If you’re flying across Malaysia and wondering whether it’s worth booking the pointy end of the plane, this review of Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class will tell you everything you need to know. From wide recliner seats and hot meals to lounge access that’s (almost) worth arriving early for, it’s a curious blend of regional charm and national airline polish. Read on to find out what impressed, what missed the mark, and why not having a beer at 35,000 feet isn’t always the end of the world.
In this review:
Flight Details
Flight No: MH2616
From/To: KUL to BKI
Departure time: 14:20 (14:31)
Ticket Class: Business
Flight time: 2 hours 32 mins
Frequent Flyer Points: 1,018
Status Points: 128 (British Airways)
Aircraft: 9M-MXX
Aircraft type: 737-800
Number of classes: 2
Number of seats in flying class: 12
Seat: 3A
Position: Left hand side of the aircraft, 3 rows from the front
Airport Experience
Check-in for this Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class flight was as smooth as it gets. No queues, no drama – just a separate counter, a smile, and a boarding pass in hand within minutes. Business class passengers on domestic routes get access to the Golden Lounge at KLIA Terminal 1, tucked near Gate A2. It’s no palace, but it does the job: hot local dishes, salad bar, proper barista coffee, and surprisingly clean showers. Just ask for a shower kit at reception – towel included. Don’t expect a G&T though – alcohol isn’t served in domestic lounges, in keeping with local customs.
By mid-afternoon, the lounge was fairly busy with a mix of suits and weekend escapees, but there was still room to sink into a seat and graze on dragon fruit boarding.
Boarding & Welcome
I mistook the gate call for actual boarding and casually strolled down to the jet bridge before anyone else had stood up. Sometimes being overeager pays off – I was the first to board. The aircraft, a ten-year-old Boeing 737-800, was waiting at the stand, and we boarded via the jet bridge with zero fuss. At the door, the crew greeted us with that signature Malaysia Airlines politeness and checked our boarding passes with a smile that said “we know you’re here first to take photos”.
Seat
Unlike the “business class” you’ll find on European flights – which usually involves narrow, no-frills economy seats with a blocked middle seat and, if you’re lucky, a central table – Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class seats are the real deal. Wide, well-cushioned, and set in a 2-2 configuration across three rows. My seat, 3A, was comfy enough to sink into immediately, with generous recline for a post-lunch nap. For a regional jet, the seating was above average, both in padding and privacy.
As we were at the back of the business cabin, the cabin divider was directly behind our seats. It didn’t impact on the seat recline, although it didn’t extend lower than the headrest, leaving an unusual gap behind the central armrest that curious children behind could peek through. It was quite amusing until a bag of peanuts came through one-by-one.
Slots to store water bottles between the front 2 seats was a novel addition, however only bottles with a small diameter seemed to fit. Overhead storage was ample for the size of the cabin.
The seat pitch was a generous 42″, offering plenty of room to stretch out.
A pillow and blanket was provided at the seat. USB and mains charging was available in floor-level sockets between the seats.
What is the best seat on Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class?
If you’re not a fan of bulkheads and want full leg stretch potential, aim for row 2. Row 1 has slightly more limited legroom due to the divider and tray table setup. Avoid the aisle if you’re a deep sleeper – the curtain between business and economy doesn’t block much galley action. We try to avoid the rear row of business class, just because it’s a lottery what will be going on behind you in economy. Sadly, only these seats were available when we booked.
See the seating plan on SeatGuru – it shows 4 rows of business, but our configuration was just 3 rows.
Onboard Experience
Only 12 seats in the business cabin made for a peaceful flight. The single forward lavatory was clean but forgettable – fine for a two-and-a-half-hour hop, although we did spot an upgraded hand wash and moisturising lotion. No amenity kits were handed out, which is fairly standard for domestic routes. Still, the crew were attentive and the atmosphere was calm. It helps when you’re not crammed in with 180 other souls. We very much enjoyed the space and the time to sit back, relax, and gaze at the South China Sea below.
Food & Drink
Drinks arrived around 20 minutes after take-off – just soft drinks though, as Malaysia Airlines doesn’t serve alcohol on short-haul flights. A shame, but not a dealbreaker. Meal service wrapped up about 90 minutes in, with a choice of beef or chicken. I went for the chicken salad, which was fresh, lightly spiced and came with a slab of pandan cake on the side. The tray setup included actual metal cutlery and China – always nice when you’re not slicing a roast with something that looks like it came from IKEA’s children’s aisle.
In-flight Entertainment
No seatback screens here, but Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class does come with an onboard streaming system you access from your phone. Wi-Fi was free and unlocked right after take-off, with a decent library of movies and series ready to stream. Sadly, internet access wasn’t available – so no doom-scrolling or WhatsApp bragging. Bring your own entertainment if you’re picky, but what’s provided isn’t at all bad for a domestic flight.
BG1 Verdict – Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class
Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class is a solid option for domestic hops in Malaysia. The seat’s roomy, the food’s surprisingly decent, and the crew deliver a quietly efficient service. Sure, there’s no champagne or Wi-Fi browsing, but it beats battling elbows in economy, and let’s not forget that generous 40kg baggage. A polished short-haul product that’s holding up well, even if the aircraft is showing its age in places.
BG1 Tip
Get to the lounge early if you’re flying in the afternoon – it fills up quickly. Ask for the shower kit if you’re coming off a long-haul flight.
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