Firefly Airlines Review 2025 : Smart Choice for Flights in Malaysia

If you’ve flown in Malaysia, you’ve probably heard of Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia—they dominate the budget-friendly flight market in Malaysia. But there’s another airline that many travelers overlook: Firefly Airlines Malaysia.

Firefly Airlines is a smaller airline that focuses on short-haul and regional flights, mostly within Malaysia and to nearby countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. It’s actually a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, but it runs separately with its own fleet and operations.

But why isn’t Firefly Airlines as well-known as AirAsia or Batik Airlines? And who actually flies with them? In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Firefly Airlines in 2025, including its routes, ticket prices, onboard experience, and whether it’s worth flying.

Firefly’s Fleet & Aircraft

Firefly Airlines might not have the biggest fleet, but it gets the job done. Right now, they operate two types of aircraft:

1. ATR 72-500 & ATR 72-600

These are the small planes used for short-haul flights. If you’re flying from Subang to Penang, Johor Bahru, or Singapore, you’ll likely be on one of these. They’re quieter and smoother than you might expect, but they don’t have personal entertainment screens.

2. Boeing 737-800 (Jets)

Firefly Airlines brought these in for longer regional routes from Penang, like flights to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Indonesia. These planes are bigger, more comfortable, and have more legroom than the ATRs.

The biggest difference between these two? The turboprops feel more like a quick bus ride, while the Boeing 737 jets feel more like a traditional flight. If you’re flying Firefly Airlines for the first time, knowing which plane you’re on makes a big difference in what to expect.

Route Network & Destinations

Firefly Airlines keeps it simple. They don’t fly everywhere, but they focus on key routes that make traveling easier, especially for business travelers and regional tourists.

Main Hubs

Firefly Airlines operates mainly from two airports:

✈️ Subang Airport (SZB) – The main hub for domestic and short international flights. Super convenient for those living in Kuala Lumpur because it’s closer than KLIA.

✈️ Penang International Airport (PEN) – The base for jet operations, covering East Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Popular Domestic Routes

If you’re flying within Malaysia, these are the most common Firefly Airlines routes:

✅ Subang → Penang, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu

✅ Penang → Kota Kinabalu, Kuching (using Boeing 737)

Regional & International Destinations

Firefly Airlines also connects Malaysia to nearby Southeast Asian cities, including:
🌍 Singapore (Seletar Airport, not Changi!)
🌍 Indonesia (Medan, Banda Aceh, Pekanbaru)
🌍 Thailand (Hat Yai, Phuket, Koh Samui)

They don’t fly to Europe, the US, or even many parts of Asia. But if you need a quick and easy flight within Southeast Asia, Firefly Airlines is a solid option.

Firefly vs. Other Malaysian Airlines

Flying in Malaysia usually means choosing between Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, or Firefly. So, where does Firefly Airlines fit in? Let’s compare.

Ticket Prices & Booking Options

Firefly Airlines isn’t the cheapest airline in Malaysia, but it offers good value for money. The ticket prices are usually lower than Malaysia Airlines but higher than AirAsia, mainly because baggage and snacks are included.

How Much Do Firefly Tickets Cost?

Prices depend on the route, but here’s a rough estimate:

• Short Domestic (Subang → Penang) : est. RM120 – RM250
• Long Domestic (Penang → Kuching): est. RM250 – RM500
• Regional (Subang → Singapore): est. RM200 – RM400

Compared to AirAsia, Firefly Airlines may seem slightly more expensive, but with free baggage (15kg) and no hidden fees, it often ends up being cheaper overall.

Where to Book Firefly Flights?

Booking a Firefly Airlines ticket is easy, and these are your main options:

1. Firefly’s Official Website & Mobile App
2. Online Travel Agencies (OTA) 
3. Airport Counters

Tips to Get the Best Firefly Airline Deals

💡 Book early – Prices are cheaper if you book at least 1-2 months in advance.
💡 Look for Firefly promotions – They offer discounts on festive seasons & flash sales.
💡 Use loyalty points – If you collect Malaysia Airlines Enrich Miles, you can redeem flights with Firefly Airlines.

If you want affordable flights without hidden fees, Firefly is a great choice. Just book early for the best price!

Firefly’s Loyalty Program & Promotions

Firefly doesn’t have its own dedicated loyalty program, but it’s linked to Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich Miles program. This means travelers can earn and redeem points when flying with Firefly, just like with Malaysia Airlines. On top of that, Firefly frequently offers seasonal promotions and discounts, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers. ✈️

Firefly & Enrich Miles: How It Works

If you’re a member of Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich program, you can:
✔️ Earn Enrich Miles on eligible Firefly flights
✔️ Redeem Enrich Miles for Firefly flight tickets
✔️ Enjoy priority benefits if you’re an Enrich Platinum or Gold member

Not all Firefly flights qualify for Enrich Miles, so it’s always best to check before booking.

Firefly Promotions & Discounts

Firefly regularly runs discounted fares and special deals, especially during peak travel seasons. Some of the best promotions include:

🔥 Flash Sales – Limited-time discounts on selected domestic and regional routes
🎉 Festive Season Offers – Special fares during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and year-end holidays
🕒 Early Bird Discounts – Lower fares when booking at least 30-60 days in advance
👨‍👩‍👧 Group & Family Deals – Discounts for multiple ticket bookings

Where to Find Firefly Promotions?

📌 Official website: www.fireflyz.com.my
📌 Social media: Follow Firefly Airline Facebook
📌 Email alerts: Subscribe to their newsletter to get notified about promotions

Baggage Policy & Fees

One of the best things about Firefly Airlines is that baggage is included in your ticket price, unlike AirAsia, where you have to pay extra. But there are still some rules you need to know.

