KLIA Airport review by Richard Cox

29 August 2005

Recently used KLIA inbound and outbound. It was a pleasant environment, clean, cool and quiet but a long way from the city. The problem is that it is so confusing and poorly signposted in my opinion. Both times we got lost, went to the wrong level, the wrong way etc. Maybe we were tired but Heathrow, Sydney, Bangkok and Narita seem much easier to get around, either naturally or with good signage. Happily, we found the ground staff to be extremely friendly and helpful. On asking one immigration helper if people get lost a lot he tellingly sighed and replied "every day, all the time". The other thing is it is not even close to 24 hour - if you're there early or late bring your own sandwiches as even the J class lounges shut.

KLIA Airport review by Tony Centeno

12 August 2005

I often use KLIA (8-10 times per year). It has improved significantly since it first opened but the baggage re-claim can still take a long time. The use of a central queing system has improved the immigration procedure significantly at busy times and the KLIA express now means that you can get into central KL reasonably quickly. Unlike other contributors I have found the staff at KLIA to be helpful and friendly, even immigration and customs officers (who actually are excellent compared to most other countries) !! Why is it though that when the airport is so under utilised can't all international flights depart from the main terminal instead of the distant (and quite frankly rather stupid) satellite terminal? I have been on MAS international flights that have arrived and departed from the main terminal so they can keep domestic and international passengers seperate there !!

KLIA Airport review by Maya Castelano

13 July 2005

KLIA, while not the best, is up there. Even when it is crowded, which is normally the mornings, it is quiet. The workers could be friendlier, but in general, are pleasant enough. Immigration and customs is quick, but there's not much to do in the airport other than eat or wait for your flight. The KL Express is superb if you're travelling alone or don't want to waste your time in a cab. The signs could definitely use improvement, but once you know your way around, it's very easy. Compared to the embarrassment that was Subang International Airport, KLIA is much more efficient. Don't bother going shopping here.

KLIA Airport review by Bridget Kaufman

13 July 2005

I have been to KLIA many times and have found it to be a lovely airport from the first. It's clean, spacious, and easy to navigate, not to mention beautifully designed. My only complaint would be the distance from the airport to the city, although with the KLIA Expres efficiently bringing passengers to KL Sentral in 28 minutes, one can't complain too much.

KLIA Airport review by George Caldwell

10 July 2005

KLIA airport of course is a delight compared with what went before (at Subang). The long distances to be walked are hard on the feet and the surly, abrupt, sour, disinterested reception received at Customs, Immigration desks is particularly unwelcoming. Their ladies seem worse than their menfolk and continue their gossipy conversations as they suck their sweets.

KLIA Airport review by Raymond Rao

28 April 2005

Kuala Lumpur Intl Airport is a very spacious, modern, and efficient airport. If a traveller is well versed in English I see no problem for the person to navigate through it either to catch a flight or exit the airport to Kuala Lumpur city. One must be observant of the signs which can direct the person in/out of the airport. Must agree though that prices of goods are high. Best to purchase at Kuala Lumpur city centre. Transportation to/from KLIA is cheap and fast either through KLIA Express train (www.kliaekspres.com) or KLIA taxi/limo (www.klia.com.my). At the website can obtain charges for the services, beware of unlicensed taxi operaters who can take you for a "RIDE".

KLIA Airport review by David Tai

23 April 2005

KLIA is nice and very spacious. The jungle in the middle of the satellite area is impressive as well. However the space does seem to daunt many first-time travellers: the trick is that going out, the signage is always "Yellow", heading to gates, it is always "Green". I find the prices at the shops quite exorbitant as well. The prices can be explained by the fact that all the goods sold there are "brand-name", unlike Singapore which has stuff for the "common man" as well. This is something the authorities must look into. Also there is a lack of wi-fi facilities or any sort of internet or entertainment facilities, unlike in Singapore. With the amount of money the government is pouring in though, I suspect this would be quickly rectified. All in all a very clean, modern, and impressive airport, but still has some catching up to do.

KLIA Airport review by Jonathan Perratt

5 April 2005

The airport is spacious and light. I have never had problems with queues at immigration or security. If anything, it seems to be under- utilised. I have to agree that signage could be mightily improved. There are too few and many have writing that is far to small and unclear unless you are less than 10 feet away which makes finding the appropriate check-in counter, security, lounges, gates etc rather hit- and-miss. Also, with all international flights using the satellite terminal which is connected to the main one by a train which seems to run rather less frequently than that at HK (and there is no walkway/golf cart option either), it can take a fair time between check-in and reaching the gate so I would advise against cutting it too fine. The Pan Pacific airport hotel is nice.

