Getting the best airfare or choosing to travel with certain airlines can occasionally mean having several hours layover at an airport. This is the case with Maureen, who has 11 hours to kill in Kuala Lumpur. She wants to know how she can pass the time.
Q. Maureen
My husband and I are off to see family in the UK for their summer and to get the most affordable flight, we have an 11-hour layover in Kuala Lumpur airport. What is the best way for us to freshen up? Are there hotel rooms we can book? A friend has told me there are lounges you can gain access to when you get there. Is this correct?
Maureen, a summer in the UK sounds wonderful, and often, the cheapest way to get there can come with the catch of a long layover. However, if approached as a ‘positive’, you can enjoy your spare time there. A member gave us one tip for before you actually take your flight that may make your journey more comfortable. On the Malaysian Airlines A380 from KL to London, the Upper Deck has 70 Economy seats (usually no extra charge to select) configured two-three-two. It has four toilets for exclusive use and its own galley so you don’t have to wait for everyone else on the flight being fed first.
Once you arrive at Kuala Lumpur airport, the chance to freshen up will certainly ease your journey. You can book rooms at the Airport Transit Hotel for six hours (for $60) and add a further three hours (for $10), allowing you a chance to rest without passing through customs. Passengers can also just use the hotel’s gym and showers for $10.
AirAsia also operates a Tune Hotel at Klia2 terminal that offers a six-hour stay between the hours of 8am and 6pm, for around $40, with a meal included. You don’t need to be travelling with AirAsia to book the hotel and other rates are available if your transit is at different times to those offered.
Alternatively, make use of the airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge, where cost varies depending on time of day and length of stay ($30–60). The lounge offers drinks, food, movies and use of computers and showers.
Having said all this, 11 hours is a long time. If you have the energy, consider a daytime trip into the city. Hop on the KLIA Express and do it yourself, or join a local tour. It will make the time pass far more quickly.
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