Flying economy class on long-haul routes like Kuala Lumpur (KL) to London can offer varied experiences. While some airlines deliver outstanding service, others may disappoint.
Many readers, friends, and family members have consistently mentioned the subpar service and food quality aboard Malaysia Airlines on this particular route. This remains true regardless of whether one holds Enrich frequent flyer status like me.
Discussions on social media and forums often reflect these sentiments, highlighting the inconsistent service and underwhelming offerings on these flights. Despite this, there are staunch defenders of Malaysia Airlines online, making it challenging for any substantial improvements to occur. This defense often overlooks the service discrepancies, inadvertently benefiting those of us who seek maximum value for our money by choosing other carriers.
Personally, I travel the KL-London route at least twice annually and have long decided against flying with Malaysia Airlines. My last flight with them was back in 2019, and I regretted opting for a direct flight due to the poor experience.
In this article, we'll compare the economy class seats and overall experiences offered by various airlines operating between KL and London. The goal is to provide you with detailed insights that will help you make a well-informed choice for your travels.
Malaysia Airlines
Direct Flight
Service: Mixed bag
Meals: Cheap ingredients
Malaysia Airlines is the sole provider of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and London, which undoubtedly offers significant convenience. However, frequent travelers and online reviews frequently point out the airline's inconsistent service. The economy class seats are standard, and the meal quality often falls short, featuring less expensive ingredients that fail to meet passenger expectations.
This approach might seem like a wise cost-saving strategy, with offerings like Nasi Lemak that potentially yield higher profit margins. Yet, the real disappointment lies in the side dishes—often just a minimal fruit serving, a bread roll, and a small dessert, which many find inadequate for the lengthy 13-hour journey.
This has led to numerous complaints about hunger on these flights, voiced loudly across social media platforms. Therefore, it's essential to consider whether the convenience of a non-stop flight outweighs the overall experience.
From my perspective, the primary advantage of flying long-haul with Malaysia Airlines is the access to the Golden Lounge at KLIA’s Satellite terminal, but this is only available to Enrich Gold or Platinum members.
I visited the Platinum Lounge last year, so be sure to check out my review if this interests you. It's safe to say that I won't be returning anytime soon however, given the lacklustre dining.
Without this status, and especially considering the occasional higher pricing, there are few compelling reasons to choose Malaysia Airlines for your trip to London.
Emirates
1 Stopover at Dubai International Airport
Service: Good
Meals: Excellent
IFE: Best in the sky
Emirates is widely acclaimed for its superior service and amenities, even in economy class. While a stopover at Dubai International Airport adds time to the journey, it can serve as a welcome interlude. The airport is state-of-the-art, though it can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of transit passengers. Navigating the expansive Concourse C can be taxing, especially if your departure gates are widely spaced.
Despite these minor inconveniences, Emirates stands out for its exceptional in-flight dining and what is arguably the best in-flight entertainment (IFE) system in the industry, significantly enhancing the travel experience.
The meals, especially in economy, are noteworthy; portions are generous, and the side dishes feature high-quality ingredients. This commitment to quality is hardly surprising, considering the fierce competition among Middle Eastern carriers.
From my own experiences, Emirates typically offers the most affordable economy class fares, particularly when tickets are booked several months in advance. This combination of value, comfort, and service makes Emirates a compelling choice for the Kuala Lumpur to London route.
Qatar Airways
1 Stopover at Hamad International Airport
Service: Excellent
Meals: Good
IFE: Decent
Qatar Airways stands out as an excellent choice for Oneworld frequent flyers, with Hamad International Airport providing an exceptional transit experience.
I've consistently chosen Qatar Airways for my trips between Kuala Lumpur and London. As an Enrich Platinum and Oneworld Emerald member, I've received impeccable service from them, even before I had any frequent flyer status. The airline's economy seats are particularly comfortable on their A350 or A380 aircraft.
