Friday, October 1, 2010

Malaysian Airlines Hand Baggage Policy

Effective 1st October 2010, Malaysian Airlines is enforcing the one passenger one hand baggage policy strictly in all classes of travel at KL International Airport. This ruling will also include the City Air Terminal at KL Sentral.

Hand baggage for all passengers will be screened at all various options of check-in i.e. at the counters and at the bag drop-off areas for those who check-in via the web and kiosks.

MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad) will enforce this ruling for all airlines operating into and from KLIA. Strict screening will be done at all entrance points for flights. Checks will also be conducted at the check-in counters and boarding gates.

Safety and Comfort in the Cabin
Limiting the number of hand baggage pieces in the cabin minimises injuries caused by oversized baggage falling from the overhead compartments and ensures that each passenger has enough place to stow/keep their bags in the cabin.

The number of hand baggage pieces is determined by the class of travel.

Economy Class passengers are allowed 1 piece while First and Business Class passengers are allowed 2 pieces.

The one passenger, one hand baggage policy for all airlines at KLIA will be strictly enforced by MAHB and checks will be conducted at the entrance points for flights. For First and Business Class passengers who are allowed the 2nd hand baggage, this piece must be tagged at the check-in counter.

In addition to the hand baggage, the following personal items are allowed *:
· handbag, pocket book or purse
· briefcase
· an overcoat, wrap or blanket
· electronic equipment such as laptop, ipad & camera
· a small camera or a pair of binoculars
· a reasonable amount of reading material for the flight
· an infant carry cot
· Infant & children food for consumption in-flight
· Fully collapsible baby stroller (on wide body aircraft only)
· walking stick/canes or crutches and/or braces/prosthetic devices, which the passenger is dependent on
· Syringes or needles for personal medical use with needle guard in place. These have to be accompanied by the medication in its original labeled container.

*All hand baggage beyond the 1st piece must be tagged. Please enquire with the check-in/baggage drop-off counter staff.

More information on the baggage dimension can be found on the following link: http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/hq/en/bkinfo/trvlinfo/airport/baginfo/baggage-info.aspx


Checks at pre-embarkation and embarkation
At all check-in counters at KLIA and KL City Air Terminal, hand baggage test kits will be placed at the check-in area and departure hall entrances.

Our staff together with MAHB security personnel will insist that the hand baggage is sighted/produced at check-in, entrance points for flights and at the boarding gate. If the hand baggage exceeds the weight (5kg), customers might be required to have their bags placed in the cargo hold. Again, this is for safety.

Malaysian Airlines is enforcing this limitation on the number of hand baggage pieces to raise safety standards and comfort in the cabin for passengers and cabin crew:

· Customers are able to move in and out of seats easier as the passage ways are cleared of baggage,
· Embarkation and disembarkation from the aircraft cabin is quicker and efficient,
· Movement during transfers between flights/terminals is also faster and
· Most importantly, in the event of an emergency, the evacuation from the cabin is quick.

In several regions/stations based on airport authority or home base airline ruling, this policy is already imposed on Malaysia Airlines and its customers for strict compliance.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Advise for travellers going to India for tour

Herebelow are a few tips for travellers who are planning to go to India on conducted tours. All this tips are derived from feedback received from our clients.
  1. Please do carry some essential over the counter medication for simple illness such as headache, cough and cold.
  2. Always drink mineral water only, (recommended Aquafina, Bistleri). Please ensure the bottle that you received is sealed and opened by you and not pre- opened by the waiter. It is safe to consume hot drinks such as coffee or tea.
  3. Although it might be very tempting, please by all means avoid food at roadside eateries including fruits. Always look for decent and hygienic restaurants for all your meals. (most cases breakfast is complimentary at the hotels of your stay).
  4. During long journeys restroom facilities may not be available at certain routes, so it is highly recommended to relieve yourself before proceeding with such journey.
  5. Daybreak is around 5.30am (Malaysia time 8.00am) so it is best to wake up early and after an early breakfast, start your journey such you will not be caught in the traffic which normally builds up by 8.30am.
  6. If you are visiting temples in the same town, most temples open as early as 5.00 am so it is recommended for you to visit the temples and then later return to the hotel for breakfast.
  7. Don’t take chance travelling on highways after dusk (8.00pm onwards). Have an early dinner in time to wake up for the next morning.
  8. Always check in the morning to have small denominations of their local currency before departing the hotels. Since you might not be able to get change in temples and small towns. Please ensure that you reload your phones before your journey if you had bought local pre-paid phone lines for your trip.

