KLIA KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT review : 27 June 2008 : by C Tomlin
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |  |
Recently used KLIA and the LCCT terminal for several flights over the past 6 weeks. The LCCT is
exactly what you expect of a low cost facility and if you want to grab a bite it eat or a drink,
there are enough places to satisfy but not the choice you would expect from a 'full service'
terminal. Luggage trolleys were plentiful but seating was limited prior to check-in and rapidly
filled up at gate area. Connections to KL or KLIA or plentiful and a bus ride for 8RM is a good
price. Check-in was efficient the wait for luggage upon arrival was perfectly acceptable.
KLIA is an impressive building currently undergoing modifications to retail outlets in the
satellite. This makes it feel a little messy in around the central 'rainforest' area. To find some
nice quiet seating, go up to the airport lounge levels and walk towards the gate areas. A mezzine
with chairs is tucked away and little used is located at the end of the walkway - what used to be
the smoking areas I believe. Don't rush to the gates (within reason). Queues form ahead of the final
security check so you may as well finish your coffee ! Arriving internationally both times was
hassle-free. Time to reach immigration via train meant luggage wait was limited. Directions to KLIA
Express are somewhat confusing and finding the bus link to the LCCT is very confusing. Don't book a
tight connection with Air Asia as the bus ride is about 30mins and the frequency is only about every
20. Transit passengers at the main building had access to a smoking room but no indication of one at
the satellite building. Cash point was hard to find - just before the exit controls. Walking
distances and navigation was very good but food options limited. Duty Free shopping was poor in the
transit area not located in the satellite. Fine if you want perfume or chocolate, not much else.
KLIA certainly has the feeling of an underused facility but the taxi driver to the airport did
mention that there was talk Air Asia may be moving back there in the future. Perhaps the airport and
government want more footfall through the retail facilities ? LCCT was a hive of activity by
comparison.
KLIA KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT review : 20
June 2008 : by Quek Keng Guan
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |  |
Used the Low Cost Terminal over the weekend. It was very crowded. Insufficient seats for dep and
arrival passengers. Understood that there is about 1 Airasia flight every 5-10 mins. There is a Mac,
Coffeebean, Asian Kitchen in the dep Hall. There is a big food court called "food mall" which is
about 2 mins walk with walk link provided. Trolleys were provided free. There is only 3 conveyor
belt in the arrival hall. Waited for 15 mins for the bags to arrive. In the Dep hall, there is a
small duty free, confectionery shop and coffee outlet - and 8 boarding gates. Not much to do if your
flight is delayed. There is an Air Asia bus to KL Central for M$9 single journey. Compared to
Singapore budget terminal, Singapore terminal offer more shops than KLCC.
KLIA KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT review : 11 May 2008 : by L Mahoney
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Customer Rating : 4/5 |  |
I flew into KL, OOL-KUL on Air Asia with a 6 hour gap. Terminal is quite small, but well managed. On
the 6 hour gap, we paid something like RM45 and got into the premier lounge. On the way back we flew
Penang to KUL on Malaysia Airlines and had to transfer to LCCT. This was a pain free experience and
only cost RM1 (you can wait up to 20 minutes for a bus). You can also get a taxi and pay RM40, make
sure you agree on a price before you get in, so that they dont charge you heaps. You will get RM40,
you will just have to barter. Overall the airport is of high quality in my opinion.
