Malaysia Airlines > Reviews > Malaysia Airlines - Going beyond expectations

Author's product rating:   

Food Quality	Good
Customer Service	Outstanding
Punctuality	Always on time
Space	Comfortable
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	First class service, good entertainment system, excellent airplane,
Disadvantages:	May be a little expensive

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I'm a regular traveller on Malaysian airlines, travelling with them in excess of 5 times a year. Well, I'm originally from Malaysia and each time I go back for a holiday, Malaysia Airlines is ALWAYS the airlines that i'll take.

I've never considered any other airlines, really, and you may all wonder why? I must say, Malaysia Airlines certainly do provide one of the best services so far in my experience (though the only other airlines I've used before are Jet Air, Singapore Airlines and British Airways.)

****History****
Malaysia Airlines started as Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) on Oct 12 1937, then only flying between Penang (in Malaysia) and Singapore. On April 2, 1947, the first fare paying passengers boarded an MAL Airspeed Consul plane in Singapore that was bound for Kuala Lumpur. Within three months, MAL broke the borders of domestic service to offer flights to Jakarta, Medan, Palembang and Saigon

In 1958, The participation of BOAC, QANTAS, the government of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore and the Territory of North Borneo launched MAL as a public limited company. In that same year, MAL launched its first flight outside South East Asia to Hong Kong.

Today, Malaysia Airlines is one of the world's top class airlines. It has many awards to boast and flies to more than 100 countries across 6 continents, and are continuously widening their coverage. In the UK itself, Malaysia Airlines fly to London Heathrow (Terminal 3 ) and Manchester Airport (Terminal 2).

****Booking****
Malaysia Airlines is very accessible to just about anyone. You can get tickets either by:

i. Calling 08706079090
The customer Service is friendly and are more than willing to help you find the cheapest fare.

ii. Visiting a Malaysia Airlines Office in London or Manchester

iii. their easy to use website www.malaysiaairlines.com.my
Here at their website, Malaysia Airlines often advertise special promotional fares and currently they are offering cheap fares from UK to Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

I find that while it may be convenient to book online, however it is rather hard to get the cheapest price (if that's what you are looking for). It does not have an option for you to compare prices. Instead, it only shows you the price for the dates you choose to travel on. And sometimes, if you buy the tickets from travel agencies, it could be much cheaper than the ones on the website (unless it's on promotion).

iv. a travel agency

****Checking in and Boarding****
The Malaysia Airlines checking in counters are opened 3-4 hrs before departure and i find this extremely useful. I can check in early and then proceed to have more time for duty free shopping.

The maximum baggage allowance stated is 20 kg for economy class, 30 kg for golden club class and 40kg for first class. I usually go on economy class and am allowed luggage up to 30 kg!

Boarding is prompt and efficient. Once you board the plane, the cabin staff are very helpful to guide you to your seats and to help you store your hand carry items.

****Golden Lounges****
I've never had the opportunity to enter the golden lounges (as it's only available to First Class passengers) so i cant give much comments on it. However, looking from the outside and also from the magazines (the one in KLIA), it sure does look lovely! Equipped with a spa, wireless internet connection, good food, etc.

****The Journey****
The crew members are indeed very friendly and helpful. One think i like about Malaysia Airlines is that the crew makes you feel at home and they are always ready to serve you with a sweet smiling face.

The seats are comfortable and it's what you would expect for the price you are paying. The cabin is clean and all flights are NON SMOKING flights (even in the toilet, which is GOOD).

The meals are good and they serve three varieties each time. It also comes with unlimited cocktails, wine, liquers, beer or any other soft drinks and juices. Snacks (such as chocs, biscuits, rolls) are available throughout the journey for free and all you've got to do is to press the 'service button and they'll attend to you in an incredibly short time. I'm impressed myself.

AS well as the normal food they serve, Malaysia Airlines has a special menu for children, vegetarians, Muslims, gluten free meals and several other types of meals for those who requires a special diet. All you've got to do is to inform them when booking the tickets.

There's a small tv screen in front of every seat so you've got an individual screen to watch movies, catch up on the latest news or play games. There's a lot of games to play and 10 channels of different movies of different languages. Indeed a good entertainment source on long journeys.

Also during the journey, the cabin crew will be handing out hot towels which i find really nice once you board and before meals. Helps you freshen up.

Departure is 99% of the time punctual.

Strongly recommended airline.

*****Malaysia Airlines*****
Voted World's Best Cabin Staff 2001-2005

Ranked as a 5 Star airline by the aviation rating organisation, Skytrax, thereby joining the most exclusive group of world airlines. (2005)There are just four airlines in the world that merit this prestige 5 Star accolade.