7 Travel Tips Every Malaysian Should Know To Avoid Alamak Moments

Travel tips for Malaysians

Every trip overseas gives us main character feels. But with the best-laid travel plans, you can still run into a few villains along the way – think flight delays and missing baggage that have even frequent flyers slapping their foreheads and going alamak.

To reach your destination with as few hiccups as possible, whether you’re jetting off to Bali for a relaxing long weekend or securing your bag with a work trip, here are 7 travel tips every Malaysian should know.

1. Book your flight at least 2 months in advance to get the best deals

Before you pack your bags, you’ll need to secure your flight tickets, which can often be a more stressful affair than the flight itself. Timing is everything when it comes to this.

Tuesday was once said to be the golden day to secure flight tickets with the best deals. But recent Expedia and Google studies show this isn’t necessarily true. The first study concludes that Sunday is the best day to make bookings, while Google says that midweek fares are cheaper compared to the weekends.

Nonetheless, there’s a recommended sweet spot for travel days and how far in advance to book a flight. Google analysed weekday flights to be 20% cheaper than weekend flights. And while most airlines release bookable flights a year in advance, experts advise to start looking for airfares 2-5 months before your travel date, as that’s when average prices tend to be lower.

To compare prices and deals without jumping between sites, start your search on platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner which make it easy to navigate fluctuating airfares.

The latter aggregates and predicts fares from various airlines. It also allows you to track and get notified of fares for rises or drops, and uses historical data to analyse flight prices over the past 12 months to predict fares.

2. Get compensated for delayed, overbooked or rerouted flights

We’ve all been there, or at least know someone who has, when it comes to cancelled or overbooked flights. Hence, it’s a good idea to be clued up on your rights as a flyer.

The silver lining to schedule and booking mishaps is that most airlines offer compensation for them. Here are some examples of the most common ones:

Delayed and cancelled flights

Flight delays and cancellations are like uninvited guests that pop up at the worst time. A delay means your flight doesn’t leave on time, while a cancellation means it’s been scrapped entirely.

Overbooked flight

Think of overbooked flights as a crowded party that has reached maximum capacity and has to be blocked by a bouncer. This typically happens when airlines sell seats to more passengers than a plane’s actual capacity, to account for potential no-shows.

Rerouted flight

When your flight gets rerouted, it’s like being forced to go on a detour on a road trip – not what you planned, but not the end of the world either. A rerouted flight means your journey has changed due to various reasons, such as the weather or operational issues.

What to do next when faced with travel interruptions

If you find yourself in any of the above situations, first take a deep breath. Then, head to your airline’s service desk or flight gate for assistance and to know your options. You’re usually entitled to compensation and, in some cases, you can get rebooked on a later flight.

Compensations typically come in the form of meal vouchers, complimentary hotel stays, or even cash to help tide you over during the extended wait – so don’t be paiseh or malu to reach out for assistance. Note however that they don’t typically apply to extraordinary circumstances, or occurrences like bad weather and security and safety issues.

Travel pro-tip: Utilise your airline’s dedicated app to track flight statuses in real time and get a heads-up on any further updates. It can be your best friend in scenarios like these.

3. Have essentials with you in the case of a missed flight

Imagine taking your mum’s advice and arriving at the airport 3 hours early for your international flight – only to discover your initial flight has been delayed, causing you to miss your connecting flight. Arriving early is always good advice to heed, but this uncontrollable scenario can still make a dent in your itinerary.

If it happens to you, don’t panic just yet.

If you miss a flight, inform your airline as soon as possible. Letting them know immediately about your missed flight and the reason behind it can help you avoid being marked as a no-show, which can complicate things further and make it harder to get assistance.

On-ground airline staff will typically rebook you on the next flight, for reasons such as missing a connecting flight due to delays with your initial flight. But there are reasons the airline won’t be faulted for, such as natural disasters, traveller negligence, and medical emergencies.

Next, check out the airline’s refund policies. Generally, missed flights don’t qualify for refunds, but airlines may have you booked on the next available flight at a reduced fare or with a minimal charge for the price difference.

While waiting for your next flight, being prepared can make all the difference.

In the event you get separated from your baggage, having essentials such as your toothbrush and a change of clothes can make your time in transit more comfortable. If you’re able, get access to an airport lounge for a more comfortable wait, as most have amenities like complimentary WiFi, shower rooms, and charging stations.

Having travel insurance can offer additional support and cover unexpected costs too. Some trusty ones offer 24-hour worldwide assistance and also make up for the difference between your compensation and the price of your new ticket up to a certain amount.

4. Know your options when faced with lost or delayed baggage

Nobody wants to find out that their baggage is lost or delayed – it’s like losing a limb while travelling. But knowing your options can elevate such mishaps into minor inconveniences.

