Hey there, fellow travelers! I recently took a trip from Malaysia to Taiwan and decided to fly with Malaysia Airlines (MAS)—or as the locals call it, MAS. As Malaysia’s national carrier, they pride themselves on top-notch service with their signature Malaysian Hospitality.
Before booking, I had high expectations. MAS has been around since 1947, originally founded as Malayan Airways Limited, so they’ve been in the aviation game for quite some time. That got me thinking—why not write a detailed review, just like I did for Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines? After all, it’s time to see who really deserves the title of Southeast Asia’s airline king!
Plus, MAS is part of the Oneworld alliance, which means they have a pretty extensive network and strong global connections. But did their service live up to the hype?
Spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed!
Booking Process & Ticket Pricing
Booking my flight with Malaysia Airlines was a breeze. I hopped onto their official website, which is super user-friendly. All I had to do was enter my travel dates and destination, and voilà! A list of available flights popped up. The whole process was straightforward, and I could even select my preferred seat during booking.
When it came to ticket pricing, I did a bit of comparison. Malaysia Airlines’ fares were competitive, especially considering the services they offer. While budget airlines like AirAsia might have lower base prices, MAS includes amenities like meals and checked baggage in their fares, which can add up with other airlines.
I also noticed that MAS runs promotions from time to time. By keeping an eye on their website or subscribing to their newsletter, you might snag a good deal. Overall, I found the booking process smooth and the ticket pricing fair for the value provided.
Check-in & Boarding Experience
Malaysia Airlines made the whole check-in and boarding process surprisingly smooth. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it went:
Online Check-in: Quick & Easy
I checked in online through the MAS website, and it was a total time-saver. Picked my seat, got my digital boarding pass, and boom—done in just a few clicks. No stress, no long lines.
At the Airport: Hassle-Free Baggage Drop
KLIA can be overwhelming, but MAS has everything well organized. Since I already checked in online, I headed straight to the self-service kiosks to print my baggage tag. Super easy to use! After tagging my bags, I dropped them off at the counter, where the staff were friendly and efficient. No unnecessary delays—just smooth sailing.
Security & Immigration: No Drama Here
Security and immigration were straightforward. The queues moved at a good pace, and the officers were professional but not overly strict. In less than 20 minutes, I was airside and free to roam the duty-free shops (hello, last-minute snacks!).
Boarding: Organized & On Time
MAS gets a big thumbs-up for its boarding process. They called passengers by seat zones, which meant no unnecessary crowding. The ground staff were polite, and within minutes, I was walking down the jet bridge and into the aircraft.
Cabin Comfort & Seating
I flew on Malaysia Airlines’ Airbus A330-300, which had a 2-4-2 seat layout—great for couples and solo travelers who prefer a window spot.
Seat comfort? Not bad! 32-inch legroom felt decent, and the adjustable headrest, pillow, and blanket added to the coziness. The cabin was clean, and the mood lighting helped set a relaxing vibe.
Each seat had a personal entertainment screen with movies and music, plus USB charging ports to keep devices juiced up. Comfortable enough for the journey, and the extras made it even better!
MAS Airlines : In-Flight Entertainment & Wi-Fi
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has stepped up its game in keeping passengers entertained and connected during flights. Here’s a snapshot of what I experienced:
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
MAS offers a variety of in-flight entertainment options to cater to different preferences. Depending on the aircraft, passengers can enjoy:
- Audio Video on Demand (AVOD): Available on Airbus A350-900, A330-300, A330-200, Boeing 737-8, and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, this system provides a selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
- Overhead Screens: On Boeing 737-800 aircraft, entertainment is provided through overhead screens.
It’s worth noting that in 2023, MAS began introducing a new system called MHstudio, powered by Viasat, offering over 500 on-demand entertainment options streamed directly to passengers’ personal devices. This system is currently being installed on the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleets.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Staying connected in the sky is becoming a norm, and MAS doesn’t disappoint. As of November 1, 2023, the airline provides complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi to all passengers, regardless of cabin class or loyalty tier, on selected widebody aircraft. This service is available on:
- 6 Airbus A350-900
- 9 Airbus A330-300
- 5 Airbus A330-200
The rollout is set to expand to selected narrowbody aircraft in phases.
