Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 22046 times:
It was time for my annual trip for 2008, we had a pile of Enrich points expiring this year I thought it best to use them up rather than pay $$$ to extend them.
MH was and is trialling a new 3rd flight into MEL, 3 times a week which has a better departure time of 1000 arriving into KUL at 1610. So we managed to get seats on this new flight
We also decided to get some of the new supersaver fares MH are offering. KUL-PVG and HKG-KUL and BKK-KUL. All we less than $100 AUD each including taxes and fuel surcharge.
12th Sep
MH 7420
MEL-KUL
Flight time: 8 hours
B772
Golden Club Class
After problems with our booking at checkin (as usual) we barely had time for the lounge, having covered this before so only took a few pics this time
Welcome on board, the cheery crew were waiting for us at the remote stand near the cargo area at MEL, as a section of the international terminal is closed for the new renovations that have started.
Welcome drinks, fruit juices, champagne etc were on offer, as were the customary hot towels.
Lining Up for takeoff
Detail of the seats
Headsets and Aigner ammenity kit were distributed
Cabin Shot
Food service begins which a Brunch at this time of the day
Cup of tea to start the service of with, rather bland mug?
Warm Croissant, Jams, Butter, Fresh Fruit and Yogurt to start us off today
There was choice of 4 mains, I had the Salmon quiche. There were no menus on this flight because it's an add on flight to the regular services. The cabin crew read out what was on offer to each passenger
Extremely sweet lemon tart or something similair
FLying over central Australia, rather strange and other worldly scapes below.
Mood lighting on
Our route as shown on the "Select" entertainment system
Some more details
Mood lighting gradually changing
Video of the cabin
Time for the second meal before landing, can you guess what it might be, yes its time for SATAY!!!!
and a meat pie LOL for that aussie touch?
Seat Controls
Some turbulence over Indonesia
Flying past KLIA
Arrival at KUL
KUL seems to be getting busier everytime I go, now they have even more shops
After a few days in KL it was time to go to Shanghai
15th Sep 2008
KUL-PVG
Flight Time: 5 hours
Boeing B772
Economy Class
Waiting at the gate
Back in Economy Class for these trips, the horror... the horror!!
The Wing.....
Flying through some cloud
The lowlight of MH economy the meal... squid and pork?
Drinks service
Our route
Nice view from the back
Landing in Shanghai - Pudong
Going to the gate, UA LH SQ all in attendance
A few days in fantastic Shanghai it was time to go to Hong Kong
18th Sep 2008
PVG-HKG
Flight Time 2 hours
Cathay Pacific - Economy Class
Boeing B772
Checkin at PVG terminal 2
Our CX 772 waiting for us
Gate area
Boarding
Inflight
Economy Meal, presentation slightly better than MH
Arrival in HKG
Another short stay and it was time to make our way to Koh Samui in Thailand
Sep 20th 2008
HKG-KUL
MH072
Flight time 3.30 hours
Boeing B772
Arrivng at Departures in HKG
View of the ramp
More and more shops
Finally getting towards the gate
Our MH 772 waiting at the gate for us
Onboard
Standard MH Economy meal
20th September 2008
KUL-BKK
Air Asia
A320
Once in KUL we had to make our way to the LCCT, which is quite far. Terminal wasnt as bad as I had thought it would be, but still nothing to compare to the main terminals.
Waiting area
Onboard our new Air Asia A320
6 Hours sleep and we were off again to Surat Thani to catch the ferry across to Koh Samui, something we later regretted doing. As the time lost and inconvenience wasnt worth the $$$ saving.
BKK-URT
Air Asia
A320
Flight time 1.10
Arriving at BKK for checkin
Departures at BKK
Air Asia Checkin
I forgot to charge the camera so I had no more photos after this of the flight.
A few beautiful days in Koh Samui it was time to go home
After deciding no to go through the torture of Surat Thani - the bus , the ferry. We decided to quickly buy a one way on Bangkok Air from Koh Samui to BKK
I have to say Koh Samui is airport is one of the nicest and most unusual I have been to
Everything is open, no walls, no aircon
Little shopping strip as you go to the gate waiting area
Going to the waiting area
Bangkok Air offers ALL its passengers a lounge service with free drinks and food, a very nice touch indeed
Gate waiting area
Driving out to the aircraft
Our Bangkok Air A319
Onboard
Snack Box
Chicken Foccacia
Arrival in BKK - I must say the new BKK doesnt impress me that much
Nice concrete ceilings...
