Malaysia Airlines

[TravFF]

Greetings,

Long time lurker, first time poster...

Late last year I purchased two tickets from Melbourne-Shanghai and Beijing-Melbourne for Apr 2006. Somewhat regrettably, I did not think to join the Malaysia Airlines FF program before buying the tickets, presuming I'd be able to join up later and reclaim the points. Evidently not - new members cannot do that whereas existing members can. Bugger. :x

Anyway, not sure what I would have done with the points if I'd managed to get them since I fly, oh, three times per year at best therefore I'm just not in the same league as the high-end travellers here. My question is - should I still bother joining the FF program still? Does anyone know of any benefits this might bring at Melbourne, Shanghai, Beijing or Kuala Lumpur airports? The KL airport is probably the one we'd benefit most at since we will be there for ~3-5 hours in each direction and perhaps access to a lounge or something is possible?

My reading of the KLIA website (http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?ch=...2641&tpt_id=13) indicates this is not something we'd have access to at 'pleb' level anyway if 'Gold' in the lounge names means what we think it means (ie. "not for you, new boy").

Anyone here a member of the Malaysia Airlines FF program and lowly enough (so far as the program status is concerned! :wink: ) to be able to offer advice?

Thanks in advance!

[oz_mark]

Don't think you'll get into the lounge at pleb level, but since membership is free, no harm in signing up really. But at the base level, don't expect much


Enrich Gold is for First and Business class passengers, or more to the point it is the earning in these classes that apply to getting the gold status.

[MetroAir]

I do have Enrich Gold and as a Enrich base you won't get to use the lounge.

However, as you haven't flown yet you can still join the program and have the miles credited when you fly.

Unfortunately Malasia isn't one of the big 2 global programs.

[Kiwi Flyer]

Welcome to AFF TravFF

I do have Enrich Gold and as a Enrich base you won't get to use the lounge.

However, as you haven't flown yet you can still join the program and have the miles credited when you fly.

Unfortunately Malasia isn't one of the big 2 global programs.

Agree you should still be able to join and get miles credited. Sign up online and simply present your Enrich membership number at check in.

Most likely the prohibition on retrospective crediting of flights refers to flights that you have already taken (not flights that have been booked but not flown yet). Lots of FFPs have this first rule, and I dont know of any that have it the other interpretation.

The other option is to join a partner FFP. I think some or all of the SkyTeam airlines partner with Malaysia so you could get miles through them. Of course not too many SkyTeam flights in this part of the world.

MetroAir - arent there 3 main alliances? Star Alliance, One World, Sky Team.

[auriga]

it is also possible to earn points flying malaysian airlines with the virgin-atlantic FF program. I think eligible economy flights earn 70% of mileage. Points dont expire as long as you keep it active.
No lounge access though.

[MetroAir]

MetroAir - arent there 3 main alliances? Star Alliance, One World, Sky Team.

Of course you are right, I had completely overlooked SkyTeam

[TravFF]

ozmark and MetroAir,

Thanks for the responses regarding the lounge access. It's disappointing news that I'll have to wander around in the general portion of the airport. However, since it's not entirely unexpected, I'm dealing with it okay (the valium drip is working wonders...).

KiwiFlyer,

I had not taken that interpretation of the rules when joining the MA Enrich program but now that I have another look at the text on their site, I believe you have a much better interpretation indeed. I had certainly taken it as "if you've paid for it, you've bought the service" but with a second reading it does come across more as "until you've taken the flight, you have not had the service". This cheers me considerably. Until, as I said in my original post, I realise that the number of points I'll earn on this trip won't get me any form of reward anyway. Ah well. :roll:

auriga,

Given my flight habits, I don't see myself becoming a member of the Virgin Atlantic FFP in the near future but that is handy information to know. Thanks!

[NM]

Thanks for the responses regarding the lounge access. It's disappointing news that I'll have to wander around in the general portion of the airport. However, since it's not entirely unexpected, I'm dealing with it okay (the valium drip is working wonders...).

There are quite a few shopping outlets are KUL, but not many that would be considered good value compared with general Malaysian standards. There is even a Harrods store in the satellite terminal (C terminal where you are most likely to arrive and depart). The standard food outlets like Burger King and Starbucks along with some duty-free booze etc.

Apart from that, you can always amuse yourself on the driverless shuttle train between Terminal C and the main terminal going back and forth for a few hours.

The MH Golden Lounge (First Class Lounge) is very nice, and its a shame you will not have access. The food is good and the ice cream fridge is well stocked. The CX lounge is not as nice and much less spacious. In my experience, both lounges are diligent in checking admission credentials. MH issue a lounge invitation during checkin, which is surrendered upon arrival at the lounge.

[JohnK]

... Until, as I said in my original post, I realise that the number of points I'll earn on this trip won't get me any form of reward anyway. Ah well. :roll:

Not sure how many points you earn on this trip or how much is required for award but remember that MH Enrich is also a partner of Amex credit card. The downside is that the transfer is at a poor 2:1 ratio.

[sully]

Hi TravFF. Given that oneworld doesn't operate out of KLIA I have been frustrated at the inability to get lounge access as well. Especially because the check in and immigration clearance is sometimes so fast there tha you find yourself on the other side before you can blink.

IMO the shopping is poor, well its just shops innit? You can however get access to a lounge without airline membeship if you are willing to part with RM75 (AUD27) for the Priority Pass VIP lounge. It is pleasant enough with computers and computer ports, hot snacks, beer on tap, wine and spirits.

As for membership of Enrich perhaps you could give consideration to the Northwest Worldperks scheme. It is affiliated with MAS, KLM, Korean, JAL and Garuda and flights on any of these have been easy for me to arrange in the past.