The Unplanned End to Our Culinary Tour: Courtesy of Malaysia Airlines
I spent a year planning a 10-day Durian and Culinary Tour across Malaysia for 37 food enthusiasts. We opted for Malaysia Airlines (MAS), because, you know, supporting the national carrier seemed the right thing to do. That turned out to be a mistake.
Eight days into the tour, with everyone savouring the durian and local delicacies, MAS cancelled our return flight to Sydney. Just like that, our trip unravelled.
Imagine trying to salvage my tour when 37 people suddenly had to choose between coughing up for an extra night’s accommodation or throwing away the entire last day of the tour to catch an earlier flight.
They opted for the latter, which meant ditching a day packed with paid-for, non-refundable meals and experiences designed to showcase some of Malaysia’s most famous dishes and sights.
This wasn’t just any tour. It followed a government-backed initiative to promote Malaysia as a culinary and tourist destination. But instead of leaving with memories of mouth-watering meals and cultural riches, my group left with one clear memory: Malaysia Airlines ruined the end of their trip.
What really takes the cake was the response from the MAS Sydney office. Or rather, the lack of it. When I contacted them for assistance, I was told they couldn’t help — full stop. And when I followed up, they ghosted me.
It’s one thing to have a flight cancelled; it’s another to be met with complete indifference.
I know Malaysia Airlines has been in the news lately about cancellations, but here’s the kicker — this has apparently been going on for many months. After venting to some high-profile Malaysian friends, I discovered that several of them have sworn off flying MAS altogether due to similar horror stories.
So much for promoting Malaysia as a premier travel destination when the national carrier seems hell-bent on driving people away.
This whole fiasco taught me a few things:
- When it comes to airlines, loyalty doesn’t pay. Book with a carrier that actually cares about its passengers.
- Always have a backup plan. MAS showed me that even the most carefully laid plans can fall apart instantly.
- Don’t trust a national carrier just because it’s “national”. Some are excellent, others are MAS.
To anyone considering a trip to Malaysia: go for it. The food’s incredible, the people are welcoming, and the culture’s rich. Just do yourself a favour and fly with anyone but Malaysia Airlines. Your peace of mind (and your wallet) will thank you.
