On a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, I was incredibly lucky to fly on Malaysia Airlines Business Class. My indulgent journey started from the moment I checked in at the Perth Airport, and it was one of the few times I didn’t want the flight to end. My return flight home was even more decadent with a massaging flatbed – I’m now left wondering how I will ever return to the economy after experiencing such magic at the pointy end of the plane.

Aspire Lounge, Perth Airport

Perth to Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia Airlines Business Class B737-800

My flight from Perth to Kuala Lumpur was at a very civilised 4.15 pm. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of a priority Business Class check-in counter, as the Perth Airport mainly uses self-check-in kiosks, the process was seamless. Within moments, I was sipping on a gin and tonic in the viewing deck in the Aspire Lounge, watching the planes land and take off with the city skyline in the distance. Naturally, I had to have the obligatory selfie with the resident quokka.

View of the Perth skyline from the Aspire Lounge

I flew on the B737-800 to Kuala Lumpur in a 2-2 seat formation with a total of 16 Business Class leather seats. I chose seat 4D because I prefer an aisle seat, and it was in the back row of the section, meaning I could lean my seat back and stretch out with the leg rest and foot bar without annoying anyone behind me or in front thanks to the additional legroom.

Business Class seats

Champagne and a cool towel were offered before take-off while enjoying the quirky safety video with a star-studded cast of entertainers; you can watch it here. Once the curtain between business and economy class was pulled shut, I really started to feel special, especially when the white tablecloth was placed on my pull-out table, along with glassware, polished cutlery, white crockery, tiny salt and pepper shakers, warm bread rolls, and a menu, resembling a restaurant experience in the sky.

Then the satays were served, and I made a complete pig of myself as they were probably the best thing I’ve ever eaten on a plane. The secret to their tastiness is the use of high-grade beef, chicken and lamb marinated into a special spice base, and then basted and hand-turned over a chargrill and served with traditional crushed peanut sauce. Malaysia Airlines has been serving these satays since 1973, so it’s safe to say they have mastered the art.

As a spectacular sunset unfolded, Seared Tuna was served, followed by a choice of Hainanese Chicken Rice, Braised Beef Brisket or Stir-Fried Hokkien Noodle. It’s pretty rare that I’d like to try everything on a menu, but this was the exception, and I narrowed it down to the Hainanese Chicken Rice, my second favourite thing I’ve eaten on a plane.

The gin and tonics just kept coming well into the dessert of White Chocolate Passion Fruit Mousse, which was also delicious. Then, it was time to settle in with a movie, The Miracle Club, followed by re-runs of Friends. I honestly could have comfortably remained on board for a long-haul flight, but before I knew it, we began our descent into Kuala Lumpur’s International Airport. After landing, I was ushered to a special lounge with a dedicated bus and an attendant to help with my belongings before whisking me off to collect my luggage.

Kuala Lumpur to Perth Malaysia Airlines Business Class A350-900

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Kuala Lumpur, and it’s such an easy city to visit whether you’re on your own, there on business or a family holiday. Joining a night food tour on a Vespa with Vespalicious was the highlight for me, as I visited places I’d never been to before despite having visited the Malaysian capital many times. I appreciated the central location and my spacious room at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, particularly the comfy king bed, walk-in closet, well-appointed marble bathroom, extensive breakfast buffet and 24-hour room service.

Outside the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur with Vespalicious Tours

Fancy seats on the A330neo

While in Kuala Lumpur, I attended the MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) Fair 2024, where the partnership between Malaysia Airlines and Manchester United was announced along with the new flight routes to the Maldives, Da Nang and Chiang Mai, and free side trips to Peninsular Malaysia. I also sampled the upcoming new seats in first, business and economy classes on the new A330neo aircraft. You can read all about it in my post here.

Soon enough, it was time to return home to Perth. I excitedly checked-in at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at the dedicated Business Class counter D, where my luggage was heavier than when I left (how can you not shop in KL?)  but was still nowhere near the 40kg baggage limit. There is also a dedicated immigration counter for business and first class passengers before a private chauffer with massaging seats whisked me off to the Golden Lounge, where the buffet offered a range of Malaysian dishes, snacks, fruit and cheese with chefs on hand regularly topping up the dishes.

My chariot awaits to whisk me off to the Golden Lounge

There was also a dedicated bar, large powder rooms and a napping lounge, although, with the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway from the main lounge, I’m not sure I’d be sleeping with that view to keep me entertained.

Obviously, this is not me but my seat was the same

The massage button certainly got a work out

After all, my massaging flatbed was waiting onboard. The luxurious 350-900 features a high ceiling and loads of space in the cabin with a 1-2-1 or 1-2-2 seat configuration. All 35 seats in Business Class have aisle access, and I chose 6D as all the single seats with window and aisle access were already booked. A bag compartment with a mirror, phone holder, reading light, coat hook, bottle holder, charging point, and 16-inch high-definition screens enjoyed from the extra-wide seats was a joy.

I was thrilled when the satays made another appearance on the return flight, and they were just as delicious the second time around. Smoked Salmon Rolled with Cream Cheese followed, and for the main course, there was a choice of Chicken Masala, Grilled Beef Medallion (which I opted for), or Asam Pedas Ikan Merah (red snapper stew). The Onde Cake with a mixed berry compote was a sweet way to end the dinner service as I prepared for bed as this was a late-night flight.

Once my seat with pneumatic cushions reclined almost flat into the void in front, and I hit the massage button, I snuggled up under the cosy blanket and was rocked to sleep all the way home to Perth. My only criticism was that the flight wasn’t longer.