KLIA Airport review by Trevor Olding
4 April 2008 Customer Rating : 
Certainly a significant improvement on the last time I used this airport. Arrival was easy with
immigration taking all of 2-3 minutes to complete much better than the last time when I queued for
ages. Bags took about 15 minutes to appear at reclaim and customs clearance was equally quick. In
total about 30 minutes from plane to landside. Departure was mid morning which seemed to be a fairly
quiet time so check in was quick, immigration using the fast track lane was equally quick but there
didnt appear to be long queues at any of the desks. After clearing the security check which took
less than 5 minutes for international departures you have to take the train out to the mid field
terminal which has a reasonable selection of shops and eating places. The terminal is in the shape
of an X so walking distances are fairly short. One thing to note is they do not seem to open the
boarding gate lounges at the time the departure screens say. Normally because they cant open the
gate until all the arriving passengers have left the aircraft. Access to the gate is via a second
security check, there is priority boarding for business class passengers but this is done by a
shouted announcement rather than loudspeaker. A nice airport and very user friendly
KLIA Airport review by Kamal Hasnan
27 March 2008 Customer Rating : 
Lots of improvements. The passport readers have been refurbished, more lighting, more shops and
restaurants/eateries and the International Terminal is a beehive of activities with lots of TVs to
while away your time while waiting for your flight that I do not mind arrive at the terminal early
just to hang around. As of last year, there are no more dodgy pirate taxis asking you whether you
want a taxi or not. Really appreciate the vast space of the airport after experiencing the busy and
hectic airports in Melbourne and Sydney. Transportation to KL is plenty. The RM35 ERL train service
is cheaper than the connecting bus service in Melbourne($30) and the journey is pleasant. One
problem is that the food court is too hidden and have no signs leading to them that almost no one
knows it exist. Overall, excellent airport and improving over the years. Hopefully it will be
properly connected to the new LCCT by the ERL.
KLIA Airport review by Kelvin Low
26 March 2008 Customer Rating :
I was flying through KLIA onwards to Adelaide from Heathrow and I must say that this airport really
is fantastic. Staff fantastic and lounge services are cheap. The airport is rather hard to find your
way around, but the staff were more than happy to help me.
KLIA Airport review by A Montgomery
16 March 2008 Customer Rating : 
The Low Cost Carrier (LCCT) Terminal in Kuala Lumpur is third rate. Ugly and uncomfortable. Limited
facilities, insufficient seating and long queues. I flew in and out Air Asia and on both occasions
there was a long walk to and from the plane. The rail link into KL does not operate from this
terminal although the bus services are cheap (RM8). They take about an hour. With an 8 hour gap
between coming in from BKK and leaving for OOL I took the bus into Central Station and then used the
Hop On/Off city bus tour from there.
KLIA Airport review by Giles Norman
15 March 2008 Customer Rating : 
Transited KUL en route to and from Hanoi. On way out had 6.5 hour layover. Immaculate and spacious
airport. Was able to get beer and food at 8 am which I appreciated as I hadn't slept. Very good
shopping and fast shuttle between satellite terminal and main terminal. Overall, I'd much rather
have 6.6 layover in KUL than almost any other airport.
KLIA Airport review by Andrew Wright
2 March 2008 Customer Rating :
Used both main and low cost terminals. Main terminals are nice and modern, though we experienced
queues to check in, at immigration, at initial security and then at gate security when flying out.
Don't forget to leave time for any duty-free goods purchased to be sent to the gate. The Low Cost
Carrier Terminal (LCCT) was awful, just a giant shed. Limited eating options and almost no seating
prior to check-in. A dirty bus transfers passengers between the LCCT and main terminals. The KLIA
Express is a fast and convenient train between the main terminal and the central station at Kuala
Lumpur, but if you are going to the LCCT the coaches are slower but cheaper and more comfortable
than using the train and transfer bus.
KLIA Airport review by K Param
21 February 2008 Customer Rating :
KLIA has improved over the years. Very impressed with quick immigration clearance and baggage that
arrives quickly. There are boards above the carousel giving an estimation of when the bags will
arrive. Used this airport when arriving from Mumbai. On the way out check in and passport control a
breeze. Made use of the Emirates lounge which was very good.
KLIA Airport review by Charles King
29 January 2008 Customer Rating :
Spacious and almost empty when we arrived. No queue for immigration and waited at most 10 minutes
for bags. From touchdown to taxi was at most half an hour. Took taxi to KL for RM67 (standard
taxi) which took c45 minutes. Don't bother with the "limo" taxis - the standard is fine, which you
buy a voucher for just as you are transiting to landside.
KLIA Airport review by Beverley Mitchell
21 January 2008 Customer Rating :
Spacious feel, with excellent signage. Clean. Easy transfers between Domestic and
Satelite/international terminal. Plenty of facilities, shops etc.