Friday, March 19, 2010

05 Nights / 06 Days: KOLKATA, DARJEELING & TEA GARDEN

Day 01: Arrival at Kolkata.



Welcome on arrival at Kolkata and transfer to Hotel, evening walk around the city to appreciate the new culture you are in, overnight at hotel. Kolkata is the city of Joy, contrast and culture. Once the capital of British India - now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata may bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life and different cultures.


Day 02: Kolkata – Bagdogra – Darjeeling


Transfer to the next destination or departure transfer to airport to connect your flight Bagdogra, Welcome on arrival at Bagdogra and drive to Darjeeling (95Kms/ 2.5Hrs.). Dorje, the mystic thunderbolt of the Lama-Religion was the origin of the name Darjeeling, which was first discovered by a British Captain Lloyd in the year 1829. Surrounded by tea gardens Darjeeling is a land of infinite variety and charm which will cater you a mix-experience of lively nature & charming Himalayan people. This little town faces some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Evening free for individual activity and leisure, overnight at Hotel.


Day 03: Darjeeling Sightseeing


Breakfast at the Hotel followed by half day local sightseeing covering Padmaja N. Zoological Garden (Closed on Thursday), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Tibetan Refugee Self-help Center (Closed on Sunday) and visit to the Mall and Local Market (Closed on Thursday). You might also Experience the famous Toy Train Joy Ride (subject to availability). This unique Mountain Railway' project was first started in 1878 by the initiative of Sir. Assly Eden and is now a World Heritage. Evening free for shopping & individual activity, overnight at hotel.
 
Day 04: Visit to Tiger Hill to Chamong / Kurseong.
 
Early morning start for Tiger Hill to watch the spectacular sunrise and its amazing effects on the Mt. Kanchendzonga (Worlds 3rd highest peak), Visit Ghoom Monastery and Batashia Loop War Memorial while returning to the Hotel. After lunch transfer to Chamong Chiabari Tea Estate (25Kms/01Hr) OR Cochrane Place, Kurseong (35Kms/01.5Kms).



The tea country is vast parkland of man made landscape, silver-barked and slim elevated trees stand evenly spaced out over trimmed tea bushes throwing a light shade over them. The Tea story of the region dates back to 1835 through the initiative of the British Governor General, Lord Bentick and today Darjeeling tea famous around the world for its flavor and is acknowledged as "The Champagne of Teas". The stunning view of the tea garden along with the mountains and the foothill forests of the Eastern Himalayas from the exclusive private bungalows are enchanting. Enjoy a tour of the garden along with the factory and discover the charming character, rich culture and history with the friendly people of the tea estates of the region.


Day 05: Chamong Chiabari Tea Estate / Kurseong – Bagdogra Airport – Kolkata.


Morning after an early breakfast visit the Tea Factory and the Plantation to interact and understand the life style of the tea industry. Afternoon transfer to Bagdogra Airport (106Kms/ 2hrs) to connect flight to Kolkata. Later welcome on arrival at Kolkata and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.


Day 06: Kolkata Sightseeing.


Morning 8.30 AM starts the half day city tour with an introduction about the glory of Bengal, visit the Flower Market - a unique wholesale market of flowers which is situated in the bank of river Ganges near the famous Howrah Bridge. Drive around the Heritage Buildings of Dalhousie Square, Visit the Mother Teresa’s House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity followed by Victoria Memorial, Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Hop on to an old charming Local Tram and travel to the famous Kali Temple, experience a short Hand pulled Rickshaw ride and Transfer to the Hotel for Lunch. & later transfer to Airport for onward journey. TOUR ENDS.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Haridwar during Kumbh Mela


Read about the mistique of the sacred Haridwar written by Anirban Das Mahapatra. Extracted from The Personal Telegraph Calcutta.

Click here to read