I've been reading reviews here for awhile, and I think it's time to give my small contribution. Here goes!
I'm going to review about my flight experience with Malaysia Airlines from KL to Jakarta. I only went to KLIA for transit from Singapore before my flight home. You might be wondering why didn't I go directly from Singapore to Jakarta as there are plenty of flight from premium to low cost airlines. Here are several reasons:
1. I got a very good deal that costs basically less than most of low cost airlines
2. It has a HUGE luggage allowance ~ 30kg and I brought A LOT of stuff
3. I want to experience Malaysia Airlines
Me and my wife arrived from Changi to KLIA exactly an hour before our flight since there was a weather delay back in Singapore, so we didn't have much time to explore the airport. It's not as neat as Changi, but for me it's much better than Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta. When we arrived at the gate entrance, there was no line at all as most passengers are already waiting inside the waiting room. The security was fast and efficient, no need for us to remove our laptops from out bags, although I think the metal detector is overly sensitive since every time I pass the detectors in KLIA it always beeps, unlike in Jakarta or Singapore with the exact same clothing.
We were waiting for around 15 minutes while filling the custom declaration form before they started calling us to board. The boarding process was a bit messy as most don't obey the announcer, although it's still nothing compared to boarding flights in Indonesia.
The flight attendant, in my opinion, was not very friendly. She NEVER smiles along the flight, asking passengers to put their bag inside the storage space rudely even when he's not sure where to put since most are full, etc. I'm already accustomed with the flight attendants in Indonesia which I think is one of the best in the business, so I think I set my bar pretty high. I had the same issue with rude attendant when flying with Delta Airlines from Tokyo to Detroit several years ago. Is it just me? I'm not really sure though…
We got the back line of emergency exit seat just by the wings, so leg space is not a problem. We thought the seat could be reclined as some airlines have this, but unfortunately not for this flight.
Cabin view while boarding
Leg room (I'm 177cm)
Window view from our seat
In-Flight Entertainment is a bit old. The screen was not really responsive (I figured pressing with nail helps as I didn't want to disturb the passenger in front) and there's an obvious 1-second delay. The selection of movies and musics were decent.
IFE screen
The pilot told us that we have to wait for transit passengers for around 15 minutes before departing. The plane was quite full. Some passengers have to put the cabin luggage away from their designated seat.
Luckily I flew during a golden hour just before sunset. My window was facing west, so I got a really great view of the sun setting slowly. Really takes off my fatigue for the day.
Sunset view
We got a hot meal for this flight with the selection of fish or chicken rice. Unfortunately the fish is out when the attendants reach my seat so we only got the chicken. I'm not complaining though since I was super hungry. The taste was decent. Since the flight was quite bumpy early on, hot drinks are not served.
Chicken rice
While looking for the socket for headphone, I realize there's a power outlet just below that (in addition to the USB port just beside the IFE screen). I didn't try it though and just looking at the picture now, it does not seems to be functional
The flight was overall smooth, with a few cloud bumps in the early period. We arrived at Terminal 2 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The immigration line for locals was practically empty, although there was a long line for foreigners with all the booths filled with officials.
Hello, MrWISE, welcome on board flight-report, and thank you for publishing your very first :)
Do tell, what is it that made you want to experience flying MH?
Regarding the rude crew.. What unpleasant news to hear, since they used to be the one of the best in the skies. She didn't 'throw' the food onto your table though, did she?
"The screen was not really responsive (I figured pressing with nail helps as I didn't want to disturb the passenger in front) and there's an obvious 1-second delay."
-What about the IFE controller? Did it work just fine?
"We got a hot meal for this flight with the selection of fish or chicken rice."
-MH is reputable for being very generous with their rice. Not overcooked rice I hope?
"I hope this review helps and expect a more comprehensive review of my upcoming Cathay and JAL flight next month!"
-Are you a oneworld frequent flyer?
Thanks again for this FR!
Hi Razza_Pr, thank you for being the first ever commenter on my post :-) glad to be on board
"Do tell, what is it that made you want to experience flying MH?"
- As an Indonesian frequent flyer, the unfortunate event of MH 370 affects me deeply even though I didn't have any acquaintances in that flight. I want to experience first hand how MAS reacts to the event and how they handle safety, I think they did a great job.
"Regarding the rude crew.. What unpleasant news to hear, since they used to be the one of the best in the skies. She didn't 'throw' the food onto your table though, did she?"
- Thank God no :-) like I said, I think this is a special case. I had a really pleasant experience from my previous MAS flights. Attendants aren't robots and sometimes they can't hide their emotion, so I can understand that. You could say that I'm just nitpicking things, but my expectation was already high.
"What about the IFE controller? Did it work just fine?"
- It's fine, but there's still a noticeable delay in response. In long-haul flight it can be annoying.
"MH is reputable for being very generous with their rice. Not overcooked rice I hope?"
- As a daily rice consumer, I can tell you the rice was perfect :-)
"Are you a oneworld frequent flyer?"
- Nope, I'm just a best-deal hunter!