kempinski - 12/09/2011 09:10 GMT
Route: Kuala Lumpur International to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (KUL-BKK)
Fleet: B737-800 9M-MLJ (delivered March 2011)
Seat: 26A
Reservation
Reservation is made through MH Buddy, a facebook application of Malaysia Airlines. Very handy and convenient as it involves fewer steps than online booking through websites.
Check-in
Check-in is also available for this route through MH Buddy. I choose to seat at 26A on the port side of the aircraft, few rows from the rear. A 2D barcode suppose to be sent to the mobile phone, but this time I never receive any in my mobile phone. Once arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, I proceed to internet check-in counter to drop my bags and issued with boarding pass. I walked leisurely to immigration which has manageable line. The flight was scheduled to depart from gate C23 which is located at Satellite terminal.
Boarding
In the boarding pass, boarding is scheduled at 1445 for a 1515 departure. Gate to the holding lounge was open at 1415. However, boarding was not commenced until 1500 and everyone seemed rushed to the plane once the boarding commenced. The feeling is rather like boarding a low cost carrier.
Flight load was 100% in economy due to the upcoming religious holiday.
Selection of newspaper in 3 languages (English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese) were available in front of the door. Chief cabin crew was standing by the front galley, however, he seemed occupied and enjoying his moment chatting with fellow cabin crew rather than greeting passengers. The rest of the cabin crew were standing in the isle, but they were too reserved. The general feeling for the flight crew was that they prefer to chat with fellow crew member rather than to greet passengers. My first time on MH to meet such crew.
Seat
My second surprise came with how old the plane looked like in the first place. Despite the aircraft being few months old, but the leased fleet offer jurassic amenities. It has the same setting as Firefly's B737-800; from the leather seating, colour of the leather seat which simply gave the gloomy and icy feeling. Malaysia Airlines' leased B737-800 are no different than those 737-800 of southwest (Unfortunately, this 737-800 with old setting does not being informed on Malaysia Airlines' website which promised its 737-800 to be equipped with PTV in every seat and has new generation slim seats). The best thing of the seat is the seat pitch which comes in conventional airlines' standard.
Take off
We pushed back at 1515 and the plane made way to the runway. The weather along the way was patchy with frequent turbulence. Fasten seat belt sign was on for most duration of 2 hour flights.
Meal
The third disappointing part came from the meal. Cabin crew rolled 2 meal trolleys; normally they would have 2 meal options. However, by the time it reached my seat, only single option left: noodle with black pepper chicken. The overall appearance of the meal was acceptable. However, the taste was a whole different story. The noodle was overcooked, the black pepper sauce was too sticky. Though airline food is part of optional option that the airline gave as part to differentiate their product from other airlines, but serving this kind of food will surely a good way to send passenger off. Good thing the side snacks were much more presentable and had better taste which consist of fruit cake, fruit cuts, and chocolates. Coffee or tea after meal was not offered due to bad weather along the way. Other drinks were served though.
Entertainment
With no PTV, wifi, radio, nor other thing, entertainment is only sourced from inflight magazine (which interestingly consist of Select Inflight Entertainment guide at the back of the magazine), barfbag, and safety card.
Inflight shopping
Unlike flight using B737-400 on the same route, this B737-800 does not have inflight shopping offer. Strange indeed.
Arrival
We arrived at Suvarnabhumi on time, however the plane was stuck few hundred meters from the aerobridge and we had to wait for another 15mins to wait for the tow truck to tow the plane to the aerobridge. Pilot made announcement about this and we were out to the terminal 15mins later.
Verdict
Combination of reserved crew which did not emanate Malaysian Hospitality (their current slogan) at all, combined with inedible food, and no entertainment nor onboard shopping could easily give the flying experience on par with those of budget carrier. Malaysia Airlines is losing money according to their latest financial report but that does not mean to reduce the standard up to reaching the lowest level, the same with low cost carrier. I was truly disappointed with MAS on this particular flight.
