Overview
Malaysia Airlines allows passengers to modify flight bookings, including changes to dates, times, or destinations, subject to fare rules and availability. Changes must be made at least a few hours before departure to avoid no-show penalties, which result in cancellation of the reservation and loss of ticket value. Fees and fare differences may apply based on fare type, route, and timing. Route changes are permitted, but name changes are not allowed.
Key Conditions
- Changes are permitted for tickets purchased through Malaysia Airlines’ website, mobile app, contact center, ticket offices, or authorized travel agents. Tickets booked through third parties must be changed via the original booking agent.
- Modifications to codeshare or interline flights are subject to the operating airline’s policies.
- Changes must be made at least a few hours before departure. Online changes are available via the “Manage Booking” section, but complex bookings may require contact center assistance.
- Name changes are not permitted, but minor corrections of up to a few characters are allowed once per ticket with supporting documents like a passport or government-issued ID. Full name changes require reissuing a new ticket.
- Tickets are valid for one year from issuance for wholly unused tickets or from the first travel date for partially used tickets, unless otherwise specified.
24-Hour Change Policy
Passengers can change their booking within one day of purchase without a fee, provided the flight is at least a week away and was booked directly through Malaysia Airlines’ website, app, contact center, or ticket offices. This applies to most fare types, excluding group or promotional fares. Fare differences may apply if the new flight is more expensive.
Fare Type Policies
- Economy Basic: Changes incur a fee, with fare differences if the new flight is more expensive. Non-refundable.
- Economy Flex: No change fees, but fare differences apply if the new flight is more expensive. Refundable without a fee.
- Business Basic: Changes incur a fee, with fare differences if applicable. Non-refundable.
- Business Flex: No change fees, but fare differences apply. Refundable without a fee.
- Enrich Platinum/Gold Members: May be exempt from change fees for certain fares, with fare differences if applicable, depending on membership tier and fare type.
Change Fees
- Fees for Economy Basic and Business Basic fares vary by route and timing, with higher fees closer to departure.
- Fare differences are charged if the new flight is more expensive; no refund or credit is issued if the new fare is lower.
- Economy Flex and Business Flex fares have no change fees, but fare differences apply.
- Name corrections incur a fee, except within the 24-hour policy or if the airline cancels the flight. Full name changes require a new ticket purchase.
- Service fees may apply for changes made via contact center or ticket offices, charged per passenger per transaction.
- Changes due to exceptional circumstances, such as illness, death of a family member, or natural disasters, may have fees waived with supporting documentation like a medical or death certificate.
How to Change a Flight
Passengers can modify their bookings through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the “Manage Booking” section under “My Trips” on the Malaysia Airlines website or app, enter the booking reference and last name, select new flight details, and pay any fees or fare differences. Changes must be made at least a few hours before departure.
- Customer Service: Contact the Malaysia Airlines Global Contact Centre for assistance, especially for same-day changes, complex itineraries, or bookings not eligible for online changes. A service fee may apply.
- In-Person: Visit a Malaysia Airlines ticket office or airport counter to process changes, subject to availability and fees.
- Travel Agency: If booked through a third party, contact the agency to manage changes, which may involve additional fees.
Flight Disruptions
- For cancellations or schedule changes of a few hours or more, passengers can rebook without fees or fare differences for the same cabin and class, or request a refund or voucher valid for one year. Notifications are sent via email or SMS if contact details are provided.
- Compensation may be provided under applicable regulations for flights within or departing from certain regions, unless disruptions are due to extraordinary circumstances like weather or air traffic control issues.
- Passengers are notified of disruptions at least one day in advance for significant schedule changes, or one month in advance for route cessations, as required by Malaysian regulations.
Additional Notes
- Passengers should review fare rules in the “Manage Booking” section or booking confirmation to understand change restrictions and costs.
- Changes to bookings with additional services (e.g., baggage, seats, meals) may require re-selection, as services may not transfer to the new flight.
- Travel credits or vouchers issued for changes are valid for one year, non-transferable, and applicable only to Malaysia Airlines flights.
- Enrich award tickets may incur fees or mileage adjustments for changes, with exemptions for certain membership tiers.
