates and different times, I might a day it is cheaper :).

    December 5, 2009 at 9:51 AM
  90. Faisal Admar said...

    how tall are you? i need to measure :)

    December 6, 2009 at 11:52 PM
  91. foongpc said...

    ayie, yes smaller planes made me dizzy! Yes, luckily the hotel booking was settled!

    Your husband is quite tall right? I think he'll have problem sitting in a small plane! : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:33 AM
  92. foongpc said...

    eiling lim, yes do try it! But be warned, a lot of people say their flights always delayed. I experienced that too on my return trip!

    December 9, 2009 at 1:34 AM
  93. foongpc said...

    annant, well, do give it a try just for fun? : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:35 AM
  94. foongpc said...

    lawstude, yes indeed! : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:35 AM
  95. foongpc said...

    pete, haha! I think can still sleep in the hotel lobby! LOL!

    December 9, 2009 at 1:36 AM
  96. foongpc said...

    vialentino, why you worry about the propeller? It's not a problem and there's no sound at all from inside the plane! : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:38 AM
  97. foongpc said...

    sourav, hi thanks for dropping by and leave your comments! : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:38 AM
  98. foongpc said...

    monica, yes my return flight was delayed by 3 hours!! But I was not really angry cos it gave me time to visit places in Kuala Terengganu : )

    You must visit Tasik Kenyir - it's a lovely place! : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:40 AM
  99. foongpc said...

    tekkaus, then the Firefly plane will be huge for you. Haha, just kidding : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:48 AM
  100. foongpc said...

    ladyviral, slightly taller than me? So you are 5ft 7in? Still no problem sitting in the Firefly plane : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:49 AM
  101. foongpc said...

    faisal, I am only about 1.70m or 5ft 6in : )

    December 9, 2009 at 1:53 AM
  102. Ayie said...

    looking at the pic foong and upon reading the comments, you are 5'6" then definitely my husband will complain a lot there. Looks like there won't be enough leg room for 6'4" giant =P shhhhh hehehe he won't get to read this anyway!

    December 9, 2009 at 2:08 AM
  103. foongpc said...

    ayie, wow your hubby so tall! 6ft 4in! He definitely cannot fit into that plane. Hahaha!

    December 9, 2009 at 2:40 AM
  104. Ayie said...

    That's why it's nice to know those info regarding flights and all so when we visit places I'll know which airlines to take and avoid. I would hate to hear his rantings, I know how uncomfortable it can be for him though I can fit so nice even lounging there. I'm a tiny 5' =P

    December 9, 2009 at 2:54 AM
  105. foongpc said...

    ayie, you are only 5ft and your hubby is 6ft 4in? Wow! That's a huge difference! So everytime you talk to him, you have to stand on a chair? Haha! Juz kidding! : )

    December 11, 2009 at 10:53 PM
  106. Ayie said...

    I always have to look up foong! hehe!

    December 15, 2009 at 10:49 AM
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    May 28, 2010 at 4:49 PM
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    April 19, 2012 at 5:56 PM