Free Baggage Allowance

✅ Checked Baggage: 15kg free for all passengers
✅ Cabin Baggage: 7kg carry-on bag (1 bag + small personal item)

If you’re flying with Boeing 737 jets, Firefly Airlines sometimes offers 20kg free baggage on certain routes, so check when booking.

Onboard Experience & In-Flight Services

Flying with Firefly Airlines is a simple and hassle-free experience, but don’t expect luxury or high-tech entertainment. Since it’s a hybrid airline (somewhere between budget and full-service), you get a few perks without the high price tag.

Seat Comfort & Cabin Layout

✈️ ATR 72 (Turboprop flights)

• 2-2 seating layout (no middle seats!)
• No reclining seats, but decent legroom
• Smaller overhead compartments (so pack light!)

✈️ Boeing 737 (Jet flights)

• 3-3 seating layout, similar to Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air
• More legroom than AirAsia, but seats are basic
• No seat back screens, but more comfortable than turboprops

👉 If you’re flying on the ATR 72, expect a short, cozy flight. If you’re on the Boeing 737, it feels more like a regular airline exper     ience.

In-Flight Refreshments: What’s Included?

Firefly Airlines gives you free light snacks on all flights, which is a nice touch compared to AirAsia, where everything costs extra.

🍪 For short ATR 72 flights: A small snack (cookies or peanuts) and a drink (water or juice)
🍛 For longer Boeing 737 flights: A bigger snack or a light meal on select routes

No full meals, but the free snack is better than nothing!

Entertainment & WiFi

📵 No in-flight entertainment (IFE) – No seatback screens or movies
📶 No WiFi onboard – So download your music, movies, or work before flying
🔋 Charging ports? – Not available on ATR flights, limited availability on Boeing 737 flights

If you need entertainment, bring your own phone, tablet, or book because Firefly Airlines doesn’t provide onboard screens.

Crew & Service Quality

One of Firefly Airlines’s strong points is its friendly and professional cabin crew. Since flights are short, service is quick but efficient. They’re known for being helpful and polite, making the flying experience smooth.

Overall Experience: What to Expect?

✔️ Simple, clean, and comfy short trips
✔️ Free baggage and snacks
✔️ No in-flight entertainment
✔️ friendly and helpful crew

If you’re looking for a fast, no-fuss flight with free perks, Firefly Airlines is a solid choice. Just don’t expect fancy entertainment or luxury seating—it’s all about convenience and efficiency.

Firefly Airlines: Pros & Cons

Firefly Airlines is a great airline for some travelers, but it may not be the best for everyone. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s good and what’s not so great about flying with Firefly Airlines.

Pros

✔️ Free Baggage (15kg Included) 

✔️ Free Snacks & Drinks 

✔️ Faster Check-in at Subang Airport

✔️ No Surprise Fees 

✔️ More Comfortable than Budget Airlines 

✔️ Fewer Delays

✔️ Linked to Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich Miles

Cons: What’s Not So Great?

❌ Limited Destinations 

❌ No In-Flight Entertainment 

❌ Smaller Planes on Some Routes 

❌ No Business Class 

❌ Limited Airport Facilities 

Who Should Fly Firefly Airlines?

Great for:
✔️ Business travelers who want quick and easy flights from Subang
✔️ People who want affordable tickets without extra baggage fees
✔️ Regular travelers who collect Malaysia Airlines Enrich Miles
✔️ Anyone who wants a better experience than AirAsia without paying Malaysia Airlines prices

Not Ideal for:
🚫 Travelers who need long-haul international flights
🚫 People who want WiFi or in-flight entertainment
🚫 Passengers looking for business-class comfort

Final Verdict: Is Firefly Airlines Worth It?

If you’re flying within Malaysia or to nearby ASEAN countries, Firefly Airlines is a great option. It’s cheaper than Malaysia Airlines but gives better service than AirAsia, making it a good middle-ground choice.

However, if you’re looking for international flights, business-class seats, or in-flight entertainment, Firefly Airlines may not be the best fit. But if you need a quick, comfortable, and hassle-free flight, Firefly Airlines is a solid choice. 🚀

FAQ

1. Does Firefly Airlines offer international flights?

Yes, but only to nearby countries. Firefly Airlines fly to Singapore, Thailand (Hat Yai, Phuket, Koh Samui), and Indonesia (Medan, Banda Aceh, Pekanbaru). No long-haul flights, so if you need to go further, you’ll have to connect through Malaysia Airlines or another airline.

2. Is Firefly Airlines safe to fly with?

Yes! Firefly is owned by Malaysia Airlines, follows strict safety regulations, and has a good track record. The turboprop planes might feel different, but they are safe and well-maintained.

3. What’s the difference between Firefly’s turboprop and jet flights?

Turboprop (ATR 72) – Smaller planes, used for short flights, flies lower, and can be noisier. Feels more like a bus ride in the sky.

Jet (Boeing 737) – Bigger planes, used for longer routes, smoother ride, more legroom. Feels like a normal commercial flight.

4. Does Firefly Airlines allow free seat selection?

Yes, but only for standard seats. If you want extra legroom, you might need to pay. Luckily, since Firefly isn’t a budget airline, you don’t get randomly assigned a middle seat like on AirAsia.

5. How can I get the cheapest Firefly Airlines tickets?

• Book early (1-2 months ahead for lower fares)
• Look out for Firefly promotions (flash sales, festive discounts)
• Fly on weekdays (weekends and holidays cost more)
• Check the official website (www.fireflyz.com.my) for deals
• Use Malaysia Airlines Enrich Miles to redeem flights

If you plan ahead, Firefly can be cheaper than AirAsia once baggage and fees are included!