I usually fly with “The World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines” since the prices are lower, but out of curiosity, I purchased a return ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur and flew with Malindo Air.
Yes, this is my first flight with Malindo Air, and I’ve heard great things about them from my colleagues in tourism and hospitality. So, here are my reviews, as well as some things you should know before travelling with Malindo Air.
Booking, Payment, and Check-in
Among three questions that most of us will ask before deciding whether or not to book with airlines. – Booking, Payment and check-in.
Booking on Malindo Air’s website was quite simple. Payment was simple, with a somewhat wider range of banks available, and check-in at the counter was simple.
Malindo Air, which is owned by Indonesia, is a Malaysian full-service airline. The word MALINDO is derived from two words, MALAYSIA and INDONESIA, and represents a joint partnership between the two countries. Quite unique right?
What is so special about Malindo Air? and the 5 things you need to know about Malindo Air
1. Spacious Leg Room
Reclining leather seats (yes, you heard that right, leather chairs) with seat pitches of 45″ for Business class and 32″ for Economy class, so you won’t feel cramped.
2. In-flight Entertainment for All
Unlike other low-cost airlines, Malindo Air provides free in-flight entertainment (latest movies, TV shows, and even games) via a touch screen panel. However, it is recommended that you carry your own headphones or earbuds in case they do not give any during the entire flight, and keep in mind that they will not loan you high-quality headphones or earphones, so the sound may be somewhat off.
3. FREE Checked Baggage Allowance
In addition to a FREE 7kg hand carry, any ticket purchased via Malindo Air’s official website entitles you to FREE checked luggage (Economy class – 25kg). So you saved money by not buying prepaid luggage.
4. Meal On-Board
You will not only receive FREE in-flight entertainment, FREE checked baggage allowance, and ample legroom with your Malindo Air ticket, but you will also receive FREE food on board (depending on flight duration). In our case, the flight from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur took approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and we were offered a hot snack (pizza and muffin) along with beverages (Drinking water and Fruit Juice or Soft Drinks).
5. Friend and Professional Crews
Malindo Air crews are polite and professional from the time they arrive at the airport before the flight until they board the plane and throughout the voyage. They are extremely accommodating and attentive. At least not during our flight.
Tips: If you are travelling from KLIA, you may drop your luggage and check-in at KL Sentral, where they will take care of everything. This is one of the best value-added services. You’ll have plenty of time before driving to KLIA to conduct some last-minute shopping at Nu Sentral or KL Sentral.
My Verdict
I’m a huge supporter of the roomy legroom as it will be much easy for you to go out from your seat (if you are sitting next to the window) (if you are sitting next to the window). On meals or snacks, I’m not a fan of pizza and I would advise that hot meals are also offered for short-haul flights – less than 2 and a half hours of travel. For enjoyment, most of the movies are fresh and the only disadvantage I could think of is the touch-responsive of the screen. In terms of cabin service, I can say that the cabin crews were professional, polite, and helpful.
If you ask me if I would fly with Malindo Air again, I would say yes. So, I’ll say a big yes!
