Garuda - by Francesco Maldini

11 June 2004

Garuda really improved since few years. I flew from MXP-AMS was operated by Alitalia and AMS-JKT-DPS-MES and back with Garuda and found the service outstanding! The main plus point of Garuda is cheap fares, catering and a plenty of legspace. The FA's were friendly, helpful! Major downside is the IFE, I wish Garuda will install PTV's like other major airlines and that they will introduce a direct flight from Italy to Indonesia.  I will fly Garuda again in the future as they are much cheaper than MH, SQ etc.

Garuda - by Daniel Ng

24 May 2004

Kuala Lumpur - Bali return. The 737-400 wasn't too bad. At least the interior was clean and tidy. The trip from KL to Bali was quite pleasant. FA's were very attentive and friendly. Food was also tasty. But I have to admit that the IFE was very mediocre for an international flight. On the return, I noticed very contrasting services. First of all, the flight was delayed by more than an hour. No announcement what so ever was made at the airport. And the departure gate was changed without any prior notice. The flight that evening was very empty, only around 40 pax. But the services were extremely slow. FA's looked tired and were not very helpful. Overall, I think Garuda is not a bad airline after all. At this moment, it probably can't match other Asian giants like CX, SQ or MH in terms of services. But given time and a lot more investments, I think it can be a good for value airline.

Garuda - by Hendrian Syah

18 May 2004

DPS-MEL, very excellent service, the FA gave an outstanding services, they always make sure that all the passengers are OK. The food was not too bad.  However, GA needs to work hard for its ground services and IFE. I give 7 out of 10 for overall Garuda's services.

Garuda - by Jesús Vasquez

3 May 2004

I agree that Garuda has really improved. Recently me and my family (we were with 12 people) travel from Madrid to Jakarta. Check in MAD was handled by KLM and on the leg MAD-AMS we flew with KLM. The route AMS-JKT we flew with Garuda on 747-400. It was a new, clean aircraft with a big leg space. We requested seat to each other, and we got it. The FA's were friendly and really care to pax. We also requested a special meal and that we also got it. IFE was OK, furthermore its a worth of money. We will fly Garuda again in our future trips to Indonesia.

Garuda - by Daniel Lin

26 April 2004

Garuda has changed a lot. The crews are nice and always have miles of smiles, the food is delicious. Planes, except for the DC-10s, are new and comfortable, with well maintained cabin. Even the ground staff are helpful. The only demerit should be the annoying delays. I heard that's the problem with most Indonesian airlines as they fly a vast territory with small islands everywhere, and without decent maintenance on those islands, planes go back late and eventually causing all those delays.

Garuda - by Yvonne Yau

22 April 2004

I heard a lot of bad things about Garuda but I did not have bad experience until last week when travelling back Bali to Singapore. Finally I understand where those bad comments coming from. Garuda airline is good when there is no incidents. Their FA's and staff are friendly, however if you ask something outside their standard conversations, they smile, they nod their heads, but it doesn't mean they get what you mean. They are friendly but unable to solve problems. When my plane had problems, my worst experience is not the delay, but they trapped me in the waiting room from 11am to 4:30pm, but didn't offer me any drinks and lunch. Finally when they told me which plane they are going to put me to, 5 mins before take off, again they changed me to another one - which is 1 hour later. If you have picked Garuda, don't worry about the seatings or the services, just cross your fingers for no incidents.

Garuda - by Peter Garbett

16 April 2004

Denpasar to Melbourne 12 /4/04 Business Class .The TV screen did not work and could not be fixed by the cabin staff. The seat did not work and could not be fixed by the cabin staff. We have flown with this airline 4 times in business class and the conditions of the planes (A330) seem to be getting worse.

Garuda - by Michael Anderson

13 April 2004

Garuda from Denpasar to Jakarta. Never seen the friendliest airlines staff like Garuda, I think others airlines like Alitalia, and Air France need to see how Garuda Staff work. They'll give you smile every time.

Garuda - by Teo Choon Hon

23 March 2004

Singapore - Hong Kong. Business Class. Check-in was smooth at the Executive Class counter at Changi Airport. No hassle at all! Boarded the plane at around 1140am and was immediately given a hot towel. Thumbs up for the efficiency. A glass of orange juice was served soon after and travel kits were distributed too. The only disappointment was that they changed the aircraft from a A-330 to a DC-10, which meant no individual screen for viewing in-flight movies. But the friendliness and efficiency of the flight attendants compensated for the aircraft change. They were always smiling and will try their very best to assist in whatever you need. They also showed a sense of professionalism when serving the meals and the meals, which were very appetising, were served warm. Legroom was definitely a plus point and seat width was very good too. The restrooms were clean and well-stocked and the carpeting of the plane look elegant. Overall, it was a pleasant 3h 40 min flight and I arrived punctually and in style at Chek Lap Kok International Airport.

