Is It Time To Trust Malaysia Airlines Again? MH773 Economy Flex Review

I hadn't flown Malaysia Airlines in nearly 20 years. I didn't know what to expect.

Standing at Chiang Mai Airport watching three Malaysia Airlines staff huddle over each passport like they're deciphering the Dead Sea scrolls, while the AirAsia desk next door processes passengers with assembly-line efficiency, wasn't exactly the comeback story I'd hoped for. This proved to be a long check-in.

But here's the thing: Malaysia Airlines isn't just competing with budget carriers. They're battling ghosts. The twin disasters of 2014 didn't just claim lives, they obliterated trust. Most of us unconsciously scroll past their fares now, muscle memory steering us toward the bright red of AirAsia, or Singapore Airlines if we're feeling flush!

So when I spotted Economy Flex at £71 promising priority everything (at least the economy version) and actual food, I figured why not? If Malaysia Airlines was going to win back skeptical travellers like me, this could be a test by one man. After nearly three hours in the air, here's what actually happened.

Flight Details: MH773 CNX-KUL

Detail	Information
Date	September 7, 2024
Aircraft	Boeing 737-800
Departure	14:40 (Chiang Mai)
Arrival	18:45 (Kuala Lumpur)
Seat	6F (Window, Economy Flex)
Fare	THB 3,295 (£71 / $90)
Duration	2h 45m

Ground Reality: They're Trying, Bless Them

Let the waiting begin!

The check-in took 40 minutes. Forty. Minutes. For what should have been a simple bag drop and boarding pass print. Every passenger seemed to present a unique challenge requiring lengthy consultations. Meanwhile, at the desks next door, AirAsia was churning through travellers like they'd invented efficiency.

Rebuilding a reputation like theirs isn't easy. But in Southeast Asia's cutthroat aviation market, this operational sluggishness feels dangerous. When travellers have a range of airline choices for any route, making people wait for basic services is a luxury Malaysia Airlines simply can't afford.

The bright spot? My Economy Flex priority baggage perk actually worked. While other passengers stood around Kuala Lumpur's carousel playing the usual arrival lottery, my bag appeared within minutes. Small victory, but it mattered.

Airport Hotels

Good Airport Hotels in Chiang Mai and Kuala

If you need to stay near either airport for an early or late arrival, these are solid options:

Chiang Mai (CNX)

• The Airport Greenery Hotel - Affordable 4-star with free shuttle, 5 minutes from terminal
• Meliá Chiang Mai - Modern 5-star in city centre with easy 10-minute airport run

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

• Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA - Stylish 4-star with shuttle and pool
• Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA - Upscale option directly linked to terminal

In the Air

The amount of room is totally fine for Economy

Once airborne, things improved dramatically. Seat 6F had proper legroom, crucial when you're my height (6′ or 183cm) and facing nearly three hours in a metal tube. The Boeing 737-800 showed its age in places, but individual air controls, working charging ports, and a stable tray table made it comfortable enough to actually get work done.

Then came the real differentiator: Nasi Padang chicken with rice and vegetables. This wasn't airline food as a bush tucker trial, it was genuinely tasty and well-presented. Having paid extra for sad sandwiches on budget carriers countless times, this felt like a small luxury. The cabin crew were efficient and professional throughout, if a bit reserved.

A spicy challenge of Nasi Padeng!

The Wi-Fi, however, was basically useless for anything beyond checking if Malaysia Airlines' own entertainment portal worked (it did, barely). Now that we're deep into the 2020s, this feels like a missed opportunity.

The Money Question

£71 isn't dirt cheap, but it's fair. You're getting everything that budget carriers charge extra for: checked baggage, food, seat selection, priority access. For travellers who want to avoid the constant upsell, it's a cleaner experience.

The real comparison isn't with budget carriers though, it's with Singapore Airlines. While Singapore consistently delivers more polished service, Malaysia Airlines matches them on comfort and beats them on price flexibility. Those generous change policies and full refund eligibility add genuine peace of mind.

Three Simple Questions

I judged Malaysia Airlines on three things:

• Comfort: Clear winner over budget alternatives. The extra space, included meal, and calmer cabin made the flight genuinely pleasant.
• Value: Strong showing when you factor in everything included. Yes, you pay more upfront, but you avoid the endless fleecing of budget carriers.
• Efficiency: This is where they stumble. Ground operations feel needlessly complex, like they've forgotten that speed matters as much as service in modern travel.

The Trust Question

Looking remarkably cheery at Chiang Mai airport

So should you trust Malaysia Airlines again?

Safety-wise, it's time to give them their dues. They've passed every international audit and operate modern aircraft with rigorous protocols. The shadow of 2014 reflects tragedy, not ongoing risk.

Service-wise, they're clearly trying. Economy Flex offers genuine value, the crew remains professional, and the onboard experience delivers on its promises. This isn't an airline in terminal decline, but it is one attempting to find its place in a transformed market.

My lingering concern is operational competence. Those check-in delays, dated entertainment systems, and patchy Wi-Fi suggest an airline still catching up to modern expectations. In a region where efficiency is everything, these gaps matter.

The Bottom Line

Would I fly Malaysia Airlines again? Yes, particularly for longer routes where comfort advantages become more pronounced. Would I choose them over Singapore Airlines at the same price? Probably not. But would I pick them over a budget carrier for a moderate premium? Increasingly, yes.

Trust rebuilds slowly. Malaysia Airlines isn't there yet, but they're moving in the right direction. For travellers willing to give them another chance, you'll find an airline trying harder than you expected, even if they haven't quite figured it all out yet.

Just maybe allow extra time for check-in.