In Reply to: Air Asia pre-booking seats posted by Hilton on Tuesday, 14. July 2009 at 22:34 Bali Time:
I have not heard the same rumours as you.
I note from Air Asia Indonesia's Conditions of Carriage that Air Asia Indonesia does overbook like most other airlines.
Air Asia Indonesia - Conditions of Carriage
"6.1.3
Unavailability of Seat: There is a chance a seat may not be available for you on your flight even if your booking is confirmed. This is due to the common practice in the airline industry of overbooking. In the event of such unavailability of seat, we shall at our option, either:
* carry you at the earliest opportunity on another of our scheduled services on which space is available without additional charge and, where necessary, extend the validity of your booking; or
* should you choose to travel at another time, retain the value of your fare in a credit account for your future travel provided that you must re-book within three (3) months therefrom."
People booking flights online with Air Asia obviously take away custom from the Flight Centre, which may be reason that this rumour emanates from them.
Air Asia Indonesia are very rigorous in enforcing their rule that their counters close 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. That means even if you join the queue before the 45 minute limit, Air Asia Indonesia could still close their counter before you reach it.
I am flying Air Asia Indonesia to Bali in September and I have prebooked a window seat. This is because I like to watch the scenery, rather than a fear that I will be bumped from my flight.