Want cheap flights around Malaysia? Read on!

We’ve discovered Firefly – Malaysia Airlines peninsular carrier – and it’s awesome. And by awesome I mean cheap fares, easy to book online, quick check in, on time departure, in-flight refreshments and a smooth flight. What else could you ask for?

Our flight from Singapore to Ipoh cost us less than $60 each and we’re flying to Langkawi from Penang for $10 each. And yes I know it only takes few hours to get the ferry but who can pass up $10 flights?!

Our first Firefly experience was really good from end to end. We booked our fares online really easily, and checked in online the night before. When we arrived at the airport were a lot of counters open and took us less than five minutes to check our backpack and be on our way. Once we went through immigration we had time for a coffee before meandering over to Gate 55 and heading downstairs to the boarding area.

 

A quick bus ride took us across the tarmac to the plane which looked gorgeous with its bright livery of yellow and – Em says red and I say dark orange. It looks shiny and new and the flight attendants greeted us warmly as we boarded.

 

We found our seats, buckled up, listened to safety demonstration and the hello from the Captain – which is so nice, I like it when the Captain says hello before take-off – and we were ready to go.

Okay so I was a little nervous when I saw the plane was a prop. Waaaaahhh. Many bumpy flights from Sydney to Canberra in little propeller planes have done this to me. But my rational mind knows that these planes are super safe and the best to be in should you need an emergency landing (omg) but generally they’re not my faves.

 

However in reality these little ATR72/500/600’s have the smoothest take-offs and are delightfully non-bumpy. The seats are a 2:2 configuration with smaller than usual seats but larger than usual legroom so we were happy.

Takeoff was on time and so smooth and we had a lovely view of Singapore before we were up above the clouds. I love how these little planes manoeuvre around the thunder storms and pick gaps in clouds to pass through – they’re so nimble and it’s fun to fly around the clouds.

Snacks were served as soon as the seatbelt sign went off. On this 1.45pm flight we were offered a choice of banana cake (Emmie), samosas and peanuts (my choice). Emmie loves the cake. We also have a choice of coffee, tea or guava juice.

I can’t say I’m 100 percent calm on these flights. After only flying Qantas for so long, any new airline still gives me sweaty palms and a bit of the nerves. But flights like this help, showing me that there are fab little airlines out there that we should be flying.

There are a few little bumps as we descend through the clouds into Ipoh, for one of the smoothest landings ever. On time, happy and having saved 10 hours of bus travel.

Totally recommended – we heart Firefly

Update: Our flight from Penang to Langkawi was just as brilliant – and we’ve now booked a $40 return trip from KL to Penang. Winning!