Malaysia Airlines offer up to 20% discount for domestic flights, extra flights to East Malaysia

Following complaints of expensive flight tickets for the upcoming Hari Raya celebration, Malaysia Airlines has announced several initiatives to allow travellers to enjoy cheaper airfares. The national flag carrier is offering discounts up to 20% off to all domestic destinations as well as adding more flights to selected East Malaysia destinations.

According to Malaysia Airlines, they are adding 20 additional frequencies between Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Sandakan, Tawau and Kota Kinabalu during the Hari Raya peak travelling period from 28th April to 8th May 2022 to accommodate the domestic travel surge. With over 7,000 extra seats available, the airline expects fares will be dynamically adjusted downwards for customers to enjoy low fares.

The up to 20% off promo for flight tickets will be available for booking from 19th to 27th April 2022 for immediate travel up to 31st July 2022. It shared that flight tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Peninsular Malaysia destinations are offered from as low as RM139 all-in, while flights to Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri will start from RM209 all-in. Meanwhile, flights to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau and Labuan start from RM262 all-in.

Malaysia Airlines CEO, Captain Izham Ismail clarified that it was never the airlines’ intention of driving high fares to cause inconvenience to their customers, especially during the festive season. He said flight tickets are priced dynamically, subject to demand and supply, based on the date, time and availability of seats within a specific time frame.

He said the airlines’ load factor has surpassed 90% of their customers purchasing economy class tickets ranging from RM139 to RM1,047 during the peak travel period offered in earlier promotions. He encourages customers to plan their travel and purchase tickets during the promotion period offered by the airline from time to time to ensure they optimise their selection “to enjoy Malaysian Hospitality”.

Captain Izham said dynamic pricing is a technique airlines adopt globally, where airfares are set based on demand and market conditions. The high ticket prices are contributed by various factors including higher demand during peak seasons, a limited number of flights, type of service offering, operational costs, the surge in jet fuel prices, and limited resources available due to the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia Airlines offer a wide range of airfare tickets to fit customers’ preference and needs. Do note that the cheapest Economic Lite fares no longer come with free checked-luggage allowance but you still get free hand-carry cabin baggage of 7kg, complimentary snacks or meals and beverages and inflight entertainment. For maximum flexibility, customers may opt for Economy Flex Fare which also comes with unlimited date changes, refunds, priority check-in, boarding and check-in baggage allowance of 35kg.

Students can enjoy discounts of up to 30% on airfares when they book with MHexplorer, Malaysia Airlines’ student travel programme. Students on MHexplorer can get discounts all year round across all fare types, an additional 10kg of check-in luggage and one complimentary date change across all flight fares. Members are also able to get access to Enrich, a loyal programme that allows travellers to earn points.