Flight review: Malaysia Airlines business class

By Alexandra Coulton

Seeing as the airline just took out the award for Asia’s leading business class offering, we thought we’d give it a test ride. Read our verdict here.

Fast facts

Flight: Sydney to Kuala Lumpur (MH140)
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300
Class: Business
Duration: 8H35M

Check-in – 8/10

Malaysia Airlines’ business class ticket comes with access to its priority check-in counter, so I was able to breeze past the packed economy check-in line straight to the front of the queue.

Your ticket also entitles you to a generous 40kg of check-in luggage and 2 x 7kg of cabin baggage, plus loads more space in the overhead baggage compartments once you’re onboard so there’s no mad scrum to jam your luggage in before someone else beats you to the last free spot.

Another perk of the pre-flight experience is lounge access, which is for the Plaza Premium Lounge at Sydney Airport, offering comfortable seating with views of the runway and a fully stocked buffet and bar plus self-serve tea and coffee.

However, there are no flight announcements in the lounge and no information boards so its best not to indulge in too much free champagne lest you lose track of time and become THAT person holding up your flight.

Seat – 8.5/10

Lie-flat seats are only available on select Malaysia Airlines flights and I was delighted to find the Sydney – KL route is one of the lucky few.

My seat was 2D, a middle-row aisle seat, given the A330-300 business class configuration of 1-2-1.

Malaysia Airlines’ business class seats have loads of storage options, a reading light, USB ports and easy-to-use seat controls

The seat affords plenty of space to spread out with a little side table for drinks as well as a large fold-away dining table and two cubbies above and below the side table to stow blankets, shoes or whatever else is taking up space.

The seating area itself was also spacious enough for me to curl up or sit cross-legged while in reclined or upright position and the lie-flat option was a wonderful perk.

However, a few taller neighbours did find the leg area restrictive when the seat was in lie-flat mode.

In-flight experience – 9/10

Once you’re seated, pre-take-off drinks are served with both a selection of juices and champagne on offer. Once we were in the air, a second drink service was offered before the airline’s signature satay came out. Being a pescatarian, I was offered a salad skewer with cucumber and onion with the famous satay sauce poured over which was actually quite delicious.

Noticing my choice and asking about my dietary requirements, a flight attendant brought me a smoked salmon panini from the on-demand dining menu, which was also a lovely gesture.

The smoked salmon panini and a vegetarian take on the airline’s iconic satay

Given the departure time of 10:15pm, the next meal service was breakfast with a lavish offering of nasi Lemak, egg noodle with chicken or Belgian waffles with tea or coffee and juice. I opted for the waffles, which came with a good selection of fruit and creamy ice cream.

In between meals, business class passengers have access to a range of snacks and light meals from an on-demand menu, which featured seasonal fruit, egg noodles, a chicken tandoori wrap, a selection of cheese and the aforementioned salmon panini.

Another great feature of the food and beverage offering is Malaysia Airlines’ “Chef on call” service, which allows you to choose a specially made in-flight meal from 30-25 minutes prior to your trip and have it delivered to your seat.

The business class menu for flight MH140

The amenity kit is also a far cry from the economy offering, featuring moisturiser and lip balm from Payot, an eyemask, comb, ear plugs and socks that come in a designer bag from leather goods company Aspinal of London.

Not to mention the ultra-cozy duvet and “mattress cover” for when your seat is in lie-flat mode.

The entertainment offering is the same across classes, though business features a larger screen and noise-cancelling headphones.

Verdict – 8.5/10

Malaysia Airlines was recently named Asia’s leading airline for business class at the 2022 World Travel Awards and it’s clear to see why.

The airline’s business class option offers a world-class offering, but it’s Malaysia Airline’s signature Malaysian hospitality makes it a truly unique luxury experience.

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business class malaysia airlines review