The Empty Seat Option, or ESO, on AirAsia X, is one of the best ways to fly long haul, and if you do not know what this is, read on. I used to get the standard seats, but after this ESO service was introduced, I gave it a try, and from now on, for any future long-haul flights I book, I will include the ESO option.

Empty Seat Option ESO on AirAsia X

In October 2012, I took a business and leisure trip to Beijing, China, and chose to fly on AirAsia X. Because of the night flight schedule, I decided to give the ESO a try, as it did not cost much at all.

When I got to Beijing, I had enough rest and slept for a few hours during the flight there. This service is excellent even for couples, as you will have more privacy and space to stretch out during the flight. Travellers dislike having someone in their row who always has to go to the washroom; therefore, booking the ESO will eliminate this issue.

extra-seat-option-airasia-x Empty Seat Option ESO on AirAsia X

Three empty seats ~ Row A, B & C on AirAsia X.

Most travellers do not know of this service, so I recommend you look into it. Below is information about the ESO service from OptionTown and AirAsia X.

What is ESO or Empty Seat Option?

1 Passenger can reserve two seats next to him/her to have the whole row of 3 seats to him/herself.
2 passengers can choose to reserve an additional seat to have the entire three seats for themselves or
2 passengers can block two seats each, so they have two rows of 3 seats to themselves.

How do you get your Empty Seat Option (ESO)?

Click on the link provided in the invitation email or go to OptionTown before departure.
Enter flight details.
Pay for a signup price and the price quoted for an empty seat.
The empty seat price will be refunded if the request is unsuccessful.
A notification email of request status will be notified 1-2 days to departure.

Benefits of Empty Seat Option (ESO)

More freedom to move about.
More space for personal items.
More privacy.
Elevated travel comfort on long-haul flights.

extra-seat-option Empty Seat Option ESO on AirAsia X

airasia-x-ESO-seat Empty Seat Option ESO on AirAsia X

The ESO seats, and I give the thumbs up after waking from a 2-hour nap.

Overall, my flight to Beijing in October 2012 was smooth, even with a full flight. I had the luxury of stretching out over the three seats throughout my five-hour flight.

Because it was a night flight, I managed to catch some sleep, and as most of you know, sleeping in a sitting position can be a real pain, especially when the flights are long. When I exited the aircraft, I felt fresh and rested, unlike my usual long-haul flights, where I needed to stretch.

airasia-inflight-magazine Empty Seat Option ESO on AirAsia X

In-flight magazines and information.

pak-nasser-nasi-lemak Empty Seat Option ESO on AirAsia X

Pak Nasser’s famous Nasi Lemak on AirAsia X.

For those who frequently go on business trips or leisure trips, the AirAsia X Premium Flat Bed Seats, apart from the Empty Seat Option, are also worth considering. The service costs a little more, but one tip: if you buy last-minute flight tickets, you should upgrade to premium flatbeds as the prices are about the same as those of regular flight tickets.

Conclusion

Having said this, my next long-haul flight on AirAsia X will never be the same after I try out the additional services offered. It is different when you do a 2-to 3-hour flight, but anything more than 4 hours requires comfort while flying, and now everyone has the choice of the Empty Seat Option ESO on AirAsia X.

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