KLIA Airport review by Richard Peters

29 December 2004

KLIA is a good airport to use compared to many (especially in Europe). With regards the Express to KL central, yes it is quick, but as I am normally travelling with my wife and 2 suitcases plus hand luggage, it is a lot easier and cheaper to use a cab direct to our KL city centre hotel. If you buy a return ticket at KLIA you will pay about RM120. So that's door to door and return for 2 or even 3 people. It takes a bit longer than the train, but is much easier than struggling in KL's heat with suitcases etc.

KLIA Airport review by B Morris

21 November 2004

I have just read the comments re KLIA Airport and am totally dismayed that anyone could make a positive comment about this particular airport. The signage (or lack of) directing you to the Domestic sector is abysmal. The staff that work at the Information counters are yet to show any personality and I have been through that airport more that 30 times. The shops are overpriced, the Internet facilities are limited, I could go on and on. If I could avoid that airport and fly direct to other countries but sadly because I live in Penang most flights go via KLIA.

KLIA Airport review by Inge Kelly

20 November 2004

KLIA airport commute - anyone taking road transport to KLIA is seriously wasting their time. The KLIA airport express takes exactly 28 minutes, is clean and efficient. It is also very cheap (RM70 return versus RM59 one way in a cab) and brings you in to KL Sentral Station which is minutes away from Bangsar and Damansara Heights and only 15-20 minutes from the City centre. Lastly of course there is the gorgeous new Hilton and Meridien Hotels just opened at KL Sentral so you don't even have to travel any further.

KLIA Airport review by Xuess Wee

25 October 2004

Very new sparkling airport - ambitious intentions to compete with the airports of Singapore and Hong Kong clearly evident. Clean, cool and the high ceilings gave a grand sense of space, thought lighting at night was a little dark. Shopping was adequate though not as varied or plenty compared to Singapore or Amsterdam. Prices was a little daunting though - items were priced much much higher compared to outside the airport. Customs clearance was swift and efficient; nothing to complain. Am puzzled by the architectural design to have an "aerotrain" connecting disembarkment gates and custom clearance stations (which were housed in different parts of the airport). Felt that it was a waste of time. The biggest disadavantage of the airport was the distance between itself and the city proper. Took almost 1 hour plus via taxi to commute - absolutely tiresome.

KLIA Airport review by Roger Herod

25 October 2004

Great Airport, much like the HK/SIN/INCHEON airports! Very efficient and the KLIA Express is a great way to get to town. Don't see the need to the APM - maybe they were aping HK (but we have 70 odd airbridges)?

KLIA Airport review by N Sen

28 June 2004

Great airport. Love the open-air environmentally friendly architecture, friendly people and the general cleanliness of the airport. Furthermore, great choices of stores and dining areas. For a major airport, I always find the passenger congestion much more managable compared to Changi or Hong Kong. I have flown both KLM and MAS out of KLIA and never had a problem. One of my favorite airports.

KLIA Airport by Ameer Quddos

22 April 2004

Splendid architecture, spotlessly clean, and courteous ground staff. What a vast difference especially coming from Karachi. Although it took about 25 mins waiting for my luggage (there were a lot of flights that morning) immigration clearance just took less than 5 mins.

KLIA Airport by K Oak

8 April 2004

I live in Australia, but I do go to Malaysia often because I visit my relatives often. Since they live in Penang, I usually transit through KLIA. I must say, I am severely disappointed with the signs that lead you to domestic transfer. I am expected to pass through immigration at a different part of the terminal that supposedly leads to the domestic gates, and that's when the confusion starts. If you follow the signs to the gates after you're done, you'll find yourself standing right in front of the same immigration desk again! Have you any idea how surreal the situation feels? Listen to me everyone, Don't bother looking at the signs, they lead you in circles.

KLIA Airport by Kuhan Kandiah

20 February 2004

I just returned to London after a short break in Malaysia. The best thing of all my flights was KLIA. It was amazingly crowded, not in a bad way but in the way that it is busy and not a white elephant as many have speculated it to be. My flight was at 9 A.M. and the airport was full of travellers. Luckily I checked in at the KL Sentral station and boarded the KLIA Express to KLIA. The airport was superb and I was really impressed by the services there as compared to six months ago. There were cafes all over, money changers, duty-free shopping here and there and best of all almost all the gates were occupied by an aircraft.