Checkin area
BKK-KUL
Flight Time 2 hours
Aircraft was meant to be A330, but as there was only 66 people booked on the flight it was downgraded to 734.... thrilling
The endless walk to the gate
Onbard our MH 734 with new seat covers..... revolting, they dont even fit properly
Waiting to leave
Inflight to KUL once again...
Departing the Thai coast
Meal service making its way down the cabin to us
The Snack Box
The rice and shrimp was possibly the worst meal I had ever tasted yet. I coudlnt eat any of it
Sun setting
Finally back at KUL it was time for our last flight home, thankfully back in business class for the overnight flight back to MEL
KUL-MEL
MH149
FLight time : 7 hours
Boeing B772
Golden Club Class
Boarding now standard with welcome drinks and hot towels
Mood lights on, time for a light supper
Only 2 satay sticks for me, was quite late by now and not very hungry
Entree
Main, I chose the Ravioli
Dessert
Some turbulence during the flight
and more
Lights off and time for sleep
A few hours and lights on for breakfast
The "continenal breakfast" I have never been so dissapointed in my life. We got 2 croissants to go with this and that was it!!!! I don't think this is good enough for Business Class.
Sun rising as we return to MEL
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 1, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 22017 times:
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): Back in Economy Class for these trips, the horror... the horror!!
You are probably an experienced C Class traveller, but apparently not too familiar with the various Economy products in the aviation biz. Calling MH's 777 Economy Class "the horror" is, honestly, absolutely out of touch with reality. MH's seat pitch alone beats most competitors.
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 2, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 21989 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 1): You are probably an experienced C Class traveller, but apparently not too familiar with the various Economy products in the aviation biz. Calling MH's 777 Economy Class "the horror" is, honestly, absolutely out of touch with reality. MH's seat pitch alone beats most competitors.
Hi Planehunter, I was being sarcastic. I used to travel MH economy long before I used to do trips in C class, its just that the food and everything else has gone down hill whilst the competition has introduced newer and better products. On the whole it's not so bad, and for the prices we paid it was more than worth it.
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
CastropRauxel From Germany, joined Sep 2008, 466 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 21867 times:
Great report indeed - but nothing was as surprising as the USM airport! wow, that was amazing. can't believe that such an airport exist... I must visit that!
Bill142 From Australia, joined Aug 2004, 8320 posts, RR: 9 Reply 5, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 21783 times:
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): I have to say Koh Samui is airport is one of the nicest and most unusual I have been to
USM is certainly one of those unique airports that you seldom visit. It looks as if some upgrade have been done since I was there in 2006. The shops weren't their nor were PG offering food and drinks in the lounge.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6191 posts, RR: 79 Reply 6, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 21783 times:
Quoting Chrisrad (Reply 2): Hi Planehunter, I was being sarcastic. I used to travel MH economy long before I used to do trips in C class, its just that the food and everything else has gone down hill whilst the competition has introduced newer and better products. On the whole it's not so bad, and for the prices we paid it was more than worth it.
Alright, no problem. I share your views about catering and certain details of the product. However, in terms of seat pitch and cabin crews MH is outstanding.
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 7, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 21695 times:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): Alright, no problem. I share your views about catering and certain details of the product. However, in terms of seat pitch and cabin crews MH is outstanding.
Probably the only thing saving them from the competition. The warmth and down to earthness of the crew really shines above all else. I'm waiting for the SQ lovers to bash me down now....
Quoting Bill142 (Reply 5): USM is certainly one of those unique airports that you seldom visit. It looks as if some upgrade have been done since I was there in 2006. The shops weren't their nor were PG offering food and drinks in the lounge.
Was certainly a nice touch, they have a huge lounge for everyone at the new BKK now from what I saw, would be nice to try if I ever fly with them again.
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
SQ772 From Singapore, joined Nov 2001, 1792 posts, RR: 5 Reply 8, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 21521 times:
Quoting Chrisrad (Reply 7): The warmth and down to earthness of the crew really shines above all else. I'm waiting for the SQ lovers to bash me down now....
