Lounge Review: Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Malaysia Airlines' former First Class product, once a hallmark of the airline’s luxury offerings, was rebranded as Business Suite in December 2018. Although the airline no longer offers a dedicated First Class cabin, a First Class lounge experience remains available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in the Satellite Terminal. The Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge caters exclusively to Business Suite passengers, oneworld First Class travelers, and oneworld Emerald frequent flyers, continuing to provide premium services and comfort at the highest level.

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Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Satellite Terminal)

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I am currently a oneworld Emerald member, thanks to matching my World of Hyatt Globalist status to American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum Pro through the Instant Status Pass promotion that ran a few months ago. This allowed me to access the Platinum Lounge in the Satellite Terminal, even though I was flying in Economy Class on Malaysia Airlines. As mentioned earlier, my main reason for switching from Singapore Airlines to Malaysia Airlines was to avoid the hassle of traveling to the Satellite Terminal, since Malaysia Airlines flights usually arrive and depart from the Main Terminal. However, since I wanted to check out the Platinum Lounge, I had to take a bus to transfer between terminals. It was not until later that I discovered that oneworld Emerald members have access to a 24-hour BMW i7 transfer service between terminals—a benefit I am m definitely planning to use on my next visit.

Main Reception
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

To access the Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge, you first walk through the main entrance of the Golden Lounge and then turn right—heading left will take you to the Golden Lounge itself. The Platinum Lounge has two main areas: the Dining Room and the Gallery, which serves as the main lounge space. The Gallery is long and narrow, offering fantastic views of the airport apron from nearly every seat—an ideal spot for aviation enthusiasts! Since there are very few First Class flights departing from KLIA, the Platinum Lounge is usually quite peaceful. I imagine most of the guests here gain access through their oneworld Emerald status rather than actually flying First Class (or Business Suite).

Main Seating Area
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

During my visit to the Platinum Lounge in September 2024, the dedicated bathrooms were undergoing renovation or restoration work. As a result, passengers were directed to use the bathrooms in the Golden Lounge. Fortunately, both lounges are connected, so you can easily walk from the Gallery to the bathrooms without needing to exit the lounge. I also discovered that the Platinum Lounge has a quiet area with day beds, which is especially useful for those with long layovers at KLIA who need some rest before their next flight.

Self-serve Buffet Area
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

The Gallery in the Platinum Lounge offers a small self-serve area with light snacks, though it’s not as extensive as what you’ll find in the neighboring Golden Lounge, which even has a dedicated Laksa Bar. These bites are ideal for passengers who prefer something lighter before their flight. If you are after a full meal, head to the Dining area, where you can enjoy a sit-down experience with table service and an à la carte menu. Alternatively, you can pop into the Golden Lounge to help yourself to the food there before returning to the Platinum Lounge, if that suits your preference.

Self-serve Alcohol
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Unlike the Golden Lounge, where alcohol must be requested at the Sports Bar, the Platinum Lounge offers a self-serve option at the buffet area. For those who enjoy a bit of bubbly, Duval-Leroy Reserve Brut Champagne is available on a self-serve basis, so you can help yourself without needing to ask staff. Even though the Gallery area is primarily self-service, I was pleasantly surprised when a staff member offered me a Champagne refill while I was working with an empty glass by my side. If you’re craving a fresh pint of draught beer, however, you’ll need to head over to the Golden Lounge, as only canned beers are available in the Platinum Lounge.

View of Runway
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

I absolutely love the privacy and spaciousness of the Platinum Lounge, which, as mentioned earlier, is quite underutilised due to the limited number of First Class flights out of KLIA. While there are no boarding calls or announcements in the lounge, the staff was attentive and kindly reminded me that my flight was departing from the Main Terminal. Despite my boarding pass showing a boarding time an hour before departure, I usually head over 30-40 minutes beforehand, as this is when actual boarding typically begins for regional flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. That being said, I’m a fast walker and can get between terminals quickly, but you might want to allocate extra time if needed.

Dining Room
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

The Dining area of the Platinum Lounge is arguably the most significant distinction from the Golden Lounge. To make the most of my experience, I arrived at the airport a bit earlier before my flight to indulge in a proper lunch instead of opting for one of my favorite city restaurants. Upon entering the dining area, I was promptly shown to a table and offered a drink before even glancing at the food menu. Since Malaysia celebrates Hari Merdeka on August 31 each year, a special Merdeka menu was available during my visit, alongside the usual à la carte menu featuring more Western options. I'm not certain if a local or Malaysian menu is typically offered on regular days, but I’ll be sure to update this review after my next visit to the Platinum Lounge in the coming weeks.

Popiah
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

While there’s no limit on the number of dishes you can order from the menu, I chose to try the Popiah (a vegetable roll with dried shrimp, peanuts, sesame, and sweet chili sauce) from the Merdeka menu. It was well-presented and decent in taste, but to be honest, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. I appreciate the inclusion of local dishes in the appetisers, but I think there’s potential for these offerings to be elevated even further.

Beef Soup
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

On the other hand, the Beef Soto was simply divine. This traditional Malaysian beef soup came accompanied by rice cubes and a delightful puff pastry twist, all topped with scallions and crispy fried shallots. I truly enjoyed the rich complexity of the flavors in the beef soto, and the presentation was lovely, especially with the addition of that delicious (albeit slightly stale from leaving outside) puff pastry on the side.

Beef Steak
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

The Merdeka menu featured two enticing main courses: Slow-cooked Chicken with a flavorful percik sauce and Grilled Seabass served with rice and sambal chili. However, I was intrigued by the Classical Roasted Tenderloin Beef from the Western menu and decided to give that a try instead. Unfortunately, despite my specific request for the steak to be cooked medium rare, it arrived extremely well-done, making it quite challenging to finish. The accompanying mashed potatoes and the mustard vinaigrette on the mixed mesclun salad were decent, but it was disappointing to be served such an overcooked steak in a First Class lounge.

Duval-Leroy Champagne
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

I glanced around the Dining area but couldn’t find a beverage menu, so I asked one of the lounge staff for a glass of Champagne. I was delighted to receive a fresh pour straight from the bottle—there’s truly nothing quite as satisfying as the sound of a cork popping from a newly opened Duval-Leroy Reserve Brut Champagne bottle. I also appreciated that they serve the Champagne in elegant flutes, which definitely enhances the upscale ambiance of the space.

View from Dining Room
Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) - Kuala Lumpur International Airport

The Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge at KLIA is an excellent option for oneworld Emerald members, but I doubt that access to this lounge would significantly influence potential passengers to choose the Business Suite over the standard Business Class product when flying with Malaysia Airlines. After all, the primary distinction between a Business Suite and regular Business Class is simply a sliding door and what is claimed to be a better food and beverage menu. However, I find myself more inclined to fly with oneworld carriers when departing from KLIA, especially considering that Star Alliance's designated lounge is the Plaza Premium Lounge in the Main Terminal. During my time as a PPS Club member, I flew Singapore Airlines in Business Class and was directed to use the standard Plaza Premium Lounge instead of the Plaza Premium First. As a oneworld Emerald member, with access to the Platinum Lounge (or the Regional Golden Lounge if you do not wish to travel down to the Satellite Terminal), there is little incentive to choose Singapore Airlines for travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur at this time.