MH or CX in KTM

[DrA]

I'm currently trying to book flights for Christmas to Nepal and am tossing up between flying Malaysian Airlines or Cathay Pacific. I'd be flying ex-PER if it matters any, but I'm just wondering what lounge access is like in KTM?

Obviously there's no issue getting into a lounge in Perth International as I could use the QF lounge (as a WP) or the Malaysian lounge. If I flew CX via Hong Kong, lounge access not an issue in HKG. Nor would it be if I flew MH via KUL.

But does anyone know what lounge access is like in KTM for either airline by any chance? I can't seem to find any information.

Cathay's almost twice the price, but has a better schedule, so lounge access might be a deciding factor for me in making a decision!

Appreciate any help on this!

 

[Nizar]

Cathay's almost twice the price, but has a better schedule, so lounge access might be a deciding factor for me in making a decision!

Not sure if I'd pay double for lounge access though that said CX is a much better airline than MH. Up their in the top tier with EK and SQ in terms of airlines readily available to fly to/from Aus.

 

[AIRwin]

Note that HKG-KTM-HKG will be on a KA (Dragonair) codeshare...

 

[DrA]

Yes, I'm aware that HKG-KTM-HKG is a codeshare. And it also requires a stop in Bangladesh as apparently it's not a direct flight even though it's the same flight number. Still though, the schedule is still slightly better on CX than it is on MH.

I know CX is a better airline than MH, but for half the price and for only 2 ~5 hour sectors, I can probably put up with it. Though presumably the MH J product isn't *that* bad? Either way I'm getting my QF status credits.

But back to my original question, is there lounge access in KTM for CX or MH business class pax?

 

[Nizar]

I know CX is a better airline than MH, but for half the price and for only 2 ~5 hour sectors, I can probably put up with it. Though presumably the MH J product isn't *that* bad? Either way I'm getting my QF status credits.

I would go with MH as you said QF SCs in either case. I'd pay maybe 30% more for CX but definately not double.

 

[markis10]

Yes, I'm aware that HKG-KTM-HKG is a codeshare. And it also requires a stop in Bangladesh as apparently it's not a direct flight even though it's the same flight number. Still though, the schedule is still slightly better on CX than it is on MH.

I know CX is a better airline than MH, but for half the price and for only 2 ~5 hour sectors, I can probably put up with it. Though presumably the MH J product isn't *that* bad? Either way I'm getting my QF status credits.

But back to my original question, is there lounge access in KTM for CX or MH business class pax?

No lounge access in KTM unless your flying dragon air, the one world site will always show what lounge options are on offer.

Lounge access - oneworld

 

[cmon0005]

Not sure if it matters to you or not but KUL-KTM is on a 737-800 so it'll be domestic J product. Which is still quite comfortable, and being a morning flight for 4hrs50mins the need to sleep won't be that much.
Dragonair is A330

 

[DrA]

Not sure if it matters to you or not but KUL-KTM is on a 737-800 so it'll be domestic J product. Which is still quite comfortable, and being a morning flight for 4hrs50mins the need to sleep won't be that much.
Dragonair is A330

It might actually matter.

I'll be on a late afternoon flight from PER-KUL that lands at 2200 and the KUL-KTM flight doesn't leave until 0955 the next day. Which probably means I will be hanging around the airport for the layover in the MH lounge (presumably it's open 24/7?). So probably won't be getting any sleep. And then once I land in KTM, I'm on the go immediately, and I'd prefer to be rested for it.

This is what I mean about the schedule on CX being better. Just trying to decide if the price is justified or not. I've not really flown MH before besides one return domestic charter flight.

 

[cmon0005]

Which probably means I will be hanging around the airport for the layover in the MH lounge (presumably it's open 24/7?). So probably won't be getting any sleep.

If you end up going from KUL you could stay in the transit hotel overnight til morning, I had stayed there a few years ago now, and KUL's transit hotel is much better than SIN's in my opinion.

Let us know how your trip goes anyway, I am looking at going to KTM early next year for the first time and wouldn't mind hearing your first hand experience.

 

[yohy?!]

It might actually matter.

