Biz Class to France

[MEL_Traveller]

i would suspect the lounges in somewhere like singapore or dubai to be like a 5 star hotel

yeah no, not really

Depends, First class lounges can (which you can probably count on fingers on two hands) be 'luxurious'... but not always. Business class lounges on the other hand generally cater for not only business class, but also a lot of economy passengers with status. The sheer volume of passengers often means services and amenities don't often reflect the fare paid for the lounge ('business class'), but more to whatever they can scratch out from economy fares.

However, that said, reasonably comfortable seating, snack, alcohol, showers... that's pretty standard stuff for business class lounges. Where they differentiate themselves are through things like champagne or whether they have a la carte dining (or some pared down version).

As a oneworld class-of-service lounge entrant, you are correct that you have access to any oneworld busuiness class lounge... so if there's more than one you are free to lounge hop as often as you want.

 

[BD1959]

thanks BD, sorry for the totally hopeless que
stions but what is the generally policy for lounges,

ie if you have a business class flight with for example MH, you can go to any other Biz class lounge??

my impression of lounges, (ive only been to one, and that was the one in cairns , the reef room) and it had showers, snacks, aclohol, sandwiches, sofas, no major food, sofas, and computer desks, wasnt luxuriois, but I loved it, made a few hour stopover go from boring and tedioius to a pleasure. I actually wanted to stay longer

i would suspect the lounges in somewhere like singapore or dubai to be like a 5 star hotel

Hi SOPOOR,

Yes, under oneWorld Lounge Access Rules, passengers flying Business Class can access any oneWorld Business Class Lounge. Better: you're not restricted to the one and could sample a number of lounges, time permitting. eg At MEL the MH, CX and QF Lounges are all located close to each other on the ground floor (level below the Departures Level).

Regards,

BD

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Depending on how long you have as a stopover in KUL you could try all the OW lounges in the satellite terminal and, if you were bored and/or felt adventurous, catch the short (3 minute) airport train and try the MH lounge over in the main terminal. You can move freely between them airside without going through customs or immigration.

The MH Business lounge in the satellite terminal is large and recently refurbished. One note - on the one occasion I used that lounge I couldn't find any alcoholic drinks anywhere in the lounge itself, only in the small bar to the left of the entrance. Similarly in their first class / platinum lounge there was no self service alcohol, but you could order it in the restaurant.

 

[SOPOOR]

Thanks everyone

Been googling a bit and it seems that most people say a330 is average while a380 is a bit better with mh biz class.

But im stil getting excited
i migt be confusing it with first class but i was expectinf some super meal in biz class but i saw a copy of the menu and its satay with fish or curry main and a dessert which is a bit average to me

Is there any posh french champagne or expensice whisky on the drinks list?

Not sure if i think paying 6k extta for businesss clas in the future

As for ow lounges. I assume that even though i purchasedd with points i can access all othrr ow lounges. Alacarte menu would be pretty sweet (in a foodie).
Ive got a 3 hr stop over so i doubt ill have the time to try different lounges but which one would be the best one to go to?

Hopefully its not too busy that i have to queue for anything

Thanks for everyones input so far
Excited

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The food in business on MH is good - check if you can order online before you fly - that gives you access to a greater range of dishes.
In my experience the famous satay sticks are only served on flights departing KUL.
MH do serve proper (French) champagne in business, and in their lounges.
I think the A330 seats are the same as their B777 seats - if they are, they're quite good. Angle lie-flat but lots of room.
Very similar to the business seats on VA international 777s.

Make sure you use the business check in counter and express lanes and lounges and take advantage of every benefit.
Also, in my experience if you are friendly and chat to the MH staff they will outdo themselves to make you happy.
It's the overall experience which makes it worthwhile.

 

[BD1959]

Not sure if i think paying 6k extta for businesss clas in the future

If you pay $6k *extra* for MH J to Europe, you're paying too muc. Plan, buy "Business Promo" fares and they're typically about $4.3k more than Y.

As for ow lounges. I assume that even though i purchasedd with points i can access all othrr ow lounges. Alacarte menu would be pretty sweet (in a foodie).