Hamad International Airport, with its design inspired by natural elements, offers a serene atmosphere that enhances the transit experience. For those holding Enrich Gold or Platinum status, several lounges at the airport provide luxurious amenities.
Qatar Airways is known for its quality economy class meals and adequate in-flight entertainment options. My flights have included a variety of high-quality foods such as quinoa and hummus.
The airline also excels in recognizing Oneworld status, ensuring frequent travelers enjoy both comfort and quality. In my experience as an Enrich Platinum and Oneworld Emerald member, I’ve consistently received meals first and frequent checks from the flight staff to see if I needed anything—a remarkable level of service for economy class.
Etihad Airways
1 Stopover at Abu Dhabi International Airport
Service: Great
Meals: Decent
IFE: Moderate
Etihad Airways offers a robust economy class experience, featuring comfortable seats and commendable food. I have flown with Etihad to London twice and on several occasions to other European destinations. The aircraft are consistently pristine, and I particularly admire the gold-colored interiors and seating, which set a luxurious tone.
The service on Etihad often surpasses that of both Emirates and Qatar Airways in my experience, epitomizing the high standards one would expect from this carrier. However, my previous reservations about choosing Etihad frequently stemmed from the old Abu Dhabi International Airport, which I found quite unsatisfactory for transit.
Fortunately, this concern has been addressed with the opening of a new terminal, which now hosts all Etihad flights. This modern facility offers an engaging stopover experience and has been positively received on social media, positioning it as a formidable rival to Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport. With these improvements, I am eagerly anticipating my next journey with Etihad.
While the in-flight entertainment might be average, the quality of the meals ensures a pleasant flight, making Etihad a strong contender for travelers seeking comfort and style.
Singapore Airlines
1 Stopover at Singapore Changi Airport
Service: Best hospitality in the sky
Meals: Great
Cost: Usually more expensive
Singapore Airlines is frequently hailed as one of the best choices for economy class travel due to its exceptional hospitality and superb food and beverage offerings—areas where Malaysia Airlines often falls short.
I have traveled the KL-Singapore-London route several times, and while the overall economy experience is impressive, I find the food slightly less appealing compared to what Middle Eastern airlines offer, even with my Southeast Asian palate that generally prefers Asian cuisine.
A standout feature of Singapore Airlines is its hospitality, including the unlimited availability of alcoholic beverages. A favorite feature for many, including myself, is the ability to enjoy the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail as often as you like during the flight.
Additionally, a stopover at Singapore Changi Airport is a pleasure, with its myriad activities and amenities that make any layover enjoyable.
However, there is a downside: tickets for Singapore Airlines' economy class to London are typically pricier than those of other airlines mentioned. This is partly due to the high demand for seats from passengers not only in Southeast Asia but also from Australians and New Zealanders who often transit through Singapore on their way to London.
This popularity explains the higher ticket costs, reflecting the airline's premium service and desirable route connections.
Turkish Airlines
1 Stopover at Istanbul International Airport
Service: Variable
Meals: Great
Seats: Moderate
IFE: Moderate
Firstly, it's important to clarify that I have never personally flown Turkish Airlines in economy class, but I felt it necessary to include this carrier in my article due to its rising popularity.
The experience with Turkish Airlines can vary significantly depending on the aircraft type. Specifically, it’s advisable to avoid the A321neo on the Istanbul to London route as these planes can be less comfortable.
Based on reviews I’ve read on social media and feedback from friends and family, the food on Turkish Airlines is generally excellent. However, the in-flight entertainment may be hit or miss, depending on your preferences for types of content or genres.
A layover at Istanbul International Airport can range from a delightful exploration opportunity to a hurried experience, heavily influenced by your layover duration. The airport itself is vast and offers plenty to see and do if you have the time. At the moment, Turkish Airlines offers some of the more affordable rates for flights from KL to London compared to the other airlines discussed. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with experiences flying Turkish Airlines to gather more firsthand insights!