KLIA Airport by Wahida Yaakub

8 February 2004

It may seem bias that I put good comment for my home airport, but, reality checked, there's no issues of bias here. KLIA is indeed one of the best airports in the world. The modern architecture might be a mere bonus, as the airport is built only few years back. But the efficiency of check-in staff really IS A PLUS POINT. And also, the staff are friendly there. The surrounding really makes you feel comfortable while waiting to board. But, in my opinion, physical attractions means nothing, if the staff are not performing up to the standard. In KLIA, it's the friendliness, politeness and efficiency of the staff that makes everything seems so perfect. Bottomline is, what makes KLIA so good is its team of staff, topped up by the surroundings.

KLIA Airport by Hugues Martel

4 February 2004

KLIA is a very nice airport, bright, clean, spacious and it is very easy to find your way there. Definitely one of the world top airports. Clearing the customs can sometimes be long depending of the number of flights arriving at the same time. The domestic terminal is generally more alive than the international part. The KLIA express offers a fast and cheap way to reach the city center.

KLIA Airport by Loi Choong

28 January 2004

KLIA is too far away from KL city centre. There is much driving time and toll cost involved when getting picked up or dropped off at KLIA. I am curious to know why the airport is named Kuala Lumpur International Airport when it is not located in KL.

KLIA Airport by Michael Schnaufer

22 January 2004

KLIA seems to be a very modern, clean and efficient in my opinion, although I am not familiar with the departure hall. I arrived at 5am in the morning, but there were a lot of opened immigration counters. Baggage claim needed approx. 30 minutes. I took the KLIA Ekspres train to KL Central Station (RM 35,-). On my return journey to Vienna I could see all the facilities of the international terminal. The terminal has an impressive shape, and is equipped with several shops and restaurants. What I especially appreciate is that they're some relaxation areas which are located apart from main areas and the crowds (1st floor towards gate area).

KLIA Airport by Martin Podeyn

16 January 2004

Clean and efficient airport - though agree with that comment about non-existent convenience stores - searched for a bottle of mineral water everywhere until I found it at the pharmacy (!)

KLIA Airport by David Teh

28 December 2003

KLIA ia architecturally impressive, spacious & clean. The prices in shops are much more expensive compared to Changi Airport in Singapore. Not much choice in shopping either. Every process from departing the plane until immigration clearance is swift. The only letdown is the slow process where baggage takes more than 30 minutes to arrive at the carousel. At one time, I even had to wait for 1 hour and it was after 12 am!!!!! Indeed this norm need to be challenged. The prices of food items in the airport is also exorbitant compared to other regional airports. Perhaps the authorities should look into this.

KLIA Airport by A Mayo

8 December 2003

So nice to be able to check in at the MAS counter at the central train station, before boarding the KLIA Express unencumbered by bulky baggage. The trains are slick and new and spotlessly clean, just like the airport itself. I wouldn't bother with taxis or limos to the airport any more, knowing that this train is so fast and efficient. I think the setup of KLIA is good - in particular the separation of the administration terminal from the passenger facilities/gates. The shops, however, are pretty bland, however I suspect they're all government run.

KLIA Airport by Chaminda Perera

27 November 2003

Found that the architecture very nice. However the airport is very quiet. The shops on offer are not spectacular. I could not find anywhere a place where you can buy Playstation or xbox games for my son - nor a place where they sold decent toys. Compared to Changi -  well you can't really compare it to Changi but a clean quiet airport without the hustle and bustle.

KLIA Airport by N Lyes

22 November 2003

After a 12 hour flight on my way towards Melbourne, I got off the flight and wondered inside KL Airport and it was spotless. There were toilets everywhere and they were as clean as anything you'd find in a 5 star hotel.

KLIA Airport by Andrew Phillips

27 October 2003

Excellent lay out . I had no problem finding the departure gate for my connecting flights while in transit. Not far to walk compared to say Heathrow. I Was very impressed how clean the airport was. The MAS staff were very nice and helpful.

KLIA Airport by M Muzamir

21 October 2003

Clean, efficient and second to none in SE Asia with Singapore. If only it could attract more airlines to share its space. As far as entertainment and distance to the closest city is concerned, Changi still takes the best spot.  If there is an award for world's cleanest airport, KLIA is the first in line.

