Flight Review: Malaysia Airlines Business Class, Sydney To Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Airlines has had a rough few years for a variety of reasons, but it has been busy revamping its business class of late. After a long absence I thought I would see how things, if any, have changed.

The Flight/Route: MH140, Sydney to Kuala Lumpur.

Duration: 7 hours 5 minutes, depart 2215, arrive 0350.

The Aircraft: A330-300.

Cabin/Seat: Business Class, Seat 4A.

Baggage Allowance: 40kgs.

Frequent Flyer Program: Enrich.

More Information: www.malaysiaairlines.com. 

Overview:

On a recent work trip to Europe, I decided to opt for something different, having got a good deal on business class with Malaysia Airlines. I made the decision after a tip off from a much travelled friend; he and his wife had flown to London recently, and raved about everything from the new lie-flat seats to the service. It had been about nine years since I’d last flown with Malaysia, with a lot of bad stuff happening in between, so I was curious to see how in the aftermath they stacked up to their competitors. The aircraft now used on this route is different for a start - it was a Boeing 777-200 before - and a newly refurbished A330 with fully lie-flat seats and a bright cabin with a light grey and blue colour scheme.  

Check In/Lounge:

Check in was around 8pm and the terminal was busy, but I wasn’t queuing for long at the business class counter, and completing the process was quick and easy. Within minutes I was on my way to security and passport control, and then the Qantas International Lounge, which welcomes Malaysia’s business class passengers as a partner. It’s located airside on live 3, and you enter via escalators. The lounge is one of the best at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, with barista made coffee, a full bar, showers and lounge dining among its many perks.

The Seat/Entertainment:

The A330-300 used on long-haul flights these days was two-class, and is an updated version of the aircraft with a more spacious interior. It’s has 27 business class flat bed seats, which are laid out in seven rows alternating between a 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 configuration. While a little strange, this configuration creates what’s been dubbed a ‘throne seat’ with additional space; while other airlines charge to book this seat, at the time of flying Malaysia Airlines did not. I was able to book one of these throne seats for my flight. It converts to a fully flat bed which is almost two metres long and 50cm wide with plenty of leg room in the seated position. As soon as I sat down a flight attended greeted me with a smile, offering me a welcome drink, which turned out to be a glass of champagne. But back to my seat; it is adjustable at the touch of a button with plenty of storage including a space with a hatch for glasses etc during  takeoff and landing, and magazine/tablet storage area in the seat back below the 16 inch entertainment screen. The seat also came equipped with a power point and USB connection to charge or use your own devices, and if you prefer to rely on the airline, the on-demand entertainment includes new release movies, over 300 TV programs, music and radio stations.

The Food:

It was a redeye flight to KL, so I opted to eat before boarding so I could benefit from as much sleep as possible. However when service began immediately after the flight, I overheard someone talking about the airline’s famous satay sticks so I decided to stay awake a bit longer to try them along with a cold beer. Overall there was a selection of Malay dishes, including the satay sticks and a full-service bar. Snacks are available for business class passengers throughout the flight; all you have to do is ask a flight attendant for what is available.

The Service:

The crew was friendly and efficient, quickly prepping plane and passengers for an on-time departure. They were happy to help those passengers who wanted to sleep immediately, being mindful of noise during the food and beverage service, and once everyone settled down for the night, someone walked through the cabin frequently to check on passengers. 

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The seat was extremely comfortable and long. 
• The satay sticks which were delicious.  

Insider Tips  

• There’s only one toilet in business class on these aircraft, so choose your time to go carefully so you don’t have to queue, and don’t leave it too late to freshen up before your arrival in KL for the same reasons.

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Malaysia Airlines