How long between flights in KUL do I need?

[goldenhorn]

Jan 2020 I’m flying JAL J NRT-KUL but then need to buy a fight KUL-SIN which will probably be Y (maybe on a LCC like Scoot or AirAsia).

So I have to collect luggage and then check in for the next flight.

I’m landing at 6:10pm so wondering how long I should allow to do all that.

Would the experienced travelers here have a 3-hour (or more) layover or is 2 hours enough?

I haven’t been to KUL airport for over 15 years so can’t remember what it’s like doing a transfer like this.

TYIA!

 

[Austman]

Getting from KLIA(1) to KLIA2 (where most LCCs operate) takes a while. There is a free shuttle bus and a paid for train service linking the two. There is no airside transfer so you are at the mercy of migration, customs, the bus/train timetable and the LCC check-in deadline. Best allow at least 2 hours, probably 3.

Sticking to KLIA1 airlines would save you some time. JL might even through-check to MH for example. That way you’d stay air-side in the same terminal.

 

[goldenhorn]

Getting from KLIA(1) to KLIA2 (where most LCCs operate) takes a while. There is a free shuttle bus and a paid for train service linking the two. There is no airside transfer so you are at the mercy of migration, customs, the bus/train timetable and the LCC check-in deadline. Best allow at least 2 hours, probably 3.

Sticking to KLIA1 airlines would save you some time. JL might even through-check to MH for example.

Thank you!

I was wondering if there was a way I could through-check luggage. That would be the best solution and I wouldn't care if the ticket was quite a bit more to save the hassle.

So does JL have a reciprocal agreement with MH to allow for that?

EDIT: just checked MH and they have a flight at 19:30 but it's 4X the cost of most others. Not sure if it's worth paying 4X for through-checked luggage...

Looks like the best choices with KLIA(1) airlines on that night are a SQ @ 20:30 or SLK @ 21:45. I'll probably book SQ as it's half the cost of MH.

 

[mandolino]

Last time I did KLIA1 to KLIA2 LCC there was no AC on the train platforms so I arrived in pools of sweat with a short blast of AC freeze-drying while on the train in between sweatstops.

Still, big improvement on the time when they were on opposite sides of KUL and a sweaty road vehicle was the only way.

Generally, for this kind of transfer, I stay in the Sama-Sama in KLIA2 airside then get a morning flight onward.

 

[goldenhorn]

Last time I did KLIA1 to KLIA2 LCC there was no AC on the train platforms so I arrived in pools of sweat with a short blast of AC freeze-drying while on the train in between sweatstops.

Still, big improvement on the time when they were on opposite sides of KUL and a sweaty road vehicle was the only way.

Generally, for this kind of transfer, I stay in the Sama-Sama in KLIA2 airside then get a morning flight onward.

Sounds horrific!

I booked the 20:30 flight with SQ. Got a good price through Skyscanner/Trip.com

 

[mandolino]

Having had to get from Seoul to MEL/SYD or PER a few times, I've used Air Asia arriving at KLIA2 late at night, stayed in Sama-Sama (the airside one) then got a daytime flight onward having slept well.

You've already booked but worth considering if you have to do it again.

They scuppered that for PER when they cancelled the daytime flight but still works for Melbourne (but arrives AVV) and SYD.

 

[goldenhorn]

Having had to get from Seoul to MEL/SYD or PER a few times, I've used Air Asia arriving at KLIA2 late at night, stayed in Sama-Sama (the airside one) then got a daytime flight onward having slept well.

You've already booked but worth considering if you have to do it again.

They scuppered that for PER when they cancelled the daytime flight but still works for Melbourne (but arrives AVV) and SYD.

Great tip and will definitely consider next time. Gotta be in Singapore for a booking at Six Senses Maxwell hotel.

 

[evangelionpunk]

Future FYI Malindo/Lion flies from KLIA from the budget airlines. All the rest fly from KLIA2.