TGflyergirl

The 737-400's are gone. Have been for close to a year now.

wolf72

Not a problem

postville

Since I have no idea about KUL airport and handling, I have a few questions. If somebody could help me that would be great!

We will arrive at 0755 am in KUL by QR-flight from DOH. It is planned to fly on to KBR (Kota Bahru, domestic flight). I'm now thinking what is the better option, taking the two times more expensive MH flight at 1055 am or the cheaper Air Asia flight (from the new Lowcost terminal) at 1120 am.

I guess 3 hours for immigration and transit is enough time (always considering that there's no delay of the QR flight). We travel only wich hand-luggage. Important points for my decision:

a) I have AirBerlin Sapphire card, will I (and my friend who has no card at all) get lounge access for the MH domestic flight (in economy class)?

b) We will go to the Perhentian Islands and want to take a bit of alcool with us since it's relatively expensive there. If we arrive in KUL by QR-flight, will it be possible to check immigration and go on to the terminal for MH flights with alcool that we bought already before in DOH (hand luggage), i.e. without leaving the security area? I would make online check-in for the MH flight before. Or do we have to make security check again, and so 'loose' our bought alcool? If yes, is it possible to buy alcool for 'reasonable' prices with domestic departures?

c) In case if I would choose the Air Asia flight instead of MH, how is it with the check-in and security check at KLIA low cost terminal (I guess it's new now KLIA2)? Much crowded?

Would be very nice to have your opinionen Thx a lot!

asheby

(a) Yes, you and your friend will have access. All oneworld sapphire and emerald members are allowed 1 guest.

(b) You will have to pass through security again after immigration into Malaysia at the domestic transfer area (just walk in the opposite direction from the majority of passengers when exiting at the main terminal building, you will then see the "domestic flights" sign). However, liquids are usually allowed when travelling domestically within Malaysia. If in doubt, you will probably be able to get your alcoholic items security-sealed in DOH to prevent any problems with liquids airside.

(c) KLIA2 is massive i.e. it's essentially a shopping mall. Leave yourself an hour from security to the gate; this is from what I've heard from friends travelling through. Haven't had any experience myself through KLIA2.

Hope that helps.

postville

Hey asheby thanks a lot for this very helpful info!

So, if I'm allowed to enter with my AB Sapphire card the lounge on a Malaysian domestic flight (this I wasn't sure at all!) then I think I will choose MH instead of Air Asia, also given the fact that the transfer within KLIA will be much faster and more comfortable than from KLIA to KLIA2. And if I will be able to keep my liquids from Duty Free store from DOH until KBR, then anyway

Thanks again!

hillrider

80% of the MH fleet of 738 used domestically is eons better than AirAsia, which is incredibly cramped at a seat pitch of 28" or 29", much tighter than even Ryan Air. And of course you will have fees for baggage, for a decent seat, for a snack, etc. etc. The remaining 20% of MH's fleet is just slightly better.

arabiamark

My take on the various lounges:

Golden Lounge First Class

What strikes me most here is hour peaceful and quiet it is. They do a good job of keeping that exclusive feeling. Furniture is comfortable and has a nice view of the tarmac. Staff in the main area are attentive and service is very good.
Usually my first stop is the shower area. Here there are a few problems. I've noticed that it's indifferently maintained. Last time I looked at several cubicles that had been used and not cleaned. I only managed to find one that was ready for use. Also, none of the showers are well sealed and water gets everywhere. One good thing is this first class shower area is usually not so crowded compared to the business class side.
On the way back from the showers I notice the smoking room. I always kick myself for not having a cigar. It's a comfortable and classy spot for a smoke.
One puzzle here is the buffet. I guess they assume people will just want to get served by the staff. If you prefer the self service way there's not so much at the buffet. Definitely no alcohol, which has to be ordered from the business side. Other than that it's just a few juices, soft drinks, and some nuts with a couple of kinds of sweets. It's not a big deal since you can order from the staff.
There's also the sit down restaurant part. I enjoyed here a lot, especially an early morning bowl of hot noodles. Service was very good here.
Wifi is by password which you have to ask for.
I tried to use the business center for printing and scanning. The printer there wasn't working and the staff had to use the printer in some office outside the lounge. I didn't bother asking about scanning after that. The machines in the business center appeared indifferently maintained to me.