I'll be on a late afternoon flight from PER-KUL that lands at 2200 and the KUL-KTM flight doesn't leave until 0955 the next day. Which probably means I will be hanging around the airport for the layover in the MH lounge (presumably it's open 24/7?). So probably won't be getting any sleep. And then once I land in KTM, I'm on the go immediately, and I'd prefer to be rested for it.

This is what I mean about the schedule on CX being better. Just trying to decide if the price is justified or not. I've not really flown MH before besides one return domestic charter flight.

Yes MH Lounge is open 24/7 - be sure to grab a slumberette room for a few hours kip

 

[markis10]

It might actually matter.

I'll be on a late afternoon flight from PER-KUL that lands at 2200 and the KUL-KTM flight doesn't leave until 0955 the next day. Which probably means I will be hanging around the airport for the layover in the MH lounge (presumably it's open 24/7?). So probably won't be getting any sleep. And then once I land in KTM, I'm on the go immediately, and I'd prefer to be rested for it.

I would head into Sentral for that sort of layover, hotel rooms are cheap enough and the stay credits come in handy.

 

[DrA]

I would head into Sentral for that sort of layover, hotel rooms are cheap enough and the stay credits come in handy.

I really can't be bothered dealing with immigration at KUL to be honest with you.

I'm just waiting to finalize the Nepal travel bookings and once I've done that I'll make a final decision on the flights. Seems like the most practical option is probably MH given the price difference though.

 

[markis10]

I really can't be bothered dealing with immigration at KUL to be honest with you.

I'm just waiting to finalize the Nepal travel bookings and once I've done that I'll make a final decision on the flights. Seems like the most practical option is probably MH given the price difference though.

I do it once a month on average, at 8.30 at night its dead, normally can get through and be on the train in 20 minutes from docking.

 

[JohnK]

Not sure if I'd pay double for lounge access though that said CX is a much better airline than MH.

Why is CX a better airline than MH?

Customer service? Schedules? Less delays and/or cancellations?

Or is it because they treat EVERY Oneworld elite better than Qantas?

 

[ozkid]

I do it once a month on average, at 8.30 at night its dead, normally can get through and be on the train in 20 minutes from docking.

Hi Markis (and DrA)
doing a trip to KTM myself next Feb, faced the same dilemma and decided to go MH via KUL. The cost difference was too much to go with CX
1. What's the Dragonair lounge like in KTM - I will be QFF WP by then and will get access even though flying Y
2. I was initially thinking of the transit hotel as well next to the terminal - what's your choice for a hotel in Sentral?

cheers

 

[ozkid]

No lounge access in KTM unless your flying dragon air, the one world site will always show what lounge options are on offer.

Lounge access - oneworld

Hang on, just read this post - why can't oneworld Gold/Sapphire or Plat/Emerald get access into the dragonair lounge?

 

[markis10]

Hang on, just read this post - why can't oneworld Gold/Sapphire or Plat/Emerald get access into the dragonair lounge?

Its a third party lounge so access is often only available for the contracting airline customers. Re accommodation, the Aloft is good for sub $100, although the Le Meridien and Sheraton can be had for not much more through a best rate guarantee if your into Starpoints, netting $60 worth which means the room is closer to $50 for the night.

 

[ozkid]

Ah ok thanks Markis for clarifying. Looks like the Priority Pass lounge at KTM then.
Thanks also for the tips regards hotels. Will take a look

 

[DrA]

I do it once a month on average, at 8.30 at night its dead, normally can get through and be on the train in 20 minutes from docking.

Maybe I'm just exceptionally unlucky, but I tend to get a lot of hassle at immigration in general due to some of the visa stamps in my passport. I've been told I fit the profile of a drug runner in the past. It is what it is, I just try to avoid the hassle if I can though.

 

[markis10]

Maybe I'm just exceptionally unlucky, but I tend to get a lot of hassle at immigration in general due to some of the visa stamps in my passport. I've been told I fit the profile of a drug runner in the past. It is what it is, I just try to avoid the hassle if I can though.

I have had some issue once with a stamp that was too small to be real apparently, ironically it was from KLIA a month earlier, so I understand.