Nathan's Insights

Malaysian Airlines
Date: 08-09 June 2023
Gate: 14
Seat: 2A (Business Class Seat)
Plane: Airbus A330-300
Boarded: 21:52
Pushback: 22:16 (Scheduled 22:10)
Arrived: 08:00 (Scheduled 07:55)
Duration: 7 hour 46 minutes
Distance: 6,306 kms

This flight was from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) International Airport to Tullamarine (Melbourne) International Airport.

Check In / Bag Drop

I had checked 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. This meant I didn’t have to check my bag in at the Kuala Lumper Airport.

Lounges

As I was travelling in Business Class on Malaysian Airlines I had access to their International Golden Lounge Satellite Terminal (see review here)

Even if not travelling in Business Class I would still have had access as a Qantas Lifetime Gold Member which allows access to Oneworld Alliance Lounges even if only traveling in economy on a Oneworld partner airline.

Boarding

This flight boarded from Gate 14. Just like a Changi Airport (Singapore) you have to do an additional security check at the gate. Passengers with mobility issues where boarded first, then I got to board next as business class passenger.

The Seat

There are 27 seats in business class, configured as either singles or pairs with the rows alternating between a 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 layout. I had selected the left hand side of the plane (single seats A) and choose row 2 as that seat is closer to the window with store on my right side.

The seats are 20 inches (51 centimetres) wide and convert to a very conformable 76-inch (193-centimetre) lie-flat bed. The seats also have a 16-inch touch screen for entertainment (also with a remote control).

For the bed mode you have a fitted cover for the seat and a blanket for yourself. I found in bed mode it was easy to get comfortable and sleep. There is also an airflow outlet above you which is nice to cool you down when needed.

Amenity Kit

The amenity kit included facial creams, face mask, comb and toothbrush and paste.

Meals and Drinks

I was offered a pre-departure drink of either champagne or orange juice, I went for the juice. A warm face towel was also provided at this time.

There was a ‘refreshment’ meal offered 40 minutes into the flight of Chicken Satay with a drink (I choose water).

The main meal was the Breakfast service which commenced 2 hours before the scheduled arrival. The service started with a fruit selection plus a selection of croissants and toast (with butter and jam spreads) and an orange juice. I then selected the ‘Stuffed Crepe with Scrambled Eggs’ option with also came with a chicken sausage.

Service

The service was attentive and professional. Meals were served quickly and removed when finished. Immigration card was provided early and several reminders that everyone has to complete them. All announcements were made in Malay and English.

Entertainment System

The entertainment system had a good selection of movies, TV shows and documentaries plus a flight tracker service. I watched The Intern and the flight tracker service in between sleeping.

The Flight

This was a smooth flight with no air turbulence during the flight. The cabin temperature was fine but I did use the airflow outlet at times.

Arrival

We arrived 5 minutes late at 08:00. As one of the first off the plane I quickly found an arrival machine to complete arrival details and received my arrival card which I used to get past the eGates quickly.

My bag arrived at 08:41 probably in the middle of the bags coming out. I was randomly selected for additional security at Customs but that only delayed me by a few minutes. Around 08:50 I was landside and back in Australia.

Summary

I loved the Malaysian Airlines business class seat. This was one of the more comfortable seats in bed mode probably due to being able to lie down straight instead of being on an angle. I would definitely consider using points again for a Malaysian Airlines business class flight such was my enjoyment of my first long hual flight with them.