KLIA Kuala Lumpur Airport

Landed at KLIA very early in the morning and there were more shops opened then I anticipated. Transiting onto our other flight was quick and simple. Signage is very clear and colour-coded. I enjoyed using the free Wi-Fi on my iPod however at times it stopped working. On the way home to Australia we had an overnight stop in KL. Took a while to pass through immigration and our bags were delayed from arriving on the carousel. Checking in the next morning took over an hour; the only major downside in our experience of KLIA. There must be a very small sign at the duty free outlets that passengers travelling to Brisbane via Sydney on Malaysia Airlines cannot purchase alcohol at KLIA (Australian security regulation) - beware as we found out the hard way.

Had a short stopover in KLIA from Delhi on the way to Manila. Arrived at 7:00am and the airport was quiet but got busier as I got closer to my 10:00am flight to Manila. Landed in the satellite terminal and it was very clean and the stores were all staffed. Surprised there was no wi-fi but there were internet kiosks which were always in use. Departed from the main terminal not much there but still very clean.

KLIA unfortunately did not meet my expectations largely due to poor signage in the terminals and the problem of not being able to find one's way due to the over-concentration of shops completely filling the terminal areas. On the other hand the gate areas in themselves are fine and the inter-terminal trains run well. KLIA could be a good hub if travelling between airline gates and lounges was made more user-friendly.

I travel KLIA every month. I usually check in on-line or at the railway station at KL Sentral. Baggage drop is straightforward. Getting from departure entrance to airside in terminal C usually takes about 10-15 minutes (V. Good). Airside there are plenty of places to eat and sit and plenty of shopping. Smokers areas are on the first floor now and reasonable. I find staff and officials straightforward and efficient. On arrivals I can get from the plane to the rail station in about 15 minutes (hand luggage only). The only delay can be in baggage collection although I find it's not much different from most airports. All in all a good experience with good facilities and less walking around to get to the gates than many places I've been.

Recently used the LCCT again and had a bit more time to appreciate the facilities. Inbound was the usual piece of cake only one person in front of me at immigration and they were processed in no time so hardly queued at all. The facilities at LCCT are better than KLIA. Lots of places to eat/drink catering to all tastes. The bus into Sentral is a steal at MYR 9.00 and the time taken isnt much more than the train. The new train service isn't quite what it seems as you are bussed to a station to get the service. Only downside was that my flight to BKK left from Y1. After checkin I went to the normal departure area are (T) and was told that Y gates are not located there but behind the domestic checkin. Sure enough there it was but entry to the area was closed. So time for a Big Mac after which I came back and it was still closed. This irritated a lot of people who had already checked in. And there is a large notice warning people that there are no toilets in the Y waiting area. Apart from that The LCCT is actually not a bad experience considering it serves the low cost carriers and value for money for the airport tax they charge which is a fraction of thai airports.

As a frequent visitor to KLIA over the years one feels that this airport needs to expand check in counters and immigration counters at peak times due to increased passenger numbers. Early morning check in at Malaysia airlines counters can take upto 1 hour and mid afternoon arrivals it can take a long time to clear immigration with many long haul flight arriving at the same time. It is still a joy to use this airport with polite staff and varied shopping and eating outlets. I found the Malaysia Airlines lounge to be very good.

Whilst the airside shopping areas are adequately cooled the airport lacks efficient air conditioning in the gate areas and it can get quite stuffy at times if you're waiting a couple hours for a connecting flight. Also seating facilities are very poor with mainly banks of seats provided. Fine if you like sitting bolt upright all the time but very uncomfortable if you want to lean back and relax a bit because the glass wall of the transit lounge is the only means of support available. There are a few chairs which allow you to stretch your legs a bit but only if you're less than 1.65 metres. Anymore than that and your feet protrude beyond the metal foot rest causing your ankles to rest on the cold metal.

Flew into and out of the LCCT Terminal. Arrival was fantastic. I had cleared immigration and got my baggage and was in the taxi within 20 minutes of landing! Departing was also hassle free. Reasonable facilities including cafe duty free bookshop etc. Really most things you would need.

It's a nice and airy airport with modern architecture. Facilities in the satelite terminal are great and there is a lot of shopping to be done. MAS Golden Lounge is good as well. Shopping is a bit cheaper than downtown KL since it's tax free. Sometimes there is some congestion at the gate area as security checks are done at each gate. Staff is usually friendly but you sometimes come across one or two souls who are having a bad day. Immigration officers are probably worldwide a special bunch of people and you never know what to expect. Usually in KL they are ok but give you the silent treatment. Customs is ok and once outside the KLIA Ekspress is the fastest way to KL. Train rides are comfortable quiet cheap and efficient. Once you arrive KL Sentral you can catch the subway to KLCC or other places. You can also check in at KL Sentral when you go back but currently they only offer it for MH CX and RB. Heard they are expanding it though. If you fly domestically things are not as brilliant as in the satelite terminal but still good. The domestic terminal is clean and functional just like the satelite terminal however there are only limited shopping facilities and there is a Burger King as one of the only food outlets there. Eat something before you go through security in the check-in hall and don't bother to come very early.

Recently flew out of KUL/KLIA and it was alright. Queing for an airline check in can take forever due to the very few counters open for a very heavy flight. Also the airport lacks support staff around the airport to assist passengers. Also for a 24 hours operated airport almost all the shops are shut at midnight and it is strange as many flights depart between 1am and 330am daily so I can't imagine why the retail outlets are shut after midnight as it is such a waste to spend on the refurbishment of the new retail outlets and utilise it. Toilets are first class infrastructure but third class maintenance with cheap detergents being used. Command of English amongst the airport staff are not particularly good for an international airport and most staff are very unhelpful and unapproachable. Such a disappointment to its glory days KLIA is losing its high standards and quality of service it once offered to other competitor airports within the region.