KLIA Airport review by C Lim
15 January 2008 Customer Rating :
Very nice airport. Customs and immigration are friendly. First time having a transit from
international flight to domestic flight. No problems on changing planes from international terminal
to domestic terminal, excellent color coded signage. Compared to few years back, KLIA has improved
alot in terms of entertainment, such as more TVs around the terminal. KLIA is a wonderful airport,
easy navigation and friendly staff.
KLIA Airport review by Aaron Lim
27 December 2007 Customer Rating :
KLIA is very spacious and doesn't make you feel "cooped" inside an airport. Variety of shops and
restaurants are plenty to keep you busy and wont make you feel bored. Check in staff, shop
assistants and information clerks are friendly. Signs are plenty so you wont feel lost. Overall the
airport is very clean, comfortable and easy to navigate.
KLIA Airport review by Chohong Choi
16 December 2007 Customer Rating :
Connected at KLIA for the first time for flights between Hong Kong and Singapore. The airport is
pretty well laid out with an efficient skytrain between terminals. My friends and I spent a total
of 6.5 hours at KLIA, but we were never bored despite the relatively few shops and restaurants
there.
KLIA Airport review by J Teoh
12 November 2007 Customer Rating :
It's always a pleasure going through this airport. It is clean, spacious and easy to navigate.
Immigration and customs are always fast and efficient. There are a good number of shops although not
as many food outlets.
KLIA Airport review by Peter Schweizer
3 November 2007 Customer Rating :
Must be one of my favorite airports in the world. Lots of open space, clean facilities, good shopping
options and helpful staff even though not always easy to understand their English. Having a world
class hotel such as the Pan Pacific KL connected by walk way makes this airport a perfect transit
point. We spent 18 hours in KUL and the Pan Pacific and enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks MH and KUL
for making our long trip from Australia to Europe and back so much more pleasant
KLIA Airport review by G Lazaro
6 September 2007 Customer Rating :
Used the Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Terminal for an international flight on AirAsia. It's a bit far out
from the city as I used the shuttle bus leaving from KL Sentral for 9 Ringgit, and that took well over
an hour. The terminal itself was very hectic and feels like a no-frills type of place. Check-in takes
place in a big hangar-like area with each of the numerous check-in desks assigned to a certain filght.
Immigration was quick. The waiting area is also quite busy and crowded with some places to eat. There
are 8 gates, but all the seats fill up quickly. For my flight, it was a short walk to the plane from
the gate. They let you board from both the front and the tail of the plane, which helps ease the no
reserved seating policy. It's the kind of terminal that you can live with for the price you pay for
the ticket, but wouldn't want to spend more time at than necessary.
KLIA Airport review by Taha Siddiqui
10 August 2007 Customer Rating :
Used this airport on various occasions. It is neat & clean with polite immigration staff, transit
trains & visa section is also quick in processing. We were out in less then 15 minutes which also
include our visa (on arrival) and baggage claim. The departure was also a wonderful experience, didn’t
have to face any line or stand in a long queue.
KLIA Airport review by J Steel
6 June 2007 Customer Rating :
A fairly good airport, found usual retail outlets, staff friendly but
pushy, quite comfortable to transit through, clean except for the Plaza
lounge where I used the showers, really not hygenic at all and far to
small. Smokers lounge was full every time. Very few food outlets
accepted credit cards for payment which was annoying considering how
many people are in transit, all in all clean, light and airy and
generally comfortable.
KLIA Airport review by F Siahaan
28 May 2007 Customer Rating :
From Sydney, I travelled a lot to Kuching via KL to visit family. KLIA
is a modern and unique airport. The interior is relaxing and comforting
but it looks rather far from the nature. KLIA architecture is a state-
of-art standard and the information system works pretty well. It is
dissapointing that lately the Malaysian airport authority decided to
build a separate terminal for budget airlines which is kms away from the
main KLIA building. Now if I'd like to transfer from major airlines to
budget airlines, I might have to spend my first Ringgit of the trip just
for that unnecessary trip.
