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Would You Fly Malaysia Airlines?

Dec. 17, 2014
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3 min read
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Would You Fly Malaysia Airlines?
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I'm flying on Malaysia Airlines for the first time tomorrow due to a pretty cheap business class fare (and my need to requalify for American Airlines Executive Platinum!) and I have to say I'm not worried about it. However, almost everyone I've told has either laughed or looked at me like I'm crazy for "jeopardizing my safety" for a low fare or elite status. In fact, many people that I've spoken to in Asia and the US have told me they'd refuse to fly them. Am I off-base here thinking it's fine to fly them (especially now they're going through some financial distress after two major aircraft losses this year)? I created a poll below and would love to hear your thoughts!

Would you fly Malaysia Airlines? Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

The Big Picture

If we are going from a records standpoint, many airlines have worse records. It seems as if Malaysia has recently run into a bout of bad luck that may/may not have been their fault. We still don't really know what happened to flight 370 and it may stay a mystery (just as many plane crashes are unsolved mysteries) and arguably there isn’t much that Malaysian could have done to avoid getting shot out of the air by (likely) a terrorist missile.

After their second incident, passengers who wished to postpone or cancel their travel plans (including those booked with non-refundable tickets) could obtain a refund and members of Enrich, Malaysia Airline’s frequent flyer program, could also receive fee waivers for any changes to their travel itinerary, as well as refunds of miles should they choose to cancel their redemption tickets if notified by July 24th, 2014. Did any TPG readers out there actually cancel or postpone a flight?

Per the 2014 Safety Rankings by Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC) Malaysia Airlines is the 34th safest airline in the world, ahead of the carrier I just flew to asia, Japan Airlines (46) and even my go-to carrier American Airlines (41). I'm not sure if this includes MH17, which happens in July, but the bottom line is that statistically, they're better off than most carriers.

I'll be chilling in business class, just like this guy. Not a worry in the world!

According to AskMen's Top 10: Most Dangerous Airlines, Malaysia Airlines didn't even make it on the list. Here's their ranking of the worst:

1. Cubana Airlines

2. China Airlines

3. Iran Air

4. Philippine Airlines

5. Kenya Airways

6. Egyptair

7. Pakistan International Airlines

8. Avianca

9. Thai Airways

10. Garuda Indonesia

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I still find flying to be way safer that other methods of travel, like getting into your car is riskier than flying. In fact, I am looking forward to trying out their business class. Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live social media updates and photos of my Malaysia Airlines experience, in addition to updates and photos of my trip in general.

[poll id="48"]

[card card-name='British Airways Visa Signature® Card' card-id='22129607' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']

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Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.