We flew home from Langkawi two days ago, using MAS to Kuala Lumpur then onwards with Emirates.

Our bags were checked through from Langkawi and we were advised to go to the Transfer Counter on arrival at KLIA for our Emirates Boarding Cards.
We were due into KL at 8 30pm.

We went straight to the Transfer Desk and were told that no Emirates Staff would be there until 11pm,( that is, when check in opens, 3 hours before departure) but just to go through Immigration .
Immigration would not let us go through as we had no Boarding Cards.

We went back to the Transfer desk and were told that MAS no longer issue boarding cards for Emirates and we would have to wait until 11pm for staff to come down. We did wonder if this is because MAS have now joined One World??

My daughter came up with the bright idea that we should all check in on line, so out came the iPads and Blackberrys and we did this, took the emails on screen to Immigration and they let us through without a problem.

When we got to the Emirates Lounge (it was opened from 9 30pm) the staff kindly printed our boarding cards for us.

Moral of this story is check in on line and have a Boarding Card if you are coming through KLIA before check in opens.

I have been doing PEN (on MH) -KUL-DXB (on EK) on average twice a year for the pass 3 years and MH had never issued BP for the EK flight although they would be able to check the luggage through to DXB. One of the other issues to watch out for is the luggage transfer from MH to EK, although the layover period is about 3 hours plus, my luggage had missed the EK flight twice - not sure how they managed to miss the connection.

It has also been the case for me, connecting SQ to LH at KUL - just went to the lounge and told them I couldn't yet get the bp and they were ok with it - of course I didn't have the issue with immigration.

Thanks for that information Ksmax.

The lady at the transfer desk specifically said "we no longer issue boarding cards" and we thought this was something new.

We have always gone with MAS before, first time using Emirates, so the problem had not arisen before.
Will remember to leave lots of time for the luggage to be transferred next time.

And , of course, check in on line

How is the EK lounge at KLIA? Is it EK branded or sharing with another carrier?

Thanks

EK Lounge in KLIA is just for Emirates passengers.

Staff were very pleasant.

Lounge is deceptively big, plenty of sitting areas.

Food was good, lots of hot choices, I didn't realise that there were dishes to order as well including satay!!

Champagne, wine , spirits and tea and coffee, all help yourself.

Restrooms had showers and were spotless.

Yup, I had same issue with luggage on MH connecting onto EK, oddly only one of my bags didn't make the connection. With regards to the transfer desk, we found it closed but went to the lounge and they happily issued boarding passes.

If you are concerned with baggage not making it, I suggest you show your baggage tags and ask the transfer counter to ensure it makes it onto the flight. This way, your chances are higher.