KLIA Airport review by A Welch
20 April 2007 Customer Rating :
KLIA feels relaxed, spacious, new and clean. There are quiet spots with
for sleeping, and complementary hand luggage trolleys. The Premium Plaza
lounge was a waste of money - food was awful, and didn't seem to be kept
under sanitary conditions. All of the staff at the airport were very
friendly and helpful, and while signage could be a little clearer, I'd
be happy to transit in this airport again.
KLIA Airport review by Dave Booth
20 April 2007 Customer Rating :
Used KLIA four times during the last month with the minimum of hassle.
Immigration seems to be getting its act together and was swift and
efficient every time. Shopping and eating in main terminal are very good
(unlike the 'low cost' LCCT terminal over the road). I found luggage
reclaim to be very efficient while the express train service into the
city is excellent. Signage and information is plentiful with helpful
staff at information desks. The only gripe I have is the relentless
hassle from taxi touts after arrivals. Surely the airport authorities
can do something about this? Would give five stars but for the touts
KLIA Airport review by Mike Bell
28 February 2007 Customer Rating : n/a
I flew into KLIA in mid Jan, and waited an inordinately long time to
retrieve my luggage. On my departure for an 0305am flight, the check-in
took a huge amount of time; the staff seemed very laid back and
disinterested and virtually all the shops were closed when I eventually
reached the departure area. Fortunately, we had access to the Malaysian
airlines business-class lounge, but some of the staff in there were less
than helpful. It certainly did not live up to its claim to be the best
airport in the world on these occasions.
KLIA Airport review by Kuhan Kandiah
26 January 2007
Despite the white elephant tag KLIA has, the airport was crowded with
enough space to breathe and navigate. Check in staff need training but
they are friendly people. Immigration counters were crowded but fast and
efficient. The airport has grown so much and a lot of shops to dine in
and shop at, from local goods to foreign goods. Aero train was efficient
and the Satellite Terminal was buzzing with activities, like a huge mall
with planes alongside. Good connection and excellent international
airport choice.
KLIA Airport review by Joel Kandiah
17 December 2006
KLIA is a good airport until you reach immigration. They stare at you
like you're some kind of pauper. It is very rare you get a nice
immigration officer, come to think of it since KLIA opened in 1998 I've
only met one nice officer who actually smiled It's quite funny how they
have those stickers on them saying "service with a smile" whilst its a
total contradiction and there are those evaluation forms you can fill in
where nearly every international tourist (especially foreign/new to
Malaysia) will take one, fill it up and put it in the box provided. Will
they ever smile? Duty free is excellent once passing immigration.
KLIA Airport review by Harold McDonald
27 October 2006
As a frequent traveller to KLIA, I must say, that the domestic departure
was quite to find at first, only to be hidden at the other end of the
terminal. I also notice that Malaysia Airlines flight to Terengganu is
always stationed at the very end of the Main Terminal Building even
though there are no other flights departing at the closer gates.
Overall, it's very spacious, though eerily empty and cold sometimes, and
comfortable. I'm very grateful the toilets are clean though. Travellers
should be aware of con taximen servicing trips to the city. Unless
you're a frequent traveller or you understood a bit of Malay you would
risk getting ripped off!
KLIA Airport review by J Liu
10 October 2006
New, spacious, and modern. Agree with the previous comments that it is
aesthetically pleasing and well laid-out. Aerotrain system between
terminals is fast and efficient. For us, the immigration/departure
procedures were very quick, with almost no waiting in line. Security
check is at each boarding gate, which seems odd but surprisingly works
very well since you don't have the bottlenecks associated with
centralized security screenings. That gives you more time to browse the
shops and restaurants before departure.