Purchase method has no bearing on service. Ala Carte: can't think of one Business Lounge where this is provided, usually buffet only (though dishes are made to order in MH Business Lounge in MEL).

Ive got a 3 hr stop over so i doubt ill have the time to try different lounges but which one would be the best one to go to?

Hopefully its not too busy that i have to queue for anything

What times are you arriving into KUL?

In my experience the famous satay sticks are only served on flights departing KUL.

Then this is a pretty recent "enhancement". Previously I've enjoyed the satays ex MEL and LHR.

Also, in my experience if you are friendly and chat to the MH staff they will outdo themselves to make you happy.
It's the overall experience which makes it worthwhile.

Agree 100%. Staff between Australia and KL (regional?) IME tend to be older and more willing to provide advice on wines etc. Those on long-haul tend to be younger and more reserved, but very open once you make the effort to break the ice.

Regards,

BD

 

[knasty]

Can you still get the 1000 points + pay option for <4k return? I was very tempted when it was about 3.8k.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks everyone

Been googling a bit and it seems that most people say a330 is average while a380 is a bit better with mh biz class.

But im stil getting excited
i migt be confusing it with first class but i was expectinf some super meal in biz class but i saw a copy of the menu and its satay with fish or curry main and a dessert which is a bit average to me

Is there any posh french champagne or expensice whisky on the drinks list?

Not sure if i think paying 6k extta for businesss clas in the future

As for ow lounges. I assume that even though i purchasedd with points i can access all othrr ow lounges. Alacarte menu would be pretty sweet (in a foodie).
Ive got a 3 hr stop over so i doubt ill have the time to try different lounges but which one would be the best one to go to?

Hopefully its not too busy that i have to queue for anything

Thanks for everyones input so far
Excited

I think you are probably right to manage your expectations. Business class food is still airline food... mass prepared at least 24 hours before departure, chilled, and re-heated on board. It's a slight step up from economy class, mostly that you'll usually get a single piece of protein rather than having the protein sliced or diced (and of questionable quality). You've no doubt seen trip reports, here is one showing MH SYD-KUL: Trip Report: Malaysia Airlines Business Class A330-300 SYD to KUL - Efficient Asian Man

Lounge food... it's also mass produced, and kept warm in pots on the buffet. Lots of cheapish salads (usually loads of carbs and cheap vegetables).

But MH is not alone... all airlines are pretty much same same in this regard for their business class... maybe a slight exception for a few airlines such as LH, OS, and a couple of the ME carriers.

Certainly in the $6K range you'll get better carriers to europe in business, more in line with the experience you might be expecting.

 

[SOPOOR]

The food in business on MH is good - check if you can order online before you fly - that gives you access to a greater range of dishes.
In my experience the famous satay sticks are only served on flights departing KUL.
MH do serve proper (French) champagne in business, and in their lounges.
I think the A330 seats are the same as their B777 seats - if they are, they're quite good. Angle lie-flat but lots of room.
Very similar to the business seats on VA international 777s.

Make sure you use the business check in counter and express lanes and lounges and take advantage of every benefit.
Also, in my experience if you are friendly and chat to the MH staff they will outdo themselves to make you happy.
It's the overall experience which makes it worthwhile.

will do, will use the express check ins (makes me feel sooooo special)!

to be honest, was expecting far better food, I think ive been reading too many emirates and first class reports!

If you pay $6k *extra* for MH J to Europe, you're paying too muc. Plan, buy "Business Promo" fares and they're typically about $4.3k more than Y.



Purchase method has no bearing on service. Ala Carte: can't think of one Business Lounge where this is provided, usually buffet only (though dishes are made to order in MH Business Lounge in MEL).



What times are you arriving into KUL?



Then this is a pretty recent "enhancement". Previously I've enjoyed the satays ex MEL and LHR.



Agree 100%. Staff between Australia and KL (regional?) IME tend to be older and more willing to provide advice on wines etc. Those on long-haul tend to be younger and more reserved, but very open once you make the effort to break the ice.

