Malaysia Airlines, the flag carrier of Malaysia, is part of the OneWorld alliance and has a hub in Kuala Lumpur. I was flying from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta, a route served by Malaysia Airlines and Garuda Airways. Since I had Avios, I decided to fly with Malaysia Airlines, especially because I might travel with them again on a long-haul route. Overall, Malayasia Airlines had a positive impact, and here is what I experienced on Malaysia Airlines B737 Business Class.
Basics
- Airline: Malaysia Airlines
- Aircraft: B737-8
- Flight Number: MH 711
- Route: Kuala Lumpur [KUL]-Jakart [CGK]
- Flight Time: 9:00 AM
- Duration: 2 hr 10 min
- Cabin: Business Class
- Layout: 2-2
- Frequent Flyer Program: Privelage Club-Avios
- Miles Cost: 16.5K Avios
- Taxes & Fees: INR 3099 [$36.71]
- Ticket Price: INR 30K [$355] [Approx]
- Value Per Mile: INR 1.63 [1.93 Cents]
How did I Book a Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Cabin?
There are multiple options to book Malaysia Airlines Business Class using miles. The three best options for short-haul flights are:
- Alaska Airlines
- Flying Blue
- Qatar Airways-Avios
Initially, I had booked another flight using Alaska Miles for 15K Miles, but I decided to go early on the same day and changed my flight just a day before. However, due to changes by Alaska that required flights departing in 72 Hour need to be booked by Customer Support, I used Qatar Airways Avios. So, I paid 16,500 Avios for the same. Another option is Flying Blue which will cost 18500 miles. But, with flying blue 16K miles, you could book Garuda, too. So, I used Avios instead of flying blue miles.
I used the Qatar Airways app, which is much better for finding and booking flights than the website.
Issues to Sort Out
I did not face any issues while making the booking. However, I had to cancel other flight booked using Alaska Miles, for which I had to call them.
Checking In
I reached the airport approximately three hours before departure. At Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia Airlines has separate check-in counters for Business Class Suites, Business Class, and Economy Class passengers. There were ten counters for Business Class check-in at the airport and six for Business Class Suites. The check-in was smooth, and no waiting queue, as there were several counters.
However, I often get asked whether I have an Economy Class or Business Class ticket. The same was also the case here. I’ve gotten used to it now.
Immigration
The First & Business Class Passengers can fast-track Immigration. I was second in the line for Immigration and took just a few moments to clear it. Also, I Immigration entry area is pleasant and is decorated with blue lights and a blue carpet.
Lounge Access
Firstly, finding Golden Lounge at Terminal 1 can be challenging since the sign is small.
Once you find it, you need to take the escalators.
Malaysia Airlines has three lounges at Kuala Lumpur Airport. One Domestic Lounge, Regional Lounge & a Lounge at Satellite Terminal. My flight departs from Terminal 1 and not from the satellite terminal. At Terminal 1, Malaysia Airlines has Golden Lounge Regional. The lounge is decent, with lots of space, but considering I’m Vegetarian, there was no Vegetarian option available. In terms of food, the lounge didn’t catch my attention. Even the Plaza Premium Lounge at the Terminal could have been better.. However, the Satellite lounge would be better andis operational 24 hours, whereas this lounge’s working hours are 5 AM till midnight.
Even if you are not flying First Class or Business Class, you can access the Malaysia Airlines Internal lounge for MYR 279 or $64. I would not advise paying specifically for the lounge. There are better lounges at Satalite Terminal, which you can access using Priority Pass.
Security Check & Boarding
At Kuala Lumpur, Security Checks are done just before boarding. Usually, the gates are open one hour before boarding. My flight was to depart from G8, and I arrived right on time. There is no separate queue for Business Class at security check.
After the security check, we went down to the waiting area and sat comfortably, waiting for boarding to start. There was ample space for sitting.
After that, the boarding started, which was super smooth. People followed the boarding as per Group. So, I boarded the aircraft smoothly.
Welcome Drink
We had three options: Apple Juice, Water, and orange Juice. As always, I chose the Orange Juice. The Juice was okay but not really Business Class stuff, so I didn’t have it again. Usually, I top up if I like it.
Soon after the cabin crew came with hot towels; well actually, the towel was neither hot nor cold somewhere in between.
Amenity Kit and More
There was no amenity kit, only a pillow and a blanket. Both were good for a short-haul flight, particularly the Blanket. It was good.
Seat
Malaysia Airlines B737 Business Class seats are 39 Inches wide and definitely feel premium. They remind me of my first Business class on Jet Airways. On this flight, Business Class was in a 2-2 combination.
The recline is good and comfortable. The seats felt good. However, at one point, I thought Indigo Stretch was inspired by Malaysia Airlines Business Class. However, I can’t confirm that since I’ve yet to try Indigo Stretch.
If you happen to be on A & F you need to worry about your legs.
However, if you are in C & D, you may need to be a bit cautious while moving your legs.
You also have the option to charge electronic devices. However, I don’t think I noticed it.
IFE
When flying with Malaysia Airlines, you can use MHstudio to watch movies and series or listen to songs. On this aircraft, there was even space to put your phone or iPad. Instructions on how to use MHStudio were even provided.
But MHStudio was not working on this aircraft. The crew apologised for the same via announcement.
Meals
When flying Malaysia Airlines or most airlines, you can pre-order meals at least 24 hours before departure. If you want to see the menu before pre-ordering, you can do so here. For Business Class Suite & Business Class passengers, you can prebook meals, which Malaysia Airlines calls Chief on Call. So, Chief on Call is just branding where you can pre-book select meals. Since I had booked my flight in less than 24 hours to departure, I had to rely on Vegetarian availability. However, it was not available.
My dining experience was great. The fruits were juicy and tasty. Sometimes, you can’t actually feel the fruit when flying because it is cold for hours. However, here, it was good. The oats with yogurt were insanely good. And the butter was delicious, too. I’m impressed with Malaysia Airlines’ food. The cutlery was not plastic, which was good.
Shortly after, the crew came back with breads, and I chose the Banana Leaf Bread. It tasted delicious. Although I could not have a full meal, apart from that, everything was delicious.
Cabin Crew
The cabin crew was great. I could feel the warmth and hospitality that Malaysia Airlines wants its customers to have.
Baggage Claim
My Immigration at Jakarta Airport was a brezzee, actually, it was the fastest i ever had. While returning I also used the Saphire Plaza Premium Lounge which was great. I reached the baggage claim area in a few minutes. However, we had to wait for baggage for a bit. It did take some time. Actually, the area near to the baggage belt was partly closed due to renovation work. Since Business Class passengers have baggage priority, this will only matter a little. However, due to the congested standing space, there might be an issue later on when more travellers come.
Will I again Fly the Malaysia Airlines B737 Business Class?
I’m impressed with Malaysia Airlines, particularly the food. So, I will fly with them again, especially for the food. I hope the MHStudio works next time.
Also, Malaysia Airlines has many B737s and flies them to many destinations. Only a handful of cities are served with A330s, mostly on one daily flight. For example, Malaysia Airlines flies A330s to Delhi in the evening, whereas at other times, you will be on a B737. So, I will most likely fly again on the B737. Overall, it was a good experience.
Bottomline
Malaysia Airlines B737 Business Class is a good product for short—to medium-haul flights. There are a few things that Malaysia Airlines can do better, like the IFE part and the availability of Vegetarian food. Overall, it is a decent product.
