AirAsia X provides discounted premium class option

AIRASIA X has partnered Boston-based Optiontown to give passengers an opportunity to fly business class at a far lower fare.

The service, called Upgrade Travel Option, is available on all AirAsia X longhaul flights out of its Kuala Lumpur hub.

The opportunity for upgrade to a premium class seat is calculated based on factors including seat availability, passenger profile and previous upgrades acquired through the service, said Optiontown founder and CEO, Sachin Goel.

Goel explained that Optiontown's Upgrade Travel Option creates a “win-win situation for all parties”, as it allows partner airlines to sell all their business and first class seats, provides travel agents an opportunity to offer value-added service to passengers, and gives passengers the chance to fly business class at as much as 75 per cent discount.

To qualify for a possible seat upgrade, passengers need to register at Optiontown's website and pay a one-time fee, which will fluctuate according to demand.

AirAsia X is the first South-east Asian airline to partner Optiontown, which counts international airlines Air Canada, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Spanair and Kingfisher Airlines among its portfolio.

Goel said he would be announcing new partnerships with Asian legacy carriers soon.