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Unfortunately, Malev Hungarian Airlines has ceased operations.
Unfortunately, MALEV Hungarian Airlines ceased operations in 2012 and is no longer operating. Please take a look at the alternative airlines above that operate similar routes to MALEV.
About MALEV
MALEV, trading as MALEV Hungarian Airlines, was the flag carrier airline of Hungary from 1946 until 2012. The airline's head office was in Budapest and its main hub was at Budapest Ference Liszt International Airport. MALEV flew to over 50 cities across 34 countries.
MALEV joined the Oneworld alliance in 2007 - an alliance that is made up of many major airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways and Qantas, among others.
At the end of 2012, Malev announced it was in financial difficulties and could no longer fund its operations. In February 2012, it was declared insolvent by the Metropolitan Court of Budapest. The airline is therefore no longer in service.
Baggage Allowance
Carry-on Baggage
Passengers were allowed to bring one piece of hand luggage: The size limit was likely around 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (21.7" x 15.7" x 7.9") with a weight limit of 8kg (17.6 lbs).
Additionally, passengers were allowed a smaller personal item like a purse, laptop bag, or briefcase under the seat.
Checked Baggage
Economy Class:
- One bag weighing up to 20 kg (44 lb) for most destinations.
- Some shorter routes might have had a 15 kg (33 lb) allowance.
Business Class:
- Two bags, each weighing up to 30 kg (66 lb).
Check-In Information
Online Check-In
Introduced in 2009, passengers could check in online 24 hours before their flight and print their boarding passes at home or the airport. This option allowed them to choose their seats and pre-order meals (if available).
Airport Check-In
Passengers could check in at the airport counters, which were typically open 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. They would need to present their travel documents and baggage.
Other Check-In Options
Kiosks: In some airports, passengers could also use self-service check-in kiosks to print their boarding passes.
Mobile app: MALEV offered a mobile app for passengers to manage their bookings and check-in on the go.
Cabin Classes
Economy Class
Economy Class typically featured 3-3 or 2-3 seating configurations on short-haul and medium-haul flights. Long-haul flights on Boeing 767s offered a 2-3-2 layout.
Seat pitch (legroom) varied depending on the aircraft and configuration, ranging from around 31 inches to 34 inches. Recline angles were modest, typically around 15-20 degrees.
MALEV operated a mix of older and newer aircraft in their fleet, so the Economy Class experience could vary significantly depending on the specific plane flown.
Business Class
- Reclining seats with ample legroom, usually arranged in a 2-2 configuration on smaller aircraft and 1-2-1 on larger ones. Some seats offered adjustable footrests and lumbar support for added comfort.
- Noise-cancelling headphones and amenity kits with essentials like eye masks, earplugs, and toiletries were often provided.
- Dedicated overhead compartments for Business Class luggage.
- Attentive and personalized service from multilingual flight attendants.
- Dedicated check-in desks and priority boarding for faster and smoother pre-flight experience.
- Priority baggage handling for faster luggage delivery at your destination.
In-flight Entertainment
Before ceasing operations, MALEV saw a major in-flight entertainment upgrade with onboard entertainment systems on most newer planes. Passengers enjoyed Hollywood movies, diverse music, and even some Hungarian choices, while older aircraft offered simpler options. Overall, it wasn't top-tier compared to some airlines, but a satisfying and personalised experience for many.
Food
Hot meals:
Offered on most short- and medium-haul flights, featuring Hungarian specialties like goulash and chicken paprikash alongside international options like pasta and chicken dishes.
Snacks and beverages:
Available on shorter flights and between courses, including Hungarian pastries, sandwiches, and a variety of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Frequent Flyer
MALEV Hungarian Airlines had a frequent flyer program called Duna Club.
Earning Miles
Passengers could earn miles based on the distance flown and their booking class.
Redeeming Miles
Miles could be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other travel-related rewards.
Tier Levels
The program had different tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) with increasing benefits at each level, such as lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance.
Partnerships
Duna Club was part of the Oneworld alliance, allowing members to earn and redeem miles on other member airlines like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
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Hub Airport
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport
Malev Hungarian Airlines was based at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Hungary. The airport, which is the largest in the country, is located 16 kilometres southeast of the city centre. It is named after the Hungarian composer Franz Lizst. Other airlines based at this airport include Aeroexpress Regional and LOT Polish Airlines.
Fleet
Before ceasing operations, MALEV's fleet consisted of the following aircraft:
- 6 x Boeing 737-600
- 7 x Boeing 737-700
- 5 x Boeing 737-800
- 4 x Bombardier Dash 8 Q400