Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class

Review: Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class London to Kuala Lumpur

This is a photo report of my recent Malaysia Airlines A350-900 First Class flight from London to Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia Airlines is the only airline in the world that is currently operating First Class on The Airbus A350!

Video Review

 

Check-in

Malaysia Airlines use Terminal 4 at London Heathrow. Check-in was orderly and super smooth. Invalid request error occurred. Invalid request error occurred.

Golden Lounge

Malaysia Airlines operate their own lounge in London Heathrow T4, despite with just 2 flights per day.  Inside The Golden Lounge there is a separate section for First Class Passengers.

I was escorted into, a quite large and very private, First Class section by the lounge receptionist.  I also paid a visit to The Business Class section; which although considerably busier, has a majestic sweeping view of the apron.

Both sides of the lounge offer hot and cold buffet food with both Malaysian and Western food options available.  There is a bar in the middle between the two lounges where you can order drinks from an extensive menu.  First Class Passengers also enjoy a la carte dining, with a strong emphasis on Malaysian dishes.

There are also separate shower facilities in both sections, among separate prayer rooms.

Overall I found the lounge very pleasant and private.  I was very lucky to have a clear sky in London, to further enjoy the apron view from the lounge.

Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
a man and woman standing next to a sign
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge
 
a table with plates of food a buffet line with food on it a group of people sitting at tables in a restaurant
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge Shower Room
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge Shower Room
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge Prayer Room
Malaysia Airlines London Golden Lounge Prayer Room
a menu on a table a hand holding a menu a bowl of soup with an egg and vegetables a table with plates of food and a drink
Curry Puff
Curry Puff
a man sitting on a couch eating food

Boarding

Boarding was on-time and in good order. We had about 250 passengers in total traveling on MH003 to Kuala Lumpur.  Flight time to Kuala Lumpur was 12 hours 20 minutes. Aircraft Reg: 9M-MAD.

Seat Map

an airplane with seats on the roof

airplanes at an airport

I've received a warm Malaysian Welcome by purser, Erwan and F/A, Nar Wee. a man and woman standing in an airplane

The First Class Cabin on Malaysia Airlines A350 has only 4 seats, it is very private in this mini cabin.  There were just 2 passengers, including myself, so the centre seats were vacant.

Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Seat

a screen in a cabin

I was offered a glass of their signature drink "Wau Emas" which is pineapple juice and pandan syrup, with a hint of lime and topped with soda water; it was very refreshing. Also on offer was a welcome snack, consisting of a prawn dish and chocolates.

a bowl of food on a table a bowl of food on a tablea hand holding a piece of paper

Business Class

There are total of 35 Business Class Seats in 2 separate cabins; I took some photos during the boarding.  Seat 2A, 2K, 9A and 9K seem the best seats; these seats are bulkhead seats with extra leg room and are also solo "throne" seats.

Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Business Class cabin

Economy Class

Malaysia Airlines have both Economy Plus and Economy seating on the A350. There are 3 rows of extra leg room seat selling as Economy Plus and 220 standard economy seating in 3-3-3 configuration.

Malaysia Airlines A350 Economy Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Economy Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Economy Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Economy Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Economy Class cabin
Malaysia Airlines A350 Economy Class cabin

In-flight Service

We took off on-time from Runway 27L (see video for the cockpit footage)

Once settling down, I was offered a glass of Comtes de Champagne from Taittinger.

a bottle of champagne next to a glass of champagne

The F/A handed out the pyjamas and The Cerruti 1881 amenity kit.  A large EDT cologne came with the kit bag, along with Payot hand cream, lip balm and a souvenir key ring complete with Malaysia Airlines logo.

a blue bag with a blue ribbon tied to it a close up of a bag a group of items on a table

Today's lunch menu from London to Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia Airlines First Class Menu
Malaysia Airlines First Class Menu

Signature Satay as the starter; this is the BEST starter tradition on Malaysia Airlines.  I was very glad to see they serve it out of London. (I was expecting it from Kuala Lumpur only)

a plate of food on a plate a man sitting in a chair eating food

Next course was the caviar.  The presentation was stunning, on an edible flower with an ice cube and a pearl spoon.

a man and woman holding food in a plane a plate of food on a table a bowl of black caviar with a spoon a man sitting at a table with food and drinks a glass with a ball of ice cream on a plate

For main course, I chose a Malaysian dish; Daging Masak Kicap, which is full of flavour.

a plate of food with a fork and spoon

I skipped the dessert as I was overly full.  The meal was excellent in both presentation and taste. Malaysia Airlines also offer a “dine on demand” service, so I could feast anytime I felt like.

The F/A laid out the bed and I was ready for some rest.

The seat is very comfortable but it is a bit tight.  I noticed the table console is nearly just as wide as the seat! I have the impression, due to the curve of the seat divider, that the centre pair seats may offer slightly more width.

The privacy is excellent in this mini First Class Cabin; you can close the divider and have complete privacy when resting.

a bed in an airplane
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Suite
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Suite
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Suite
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Suite
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Suite
Malaysia Airlines A350 First Class Suite
 

The entertainment system is quite easy to use, with just a few options to choose from.

a screenshot of a computer a screen shot of a computer

On-board connectivity

There is Wi-Fi available throughout the flight starting from $1.

a screenshot of a mobile phone  

During mid-flight, I ordered a cup of Teh Tarik (Pull Tea) which tasted great.  I also had a bowl of seafood noodles.

a bag of tea on a table

a bowl of soup on a tray

The rest of the 12 hours flight time was spent resting.  Before landing into Kuala Lumpur, breakfast was offered.

Malaysia Airlines First Class Menu
Malaysia Airlines First Class Menu
Malaysia Airlines First Class Fruit Plate
Malaysia Airlines First Class Fruit Plate
Malaysia Airlines First Class Nasi Lemak
Malaysia Airlines First Class Nasi Lemak

I have to thank the excellent Malaysia Airlines Crew for their warm Malaysian Hospitality on-board.  This attitude is well represented in their service delivery which sets Malaysia Airlines apart from their competitors.  I received warm, genuine service from the heart; overall, I had a very comfortable First Class Flight with Malaysia Airlines.  It is good to know that their First Class product keeps pace amongst the fierce competition.

a group of people posing for a photo

How to fly Malaysia Airlines First Class cheap?

One way First Class Ticket from London to Kuala Lumpur starts from £2,329 or round-trip cost £3,549.

A cheaper way to fly is to redeem your one world miles.  Malaysia Airlines A350 is currently flying to Tokyo Narita, one way Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur (7 hours flight) cost 40,000 American AAdvantage miles to redeem. (This equates to a cost of about $800, if you were to buy miles during promotion)

 

Sam’s Travel Hacks

a screenshot of a website
a screenshot of a website
As a frequent flier, I recommend book flights and compare prices on Skyscanner and JustFly for the best deals on the internet. We have put together many useful travel tips and airfare promotions in my Smart Travel section to guide you travel in more luxury with lower price!  

 

Video Review