A detailed 2025 review of Malaysia Airlines Business Class from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur. Compare the 737-800 vs. A330-300: flatbeds, lounges, meals, and tips.
Table of Contents
TL;DR – Malaysia Airlines Business Class Experience (2025)
Best Aircraft: A330-300 on MH191 – lie-flat seats, mood lighting, luxe vibe
737-800 MH173: Regional configuration, comfortable but no flatbed or IFE screen
Dining: Multi-course meals with Indian & global options on both flights
Lounge Access: Encalm Privé (Delhi) & Golden Lounge (KLIA) = 💯
Pro Tip: Always check the aircraft type when booking Business Class on this route!
Greg Anderson once famously said, “Focus on the journey, not the destination.” These words hold a great deal of truth. However, I have often seen people prioritising the destination over the journey. I strongly believe in enjoying every moment, whether it involves the journey or the destination. This principle is especially true when you are taking long-haul flights. I recently flew Business Class with Malaysia Airlines from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur to attend the MATTA Fair 2025, and let me tell you — flying Business Class really made the difference. When I landed in KL, I was refreshed and recharged to handle the very hectic next few days. However, that’s a story for another time. In this article, I want to share my experience of flying business class on the same route but in two different aircrafts. This was not just another flight. It was a tale of two very different Business Class experiences.
Outbound: Flight MH173 | Delhi to Kuala Lumpur | Boeing 737-800
On-ground Experience of Malaysia Airlines
My experience with Malaysian Airlines began on a good note. Air India provides ground handling services at Delhi IGI Airport for Malaysia Airlines. This is a common practice. Foreign airlines often outsource their ground services to local partners, which enhances their operational efficiency. This strategy allows them to concentrate on their core competencies while reducing costs and improving service quality.
While not extravagant, the on-ground service was impressively efficient. The check-in process was swift, with no long queues or chaos. The staff at the check-in counter were not just polite and courteous but also provided a free porter, priority check-in, and complimentary lounge access, making the entire experience reassuring and confidence-boosting.
After passing through security clearance, I indulged in an hour at Encalm Privé, a luxury business-class airport lounge designed specifically for business and first-class passengers. The lounge offered a premium experience with amenities such as gourmet food, spa facilities, a children’s activity room, and a gym. The food was exceptional, offering a wide variety of cuisines including Mongolian, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, a cheese and Salad Bar, Delhi’s street food, and more. A huge food section and a well-stocked bar with international and national labels made me feel like I was dining in a high-end, five-star hotel.
Business and first-class passengers can relax at Encalm Privé, a luxury airport lounge located at IGI Airport in Delhi.
After my stomach was full, I walked towards my boarding gate. The Malaysia Airlines boarding process was not only smooth but also stress-free. Despite a 45-minute delay, the airline’s efficiency and professionalism were evident, contributing to ease and relaxation.
Cabin & Seating in Malaysia Airlines Business Class from Delhi to KL
While booking my flight to Kuala Lumpur, I didn’t realise Malaysia Airlines operates two different aircraft for the Delhi to KL route. I discovered this as soon as I boarded the plane. I took the afternoon flight at 13:15, operated by Malaysia Airlines MH173, which uses a Boeing 737-800, a narrow-body aircraft commonly used for short to medium-haul routes. In contrast, the Malaysia Airlines MH 191 flight at 23:00 uses an AIRBUS A330-300, which is more spacious and better suited for night travel.
The Malaysia Airlines service was warm and efficient, but the business-class cabin felt more like a premium economy cabin due to the narrow-body aircraft. The seats were wide and provided good legroom, but there was no lie-flat option. The recline was limited, and the seat design felt more regional than luxurious. No in-flight entertainment was provided on a screen; however, you could connect to their onboard Wi-Fi and watch in-flight entertainment on your mobile device or tablet. I didn’t want to do that, so I chose not to connect to the Wi-Fi.
My honest Experience of flying with Malaysia Airlines
In-Flight Dining in Malaysia Airlines Business Class from Delhi to KL
I was welcomed with a cold towel and a welcome drink. After takeoff, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were served. There was a good variety of champagne, wine, whisky, and beer. The food was also good—a proper multi-course meal with three options: two non-vegetarian and one vegetarian. I chose the vegetarian meal, which included flavourful dal makhani, mixed vegetables, beetroot rice, hot garlic bread, dessert and salad—surprisingly good for in-flight dining. After a hearty meal, I napped and didn’t realise when we reached KL.