Cathay Pacific (Bonus for Travel Enthusiasts)
1 Stopover at Hong Kong International Airport
Service: Decent
Meals: Decent
IFE: Decent
Extras: Great for business and frequent flyer status holders
Last but not least, let’s talk about Cathay Pacific. Many of you might be wondering why I would consider routing through Hong Kong to reach London from Kuala Lumpur, given that geographically, it seems counterintuitive.
Indeed, the detour to Hong Kong International Airport does not typically make sense for this route. However, I once chose this itinerary and it remains one of my favorite flights to London!
Cathay Pacific is an appealing option for those who don’t mind the extended flight time, particularly for Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald members who can enjoy the exceptional Cathay Pacific lounges at Hong Kong International Airport. In fact, I would primarily recommend this route if you hold Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status; otherwise, you might find more value with one of the Middle Eastern carriers.
While Cathay Pacific generally offers tasty and adequately portioned meals, there is definitely room for improvement in their catering services. Nevertheless, it is still a step ahead of Malaysia Airlines.
Their in-flight entertainment system, Studio CX, includes a wide selection of recent blockbuster movies. However, the quality of service can vary depending on your frequent flyer status. I’ve observed a notable difference in service quality when flying as an Enrich Platinum member compared to traveling without any status—a stark contrast to my experiences with Qatar Airways, where excellent service is consistently provided regardless of frequent flyer status.
Overall, I’ve included Cathay Pacific as a bonus option for travel enthusiasts like myself. Surprisingly, fares on Cathay Pacific to London can sometimes be more affordable than those offered by other airlines, making it a potentially attractive choice despite the longer route.
Is a Stopover Worth It?
Absolutely, I've evolved from dreading stopovers to actively needing them. If you understand the unproductivity of a 13-hour direct flight, you're likely familiar with the demands of a high-quality job or industry. Nowadays, I intentionally choose flights with at least 3-4 hours of stopover time, which allows me to savor a meal and get some work done between flights.
Travel, for me, has always been about the experience and the opportunity to explore. During my university days, I relished the chance to wander through airport terminals. Now, as a professional, I indulge in the finer aspects of travel during stopovers, such as enjoying a gourmet meal at the Al-Mourjan Business Lounge in Hamad International Airport.
Ultimately, whether a stopover is worthwhile depends on your travel preferences and priorities. But let me be clear: if you think the primary benefit of flying Malaysia Airlines is its direct service, then you are indeed their ideal customer.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right airline for your journey from Kuala Lumpur to London depends heavily on your personal travel preferences, priorities, and loyalty to airline alliances. While direct flights might scream convenience, they don't always scream quality, especially when you compare the nuances of good service, comfortable seating, and high-quality in-flight amenities that other carriers offer. Malaysia Airlines, with its direct route, falls spectacularly short in these areas.
Airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways not only excel in service but also make stopovers feel less like a chore and more like a part of an enjoyable travel experience. Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, despite their pricier tickets and roundabout routes, manage to maintain a loyal following thanks to their unmatched service standards. On the other hand, Turkish Airlines stands out as a budget-friendly option with service that punches above its weight, perfect for those who enjoy dabbling in different transit hubs.
For the frequent flyers with shiny status cards in their wallets, the allure often lies in the perks—like access to swanky lounges and priority services. What used to be dreaded stopovers have now become golden opportunities to either crank out some work or indulge in a little luxury.
With British Airways gearing up to launch direct flights to KL in November, the heat will definitely be on. One can only hope that this will give Malaysia Airlines a much-needed wake-up call to step up their game.
But, let's not hold our breath—given the legion of fanboys and keyboard warriors staunchly defending every move of Malaysia Airlines, change seems like a distant dream. In the grand scheme of things, maybe it’s for the best. Let the die-hard loyalists keep their subpar flights, leaving more seats on superior airlines for those of us who value quality. It’s a bit harsh, but hey, it’s practically survival of the fittest in airline selection!
