The airline is upping the ante for the stopover package, throwing in a free flight to Peninsular Malaysia’s beaches.
Malaysia Airlines is in the midst of its COVID-19 recovery trajectory. While Asia-Pacific as a region is lagging behind most of the globe, Malaysia reopened its borders to international travelers on April 1. The country's flag carrier has now launched a campaign to encourage more people to choose the airline for its long-haul connections in Asia. With a 'Bonus Side Trip' courtesy of Malaysia Airlines, travelers can turn their KL layovers into Malaysian peninsula mini-holidays.
And you do not need to rush to make plans either – the offer's sales period will last from now until December 31, 2022. The travel period lasts until March 31, 2023. Destinations included in the offer are Alor Setar (AOR), Langkawi (LGK), Johor Bahru (JHB), Kota Bharu (KBR), Kuala Terengganu (TGG), Kuantan (KUA), and Penang (PEN). These locations will offer access to both Malaysia's white sandy beaches and its lush rainforests, beating the average Kuala Lumpur lounge or airport hotel by some miles.
In order to book the offer, customers need to commence a booking on the Malaysia Airlines website. The 'Bonus Side Trip' option will then appear, where prospective travelers are informed that the tickets are entirely free – except for local government and airport taxes. Customers can then choose their round-trip to either destination listed above.
The 'Bonus Side Trip' is valid en-route from one international destination to another international destination or on the way back. As far as stopover packages go, we have to say this is one of the more enticing ones we have come across.
Several airlines offer packages for international travelers to choose extended layovers when they transfer through the carrier's home hubs, including Singapore Airlines when traveling through Changi. Many of the programs have been suspended due to the pandemic, but we are bound to see them pick back up again.
If you were to fly with one of the Gulf carriers, you could choose to spend a few extra days exploring Dubai with Emirates, choose a private desert safari from Doha with Qatar Airways, or stay a few nights in Muscat with Oman Air.
Royal Jordanian also offers a layover program, whereas travelers transferring through Africa can choose to extend their stay in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines. Meanwhile, one of the most comprehensive programs is available for those traveling with Turkish Airlines, including a free night in a five-star hotel for premium passengers.
Many European airlines also offer packages for transfer passengers to explore their cities, including Finnair, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, Brussels Airlines, and, perhaps, one of the most popular stopovers across the Atlantic – Icelandair.
On the other side of the pond, Air Canada lets people spend a few days in Montréal, Toronto, or Vancouver, with one night free for premium ticket holders. Avianca allows its connecting passengers to explore Bogotá before heading onwards.
Have you ever taken advantage of a layover package? Are you tempted by Malaysian Airlines' offer? Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience.
Lead Sustainability Journalist – With a Masters in International Relations, Linnea has combined her love for current affairs with her passion for travel to become a key member of the Simple Flying team. With eight years’ experience in publishing and citations in publications such as CNN, Linnea brings a deep understanding of politics and future aviation tech to her stories. Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.