The journey was comfortable, despite the lack of flat beds on MH173 (737-800), an amenity kit, pyjamas, and Wi-Fi. The attentive staff made up for the lack of luxuries typically found in a wide-body aircraft’s business class. I realise now that it was my oversight not to check the aircraft type. It’s important to remember that the experience of a narrow-body aircraft differs from that of a wide-bodied one, and that’s perfectly okay! There is a significant cost difference between the business class on Malaysia Airlines, specifically on the Boeing B737-800, and the Malaysia Airlines flight MH 191, which operates on an Airbus A330-300. In short, Malaysia Airlines Business Class on the B737-800 is ideal for short-haul comfort, but don’t expect long-haul luxury.
The deboarding and immigration process was very quick. The MALAYSIA DIGITAL ARRIVAL CARD (MDAC) has simplified the immigration process for Indian travellers. No more visa hassles; now, Indian travellers can travel visa-free to Malaysia. The only thing you need to do is fill in your arrival details online before you arrive in Malaysia. This means you can skip the long queues at the immigration counters, making your arrival in Malaysia a breeze. The MDAC also allows for faster processing at the airport, reducing wait times and ensuring a smoother transition into the country.
I spent the next three days attending the MATTA FAIR 2025, where Malaysia Airlines was a key sponsor. I had an opportunity to learn about their fleet of aircraft, including the All-New Airbus A330neo, new routes, and amazing offers. One such offer that caught my attention was the ‘instant savings of up to 30% on flights booked up to March 2026’. This offer applies to all classes, including Business Class, and can result in significant savings for anyone planning their travel in the coming months. The best part was meeting the Manchester United legends—Luis Nani, Vidic, and Berbatov—right at the MAG Arena. I will post more about my Malaysia trip in another post.
Coming to my return flight experience with Malaysia Airlines.
Return: Flight MH191 | Kuala Lumpur to Delhi | Airbus A330-300
Now, this is where things took a turn for the luxe. If you think business-class luxury begins only after takeoff, think again.
Malaysia Airlines Business Class On-ground Experience
With Malaysia Airlines, the premium experience starts as soon as you enter the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. From dedicated check-in counters to an exclusive lounge, the airport is designed to provide a seamless and luxurious travel experience for business-class passengers.
On-ground Check-in was a breeze. Again, no queues and no stress — just a seamless check-in process at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The Business Class counters were sleek, fast, and efficient, allowing you to breeze past the crowds like VIPS.
And just when I thought it couldn’t get more luxe, it did. After immigration, I was escorted in style via a private Mercedes-Benz vehicle directly to the departure gate. I felt like a celebrity walking on a red carpet—the only thing missing was a paparazzi. This high-touch treatment left an everlasting impression.
Malaysia Airlines offers a private Mercedes-Benz terminal transfer service at its Kuala Lumpur Airport hub for business class passengers.
Before boarding, I decided to relax at the Golden Lounge at KLIA, a destination in itself that delivers an experience worthy of a five-star hotel lobby. The lounge was bright and airy, filled with natural light thanks to its full-height glass panels that overlooked the tarmac. Floor-to-ceiling glass lets you watch aircraft take off and land — a true AVGeek bonus. It is one of the best places to see the aircrafts take off. The lounge was spacious, with multiple seating zones, a children’s room, and showers.
The lounge’s buffet had a decent spread of local and global cuisines, with multiple live food counters catering to every palate: a Salad Bar, a Japanese Raman Corner, an Indian Counter serving Comfort food like Kashmiri pulao and cholla, an Italian Pasta Station, and Local Malaysian Favourites to give you that true taste of Malaysian hospitality.
Right at the entrance of the Golden Lounge at KLIA, there was a full-service Bar serving signature cocktails as well as red, white, and sparkling wines—the bar was well-stocked, and the service was attentive.
In short, the Malaysia Airlines Business Class Lounge at KLIA helped me recharge, refuel, and relax before I flew back to India.
In-flight Experience – Cabin & Seating:
The Airbus A330-300 Business Class cabin was spacious, modern, and truly premium. The seats converted into fully lie-flat beds perfect for overnight travel. Privacy partitions, USB charging, large IFE screens — everything you expect from international Business Class was here.
Due to a short-haul flight, no Amenity kit or sleeping pyjamas were provided on this route. However, they did provide noise-cancelling headphones, a duvet, a blanket, and a pillow. The dinner menu again had three options, one of which was vegetarian.
Overall, what stood out
In a nutshell, flying with Malaysia Airlines Business Class was a good experience. It stood out remarkably on almost all parameters:
✔ Friendliness – From on-ground check-in to landing, the crew attended to passengers with a smile and were genuinely welcoming.
✔ Attentiveness – They checked on passengers regularly and responded quickly to requests. Being a vegetarian, I couldn’t eat Satay, and they were genuinely sorry for that and mentioned that if they had been informed earlier, they could have got a vegetarian option for me.
✔ Language Skills – The crew spoke English, Malay, and Hindi, making communication easy for international and local travellers.