Golden Lounge Business Class

I only spent a short time here. The bar is on the left on the way to the main area. This is the only place to get alcohol. I guess we can chalk that up to it being a Muslim country. But it's a bit of a pain that you either have to order from staff or trudge out to this bar. I also found the wifi to be a bit weak at the bar.
The main area is of course more crowded and less peaceful than the first class side. It's more self service here so the buffet is more stocked and there are more food options. Quality seems to vary.

Regional Golden Lounge

I popped in here on the way to a short haul flight. It's smaller than the satellite terminal lounge so at times it can be crowded. But other times it's quite peaceful. Again the quality of the food varies. Sometimes it's really good, sometimes meh. As with all the lounges it has generous window space so it's bright. I do try to minimize my time here and spend as much time as possible in the First Class lounge, only coming over on the train with enough time for about 15 minutes or so in this lounge. But it's nice to pop in here for a last drink or snack before the flight.

wolf72

Think you are referring to the first batch of 737800's? Think they also don't have in flight entertainment either.

TGflyergirl

I'd put that number at 100% - the early ML leased birds are GENERALLY not as spacious as the MX/MS and late ML birds having one extra row, but they do have a few sweet spots (row 5 on these old birds will beat anything on the new birds). Either way, better than the 180Y config on air Asia.

TGflyergirl

Asheby's info is spot on.

One other thing to consider taking MH. Even on a separate ticket, whilst not strictly policy, your chances are better for being taken care of if anything goes wrong on the inbound QR if you connect to another oneworld carrier rather than a low cost carrier.

postville

Thx hillrider and TGflyergirl!

Yep, I thought that in case of much delay of QR that MH might take care, even though I assume the chances to be low. Anyway, in case of missing the plane I might get an Air Asia flight since their 'last-minute' prices are not extremely high. But the flightstats says that the QR flight normally is pretty on time. So I hope the best. I will definitely book MH now. Thx for all the info

PS: By the way: I've also booked a MH flight KBR-KUL-KCH. It's the latest possible connection on the date. MH told me that in case of missing the connection in KUL becuase of delay of KBR-KUL flight (this flight is often delayed...) they will NOT offer me a hotel for the night (to catch next possible flight next morning). This are definitely different rules than in Europe!

TPJ

Do not assume the worst case scenario. Even then wave your Sapphire card (but be nice even while persistent) - your card means a lot more in Asia than in Europe/the USA. MH is quite well organized airline and lost connections happen rarely.

wolf72

If you are flying MH from europe to Kuching, and for some reason your flight is delayed, they will put you on the next available flight but yes, asian airlines do not provide hotel accomodations. It's on you.

That's normal.

lcpteck

Lounge was packed last friday 13th.

MH2, MH52 (the one I'm on), and 3 other MH flights were delayed. MH2 to LHR was delayed from the usual timing to 2pm in the afternoon the next day (about more than 12 hours). I think eventually those passengers got their hotel rooms.

MH52 was delayed from 11:50pm to 1:20am then delayed further till 4:40am... Poor us and the Cabin Crew. Apparently the 1:20am plane had some technical problems and was deemed not flyable. Had to wait for the Sydney plane to come back and they used that to whisk us on our way.

I'm glad I got to KIX in one piece. As always, safety first. Too bad I can't claim my travel insurance as it was less than 6 hours.

Looking at the flight history for MH52 this past week, looks like it's been consistently delayed.

TGflyergirl

There was a major delay in SYD on MH140 on the 13th - i was in the QF F lounge looking out at the tarmac and saw 2 MH330's at the same time - which is not normal. MH140 departed about 15 hours late, at a time very close to the timing of the afternoon 122 - that probably had an impact on your 52. Aircraft was 9M-MTN.