Be sure to report the issue and file a written complaint to the airline’s baggage desk as soon as possible – most airlines recommend within 21 days of arrival. They can help track down your missing luggage or assist with filing a compensation claim.

It’s advised to take a picture of your bag, to better describe its appearance to the staff while they attempt to locate it. Having proof of the value of items in your luggage can also help validate your claims.

A good travel insurance policy can come in handy here too, covering you for the essentials while you wait to be reunited with your baggage.

5. Be financially and mentally prepared

When it comes to financial preparation, it’s wise to carry emergency cash or at least RM500 or equivalent in the local currency, aside from what you’ve already budgeted for your trip. This ensures you have a safety net for minor emergencies or unforeseen expenses.

Alongside cash, having a backup credit card can be a lifesaver. If you don’t have one, you can utilise travel money apps and prepaid cards. Apps like Touch ‘n Go and Wise have features such as instant reloading and can be used for various transactions in many countries now.

Another often overlooked handy tip is to inform your bank that you’re travelling and using your credit card abroad to ensure smoothness with overseas transactions.

Mental preparation is equally important as travel can be unpredictable. Having a plan for how to handle potential issues, such as having emergency contacts or quick access to funds, will make it easier to navigate stressful situations and stay focused on enjoying your much-deserved trip.

6. Plan ahead to avoid add-on fees on flights

Once your tickets are in the bag, add-on services such as seat selection, meal choices, and extra baggage allowance will be presented to you. As these can be purchased later, it’s best to review what will actually ease your travel experience beforehand.

Go for extra baggage only if you’re planning a shopping spree. Or, opt for a loose or collapsible carry-on bag you can fill with souvenirs on your return flight.

Whether you must have a window or aisle seat, most airlines now charge for seat selection. To avoid add-on fees, check in early. Some airlines offer complimentary seat selection when online check-in opens.

Most of us tend to overpack for trips abroad too – dedicated outfits for different excursions and extra undergarments and all. However, oversized and overweight bags can be a hassle to deal with. Stay light by keeping personal care consumables travel-sized, or by purchasing basic toiletries such as body wash at your destination to save on space and weight.

7. Stay updated with your travel plans

Before you jet off, it’s advisable to check local news and weather reports for your destination. Disruptions to travel plans, such as natural disasters or events like strikes, can be manageable by staying informed and prepared.

In case of potential disruptions to your travel plans, it’s important to understand your airline’s policies on things like cancellations and delays. Airlines often have specific procedures in place for these scenarios, and knowing your options can help you make informed decisions.

If you find yourself in a situation that could affect your safety when abroad such as a natural disaster – touch wood – your first step should be to contact your country’s embassy or consulate. These agencies are there to provide crucial information, guidance, and assistance, to help you navigate such situations.

Finally, safeguarding your trip with travel insurance is highly recommended. It provides vital protection and support for a range of issues, from trip cancellations to unexpected emergencies, ensuring that you’re prepared for when things don’t go as planned.

Safeguard your travel plans with MSIG

A smooth travel journey starts with smart preparation and protection.

That said, travel insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for safeguarding your safety and personal belongings, whether you’re jetting off to international locales or exploring closer to home.

If you’re ready to make your long-awaited trip smoother and stress-free, think of MSIG as your travel superhero, swooping in to save the day when unexpected hiccups arise. Choose from Single Trip or Annual policies, with comprehensive plans that cover various types of travel interruptions.

Their TravelRight Plus Insurance, for starters, will cover the following up to a stated amount:

• Travel delays of first 4 consecutive hours and every subsequent 6 consecutive hours
• Missed travel connection and overbooked flight with no alternate form of transport for more than 6 hours
• Missed departure due to public transport breakdown
• Medical expenses, including alternative treatments such as osteopathy and physiotherapy, as well as other costs like follow-up treatments in Malaysia, are subject to the overall limit for medical expenses
• Mishaps and accidents such as death and loss of sight
• Travel cancellations and loss of travel deposits

Head over to the MSIG Online website to secure your travel insurance and enjoy a 25% rebate when you purchase plans online.

Throughout MSIG’s Travel Smart, TravelRight campaign from 10th September to 31st December 2024, you’ll also pocket Touch ‘n Go rewards in the form of e-wallet credits when you use the promo code <MSIGxTSLocal> at the checkout page. Think of it as a little bonus treat for being travel-savvy.

Alternatively, you could also contact an MSIG Insurance Adviser for more information about their travel insurance.

With top-notch protection, you can rest assured that your next travel adventure will be a breeze.

Find out more about MSIG’s TravelRight insurance here

This post was brought to you by MSIG. 

Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia

This is for general information only and shall not constitute as a financial advice.
T&Cs apply. MSIG is a member of PIDM. The benefit(s) payable under eligible product is protected by PIDM up to limits. Please refer to PIDM’s TIPS Brochure or contact MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd or PIDM (visit www.pidm.gov.my).