Hahaha... I think SQ fans would readily admit that MH's crew are one of the best around. We're not unreasonable people.
We, and surely MH lovers, should however admit that while MH is great in the air and have a beautiful base at KLIA, they're let down by many other things happening on the ground....
And now it's my turn to wait for MH lovers to bash me!
Davescj From United States of America, joined Jun 2007, 2244 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 21466 times:
Thanks for the TR! I especially enjoyed seeing a new airline (Air Bangkok)!
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 10, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 20904 times:
Quoting SQ772 (Reply 8): Hahaha... I think SQ fans would readily admit that MH's crew are one of the best around. We're not unreasonable people.
You reckon, they are very quick to attack...
Quoting SQ772 (Reply 8): We, and surely MH lovers, should however admit that while MH is great in the air and have a beautiful base at KLIA, they're let down by many other things happening on the ground....
Which I agree with 100% I had many issues with my bookings, mistakes etc.
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
Globetraveller From Germany, joined Apr 2008, 377 posts, RR: 21 Reply 11, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 20875 times:
Thank you for the excellent trip report Chrisrad. The narration was great and the pictures were outstanding. Thanks for all your efforts!
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): 6 Hours sleep and we were off again to Surat Thani to catch the ferry across to Koh Samui, something we later regretted doing. As the time lost and inconvenience wasnt worth the $$$ saving.
I agree, this sounds pretty cumbersome. Just for general information, another way to get from KUL to Koh Samui is my transiting through PEN. You could fly the KUL-PEN sector on Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines and then take Firefly (FY) from PEN to USM. FY has recently started receiving their brand new ATRs and they are often pretty cheap.
Thanks again for the wonderfully detailed trip report!
Ryanair!!! From Singapore, joined Mar 2002, 4652 posts, RR: 27 Reply 12, posted (4 years 7 months 4 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 20762 times:
Quoting SQ772 (Reply 8): Hahaha... I think SQ fans would readily admit that MH's crew are one of the best around. We're not unreasonable people.
Quoting Chrisrad (Reply 10): You reckon, they are very quick to attack...
LOL.... Hahahahah We are not one of those Chrisrad. I myself was a very frequent user of MH's outstanding inflight service out is SIN. But note the keyword here is "was"...
MH - despite their fantastic crew, can only offer just that. Hardware wise they stumble and fall on their faces very very hard in full view of their competitors who seem to be leap years ahead of them.
I am quite taken aback by the food offerings on your MEL- KUL flight. It is a 7-8 hrs flights and I would think at least one of the meals would be a FULL OFFERING. Salmon quiche? Meat pie? Damn it sounds like my horrific Gulf Air flight SIN-SYD-SIN but just with better presentation!
Nice set of pics though!
Welcome to my starry one world alliance, a team in the sky!
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 13, posted (4 years 7 months 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 20396 times:
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 12): I am quite taken aback by the food offerings on your MEL- KUL flight. It is a 7-8 hrs flights and I would think at least one of the meals would be a FULL OFFERING. Salmon quiche? Meat pie? Damn it sounds like my horrific Gulf Air flight SIN-SYD-SIN but just with better presentation!
The other offerings were plentiful, there was a mixed grill or something like that as well. Also I didnt include the double or even triple helping of satay if you wished. The worst meal was the "continental" breakfast that consisted of nothing at all. I asked the crew if there was something else coming, they said no. I would rather they offered less for the very late supper, and more for the breakfast.
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 12): MH - despite their fantastic crew, can only offer just that. Hardware wise they stumble and fall on their faces very very hard in full view of their competitors who seem to be leap years ahead of them.
Well SQ, CX, definately ahead, but TG ultimately have the same J class seats. Everytime I think this is the last time I will use MH, due to the fact they stuff up something in my booking nearly everytime, and I end up fighting with the groud crew. Also using Enrich points for upgrades and award bookings is relatively easy from my experience, but I have none left now, so maybe a trip on SQ is due soon.
MH always gives me a sense of feeling welcome and familiarity when I board, and I think that is also what makes me cling on to them.
