Flew Air Asia a few weeks ago (CGK-DPS), and had purchased express boarding. Was shocked when boarding that the FA told us to take our assigned seats, I just laughed, "What assigned seat?" Doesn't Air Asia have an open seating policy? That is why I purchased express boarding. The FA went on to explain that the Indonesia government passed a law that stated all Indonesian Airlines have to have assigned seating. So I asked him, since I now have an assigned seat, why purchase express boarding? He could only tell me that I still get to come on board first. Lame.

I just booked another flight and I was able to reserve a seat when booking; of course there is a fee for this, but I was able to purchase row 1 (and exit rows too). Looks like they have changed there policy.

I wonder why the govt.? (said the FA, not me), made this a law? Better able to identify passengers in the event of an accident? Or, pressure from GA to cut into Air Asia's profits?

I should add that this law, as it was explained to me, only applies to Indonesian based carriers. So does not affect Air Asia in Malaysia or Thailand.