✔ Professionalism – Their service was efficient, and they handled passenger requests politely and with patience.
Despite the vast cabin size and price difference, Malaysia Airlines’ business class was good on MH173 (Boeing B737-800) and MH191 (Airbus A330-300). Malaysia Airlines Business Class on wide-body aircraft has a whole different vibe compared to their narrow-body offering. If I were to rate them, I would give 7/10 to MH173 and 8/10 to MH191.
Business Class MH173 (B737-800) vs MH191 (A330-300) Comparison
| Feature | MH173 (Boeing B737-800) | MH191 (Airbus A330-300) |
| Aircraft Type | Narrow-body | Wide-body |
| Flatbed Seats | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Seat Recline | Standard Recline | Full Lie-Flat |
| Cabin Vibe | Premium Economy Style | Luxe & Spacious |
| IFE Screen | ❌ None (BYOD) | ✅ Large Display |
| Amenity Kit | ❌ No | ❌ No (But pillow/blanket) |
| Lounge Access | ✅ Encalm Privé (DEL) | ✅ Golden Lounge (KLIA) |
| Price Range (INR) | ₹35,000 approx | ₹56,000+ approx |
| Overall Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (7/10) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (8/10) |
Final Verdict:
If you’re booking Malaysia Airlines Business Class, it’s important to check the aircraft type. Your experience on a Boeing B737-800 versus an Airbus A330-300 will differ significantly — in seat comfort, amenities, and overall vibe.
Still, the service was consistently warm, the meals delicious, and the journey smooth. Will I recommend flying business class with Malaysia Airlines? Absolutely!
Here’s a short video about my experience of flying business class with Malaysia Airlines.
A post shared by Archana Singh (@travelseewrite)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malaysia Airlines
Being a frequent flyer, I’ve flown with more than 50 airlines, ranging from business class on Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, and Air India to budget airlines such as Aerolineas Argentinas, JetSmart, LATAM, AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, RyanAir, and IndiGo, among others. Some were really good, and some were so bad that I vowed never to fly with them ever again. Nonetheless, if you are planning to fly Malaysia Airlines Business Class or Economy Class, you may come across these frequently asked questions:
What do you get in Business Class on Malaysia Airlines?
You get lounge access, priority boarding, gourmet meals, generous baggage (business-class passengers have a whopping 40kg check-in baggage allowance and can also take two 7kg cabin bags), and lie-flat seats on wide-body routes, which provide a comfortable sleeping experience during overnight or long-haul flights.
Does Malaysian Airlines have flatbeds in Business Class? क्या मलेशियाई एयरलाइंस के पास बिजनेस क्लास में फ्लैटबेड हैं?,
Yes — but only on select aircraft, such as the Airbus A330 and A350, and the Boeing 777 (used occasionally on longer routes).
Do you get pyjamas on Malaysian Business Class?
क्या आपको मलेशियाई बिजनेस क्लास पर पजामा मिलता है?,
Pyjamas are not usually offered on regional routes like Delhi-KL or nearby South East Asian countries.
How much does it cost to Fly Business Class with Malaysia Airlines?
Price varies based on route and aircraft. The 737-8 Business Class ticket was around ₹35,000 one way. The A330-300 return leg cost over ₹56,000 — a premium that reflects the improved experience.
Further Reading – Related Posts
10 reasons why you should NEVER visit Selangor, Malaysia
When an adventure almost killed me in Sabah Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu is the Best Place for Unplanned Travel in South East Asia, But Why?
Is Singapore a Senior Citizen Friendly country to travel?
Pulau Ubin: Rediscovering Sixties Singapore
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This is a very detailed and informative post about your experience on the flights . It’s good tip to know and check aircraft type prior to booking .
Thanks for sharing! Gave me a good detailed insight into the Malaysian business class experience
I have never sat in business class, but that is not on my goal agenda for trips. I’m tired of squeezing in on coach flights.
Do you have any hacks on how to get a deal on this flight? If so, share please.
I loved how you included practical tips like checking the aircraft type before booking. Small details like that make a big difference.
The food in business class looks so much better – I love the idea of having real plates. Thank you for sharing your honest experience.
The Malaysia Airlines’ business class review is detailed. Nice to know the comparison between the 737-800 and A330-300, and your comments on seat and in-flight service. Great ! 🙂
I have never been in business class before,e but It sounds like a great experience! I need to look into this if I go to Malaysia one day 🙂
Your detailed comparison of the 737-800 and A330-300 Business Class experiences was incredibly insightful! I’ll definitely be checking the aircraft type before booking my next flight—thanks for the helpful tip!
So interesting to learn about your experiences with Malaysian airlines business class, thanks for the insights.