Regards,

BD

I just guesteimated the cost, when I was booking it said $3781 each way, which makes it #7500 return, economy via most other airlines can be as low as $1500 not on special ,so a difference of $6000, however $5000 return sounds much more reasonable for what I perceive as a non super busness class..... that being said, the reason biz class is a first for me is obviously because im not rich enough

im arriving at 840pm and 620am so hopefully they are good times.... or at least open!

ps I have a 3 hr stop over, I assume its a good idea for me to go straight to KUL lounge and stay there until they call me for my flight. still eciidng which ounge to go to, not really fussed if they are all a much of a muchness, im also wondering when I depart melbourne, should i get to teh airport early to sit in the lounge?

I like kind air hostesess, I woiuld hate to imagine the amount of cough they have to put up from people, and to still be able to smile is a commendable thing

ps. what sort of whiskeys would be served?

 

[SOPOOR]

I think you are probably right to manage your expectations. Business class food is still airline food... mass prepared at least 24 hours before departure, chilled, and re-heated on board. It's a slight step up from economy class, mostly that you'll usually get a single piece of protein rather than having the protein sliced or diced (and of questionable quality). You've no doubt seen trip reports, here is one showing MH SYD-KUL: Trip Report: Malaysia Airlines Business Class A330-300 SYD to KUL - Efficient Asian Man

Lounge food... it's also mass produced, and kept warm in pots on the buffet. Lots of cheapish salads (usually loads of carbs and cheap vegetables).

But MH is not alone... all airlines are pretty much same same in this regard for their business class... maybe a slight exception for a few airlines such as LH, OS, and a couple of the ME carriers.

Certainly in the $6K range you'll get better carriers to europe in business, more in line with the experience you might be expecting.

nice report! thanks, have you guys travelled first class, maybe that will be another bucket list thing. im sure its sooo much better......or have I hyped it up too much

ill definitely go the best of the best if I do decide first class!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

nice report! thanks, have you guys travelled first class, maybe that will be another bucket list thing. im sure its sooo much better......or have I hyped it up too much

ill definitely go the best of the best if I do decide first class!

First class is a [huge] marked step up from business class. That's the cabin where it's all about the passenger, fine wines, better [cold] food, and service.

With a couple of exceptions, business class is essentially about the bed... and carriers still offering angled beds for long-hauls are at a disadvantage - it's about 5-10 years out of date. Most business class cabins are pretty big these days - 50+ seats, and you get a level of service reflecting that (again, with a couple of exceptions).

Sure, business class is comfortable, airport services are streamlined, there are lounges to wait in (and drink!). But it's not necessarily a 'wow factor' cabin. (Again, with some exceptions, like EVA Air serving vintage champagnes in their premium business class, and some airlines moving towards individual table settings rather than using a tray.)

 

[greenfish]

Can you still get the 1000 points + pay option for <4k return? I was very tempted when it was about 3.8k.

No, went a few months ago with a huge devaluation of the MH FF scheme

 

[Nizar]

First class is a [huge] marked step up from business class. That's the cabin where it's all about the passenger, fine wines, better [cold] food, and service.

With a couple of exceptions, business class is essentially about the bed... and carriers still offering angled beds for long-hauls are at a disadvantage - it's about 5-10 years out of date. Most business class cabins are pretty big these days - 50+ seats, and you get a level of service reflecting that (again, with a couple of exceptions).

Sure, business class is comfortable, airport services are streamlined, there are lounges to wait in (and drink!). But it's not necessarily a 'wow factor' cabin. (Again, with some exceptions, like EVA Air serving vintage champagnes in their premium business class, and some airlines moving towards individual table settings rather than using a tray.)

I totally agree.

But before I tried flying F I used to think that F could never be worth the premium over J since you already get a fully flat bed in J.

