Malaysia Airlines Flight Experience 2013 (Business to Economy)

Malaysia Airlines with the flight code, MH has been one of the 5 Star Airlines which is one of the pride of Malaysia. It's been 4 years since my last flight on Malaysia Airlines due to budget constraint. However starting from this year 2013, I have been preferring Malaysia Airlines for my several domestic travels as well as to Manila and Bali thanks to competitive pricing, suitable choices of departure time and of course for its famous 'Malaysian Hospitality' service on board. After all, I had my very first flight of my life on Malaysia Airlines to Singapore when I was just 3 years old in the year 1986. As most of my flights in the year 2013 were on Malaysia Airlines, once again I will be more than happy to personally review our own national airlines.  

The new Boeing 737-800 for short haul flight with new interior and in-flight entertainment system

As always the official logo/symbol/emblem of Malaysia Airlines, the traditional Wau Bulan (Moon kite in English)

Domestic (Penang-Kuala Lumpur) and Short Haul (Kuala Lumpur-Manila)

The new Boeing 737-800 offers you new leather seats (typical 3-3 configuration) However, I still prefer the older (and colorful) and more comfortable cushion seating

The new Boeing 737-800 is even equipped with the latest in-flight entertainment system. If luck is with you, you might be able to board onto this aircraft for domestic flight of Penang-Kuala Lumpur

Even for a short haul flight, the amount of movies offered are limited but latest.

Meals will be served for a short haul flight of more than 1 hour. Rice with vegetables and chicken was served for Manila-Kuala Lumpur flight.

In-flight meal of curry fish with vegetables and rice were served 

 Domestic Flight Business Class for Penang-Kuala Lumpur

I admit that I have luck for business class flight with Malaysia Airlines as I get to fly on business class for the 2nd time from Penang to Kuala Lumpur.
The first time I flew on Business Class with Malaysia Airlines was from Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya in the year 2009.

 As usual, upon boarding the flight, welcome drink will be served for Business Class passenger

In the case of Penang to Kuala Lumpur flight of less than 1 hour, snacks will be served instead. In-flight snacks served for short haul flight were tasty vegetable quiche with fruits and chocolate which were the menu of the day. 

International Flight (Economy)(Kuala Lumpur to Bali)

After flying with Malaysia Airlines for many times, finally I got the opportunity to fly on MAS's long haul aircraft to Bali. The photo shown here is a Boeing 777-200ER series. This is the first time I have seen a seating configuration of 2-5-2. As flights to Bali are not full most of the time, if you are lucky, you will be able to grab the middle 5 seats for yourself. 

The colorful seats are one of the features I like about flying on MAS.

 The in-flight entertainment system of this aircraft, though packed with latest movies, dramas, shows and musics, the system is still of old system with non touch 8 inches screen. The joystick was old model as well but with fully functional buttons.

Meals will be served for a short haul flight of more than 1 hour. Nasi Lemak with shrimp sambal was served with orange juice, cake and chocolate for Kuala Lumpur-Manila flight.

Chicken pasta was served with cake and kitkat for Bali-Kuala Lumpur flight.

Overall, the service of the cabin attendant was top-notched and as expected of a 5 Star Airline. However, Malaysia Airlines do need to improve on ground service especially on flight delay handling. I have just experienced one of my worst delay in Bali Airport (3 hours) and the ground staff was very bad in identifying sensitivity of the passengers. Meals were served as a compensation however it was served in cold bland quality in which further implicated the frustration of many passengers. Fortunately, friendly and professional cabin attendant in the aircraft made up for the frustration. However, in order to compete and maintain its 5 Star Airlines status, it is suggested that Malaysia Airlines to improve in its ground service. MH (Malaysian Hospitality) tagline does not only 'live on the air', but should also 'live on the ground' in order to compete with another neighbouring 5 Star Airline. 'You do not allow your passenger to depart without a smile'. I reviewed, suggested and critique on Malaysia Airlines' service because  I care for my own country's national airline.