Malaysia Airlines » B737-400 » User reviews

kempinski flew Malaysia Airlines Economy (short haul), on a B737-400 (09/09/2011 00:27)

"Short Haul Economy Class Service the Way it Should Be"
Route: Jakarta Soekarno Hatta to Kuala Lumpur International
Aircraft: Boeing B737-400 9M-MMG (19 years old plane, delivered in 1992)

Booking
Booking was easily made at MH Buddy, an online booking and check-in module that Malaysia Airlines (MAS or MH) has created at Facebook. The steps involve is much less than booking through the airlines' official website with only 4 steps; enter flight info, select flight, enter passenger details together with payment info, and confirmation will follow. Very convenient indeed.
Unfortunately, MH Buddy does not recognize this route for check-in (although I've tried with another international short haul flight from KUL and it works with similar easiness).

Check-in
Check-in can be done at Malaysia Airlines website as well. But I still prefer to web check-in via MH Buddy application for the simplicity and fast.

Baggage drop off
Airport ground handling for MAS is performed by third party. Typically, there will be 5 counters open; 1 for Enrich platinum and gold member, 1 for Business class passengers, and 3 counters for Economy class check-in. It is normal to see the long lines formed at all Economy check-in counter. The grand thing about doing internet check-in with MAS is that you CAN use Business Class check-in counter to drop your bags, hence skipping the long lines at economy check-in (KLM used to offer similar priviledges for flights going out of Jakarta, but since they emphasize everyone to go online, they have dedicated baggage drop counter nowadays, eliminating the exclusive feeling of checking-in with other premium passengers).

Boarding
Prior to entering holding lounge (a.k.a. the gate), the passenger seating area was split into 2; those seated in the front rows waited on one side and the back row seats on the other side. Cabin crews are seen waiting for the flight as well (they will change cabin crews but not cockpit crews for this flight).
Business class and Enrich premium members are invited to board at their own ease; then boarding start with families with children and those needing assistance. Economy boarding start from the back rows to the front. It's not a full flight as it coincides with national holidays at both destinations, approx load was only 65-70%.

The cabin
Despite being in a 19-year old plane, the cabin was adorned with MAS bright seat colour scheme with receive mixed reviews. The business class seats are chilli red with blue plush pillows. Economy seats have riots of colour (chili red, lime green, tangy orange, and ocean blue) with white paper head cover. They only actually change the seat cover; so everything else are clearly showing its age (from the yellowish meal tray, scratches on arm rest, nonfunctional music player on the arm rest, etc). However, the cabin was kept immaculately clean and fresh. No TV or any entertainment which is acceptable for 2 hours flight. Background music is played during boarding, taxi, and deplaning.

The crew
One reason of MAS' 5-star status from Skytrax is its cabin crew. Also, the 5 times Best Cabin Crew award means that passenger can expect high level of service standard from cabin crew. MAS didn't have a chance to bag the same award this year and I can see why but fortunately not on this flight. The crew mix; 3 female stewardesses and 2 male stewards show the main reason they bag all those awards. 2 female attendants service business class cabin and the rest in the economy. All are genuine, warmth, hospitable, attentive, responsive to name a few. A rather rare sight you can find nowadays.

The service: meal
Hot meal was served despite of only 2-hour journey. There were 2 choice of meals in economy; and since the flight was during religious celebration holiday, the menu has hint on typical dishes served during the occasion. I opted for steamed rice with opor ayam (chicken stew cooked in coconut gravy) which I surprisingly found very good. It came with strawberry sponge cake, a kit kat, and mineral water in a cup. Drink service with a very wide variety (juice, carbonated, wine, beer) followed the meal with crew offering refill very often since the load was low. After meal, crew came with tea/coffee and liberally served it with pack of peanut, another rare sight if the flight was full.

The service: inflight shopping
Inflight shopping cart was rolled right after meal service ended. Due to the celebration, 10% discount was offered on selected items.

Arrival
The plane was parked at the very end of gate G of main terminal building and passenger had to walk quite far to arrival section, unfortunately the immigration line was short and bags arrived in the carousel at no time.

Verdict
Going Beyond Expectation is truly embodied in the cabin crew serving on board this flight; the service was warmth, genuine, and individual attention was given to each passenger. The meal, inflight shopping option, and other amenities (blanket, pillow, child meal, vegetarian meal) were all perfectly executed and delivered. The only thing to catch up to live the 5-star status is attention to the hardware: newer fleet (flying a 19-year old kinda give me insecure feeling at the beginning despite flawless maintenance) and entertainment system.

doctorjosh flew Malaysia Airlines , on a B737-400 (20/12/2010 21:31)

KUL-PEN-KUL in Business class. KUL-PEN on B737-400 and PEN-KUL on B737-800.

Priority check-in was quick and ground staff were very friendly. Domestic Golden Lounge in KUL was quite spacious with a good selection of food but there was no alcohol provided.

Golden Lounge in PEN was of a reasonable size with hot food provided. Priority boarding honoured on both flights. Seats were very comfortable for sitting with good padding and a generous recline.

On-board catering was provided even for such a short flight and the food was of a reasonable quality. No alcohol was provided on domestic flights. Cabin crew were, as always, excellent. Priority baggage was honoured and delivered promptly.