The service continued after I landed as my luggage was given priority and was one of the first suitcases to appear on the conveyor belt. I was equally thankful for the efficiency of the Perth Airport, and since I only live a 15-minutes away, I was home and in bed within moments – it was as though my sleep had only been momentarily interrupted.

Overall, I completely understand why you would splurge on Malaysia Airlines Business Class for the attentive service, quality of the food and seats, and standard of comfort. If money was no object, the level of luxury far outweighed the cost, as I’d arrive refreshed and ready for action the moment I landed, which is priceless, in my opinion.

I was a spoiled guest of Malaysia Airlines and the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur.

Craving more travel? Please stay in touch by subscribing to Fluffy Towel today. And if you enjoyed this story, you might also like to listen to my interview about my trip on Travel Writers Radio.

The post Flight Review: How will I ever return to economy after flying on Malaysia Airlines Business Class? appeared first on Fluffy Towel Travel.

What do Manchester United, free travel and new flight routes have in common?

On a flying visit to Kuala Lumpur, compliments of Malaysia Airlines, I discovered that the country’s premier airline is proudly responsible for this incredible trifecta.

I had the enviable task of reviewing the Malaysia Airlines A330 Business Class. Here is my flight review of Malaysia Airlines Business Class, but I will reveal in the meantime that the massaging and fully reclining seats sent me into a state of bliss I’ve never experienced on a flight before – how will I ever go back to economy?

Okay, there’s quite a lot to unpack (please forgive all the travel puns), so let’s start with the surprising partnership between Manchester United and Malaysian Airlines, a strategic move on the airline’s part to increase its global reach to the football club’s 1.1 billion fans. With Kuala Lumpur deemed as one of the key hubs in South Asia and as a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines impressively connects to over 900 destinations and 170 territories globally (including Manchester via London) and has been named the Official Commercial Airline for Manchester United.

Manchester United’s superstar legends Patrice Evra and Wes Browne

In case anyone has any doubt about Manchester’s appeal in Malaysia, there is a significant fan base across three supporter clubs, with the Kuala Lumpur branch having one of the largest communities of Manchester United fans in the country. If the crowd gathering around Manchester United’s superstar legends Patrice Evra and Wes Browne at the recent MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) Fair 2024 was anything to go by, then this partnership is sure to boost immersive experiences for both brands.

Some women shop for shoes like I shop for travel, and the MATTA Fair was my version of a mega shopping mall that Kuala Lumpur is famous for, particularly with so many of the destinations showcased easily accessible from the Malaysian capital.

Shopping for deals at MAATA

MATTA was the perfect launch pad to announce Malaysia Airlines’ three new routes to Male (Maldives) and Da Nang (Vietnam) in August, and Chiang Mai (Thailand) five times a week starting in September 2024, which I found particularly exciting as this vibrant city in Northern Thailand is one of my favourite destinations. Tickets go on sale on 22 March, so you can get busy planning; click here for the flight routes.

Landmark pagoda in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

You know when you buy a new dress and decide to splurge on a pair of shoes to match? Well, surely the announcement of an exciting sporting partnership and the new routes were also worthy of the upcoming launch of new seats in economy and business classes on the new A330neo aircraft, scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2024. In the meantime, I’ll be clocking up as many Enrich points as possible for the opportunity to relax in the new award-winning Recaro CL3810 Economy Class seats on the A330neo, which have been ergonomically designed with enhanced support and added amenities like coat hooks, cup holders and ample stowage. Out of the 297 seats economy seats, 24 will feature extra legroom.

Malaysia Airlines A330neo Business Class seats

It was only fitting that I manifested the opportunity to experience the upcoming Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats one day by posing shamelessly in the mock-up exhibition. With 28 Business Class all-suite cabins onboard, it’s almost like having your own bedroom, with wireless charging ports, privacy doors, and elevation seats so you can lie flat—what a game changer.

“With our Manchester United collaboration, the expansion of our network to three new routes, and the unveiling of the new cabin seats on our new A330neo; this sets the benchmark of exciting things to come as we redefine what it means to travel onboard with Malaysian Hospitality,“ said Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, the Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

Now, onto those free side trips. When booking your next international flight to KL, you’ll be entitled to a FREE bonus trip to other destinations on Peninsular Malaysia, including Alor Setar, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Langkawi, and Penang. What’s the catch, you might be asking? Apart from being subject to availability, the flights are free; but the taxes aren’t. And while you’re exploring, add Borneo to your list of must-see destinations in Malaysia, and please check out my adventures in Borneo.

George Town, Penang

It’s worth keeping an eye on the promotions page on the Malaysia Airlines website for exclusive deals and added perks, including sporting events, cruises, rail journeys and the MHexplorer for students offering up to 30% off flights and up to 45kg baggage allowance.

While at MATTA, I also discovered Journify, an app that offers deals on attractions, dining, shopping, and hotels while earning points. Plus, it was great seeing the Tourism Australia and Tourism Western Australia stands, further cementing the airline’s stakes within Australia’s market.

With Malaysia Airlines’ exciting plans, there is no doubt that Kuala Lumpur continues to be the gateway to South Asia and beyond.

Craving more travels? Please stay in touch by subscribing to Fluffy Towel today. And if you enjoyed this story, you might also like to listen to my interview about my trip on Travel Writers Radio.

I was an indulgent guest of Malaysian Airlines and the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur.

The post Free side trips and new flight routes with Malaysia Airlines appeared first on Fluffy Towel Travel.