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
VHVXB From Australia, joined Apr 2006, 5517 posts, RR: 20 Reply 14, posted (4 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 19732 times:
Another delightful trip report on your beloved MH Mr Chrisrad. I always look forward to viewing your reports particularly the pictures which you capture. It makes you feel like you were there!!!
Though I must say judging from your tone in this report and comparing to previous reports, has MHs meal service has deteriorated over time in your opinion??
AFKL From Netherlands, joined Feb 2008, 219 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (4 years 7 months 3 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 19537 times:
Quoting Bill142 (Reply 5): USM is certainly one of those unique airports that you seldom visit. It looks as if some upgrade have been done since I was there in 2006. The shops weren't their nor were PG offering food and drinks in the lounge.
Although I was in USM already almost four years ago(!) I still remember it being such a fantastic little airport! It is so much more welcoming and pleasant than the huge airports we are currently used to. The atmosphere is just unique - basic, yet very calm and relaxed.
And those improvements look great with the addition of the shops, the more reason to visit Koh Samui once again!
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 16, posted (4 years 7 months 3 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 19270 times:
Quoting VHVXB (Reply 14): Another delightful trip report on your beloved MH Mr Chrisrad. I always look forward to viewing your reports particularly the pictures which you capture. It makes you feel like you were there!!!
Though I must say judging from your tone in this report and comparing to previous reports, has MHs meal service has deteriorated over time in your opinion??
Why thankyou Mr VHVXB, I know you always aspire to my level of TR's
I think in light of the cost cutting most airlines are doing, it's not too bad, certainly not up to the standards when I first flew C class with MH back in 2005.
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, RR: 56 Reply 18, posted (4 years 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 18011 times:
Great report and pictures, really enjoyed the read, thanks.
USM looks like a really great airport, quite impressed with it.
MH looks pretty decent, some say they are not in the SQ/CX league, but they don't look too bad!
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): Aircraft was meant to be A330, but as there was only 66 people booked on the flight it was downgraded to 734.... thrilling
9MMAR From Malaysia, joined Jul 2006, 2099 posts, RR: 20 Reply 20, posted (4 years 7 months 1 week 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 16444 times:
Hi Chrisrad,
Very nice trip report with glorious photographs to illustrate the experience.I enjoy it tremendously because it is MH's. Looks like you and Joffie have been travelling through beautiful airports - KUL, PVG, HKG, BKK and the crown jewel - USM. I have a few comments to share:
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): MH was and is trialling a new 3rd flight into MEL, 3 times a week which has a better departure time of 1000 arriving into KUL at 1610. So we managed to get seats on this new flight. We also decided to get some of the new supersaver fares MH are offering. KUL-PVG and HKG-KUL and BKK-KUL. All we less than $100 AUD each including taxes and fuel surcharge.
You are lucky to be able to get all these amazing fares, but I think you should thank AirAsia for them. PVG, HKG, BKK and soon MEL are all AirAsia's destinations (HGH for PVG) and MH has been giving massive discount on these routes since AirAsia ventured in. I can't imagine how cheap the fares between MEL and KUL will be once AirAsia X start their service there on 15 November 2008.
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): Cup of tea to start the service of with, rather bland mug?
You were served with the new table linen and napkin on the MEL-KUL sector but received the old pale purple one on your way back. I find it amusing that MH is using a transparent knife - I never see one before. I think the plain white mug is also part of the improvements done (as the mug used previously, the blue striped one, received so many negative comments).
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): Bangkok Air offers ALL its passengers a lounge service with free drinks and food, a very nice touch indeed
I first knew about this from a local aviation site and was very impressed with Bangkok Airways for coming up with the service. It makes a self declared '5 Star' airlines like MH looks so 'no star'.
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): Aircraft was meant to be A330, but as there was only 66 people booked on the flight it was downgraded to 734.... thrilling
MH is not known for last minute aircraft change, but I experienced one very recently. I supposed to travel on Boeing 777-200ER but to my horror, an Airbus 330-300 was waiting for me at the assigned gate. It was horrific to say the least, if you are familiar with MH's offerings onboard their A333s, then you know what I mean. It was the unrefurbished one too (non Smarties Seat).
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): Onbard our MH 734 with new seat covers..... revolting, they dont even fit properly
Very few people like it. Even the crews hate it. We called it the 'Smarties Seats'. I am still wondering why MH came up with this 'enhancement' where there are so many other areas that seriously need to be fixed up, like the infight meals.
Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter): The "continenal breakfast" I have never been so dissapointed in my life. We got 2 croissants to go with this and that was it!!!! I don't think this is good enough for Business Class.
I am so sorry for you. Inflight meals onboard MH flights have gone down to a standard beyond imagination, and it is not a good thing actually. Can you believe that after all these annoying snackboxes and cutbacks after one another on meals that were thrown to us passengers, MH only managed to save a pathetic MYR 1 million on inflight meals cost (as revealed in their media presentation when announcing their 2nd quarter 2008 financial result).
Quoting Globetraveller (Reply 11): Just for general information, another way to get from KUL to Koh Samui is my transiting through PEN. You could fly the KUL-PEN sector on Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines and then take Firefly (FY) from PEN to USM. FY has recently started receiving their brand new ATRs and they are often pretty cheap.
I agree with Globetraveller. FY (FireFly, a subsidiary of MH) has fast becomming a popular choice to travel to USM, but you have to travel from their hub in PEN. Their brand new ATR 72-500 is a hit among Malaysian travellers. Perhaps you can give them a try as I think it should be better than your experience flying with Berjaya Air's Dash 8 to Redang Island a few moons ago.
Readytotaxi From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 2596 posts, RR: 3 Reply 21, posted (4 years 7 months 1 week 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 16300 times:
Never flown with them but it looked good. I do admire you being able to seat in Y class for that length of time, have not done that in over 10yrs now, all Club. Very nice photos and report.
Many thanks for the insight.
you don't get a second chance to make a first impression!
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (4 years 6 months 4 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 15249 times:
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 20): Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter):
Cup of tea to start the service of with, rather bland mug?
You were served with the new table linen and napkin on the MEL-KUL sector but received the old pale purple one on your way back. I find it amusing that MH is using a transparent knife - I never see one before. I think the plain white mug is also part of the improvements done (as the mug used previously, the blue striped one, received so many negative comments).
What about a nice teacup with a saucer?? Would look much better
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 20): Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter):
Onbard our MH 734 with new seat covers..... revolting, they dont even fit properly
Very few people like it. Even the crews hate it. We called it the 'Smarties Seats'. I am still wondering why MH came up with this 'enhancement' where there are so many other areas that seriously need to be fixed up, like the infight meals.
What made it worse was that they looked like they were sewn up at home, they didnt seem to fit properly
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 20): Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter):
The "continenal breakfast" I have never been so dissapointed in my life. We got 2 croissants to go with this and that was it!!!! I don't think this is good enough for Business Class.
I am so sorry for you. Inflight meals onboard MH flights have gone down to a standard beyond imagination, and it is not a good thing actually. Can you believe that after all these annoying snackboxes and cutbacks after one another on meals that were thrown to us passengers, MH only managed to save a pathetic MYR 1 million on inflight meals cost (as revealed in their media presentation when announcing their 2nd quarter 2008 financial result).
Well it just goes to show that the cutbacks are hardly worth it. Especially in the Business cabins. They can start up a new campaign, "Going below expectations"
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 20): Quoting Chrisrad (Thread starter):
MH was and is trialling a new 3rd flight into MEL, 3 times a week which has a better departure time of 1000 arriving into KUL at 1610. So we managed to get seats on this new flight. We also decided to get some of the new supersaver fares MH are offering. KUL-PVG and HKG-KUL and BKK-KUL. All we less than $100 AUD each including taxes and fuel surcharge.
You are lucky to be able to get all these amazing fares, but I think you should thank AirAsia for them. PVG, HKG, BKK and soon MEL are all AirAsia's destinations (HGH for PVG) and MH has been giving massive discount on these routes since AirAsia ventured in. I can't imagine how cheap the fares between MEL and KUL will be once AirAsia X start their service there on 15 November 2008.
Well they have already offered a few discounts, but they still end up costing $$$ more because of their "fuel surcharge".... wonder how long they will have that running at stratospheric amounts
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Although I was in USM already almost four years ago(!) I still remember it being such a fantastic little airport! It is so much more welcoming and pleasant than the huge airports we are currently used to. The atmosphere is just unique - basic, yet very calm and relaxed. 
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