Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Flying back to your hometown or heading off on a holiday this Chinese New Year?
Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air are advising passengers to arrive at the airports four hours before their scheduled departure time.
In a statement to SAYS, 13 February, Batik Air said that with airports nationwide expected to experience higher-than-usual passenger traffic during the peak travel period, travellers are encouraged to complete online check-in before heading to the airport.
"Travellers are also advised to arrive at least four hours prior to departure, with their boarding passes ready, to allow ample time for baggage drop, security screening, and other airport formalities.
"Planning ahead helps ensure a smoother and more relaxed start to your journey, so you can focus on what truly matters this festive season — reconnecting with family, sharing laughter over festive meals, and creating cherished memories," it said.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via Mohd Fadli Hamzah/New Straits TimesSimilarly, Malaysia Airlines urged passengers flying between 13 February and 22 February to arrive at KLIA Terminal 1 four hours ahead of their flight
"This allows sufficient time for check-in and document verification at various airport touchpoints," it said in a statement on Monday, 9 February.
Passengers are also reminded that check-in counters will close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time for both domestic and international flights.
After checking in, travellers should proceed directly to the security screening area. The boarding pass scan cut-off time is 40 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 50 minutes for international flights.
Due to the expected surge in passenger numbers, waiting times of more than 45 minutes may occur at key touchpoints, including check-in counters, immigration, and security screening.
Malaysian Airlines said boarding gates will close 30 minutes before departure.
Typically, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before their international flights and two hours before their domestic flights.
