I remember the first time I flew business class. It was back in 1996 when I had to make an unplanned trip from KL back to Penang due the fact that I had contracted dengue. When checked in at Subang Airport, I was bumped up a class as the flight was overbooked, and obviously I did not complain.
It was a pretty sweet journey, but that 35 or so minute flight was way too short to enjoy a proper Business Class experience. Thank fully some two decades later, Malaysia Airlines came calling and offer me a chance to experience what business class has to offer today on a flight to from KL to London.
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge at KLIA
We flew on MH 04, the morning flight departing from KLIA. The business class check in was quick and painless with only a few minutes spent on the line. This is probably due to having only 66 business class seats vs 420 economy on the A380 we’re flying in.
Travelling on business class also entitles one to access the Golden Lounge in KLIA where you can get your stomach filled with proper breakfast, juice, and the all important cup of morning coffee while waiting for departure. There are two such lounges at KLIA.
Business Class seats on board the A380, MH04 to London
Then we got on the Airbus 380, turned left to the business class section, and life on 36,000 feet was never the same again. Instead of row of 3 or 4 seats, it’s a couple, and with leg room for days. Going to the loo doesn’t mean you have to “excuse me” to the guy happily snoozing in his seat closest to the aisle.
Each passenger were also given pillow, blanket, and premium headphones to use throughout the flight.
more adjustments than a fancy car, goes totally horizontal too
Then there’s the adjustment the seats offer. You get to tilt the head rest, adjust the angle of the seat on your back, bum, and leg. Additionally you can also extend the leg rest, fiddle with lumber support, and there’s even a massage function built in to give you a gentle rub on your back. Imagine a bed + the most comfortable cinema seat + the fanciest car, and that’s the Malaysia Airline business class seat aboard the A380. It was truly a luxury.
the famous Malaysia Airlines satey, a must have!
And then there’s the food. While Malaysia Airlines generally serves some of the best foods in flight, their business class offer a menu that’s a step above the usual.
First of all, never say no to the satey. These are the very same satey that is sometimes flown to our embassies in other countries (as I heard years ago), and they were really as good as I thought they would be. It was succulent, juicy, flavourful, and with peanut sauce that’s not overly spicy but yet so satisfying.
the scallop starter for the first meal was superb
Fist and business class customers are also entitled to book meals in advanced via chef-on-call. We didn’t do so and just went with the flow.
Real cutlery were used, and the food was definitely a step above any I’ve experienced while flying. The scallop starter was memorable, while the beef was more than decent if not slightly too done for my liking.
fish or lamb? take your pick
For the second meal we had the choice between fish and lamb, both were beautifully plated and tasted as good as they looked.
The best thing though, is that if you are hungry in between meals, there’s a little pantry by the front where chocolates, fruits, drinks, and even cheese platter can be found.I certainly took advantage of that.
want some snacks in between meal time? you’re covered
A few movies from the personal entertainment system and a couple of naps later, we reached Heathrow Airport at London. Instead of a drag, it was a rather enjoyable long haul flight. I wouldn’t mind an even longer flight if I was treated this way on air every time.
Oh, by the way, Business Class customers got the priority queue at immigration check in in London too, so that was another surprise in a good way.
I’ll share the experience at London in subsequent posts. Stay tuned.
Note:Â This UK – Malaysia Influencer Exchange programme was organised by Malaysia Airlines.
However, opinions are of my own. Malaysia Airlines flies between London and Kuala Lumpur
twice a day on the A380. There are 8 seats in the First Class, 66 in Business Class and 420
in Economy. Make your flight reservations today on www.malaysiaairlines.com.
Food still looks the same. By the way is the chair still reclining till almost flat? or completely flat? I don’t think it’s flat right… 😉
ciki: it was completely flat!
#bojio
suanie: hahaha, wait ya.
KNS you lucky devil you. #BOJIO.
What is the beverage menu like, I’m curious?
Also, what is satey? You angmoh or Malaysian? TRAITOR! :p
ahfa: beverage has quite a decent selection, even including single malt whisky, too bad I forgot to take a pic of the menu.
KY, I always go business class when traveling. and try all over the lounges. Malaysia lounge look great. Been to ones in Hong Kong, Japan, and Taipei
People must realize how nice to rest and have some snack or bit of food in the lounges. I like cheaking in all lounges when on travel and take pictures to show back home family and friends and tell what good deal in lounges.
Vickie: yah, being able to fly business class is truly a luxury, I don’t get to do that all the time tho
Wow.. so great
Wan Din: ermm…
Sponsored trip? Gee!!! Some people have all the luck in the world!!! I’d just stick to economy, can’t afford business. Sobssssss!!!!
suituapui: yes it’s a sponsored trip. I’m grateful 😀
wahhhh uncle…. #shiok and #jealous
for me, i turned right when i enter plane :(((((( and blardy hell the f steward open the food cart so i got a whiff of the satay sos, it filled whole cabin. I suffer in cattle class for whole flight, waiting for satay, but never arrived!!! GRRRRRRrrrr, makes me wanna open the plane door ROFL
Disclaimer : I, Immature, never actually opened the door, only thought of when in frustration, so please dont come and put me in institution again, please.
immature: no satey = sad!
Wahhh…jealousnya!
Pureglutton: in the mean time you went to how many different countries d? 😀
are you using a fisheye lens, ky? so nice ah your pics like that. haze looks so different with this hairstyle.
sgrmse: yes fisheye is the way to go!
My first time flying with Malaysia Airlines was from HK to Sabah, which was a nice one. Business class of MA looks cool!
Ivy: yahhh, certainly a luxury. Would love to do this again!
i am flying back to uk from malasia business class but looking at the seating it dosnt look a patch on emirates a380 business class but we will see
andy: hopefully the experience is a good one!
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