Cheaper fares to Asia are usually out of reach for anyone but left-coasters, but now through the end of the year, Malaysia Airlines is offering an AccessAsia Pass for the starting of price of $747 that allows you to travel to a whopping 24 cities with departures from either Los Angeles or Newark.
The pass is good for 30 days for economy class roundtrip travel from either U.S. gateway to Kuala Lumpur with no-additional cost legs available to such Asian gems as Bali, Bangkok, Canton, Hanoi, Kuching, Singapore, Rangoon and others--but, with the exception of the hub, Kuala Lumpur, you can fly to each of the 24 cities on the list only once per pass. You can also journey farther afield to New Zealand, Australia, India, South Africa and more, buy these destinations cost extra--as much as $700 more. Extensions are available to either 45, 60 or 90 days for an additional $150-$300.
A peak season charge of $150 applies to all purchases through August 14 and then again from November 16 on for LA departures and through August 27 and again from December 13 on for Newark departures.
The AccessAsia Pass is good through December 31, 2002 and is available only to North American residents. It cannot be purchased online, but you can read the full details online at www.malaysiaairlines.com/access_asia.html. Instead you must purchase through a travel agent, who should use Booking Class Q and fare code QAAPASS when making your reservations.