KLIA Airport by D Hale

20 October 2003

I recently came into KLIA in the evening and needed to get to Melaka some 90 KM away from the airport. The taxi system was "wonderful". My wife and I were able to make it too our out of the way hotel with no problems what so ever. If is was only so easy in NYC.

KLIA Airport by Omar Khan

11 September 2003

I am a frequent traveler in/out of KLIA - at least 1-2 per month for international flights. Overall, it is a first class airport, with lightning fast check-in, spacious facilities, good duty free and nice ambience. Part of the reason for this is that the airport was built to handle a much larger volume of traffic than it presently does. A few niggling points: (1) The TV monitors after immigration showing on which belt baggage is located do not face oncoming passengers, and are hard to locate. KLIA should install large hanging flat screen TVs over the corridors to baggage reclaim. These would be immediately visible and more useful. (2) The MAS Golden Lounge is looking pretty tatty already. It needs new furniture and an overhauled bathroom/toilet section. I suggest they take a page from CX's lounge in HKIA.  (3) Limousine counters should accept credit cards for payment. Not all incoming passengers have Malaysian currency. Also, their location, just prior to exiting into landside, sometimes creates a bottleneck, as passengers exiting and passengers queuing for tickets jostle each other. (4) Better, cleaner, nicer limosines. Lose the old Mercs, tatty Protons and get with the program on this. (5) Dedicated lifts to/from the KLIA Express train. This is standard at other international airports. The lifts are inevitably full either at the train level or at arrival/departure, yet they must stop at all the floors (5 of them) for non-train people, and they can never get on. There are plenty of other lifts that can be used on all floors. (6) Encourage more airlines to operate at the city air terminal. It is very convenient and helpful.

KLIA Airport by Adnan Riaz

8 August 2003

KLIA is one of the best airport compare to HK, SIN, DXB etc. Arrival, departure and transit facilities are well maintained, hassle free & up to the world class standard. Their is plenty of space to relax and enjoy this beautiful airport during transit. Airport Express Train and Limo taxi to city are clean and safe. Airport check in & immigration staff is friendly and very cooperative. Minimum flight connection between MAS flights is 40 min.

KLIA Airport by Stephen Mallinger

2 June 2003

It is located far from KL - about a 45 minute taxi ride and it is rather quiet (all of Malaysia seems quiet) -but it is clean, super clean, virtually everyone is courteous (except the money exchange staff ), has a great dim sum restaurant and a very decent book store, and arrival procedures are a snap. I wish they had better signage but once you know where to go you literally zip through immigration.

KLIA Airport by A Jafarzadeh

23 May 2003

Not as good as Changi or DXB, but still a nice airport. But there are no convenience shops such as a 7-Eleven (or equivalent) to buy a simple bottle of water!

KLIA Airport by J Choong

4 May 2003

I have just come back to New Zealand from my trip to Hong Kong and China. I love KLIA and I think it has to be one of the best three airports in Asia. I used the KLCAT (XKL) check-in facility, it has been hassle free. The KLIA Express train is fast and efficient . The airport is quite comfortable, modern and large. However, it lacks entertainment areas of Changi International airport of Singapore. The trans-terminal train is not a hassle as long as you allow some time before your flight departs. However, without the KLIA Express, it can be a hassle. Another point which I found annoyng with KLIA is the airport authority allows illegal or unlicensed "taxi drivers" to linger around the arrival level to lure customers. Taxi Coupon desk is not obvious to travellers at the arrival area. If KLIA is to be a regional hub then it needs to have Chinese language signage rather than just Malay and English.

KLIA Airport by N Lana

2 May 2003

Magnificent and beautiful airport. For improvement, they will need to add more waiting time activities. Some parts are quite narrow and if this place continues to develop, it will be very crowded before long. Train ride from gates to customs is also a bit cumbersome. Still, this is, now, a fabulous place. Way too far from town, though.

KLIA Airport by J Lim

22 April 2003

The immigration and custom are fast and efficient. I travel frequently to Perth from Kuala Lumpur and vice versa. KLIA is less crowded than Changi, Beijing's Capitol and HKG. It's a good place for tired travellers to rest. But, in terms of entertainment and activities in the airport, Changi is still number 1. KLIA should have more television and putting more international channels other than having all the same creepy local Malaysian Channel. Games like play station or Xbox for the kids, shopping bargains for the ladies, music and new movies for everyone.