30
Nov
2014
0

Malindo Air: Airline Review

We want to travel ever so often. Our whims and fancies would take us to a new destination every alternate weekend if budget wasn’t a constraint. Hence, every sale on air fare or introduction of a new low cost carrier is a reason of us to celebrate. We don’t care whether the flight takes us to an interesting location in India or lets us add another stamp to our passport – our bags are always ready to fly in the sky.

KLIA 2: Kuala Lumpur

KLIA 2: Kuala Lumpur

When Malindo Air, the Malaysian carrier, started its services in India earlier this year, tickets to Kuala Lumpur and Bali were a steal and were available at 60% of the standard price. Low ticket price and a long weekend was reason enough for us to book a flight to Kuala Lumpur to pose in front of the Petronas Towers and have some sinful ‘Roti Canai’ for breakfast. For all those who have been wanting to get a first hand review for Malindo Air of the economy class, here it is…

The Petronas Tower : KLCC

The Petronas Tower : KLCC

Punctuality

We took the Malindo Air flight from Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur. The flight departs late at night (about 11 pm) and reaches KL early morning the next day (about 6am). We were glad to travel at night…it meant that we had the entire day in KL! The flight took off in time and landed a little before time – full marks to that!

Space and Seating (Economy Class)

The plane that was carrying us seemed like a fairly new aircraft – clean interiors with plush leather seats and comfortable legroom. I could stretch my legs and wriggle my toes!

Malindo Air: Legroom in the Economy Class

Malindo Air: Legroom in the Economy Class

The flight from Mumbai to KL was only half occupied. Ankur and I plonked ourselves on separate rows, stretched our legs and caught up on some sleep. If that is your intention as well, here are some tips:

  • There are no pillows provided. Carry your own little travel pillow.
  • One blanket is provided per person. If you think you might feel cold, carry a light cover up and an extra pair of socks. The air hostess did not provide me with an extra blanket, even though the flight wasn’t completely full! Hence, I would drop one star from service quality as well.
Low occupancy on the Mumbai- KL leg

Low occupancy on the Mumbai- KL leg

Entertainment System

There is a USB port on the panel of the entertainment system – we used it to recharge our phone through the night. The flight had an entertainment system with popular movies, TV shows etc – the usual stuff. But you really can’t enjoy it without the sound system, can you? Malindo Air does not provide you with headphones; headphones are on sale! This was the first time we were in an airline where earphones/headphones were not complimentary! Lucky us – Ankur had his headphones in his pocket, which saved us some money.

Malindo Air: Inflight enterainment

Malindo Air: Inflight enterainment

Food

We were flying in dreamland even before the plane could start flying and skipped having dinner on the Mumbai – KL leg. However, we did have the meal on our flight from KL to Mumbai. Vegetarian food was available in plenty (we were happy souls), though they did run out of non-vegetarian meals. The vegetarian meal had some curry and rice and some digestive biscuits – very basic. While the meal tasted just fine, the portion size was small. Carry an energy bar or a chocolate bar would be a good idea if you are have a good appetite. The meal, water, tea and coffee were provided complimentary on the flight; all juices and soft drinks needed to be bought. We did not see any wine of alcoholic drinks on the cart.

Malindo Air: Vegetarian meal

Malindo Air: Vegetarian meal

Service

We believe that South-East Asia has set the bar for service standards really high. The crew was warm and friendly on all occasions except one –  I asked for an extra blanket as I was really cold. The in-flight crew did not give me one as they provide only one blanket per passenger. Considering that almost half the flight was empty, I am sure they could have spared an extra blanket for me!

Overall experience

Malindo Air is a low cost carrier. We would surely fly with them again – its a lot of money being saved! If the costs as much as Malaysian Airlines, I would prefer the latter. In case you do intend to fly with Malindo Air, do carry your headphones, pillow, chocolates and juice. Bon voyage!

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