Nathan's Insights

Malaysian Airlines
Date: 08 June 2023
Gate: F32
Seat: 2A (Business Class Seat)
Plane: Boeing 737-800
Boarded: 17:52 (Gate opened 17:10)
Pushback: 18:20 (Scheduled 18:10)
Arrived: 19:26 (Scheduled 19:20)
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Distance: 296 kms

This flight was from Changi (Singapore) Airport to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) International Airport.

Check In / Bag Drop

I checked in my bag in at the Jewel Early Check In area at 08:10. This was 10 hours before my flight and is a special service of the Changi (Singapore) Airport. Only select airlines have signed up for this service. An attendant helped me with the details as at that time I was the only person in the area (Jewel Early Check in opens at 08:00).

My bag was check through to Melbourne via Kuala Lumper. As I’m on my way home I wasn’t too concerned about a delay to my checked bag which meant I didn’t pack as much in my daypack.

I then took advance of the Jewel facility before attempting Security and Immigration. When I went to Security and Immigration to get airside it took around 2 minutes, extremely quick and easy.

Lounges

As I was travelling in Business Class on Malaysian Airlines I had access to any Oneworld Alliance Lounge, unfortunately these Lounges don’t start opening until 14:30. This allow me time to explore the airport and use the free and fast wifi. I did eventually use the Qantas Business Class Singapore Lounge (see review here).

Even if not travelling in Business Class I would still have had access as a Lifetime Gold Member.

Having Lounge access before international flight is a huge bonus. As you have access to free food, free internet (usually fast) and normally a shower. This visit was all about the shower after last night’s flight and the long time at the airport.

Boarding

We boarded from Gate D9 using priority boarding. As a Business Class I passenger I was called to board first with high status members but there was no enforcement of this requirement.

The Seat

Business Class seats on this 737-800 are set up in 2-2 configuration with 4 rows. There was a total of 12 business class seats but only 5 passengers. The seat next to me 2C was empty. The paired seats have an extra long armrest so you aren’t fighting for who gets to use it. row equalling 48 business class seats.

I found the seat 2A to be big enough and to be comfortable. the tray table that comes out from the left armrest left enough space to be comfortable during the meal service.

Amenity Kit

There was no amenity kit on this short flight.

Meals and Drinks

You are provided with pre-departure drink options of juices or water. I choose water.

The flight attendant took our meal orders on the ground. This would be because we would be airborne for a very short time.

The options were a Chicken Salad or Chicken Satay. I went for the Satay which was served with a dark chocolate piece and salted peanuts. I also ordered a coke with the meal. The meal was served as soon as we levelled out and removed 10 minutes later.

Service

The service was very effective for this ultra short flight.

Entertainment System

While there was an entertainment system in the back of the seat not headset was handed out likely due to how short this flight is.

The Flight

This was a smooth flight we took off, we levelled out, and around 20 minutes later to start the descend.

Arrival

the flight arrived in Terminal 1. The flight attendant advised me to go straight to the bus to take me to Terminal 1 Satellite.

Summary

This was a quick an simple positioning flight. Malaysian Airlines did a good job for such a short flight.