MH704 Delayed 6 Hours

MH704 : KUL – MNL on 10th April 2010.

It was supposed to be departing at 1015. But once I went past the immigration, I heard the announcement that it was going to be delayed to 1130. 1.5 hours of delay. Not too bad I thought.

I could just sit down, have a Starbucks, read some newspapers, play with my iPhone and time will pass quickly.

So come 1130, everyone was on the plane. Seat belts buckled and we were all waiting for the plane to be taxi-ed out to the runway.

Then comes the captain’s announcement.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Welcome on-board MH704. We’re currently facing some technical issues. Don’t worry. It will be fixed in the next 5 minutes.

5 minutes…YEAH RITE! More like 1.5 hours!

I sat in the plane from 1115 to 1245 being served with kacang masin and guava juice. Then after 1.5 hours, the captain came again.

We have to disembark to plane while the technicians fix the problem. It would probably take AT LEAST 3 hours. We’re sorry for all the inconveniences caused.

Suddenly everything seems so familiar again. This is indeed MH  in which through my own experience is a flight delay airline.

Previously, I sat in the plane (KUL – FRA) for 5 freaking hours before being asked to disembarked. My flight eventually took off some 26.5 hours later from the intended departure time.

That’s the worst experience I had with MH. Not forgetting too some other 3-6 hours flight delays experiences.

Thinking back, I really wonder why I chose to take MH to Manila this time. Why not SQ?

Back to the flight delay. Obviously everyone very pissed off. I am.

The captain said they needed 3 hours to fix the problem in which then the new departure time would be at least 1600. However, the ground crew said new departure time is 1500. In fact, the departure time of 1500 was shown on the screen. And it was only until 1445 that they announced the new departure time which was going to be 1630.

It was now lunch time. Surely MH has to at least compensate our lunch. Everyone got a meal voucher. But here’s the caveat – it’s only worth RM20 and can be used at either Noodles, Delifrance and Burger King.

I chose Noodles. I didn’t want to have another round of fast food at Burger King after my McD breakfast meal.

The next thing I found out at Noodles is that there’s only 1 option of food to choose from. Wantan noodle + Chinese tea. That’s RM20 gone. Good food nevertheless.

So come 1630, again everyone was on the plane. And the captain came in,

Sorry to keep you waiting ladies and gentlemen. Our plane is currently refuelling. It will take 15 minutes.

And then it was followed by a loud BOoOOo from the front to the back of the plane.

Eventually, the flight took off and I arrived in Manila at 2030, more than 6 hours from the original time.