How to Connect:
- Once you’re on board and the aircraft reaches cruising altitude, enable airplane mode on your device and turn on Wi-Fi.
- Connect to the ‘MHconnect’ network.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to access the internet.
The cabin crew will announce Wi-Fi availability, and you’ll also see an MHconnect sticker in front of your seat if the service is offered on your flight.
Overall: MAS has made significant strides in enhancing the in-flight experience with diverse entertainment options and free Wi-Fi, making journeys more enjoyable and connected.
Food & Beverage Service on Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines offers a variety of meal options to cater to different dietary needs:
- Standard Meals – Includes a choice of chicken, fish, or vegetarian options.
- Vegetarian Meals – Includes vegetarian lacto-ovo, vegetarian Jain, and vegetarian oriental.
- Religious Meals – Includes Hindu, Kosher, and Muslim meals (all meals on MAS are halal-certified).
- Medical & Special Diet Meals – Includes diabetic, gluten-free, low-fat, low-salt, and low-lactose options.
- Baby & Child Meals – Special meals designed for infants and young children.
- Allergen-Free Meals – Available upon request for passengers with specific food allergies.
What I Experienced
MAS definitely puts effort into catering to a wide range of dietary needs. I went with the standard chicken satay meal,(Malaysian barbecue skewer) and it was surprisingly tasty with a decent portion. They also served complimentary drinks like soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juices. The flight attendants were quick, friendly, and happy to provide extra refills. Overall, it’s nice to see MAS maintaining its reputation for serving quality meals, even in economy class!
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Cabin Crew Service & Professionalism
One thing Malaysia Airlines is known for is its Malaysian Hospitality, and I definitely felt that throughout the flight. The cabin crew was warm, attentive, and professional, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.
What Stood Out?
Friendliness – From boarding to landing, the crew greeted passengers with a smile and were genuinely welcoming.
Attentiveness – They checked on passengers regularly and were quick to respond to requests.
Language Skills – The crew spoke English, Malay, and Mandarin, making communication easy for international travelers.
Professionalism – Service was efficient, and they handled passenger requests politely and with patience.
Extra Effort – I noticed they went the extra mile for families with kids, helping with meal setups and keeping little ones entertained.
Malaysia Airlines’ cabin crew really makes a difference in the overall flying experience. They weren’t just there to serve meals and drinks—they genuinely cared about passenger comfort. If you value good service and a welcoming atmosphere, MAS is definitely a solid choice!
Baggage Handling & Arrival Experience
After a smooth flight, it was time for the final part of my journey—landing in Taiwan and picking up my baggage. Here’s how it went:
Baggage Handling
Check-in Baggage Allowance – Economy passengers on Malaysia Airlines usually get 30kg of free checked baggage, which is generous compared to some airlines. Business class gets even more.
Baggage Claim Time – After landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, I was pleasantly surprised that my luggage arrived within 10 minutes at the carousel. No long wait—always a win!
Luggage Condition – No damages, no missing bags. Everything arrived just as I packed it.
Arrival & Immigration
Smooth Immigration Process – Since my documents were in order, I cleared immigration within 15 minutes. The lines were well-managed, and the officers were efficient.
Airport Facilities – Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is clean and well-organized, making it easy to find baggage claim and exit points.
Would I Fly with MAS Again?
Absolutely! Malaysia Airlines delivered a solid flying experience from Malaysia to Taiwan. From the smooth check-in process to the friendly cabin crew and comfortable seating, everything felt well-organized and stress-free.
What I Loved
Effortless booking & check-in – Online check-in was a breeze, and the airport process was quick.
Great cabin crew – Friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful.
Complimentary meals & drinks – Tasty and generous portions, even in economy.
Comfortable flight – Decent legroom, clean cabin, and in-flight entertainment.
Reliable baggage handling – No lost or damaged bags, and luggage arrived quickly.
What Could Be Better?
More seat cushioning – For long-haul flights, extra padding would be nice.
Wi-Fi on all flights – Free Wi-Fi is available on selected aircraft, but having it on all routes would be a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
Malaysia Airlines isn’t just another airline—it’s a full-service carrier that delivers quality without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and friendly flying experience, MAS is definitely worth considering.
Would I fly with Malaysia Airlines again? 100% yes.
The post Malaysia Airlines 2025 : A Genuine Review of My Trip to Taiwan appeared first on BSN.
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