KLIA Airport review by Andrew Stevenson
14 July 2006
Architecturally eye-catching modern, clean, spacious and efficient airport. Plenty of natural light
gives it a light and airy feel. Have passed through KLIA several times in recent years and it’s
always been a pleasure. Most recently, on disembarking late arriving flight from LHR, connecting
passengers for Penang and Langkawi were met as they left the aircraft by KLIA staff who quickly
ushered them through the airport and to immigration. My bags were successfully unloaded from the
arriving 747, transferred between terminals and reloaded onto my flight to Penang in time for take
off just 40 minutes after original disembarkation; would you see that at any of the big European
hubs? Just a few gripes. Signposting could be better – while all the gate numbers are clearly
signposted, I guess most people connecting from domestic to international flights would look (in
vain) for signs for international transfers or the international terminal. Likewise, on arrival,
it’s not immediately clear that transfer passengers and passengers ending their journey at KLIA are
supposed to proceed to different immigration areas once they step off the shuttle from the
international terminal. The domestic gate area is spacious and comfortable but basic, with little to
do but wait. The number and variety of shops in the international terminal is adequate but not
brilliant. If ending your journey at KLIA, be aware that it’s a long way from the city, and none of
the ground transportation options are ideal. KLIA Express train is quickest but terminates at the
less than accurately named KL Sentral (actually well outside the city centre). You’ll need to finish
your journey by taxi or metro
KLIA Airport review by Wesley Tend
11 July 2006
New and modern with a lot of light. Not a very large airport built
around a central "rain forest". Even though it was a small airport, it
felt very empty in the international terminal. Apart from the people
arriving on my flight, there were few others. There were all the usual
duty free rip-off stores, but little else. Couldn't find the simple
stuff you can get at Heathrow, Changi or Schipol (e.g. candy bar).
Despite only a single plane load to process, immigration took a long
time, and getting into the city took even longer (80km). In summary
good looking small airport in the middle of nowhere, and very
inefficient. Feels more like a local airport than a regional hub.
KLIA Airport review by Mark Anderson
26 June 2006
It's modern, clean and spacious. I wouldn't put it in the class as
Changi where shopping is concerned, but nevertheless it's a lovely
airport. Last year when I passed through, my family and I went to
McDonalds in KLIA. I was surprised when the waitress came to our table
with a jug of coke and refilled our glasses. I've never seen this in a
UK McDonald's before.
KLIA Airport review by Marieluise Ritter
24 May 2006
Beautiful architecture, very spacious with lots of light and places for
resting while waiting for connections. We have even been able to sleep
for an hour (on upholstered benches in the transit area) without being
bothered or bothering anybody. One or two food stalls or restaurants
more in the transit area would not be bad, though. Signs are sufficient,
easy to follow. Security check very quick, because there is enough staff
and all counters are served.
KLIA Airport review by Roel Nolasco
6 May 2006
KLIA is a huge Airport. I travelled to KLIA using LCC Terminal. I
thought it was just a cheap terminal because it houses Air Asia. Not
really small, it has the pattern also (somehow) of the KLIA Main
terminal building. The usage of the terminal is really efficient. No
waiting, no long lines at immigration (except if too many flights
arrived at the same time), the architecture was so modern, a lot of
glass for an LCC terminal. Although there is no jet bridges but its just
a shortwalk to the terminal. The terminal has a lot of establishment,
duty free shops, cafes and restaurant. Only thing that lacks is that it
has no free internet access unlike in Singapore's Budget Terminal. Going
to and from Downtown KL is cheap and efficient using the SKYBUS for only
RM9 to/from KL Sentral.
KLIA Airport review by E Keilher
19 February 2006
While certainly no Changi, KLIA is a fantastic airport. Clean, modern
and lots of natural light. One thing it has over Changi is that it
doesn't make you feel cooped up-- the forest in the middle of the
airport is a nice touch. There is free internet around the airport,
which is great. Signage is plentiful, and is written in English, Malay,
Japanese and Chinese. I noticed announcements in the train between
terminals in English and Japanese, probably other languages too that I
didn't notice. To be honest, I actually like KLIA's sedate pace when
doing a lot of travelling-- there is always somewhere to relax and view
the aeroplanes and it never feels crowded. I believe there is enough
shopping (honestly, do people think they're going to an airport or a
shopping centre?), and find the prices decent for items such as liquor
and cosmetics. Have always encountered amazingly friendly and
professional staff at KLIA-- whether it's duty free, check-in, KL
Ekspres or immigration. The Domestic section is of course not as
interesting as the international, but still has enough facilities to
cater to travellers. A word of advice-- have a jumper handy. Due to a
delayed connection we spent much of the night at KLIA, very chilly.
