We refer to the letter AirAsia's ad hoc seating an unnecessary hassle .

We wish to clarify that the product ‘Pick A Seat' was introduced not as an ad hoc measure but a value-added choice to enhance the comfort level of our guests.

This assigned seating option is not only for easier boarding but also to avoid the problems arising from guests rushing to secure their seats like we've faced in the past.

As the ‘World's Best Low-Cost Airline', we do our best to evaluate the feedback from our guests and come up with policies that enhance the premium experience of flying with AirAsia.

The ‘Pick A Seat' product is also in compliance with civil aviation requirements. This product enables us to respond to our guests' needs and it is down to personal choice.

By paying a little more, guests may select their choice of seating for their own expediency and convenience ahead of the general boarding group.

Guests who do not purchase this product are assigned seat numbers randomly by the system. Thus we have never patronised or deliberately separated our guests and in fact we try our best to get family members to sit together.

We nevertheless regret the unintentional inconvenience caused to the guests and would like to advise those who booked their flights before ‘Pick A Seat' was introduced in February 2009 to visit our website or call our Contact Center at 03 - 2171 9333 to book their seats should they wish to.

www.airasia.com

The writer is attached to the Communications Dept, AirAsia Berhad .