The obvious benefit of flying Business Class in my opinion are the seat pitch. Although you’ll be getting a wider seat, that’s not considered a luxury for me but the extra leg room (pitch) and reclining seat or a ‘flat-bed’ is. Our flight from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket and return was on Malaysia Airlines B737-800 with a 2-2 seating configuration in 4 rows totaling 16 seats. On a short flight of less than 90 minutes, you’ll get reclining seats instead of a ‘flat bed’ typically found on long haul flights in A330 or A380. A pull-out foot rest is available for added comfort. On this short flight, I haven’t had time to even put the seat in recline because shortly after departure it was lunch and then it’s preparation time to land!

(MAS A330-300 Business Class review here.)

Business Class check-in at Phuket airport. Only a cabin bag & a backpack for a 40kg baggage allowance entitlement.

Boarding in KLIA was via jet bridge whilst in Phuket we have to board a bus for our plane at one far end of the airfield. On our return flight, since there were only a handful of business class passengers and frequent flyers, Phuket airport authority decide to accommodate economy passengers in the bus as well. This made boarding bothersome as we have to jolts with the others boarding the plane through a common aisle. I wouldn’t have mind boarding last to avoid all these. On A330 or A380, past the entrance door, business and economy class passengers go their separate ways to their designated cabins.

Pink guava ‘welcome’ drink. Refreshing.

Empty seats at the back. 2-2 seating configuration.

Even on a short flight, you will be accorded a small pillow and a blanket. It wasn’t used as the cabin temperature was just right. The day’s newspaper was already slotted into the front seat pocket. Hot hand towels and your choice of chilled fruit juice was served before departure. Unlike long haul business class flight where you are addressed by name, this time it’s just Sir/Madam.

Cross legged and still plenty of room to the front seat.

Feet down, a toddler  could easily walk across.

In-flight magazine, shopping catalogue & safety card in the front seat pocket.

For such a short flight, there wasn’t time to watch or listen to any in-flight entertainment. .

Meals were served shortly after take-off and you’ll get three selection to choose from, whether for breakfast or lunch. Meals are served on plates, drinks in glasses and cups, you’ll use stainless steel cutlery and you’ll be handed linen napkin. Refill of cold or hot beverage is free flowing unless you ask to stop! Food tasted good and suited for the local (Malaysian) taste bud.

Dim sum breakfast for wife.

Omelette and sausage for my breakfast with choice of breads

Briyani chicken lunch for both of us on our return flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Peanuts …. once sought after, now tasted ordinary.

Taxing for departure in a heavy downfall.

A little cloudy on the Malaysian side.

Coming in for our landing, we passed Kuala Lumpur airport. The turn into the airport however, was some 100km away. I’m pretty sure it was somewhere around or close to the seaside town of Port Dickson. The airport so near, yet so far.

KLIA runway & the Sepang F1 circuit in view prior to landing.