KLIA Airport review by P de Figueiredo
6 February 2006
KLIA is quite clean and modern. However, arriving in the early hours of
the morning makes one feel as if in a ghost town. There's very little
help with directions and it can be very easy to lose your bearings. The
need to use the AeroTrain is also particularly inconvenient as it
creates a choke point. Customs officers seemed largely uninterested in
their jobs. The KLIA Ekspres is a shining light for this airport which
for some strange reason is miles away from the city it's supposed to
serve - 28 mins to the city. On going home, the check-in facility at KL
Sentral made life easier as I could sleep in, arrive at Sentral at a
reasonable time and not worry about my luggage until I arrived home in
Melbourne. It's a shame that so few airlines serve this airport, making
it largely under-utilised. I would use KLIA when travelling to Malaysia
- however, if travelling to Europe or India and needing to choose an
airport to transit, Singapore Changi, with it's 24/7 shopping and easy-
to-orientate terminal would win hands down.
KLIA Airport review by Loh Oon Aik
27 January 2006
I read these very encouraging positive remarks about KLIA and find that
in general it is true except there is no mentioned about luggage theft!
I travel frequently thru KLIA now that I leave in JB and decided to
support local and not use my usual route via Singapore. So often I have
to transit in KLIA for my overseas trip. A couple of time I found that
my checked in bag has been picked! I now no longer use Malaysia airline
or KLIA and fly via Singapore for my overseas trip.
KLIA Airport review by Joseph Chung
27 January 2006
I've been to KLIA last month and was having a night spent in KLIA. All i
have to say the experience was a nightmare spending in KLIA. The place
for the transit passengers was so disorganised and it is really messy.
The passengers queuing for various flight are all in the same queue
which many a time cause unhappiness.
KLIA Airport review by Clyde Ryall
20 January 2006
Modern, spacious and clean for sure. Beware changed gate no's or even
worse from the main terminal to the satellite terminal, particularly if
transiting through the Airport. The KL Express is superb taking only
28mins to reach KL Sentral. Don't even think about taking a shuttle bus,
it could be at least 90mins before you reach your downtown hotel.
Though now building works are in hand to improve the (almost non
existent) shopping experience, the Airport has a slightly off-putting
sterile feel to it and no buzz, due in large part to it being so quiet.
The Executive Lounges are well worth paying to enjoy, not only for a hot
shower, also for food, internet access, and comfortable sofas to sit in
and while away what could otherwise be a very tedious few hours.
KLIA Airport review by S Cairns
20 January 2006
KLIA isn't a bad place, but like what others say, it just lacks simple
stores like 7-Elevens if you want to buy something small. I looked
everywhere for a place to buy an ordinary chocolate bar, but had to give
up. It does have a good duty free selection though, and immigration was
quick. To me it feels like a very deserted place, when I was there
sometimes you could look down halls and see only one or two people.
KLIA Airport review by Richard Simmon
12 January 2006
Found Malaysia to be a wonderful country with really friendly people.
Sadly, the showpiece airport doesn't for me hit the right spot as HKIA or Changi. Which is a shame,
as the KLIA express to get to the airport from the Central station was great. The airport is simply
too large and too far from the city. Moving from one part to another takes planning. Good points :
it is airy and you never feel you are hemmed in at all.
KLIA Airport review by John Frewen-Lord
24 November 2005
Transited here twice on a trip to/from Australia. A very nice and clean
airport - but the airlines' lounges are very difficult to find. It took
me quite a while to find Malaysia's lounge on the outbound trip.
Coming back, I thought I had remembered where it was - but I was wrong!
Joined a few others also looking for the lounge, so it wasn't just me.
Why don't they provide more signs?
KLIA Airport review by Marshall Davies
25 October 2005
My wife & I recently transited KLIA twice in 10 days on a trip from Australia to Seoul. Both times
we found it quiet and easy to navigate - both within the satellite building and between buildings.
My one complaint is that the satellite building was unpleasantly warm both times we were there
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