Navigating the process of redeeming Oneworld flights in Malaysia can be quite rewarding but also a bit complex due to the different frequent flyer programs and their respective redemption systems.
In this guide, we'll break down how to make the most out of your miles with Malaysia Airlines' Enrich, Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles, and British Airways' Avios.
We'll also cover how to search for award availability and redeem your chosen flights.
Understanding the Key Frequent Flyer Programs
Malaysia Airlines Enrich
Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich is the most popular frequent flyer program in Malaysia. As a member of the Oneworld alliance, Enrich allows you to redeem miles for flights on Oneworld partner airlines.
However, the Enrich program has some limitations due to its outdated online ticketing system. Currently, you can only redeem Oneworld flights by calling the Malaysia Airlines call centre.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Asia Miles, offered by Cathay Pacific, is another significant frequent flyer program in Malaysia. Many top banks in Malaysia provide the option to convert credit card points to Asia Miles, albeit at rates that are generally less favorable than those for Enrich.
Despite this, Asia Miles are often more valuable and redemptions usually cost fewer miles. The process of redeeming Asia Miles is seamless online, including for flights on Oneworld partners such as SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines.
British Airways Avios
Avios, the frequent flyer currency used by British Airways, is also popular in Malaysia. Only CIMB and HSBC currently offer points conversion to Avios.
One of the major advantages of Avios is the ability to transfer miles between British Airways, Qatar Airways, Iberia, and Finnair, providing greater flexibility and access to award availability.
British Airways’ online ticketing system is robust and allows seamless booking for flights with Oneworld partners like Malaysia Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
How to Search for Award Availability
Searching for award availability is the first step to successfully redeeming your miles for Oneworld flights. Here’s how you can do it for each program:
Using Enrich Miles
1. Call the Malaysia Airlines Call Centre: As of now, you need to contact the Malaysia Airlines call centre to check for availability and redeem your miles for Oneworld flights.
Local Calls: 1-300-88-3000
International Calls: +603-7843 3000
2. Prepare in Advance: Have your travel dates, destinations, and Enrich membership details ready to streamline the process. Do extensive research to make sure your flight exists before you speak to the customer service agent. The best way to do so is to use Google Flights.
From my experience, the Malaysia Airlines Call Centre will always try to prioritize and sell you Malaysia Airlines tickets before recommending Oneworld flights.
Don't be surprised to hear that there is no availability, because usually anything to do with Malaysia Airlines backend system is terrible.
Using Asia Miles
1. Visit the Cathay Pacific Website: Log in to your Asia Miles account and use the online search tool to check for flight availability.
2. Flexible Dates Search: Use the flexible dates option to find the best availability and lower redemption rates.
One of the most amazing things about Cathay Pacific's online ticketing system is that Oneworld flights are listed together with Cathay Pacific flights. Cathay Pacific has a very win-win policy scenario, given that they are a founding member of the Oneworld alliance.
I can't recommend Asia Miles enough. I have been using Asia Miles for years and I think it's the best online ticketing system for Oneworld flights.
Using Avios
1. British Airways Website: Log in to your British Airways Executive Club account and click on "Book a flight with Avios".
2. Check "British Airways with partners": Look for availability on British Airways, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and other Oneworld partners.
The good thing about British Airways online ticketing system is that it's much faster and less buggy than Cathay Pacific's online ticketing system in my view.
However, British Airways availability can vary depending on the season. Sometimes, there can be an abundance of flights available for redemption. Other times, there could be close to none.
Also remember, you can seamlessly transfer your British Airways Avios to Qatar Airways Avios without any charge. Before you book any Qatar Airways flights on BritishAirways.com, make sure to check the miles required for the same flight on QatarAirways.com. Based on my experience, it's usually much cheaper to book a Qatar Airways flight directly from Qatar Airways website, even though the value of Avios is the same.
How to Redeem the Chosen Flights
Once you have confirmed award availability, follow these steps to redeem your miles:
Redeeming Enrich Miles
1. Call the Malaysia Airlines Call Centre: Inform the agent about the flights you wish to book and provide your Enrich membership number and miles balance.
If you are booking a Oneworld flight for your family, don't be surprised if the customer service representative requests for a signed document that confirms that you wish to redeem your Enrich Miles for someone else. This has happened to me before, so just putting it out here that it's normal.
2. Confirm Booking: The agent will confirm the availability and proceed with the booking. Make sure to have your payment details ready for any taxes and fees. Payment is usually done by providing your credit card details over the phone. If you feel this is insecure, you can always request for a different payment method.
Redeeming Asia Miles
1. Online Redemption: Log in to your Asia Miles account, search for flights, and proceed to book directly online.
Don't forget to use my Miles vs Cash Calculator to check if this redemption is actually valuable if you're interested in maximizing the value of your Asia Miles.
2. Confirm Details: Review your flight details and ensure your personal information is accurate before finalizing the booking.
Redeeming Avios
1. British Airways Online Portal: Use the British Airways website to book your flights. Select the desired flights and proceed to use your Avios for the booking.
2. Review and Confirm: Double-check all details and confirm your booking, paying any additional taxes and fees required.
How Many Miles Will the Ticket Cost?
The ticket will always cost the amount of miles required by the issuing airline (the miles from the airline that you are using).
For example, if you are booking a Cathay Pacific flight using Malaysia Airlines miles, Malaysia Airlines determines the cost in miles—not Cathay.
Therefore, the same flight might cost 100,000 Enrich miles when redeeming through Malaysia Airlines or 70,000 Cathay Pacific miles if redeeming directly with Cathay Pacific. It is always wise to check which airline offers the same flight for the lowest cost in miles.
Final Thoughts
Redeeming Oneworld flights in Malaysia can significantly enhance your travel experience if done correctly. Each frequent flyer program has its strengths and nuances, so understanding how to navigate these systems is crucial.
Whether you’re using Enrich, Asia Miles, or Avios, this guide provides a roadmap to help you make the most of your miles. Don't forget to utilize my Miles vs Cash Calculator to complement your search.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with your redemption, feel free to reach out via email at kingsley@refinedpoints.com.
