Malaysia Airlines has six three A380s that are utilized to operate two daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and London, though apparently that is logistically impossible for the troubled carrier. To wit, the carrier has brought a 747-400 out of retirement with a dated business and first class product and will operate the aircraft on the following flights on Mondays and Wednesdays between May 15 and June 27:
MH4 Kuala Lumpur to London dep 9:50AM arr 4:35PM
MH1 London to Kuala Lumpur dep 9:45PM arr 5:50PM+1
As it turns, out, I am booked on MH4 on a Monday in June…which means my reservation now shows the following:
On the one hand, I should be pleased. A chance to fly my favorite airplane in the sky on a aircraft that will soon be mothballed once again. It will be a unique opportunity, even if the review won’t be of particular value to those looking to fly MH in the future.
But I’m not happy. One of my aspirational travel goals is to fly the A380 in first class on every carrier in which it is offered. I booked this award prior to the AA devaluation as part of a more complex itinerary and really cannot modify it — I have made plans around these travel dates and prices are now much higher for the same award. Realistically, if I do not fly the Malaysia Airlines A380 now, there will be no viable future chance, especially as the carrier finds itself in renewed turmoil with the untimely departure of CEO Christoph Müller.
Plus, the first class hard product is far superior on the A380 then on the 747. Better seat and far superior AVOD on the A380…
There are a couple things I could do. One, postpone the reservation to a future time, though then I face the problem of getting to Europe in June. Two, ask to be moved to the evening A380 from KUL-LHR the night before. That would be a nice way to sleep, but it would be dark the entire flight meaning my picture quality would be greatly reduced.
So I really don’t see a good solution…any thoughts?
I would switch to the evening flight.
I second Dozer and say switch to the evening flight. Picture quality is easily corrected with software these days.
You say that you have a chance to fly your favorite airplane? Congratulations. I’d be thrilled as well. If the idea upsets you, then swap out to the other flight. Sadly, the 747 is living on borrowed time at this point, making the experience all the more valuable. Just my opinion.
easy, change to the evening flight…
much better hard product and who knows, how long MH will operate the A380…
if you like the B747 – Lufthansa has a lot of new B747-8 and the business class cabin upstairs is beautiful!
Looks like MH has now canceled the 747-400 days in June, per Airline Route blog. Good luck rebooking some alternative!
John K, that is wonderful news!
John K was correct — here is the announcement
http://airlineroute.net/2016/04/28/mh-747update3/