Has anyone used an airline consolidator in the past year that is well estabished, honorable and highly responsive?
Can I save more than 10%+ on flights from Bangkok to 2 cities in Malaysia where Malaysia Airlines is quoting me about $500/person RT for travel next April?
Actually, a ticketing agent at the airline even inferred I could get a lower rate but was not at liberty to give me names of firms.That seemed unusual. But I don't want to pour money into a "black hole" either! Thanks.

Bob has a contact at the American Express Office in Bangkok that he has used for intr-Asia flights. Do a search here and you'll find it. I haven't tried him yet, but plan to do so once the rest of my plans are firm.

Depending what cities in Malaysia you are flying to, one of the budget airlines such as Air Asia might be a good bet to save money.

Kathie; Once you make the contact let me know email adress, please. We are going Bangkok-KL then KL to Kaula Terraeggra (spelling) on Malaysian S.E. peninsula then back to Bangkok via KL. Malaysia Airlines has some very convenient times for us but as I said wants $500+ and that seems high. I have time so input in next week or two would be helpful. I want to button everything down before MYR goes up now that China is letting the yuan flaot a bit. Malaysia said they may follow suit later this year.
Air Asia only had the Bangkok to KL route and I have heard the airline while less expensive was not in the class of Malaysia Airlines.Even a 90 minute flight in economy can be difficult in uncomfortable seats.

Hi StanKase,

The Ringgit is already floating (in fact, it was announced merely 1/2 hr after China made their announcement). But the rate is only slightly different and I doubt it'd waver too much in the near future.

Air Asia DOES fly KL to Kuala Terengganu btw.

Air Asia is very adequate for a 90 minute flight - and in my opinion, not too much different from a MAS economy seat if you don't take into account the refreshments etc.

Great, the Ringgit has been stable for years and now that I'm going there in Sept, they decide to float it! At least some hotels and Air Asia flights are already paid for. Janna, why do you think it won't change much? Sure hope you're right.

laurie-just a rehash of what i've gleaned from the papers:

On the first day of the float last Friday, despite high expectations, the ringgit traded 3.778 against the US$1 as opposed to the previously pegged 3.8. The govt is quoted to be pleased with this rate and has said they would intervene if there's extreme trading causing big rises and falls which might affect the economy.

I know nothing about foreign exchange and economics. I just read analyses from the papers like most people. The impression I get is that it's likely to remain stable and not too drastically different from previously.

Thanks Janna. If it stays pretty much where it is, I will be happy. Otherwise, the Mandarin Oriental and E&O could become quite expensive. The hotels in Borneo are cheap enough but the MO is costing enough as it is!

air asia is perfectoy fine, actuqally it's rated the best budget airline in asia and ranked among the best in the world. the seat are made out of leeather like mattereal which some good lumbar support. actuall I prefer air asia seats over those thick padded seats tehy offer some of the major carriors.

a trip too KL goes for aout $75. if you want too spent $400 on a sandwitch. then I have a can a coke here that I can sell too you for $200
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yep the basket of cureecies the ringet pegged it currencies with (which is not yet revealed and my not be) seems too have a tight trading coller.. so not much will change from here on.

www.saveflights.com

they have consolitated prices..

malaysia airlines flight may be hade for about $150+

lufthansa, Gulf. India and Thai, fly direct flights between KL an bkk for about the same price.

if you use FF program you may want too choose the airline that may give you some points.

orgy7; I just wanted to use the same airline in Malaysia.Im going over and back on Thai Air(non-stop), Bangkok Air in Thailand and now a third airline.
I must not be using Air Asia's site incorrectly or I missed Kuala Terraegra on their site or times were not convenient but I will check again for sure. Also, they were not booking past January when I tried 3 weeks ago.
Good news on currency. I have not paid for air or hotels except Thai Air and prefer to only put deposits on hotels if I can through asiarooms.com or asiahotels.com this far in advance.To those you gave input on Air Asia, should I use their website or make reservation via phone? I want an electronic ticket. Can I get a seat assignment. Irealize they may change the aircraft over the next 9 months.
Thanks.

STANKae im no export on anything especially Malaysia but don't you mean kuala terrenggaru...

I checked tha malaysian airlines site and they don't even fly too the place you posted.

anyways if it KUALA TERRENGGANU.. air asia offers round trips KUL to tgg for as low as $20 round trip. TOTAL.
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so what your exact itunuary so far.?

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air asia dosn't post fares after DEC for now.
and seats are not assigned you just find a seat buckle up and go.. verry fast turnover.

internet booking is verry effecient.. Malaysia air may also offer some OK rates.