Message: Hello all!
Someone suggested that I post this on the airline page instead of the Asia page. So.... here 'goes!
We are looking into flights to Thailand from Los Angeles. We are thinking about first class on Malaysia air (frequent flyer miles). Any suggestions or comments about this flight/airline? Another alternative is Korean Air.
Thanks!

The Korean flight will probably be quicker as using Malaysia Airlines you are going to be 'backtracking' somewhat, also flights tends to 'arrive' in S.E.Asia from West Coast USA around Midnight, if you fly Korean (without seeing the schedule you have been offered) you will probably land Bangkok just before Midnight, now, on Malaysia arriving Kuala Lumpur around Midnight you will have to night stop in Kuala Lumpur and then take a northbound 2 hour flight next day. If Malaysia put you in the Pan Pacific Hotel at KL airport not too bad otherwise it's a long hike downtown and I think the train would have stopped so it would be a long journey. Also I would check on Korean as to how their Business Class is, check their website too, you may find Business Class will be quite good enough and you can then save those Miles for something else. On many airlines Business Class is getting 'close' to First Class these days.

Recently redeemed FF miles to get from US to bangkok. Looked at a lot of different ways to get there using any of the skyteam alliance members. In the end Korean was the most direct/shortest itinerary. Posts about Korean seam to be favorable and they just announced sweeping interior upgrades in all classes starting this summer...we will hope for the best.

Save the money and take EVA Air 'Evergreen Deluxe Class'. A great alternative to expensive business classes on other airlines. Another plus is that they leave the West Coast at midnight arriving in Bangkok sometime before noon. One can get Continental Air miles with EVA. 38" of pitch is more than enough for a 6'3" guy like me. Try it. I fly Trans Pacific several times a year and always choose EVA, Asiana or ANA for passage. EVA 'Evergerrn Deluxe' is my first choice.

And now to answer the OPs question. If you decided to splurge on first class with the miles, definitely take Malaysia. It will take couple of more hours, but with a wonderful lounge in Kuala Lampur where you will be able to refresh and re-start, although not as much of a need after flying F on Malaysia. Korean Air does NOT have a nice F, it reminds me very much of most other's business class. Malaysia is really trying hard to join CX and SQ as one of the top airlines in the world.
My personal vote goes for Malaysia. Others may disagree.

Would definately agree with AA. Have travelled first class with Malaysia. Definately find the service gets better and better. The last flight I was on didn't have the cabin style beds that are starting to appear on other airlines