A friend's Mum has upcoming business class flights from London to Australia - so I thought I'd put together some suggestions for how she can make the most out of her trip. It's a mixture of generic recommendations and specific advice for her LHR - KUL - MEL routing.
Seating
Whilst Malaysian allow seat selection at the time of booking, it's always worth keeping an eye on the booking to see if you've been moved without notification. Aerolopa is great for looking at seat maps to identify where the windows, toilets and galley are. The best option is usually not beside a noisy toilet.
If there aren't any seats available that you want, then
Expert Flyer will probably tell you if all the good seats are actually taken, or simply
blocked. If the latter it's worth a call to the airline to try and nab one, or to find out when they will be released.
Check In
It's worth setting a reminder to check in as soon as it opens - in this case 48 hours before departure. This ensures you get the best choice of seats, especially for the 2nd flight where the passengers flying directly won't yet be able to check in.
Many airlines now offer additional meal options if ordered in advance - in the case of MH this must be done at least 24 hours before departure. Although there will still be a reasonable choice on board, so don't feel obliged to make a selection in advance if nothing stands out.
At the Airport
Almost all long haul airlines have separate bag drop queues for business class passengers - which should mean a quicker experience. Ask the bag drop staff if you need a voucher for priority security. Also ask which lounge they use and for directions. Sometimes the entrance to priority security can be separate to the normal entrance - it's worth taking the time to find the correct entrance as it can save a lot of time queuing.
For many business class passengers the lounge can be a big part of the experience - you're probably spending quite a few hours in both your departure lounge and transfer lounge. Whilst regular passengers don't hold back in terms of using the facilities, occasional flyers can feel awkward taking items from the lounge. It's absolutely normal to pocket some food and drink from the lounge to tide you over - you may end up with a delayed departure / onboard meal service. And if the lounge has magazines and newspapers that you'd like to read - don't hold back - they are there to be taken.
Many lounges also have a handful of private shower rooms. Apart from helping you feel refreshed, these can be really beautifully designed spaces and come with excellent toiletries. You often need to put your name down on a wait list as soon as you enter the lounge. So even if you're not sure if you want one, put your name down and once you're called you can decide whether to use it.
Your boarding pass will tell you what time your gate closes, so you can time leaving the lounge to minimise your time on the aircraft.
On the Aircraft
As you board the cabin crew will help you stow your hand luggage if the overhead locker is a bit high - don't feel awkward asking for help. Most airlines will serve pre departure drinks, so don't hesitate to ask for one if you happen to been missed out. Spend some time looking at the different parts of the seat - there are often slightly hidden storage spaces which can be very useful. And it would be a shame to only find them as you're leaving!
If the power sockets aren't working immediately, they will be switched on once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude - different airlines have different policies. Airlines are gradually converting from USB-A to USB-C so it's worth having both charging cables. You may also have free wifi - cabin crew will either give you a voucher code or explain how it works and help you if needed.
There will usually be an amenity kit on your seat waiting for you, but some airlines only distribute them on request. It's worth asking for one - as they will usually contain items that you (or your family) will enjoy. And they're a bit of a novelty. Make sure you have enough space in your hand luggage for the amenity kit from both your first and second flights - which may be slightly different. Amenity kit eye masks aren't always high quality - so it's probably worth bringing your own if you need it to sleep.
Between meal services, don't hesitate to ask for drinks / snacks - the cabin crew expect business class passengers to do this. They may have a mini
kitchen set up in the galley for you to choose your own if you want to stretch your legs. This also means that you don't
have to accept a meal when the cabin crew offer one - there will always be more food opportunities either on the aircraft or in the lounge - especially if you'd prefer to sleep.
If you want to use your seat in lie flat mode, the cabin crew will usually set it up for you (turn down service). Modern business class seats are complicated pieces of machinery - don't expect to be able to master the controls without assistance. Many airlines provide mattress toppers - which really help to even out the gaps in the seat, and will really help you rest or sleep. If a mattress topper hasn't already been provided, don't forget to ask if they have them.
Many airlines offer pajamas to business class passengers - and whilst you may not want them yourself, the novelty of airline branded PJs may amuse your family.
Cabin crew will usually provide a blank landing card if you need to complete one - and lend you a pen! It looks like this is not required at Kuala Lumpur for transit passengers - but cabin crew will confirm this.
In Transit
Business class passengers sometimes get priority transit, so it's worth asking airline staff if there are any services. If a private car is on offer, you might as well use it.
If you want to bring duty free alcohol to your destination, it's always worth waiting until your transit airport. Whilst your departure airport will provide a Secure Tamper Evident Bag - it's just not worth the risk that the transfer airport will object.
After any shopping / airport exploring you can then relax in the lounge - see above, especially the point about putting your name down for a shower! Also ask if your lounge has a nap area / sleep pods / cabanas - if you have enough time between flights for a snooze.
Some lounges also have lockers for you to store your larger hand luggage item - especially useful if you have two items, which almost all business class tickets allow. Having two items also means that you won't need to retrieve your main hand luggage during the flight.
Security at different airports can be very different to what we're used to. For example in Kuala Lumpur Airport they operate security machines at each individual gate. Lounge staff will suggest when you should leave - sometimes it's better to wait until boarding starts. Lounge staff will also tell you if there is an express lane for business class passengers.
On Arrival
Many airports give business class passengers access to priority queue for immigration / customs. With Melbourne airport it is an Express Path to get through customs, after you've been through normal immigration and collected your luggage.
Some airports have arrivals lounge where you can have some food and a shower before leaving the airport. This is often only available at major hub airports - but is well worth using if it's available.
Conclusion
1. Many of the smaller benefits of business class travel are only available if you know to look for them - priority security for example.
2. Many of the benefits of business class travel are only available if you ask - you've paid for them, so don't hesitate to ask!
