OK the plot thickens. Today after many many many emails with Air Asia they admitted that the only reason they want you to check in online is to save you the 100 NT$ fee to use the check in desk.Trust me that's what they said. So I asked you want me to check in online to save money you charge to use the check in desk but you still want me to use the check in desk. I fly with dozens of airlines globally and more often than not check in online, go through security with a pre printed boarding card and board the pane when the gate agent checks my documents are in order at the gate, this is the general idea of online check in. Communication with Air Asia is near impossible unless you actually know someone there.