 

[BD1959]

I just guesteimated the cost, when I was booking it said $3781 each way, which makes it #7500 return, economy via most other airlines can be as low as $1500 not on special ,so a difference of $6000, however $5000 return sounds much more reasonable for what I perceive as a non super busness class..... that being said, the reason biz class is a first for me is obviously because im not rich enough

I looked up random dates in November for MH MEL-CDG-MEL. Economy priced out at around $1900 return, Business Promo at around $6300 return (hence my figures) - that Business Promo fare seems pretty standard for CDG and LHR. I guess you could find cheaper MH economy at different times. By comparison, I've just noticed that Finnair are offering a "Business Campaign" fare MEL-CDG-MEL for $4442 return for the same dates. Two stops in each direction but MEL-SIN is on QF and HKG-MEL on CX. This is the best "true" Business Class fare I've seen in a long time (assuming it *is* all Business Class!).

Of course, if you're looking to do the trip fairly regularly, you'd actually price your flights ex-Europe to get far better return fares.

im arriving at 840pm and 620am so hopefully they are good times.... or at least open!

ps I have a 3 hr stop over, I assume its a good idea for me to go straight to KUL lounge and stay there until they call me for my flight. still eciidng which ounge to go to, not really fussed if they are all a much of a muchness, im also wondering when I depart melbourne, should i get to teh airport early to sit in the lounge?

The Business Golden Lounge is definitely open at 6:20am and should be relatively quiet at that time (all of my arrivals have been early morning). It's a fairly quiet "barn" when it is empty ... whether you really want to be sat there for 3hrs is entirely up to you. Don't be fooled by "boarding calls"; from memory there are no announcements, just updates on the screens and - in common with SIN - since they have gate Lounges (where you have to pass through security) calls are made well in advance of actual boarding. You're best to watch your flight and then time your walk (which may be considerable to the A380 Gates) to arrive at the Gate Lounge 30mins prior to departure.

I, for one, would NOT arrive early at MEL to sit in the MH Lounge!

Regards,

BD

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think the Finnair fare is right in the money. A proper business class for the bulk of flying, with the exception of the shortish intra-euro flights.

Unless you were originating in Malaysia, on a380 services, I don't think an airline with a heavily angled seat/bed would even make the list for consideration for either business or leisure travelers. Service is one thing... but not much of a consolation if you arrive tired and jet lagged.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

There are still boarding calls in the Golden Lounge in KUL, rumours of their death have been greatly exaggerated.
Watch the screens but be careful as like SIN they often jump from "Gate Open" to "Final Call" or even "Flight Closed" - but don't let the last one deter you from running to the gate.

 

[Nizar]

Watch the screens but be careful as like SIN they often jump from "Gate Open" to "Final Call" or even "Flight Closed" - but don't let the last one deter you from running to the gate.

I seriously hate this.

There is about a 5min timespan between "Gate open" to "Final call" then another 5min gap before "Flight closed".
If the purpose of this to get pax running to the gate with urgency it certainly works - at least with me - until I see the massive queue outside for security screening then I go back to a gentle stroll.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

I wish they would abandon any strategic gaming of the alerts and just provide accurate information.
I really hate it in airports like DPS where they deliberately do an early boarding call in the lounge because they mistkenly believe it takes a long time to walk from there to the gate.
It just encourages me to ignore the boarding calls.

 

[travelislife]

Airline review: Emirates A380 business class

Just curious. I know emirates has the best flights. But what will the nain differences for a mh flight and this onr?

Hey mate, I am sure you will have an awesome trip. I am just curious too, how do you know Emirates has the best flights when you have never flown them in Business Class? I would contend there are many who would disagree with that statement. Their 777's are horrible!

You will have a great time on MH, don't set your expectations too high and you will enjoy it.

 

[SOPOOR]

Hey mate, I am sure you will have an awesome trip. I am just curious too, how do you know Emirates has the best flights when you have never flown them in Business Class? I would contend there are many who would disagree with that statement. Their 777's are horrible!

You will have a great time on MH, don't set your expectations too high and you will enjoy it.

thank you, im gettting excited. im just going by what everyone tells e about the best airline , and emirates is usually the instant response!

I just saw this article


Best and worst plane seats: Travel experts rate the perfect airline seat experience

wow, etihad/emirates first and business looks a million dollars.

ive got my powerball ticket


edit: are coughtails included in MH flights?