Business Class to KL (Malaysia)

drprox on 17/06/2014 - 20:39

Hi all, I'm getting married in November and my partner and I are planning a honeymoon in Malaysia. We've been there plenty of times and usually fly cattle class on air Asia. Whilst we could do this again we're really hoping to secure some reasonably priced business class seats for the trip there at least, then return home in economy. I'm hoping some of you here might be able to provide the following:

  • Any review/feedback on either of AirAsia business, jetstar business or royal Brunei. I've done some reading and seems to first two are more premium economy whilst the third has no booze!
  • Any tips on how to get some good prices.
  • Who to fly with
  • any etc..

Thanks!

Travel

Comments

  • rambutann on 17/06/2014 - 21:18
    +1

    If you want it cheap then do the Optiontown upgrade on Airasia to get business seats. Its not guaranteed but you could get a return business class ticket for like $600 in theory (its about $160-$170 for the option town upgrade each way).

    i've been told its quite good for the price you pay. I've requested an upgrade for a flight back from KL in july.

    • drprox on 18/06/2014 - 10:26

      thanks for this. Unsure what I'll do at the moment. Certainly I'm price sensitive but equally one reason I'm trying to fly one way with business is to try and get the most out of my small luxury :)
      Will look at optiontown though if I decide on Airasia as may as well get it as cheaply as possible!

  • eutama on 17/06/2014 - 21:47

    Flyroyal Brunei. They are really good value for money.
    Book through expedia can be slightly cheaper than their online site, BUT, if you need to change.. it's quite difficult (Fee involved).

    • drprox on 18/06/2014 - 10:27

      yep Royal Brunei a front runner i think. Just a bit worried about how old the planes are.. we read somewhere that they still hand out ipads for entertainment..

  • OutOfComplaintForms on 17/06/2014 - 21:55

    This comes downs to how much the honeymoon experience means to you. Air Asia and Jetstar are not really 'Business Class' in the sense that they lack virtually all soft-product benefits, as well as a lot of the hard-products benefits of a legacy carrier. Singapore Airlines for example, serves Lobster Thermidor in Business Class whilst on Air Asia, you'll be ordering tiny meals that Economy passengers can also get.

    I did a mini-review of most of the popular Business Class in another post (Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates as well as a lot of others): https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/122321

    So IMO, if budget is a very big concern for you, Air Asia and Jetstar are OK. But they really don't hold a candle to the legacy carrier's Business Class.

    I did notice that you might want to fly there in Business and back in Economy. Thai Airways does offer standby upgrades - so if there's room in Business, you can purchase an upgrade and be moved into Business Class. It is normally cheaper than paying for a full Business ticket (but will be over $600-$700 each) and depends on whether Business is full or not.

    • drprox on 18/06/2014 - 10:28

      thanks mate. I do love lobster thermidor! (having had it a grand total of once in my life) I've read ok things about Garuda too which seem to split the diff between Royal Brunei and these major carriers.

      • OutOfComplaintForms on 18/06/2014 - 17:27

        Royal Brunei is using their brand spanking new 787 Dreamliner on the MEL-BWN route now, so you don't have to worry about the old hard product. You can also bring alcohol with you for them to serve as well.

        I'd have to say that Garuda is easily one of the most underrated airlines I've ever flown. Their in-flight service generally beats many of the more reputable airlines hands down.

        But price wise, I'd say Royal Brunei is really hard to beat, especially on their new 787. BWN isn't the most exciting hub, and their lounge isn't exactly Cathay Pacific-grade, but it's a good value for money option.

        • drprox on 18/06/2014 - 19:25

          Really appreciate the response :) didn't wanna sound like I had a drinking problem but we really did want to kick off the honeymoon in style. Sounds like a bottle of byo champagne and a 787 should well achieve that :)

  • cloudy on 19/06/2014 - 20:38

    I'vehad one eexperience with option town, and it was good. Could be a isolated lucky break, but I paid the lotto ticket, got the upgrade into flat bed, and loved it. There isn't really much difference other than a nice flat bed with pillows and blanket, but I don't fly well usually and that flat bed made it so much better than a normal flight.

    If you are flying during the day, get option town, ur very likely to get upgraded. If you fly night, less likely I reckon.

  • JoyVee on 09/07/2014 - 22:57

    Royal Brunei have real flat beds in business class and scrumptious food but only fly out of Melbourne. I flew a mixed fare -economy in daytime flight and business in night time flight to BKK return. Was a great experience both ways and felt really pampered in business.
    If you choose to take alcohol on board staff will happily serve you but the small bottle must comply with carry on regs -100 mls each. My friends bought their wine at duty free. May not have such small bottles of champers. Good luck for your wedding.

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