Garuda - by Edward Santoso

14 March 2004

Garuda from Surabaya to Singapore and return in Executive Class. In flight services were fantastic. FA's were nice, friendly and attentive. On return flight the Executive Class passengers were given a souvenir by the Cabin Crew - nice touch! Certainly, I will fly with Garuda again considering the ticket fare is cheaper than any other airline.

Garuda - by Glenn Robins

7 March 2004

Having had a few days in Bali, I arrived early at the airport to catch the flight to Perth. However we were told that due to overbooking, Garuda were offering passengers the standard deal of a free day with no expenses if they were prepared to fly out next day. However a fellow passenger warned everybody not to take this deal as Garuda did not honour its offer. Instead the volunteers were placed on the next available aircraft out of Denpasar and taken a curcuitous to Perth. I volunteered to stay but at the very last possible moment, in a text book manoeuvre I was propelled onto the original flight to Australia. In a very brief conversation I had with the supervisor before my luggage, my passport and ticket, and the supervisor all went in different directions away from me, I was told "I'm sorry. You go Perth. You must Hurry. Your fault. You booked!!" The only booking I made was exactly the same as the other passengers made for that flight. On arrival in Perth, we passengers were informed that due to weight restriction, some people would not get their luggage. This affected about twenty passengers. I'm not very happy Garuda. Does anybody know of any other time when Garuda has reneged on a offer like that was made to me?

Garuda - by Jael Amouyal

27 February 2004

In the first case I was booked on a LH flight from Tel Aviv to Jakarta, but when I arrived in FRA the flight was cancelled. So they have booked me to Garuda. First I thought I don't want to fly with them prefer wait a day, as I heard only bad things but I decided to give it a try. I was amazed! This is really a good airline company. Although the IFE is a bit poor, but what a deal if everybody is trying to take a nap. The FA's were very friendly and attentive, seat pitch is wide very comfortable and their inflight meal is excellent!

Garuda - by Diego Muccioli

26 February 2004

FRA-SIN-DPS and DPS-BKK-LGW in Y class. Old 747 aircraft but very nice FA's very attentive to passengers' needs. Very comfortable self -service water dispenser throughout the cabin. No PTVs and the main screens were quite dark. By the way the aircraft featured a nice downward camera.

Garuda - by Boykeromeo Dasophang

14 February 2004

Auckland to Amsterdam and return in Executive Class. The services were superb. Cabin crew were very professional in their job. 

Garuda - by M Suharsono

22 January 2004

JKT-DPS-JKT and also JKT-KUL/SIN- JKT. In my opinion Garuda has improved in the last few years. FA's give a very good service - very friendly and helpful. One thing I regret from Garuda - their fleet is a little old and sometimes give a bad impression.

Garuda - by Alain Millett

16 January 2004

Apart from some inconsistent check in service by Qantas staff at Sydney, the cabin service is always fantastic. Great seats. IFE is always good. Food and Beverage service sensational. Even on the night flights returning to Sydney the cabin crew wander thru the cabin every few minutes, offering drinks, water etc to anyone who is awake. Inflight shopping is also excellent. Checkin in Denpasar is always fast and efficient, sometimes they have another passenger in front of you, with lots of luggage going to Europe, rather than make you wait while they print and tag 16 bags, the check in staff open another desk and process you fast and with wonderful Balinese service. The only downfall is the cellar lounge at Denpasar, the upstairs lounge is small but much nicer - the Star Alliance lounge at the other end of the terminal is fantastic. But I am happy to tolerate a poor lounge for great onboard service and a great price. I have flown 4 roundtrips in 18 months and now would also consider Garuda Business Class before any other airline.

Garuda - by Ivan Balan

8 January 2004

Amsterdam-Auckland (via Jakarta and Denpasar) and found the service excellent! All legs from AMS to AKL were excellent and fantastic. FA's were very friendly, warm and helpful, inflight catering was delicious, interior cabin clean and nice. I chose for Garuda because of the price, its great value of money! Forget SQ, MH, CX, Garuda is cheaper and even more better with their service. Their slogan is right: 'Flying the difference'. Garuda will be my choice from now on!

Garuda - by Erik Stipic

2 January 2004

My family and I have just returned from a round trip SIN-DPS-MEL-DPS-SIN on Garuda's Executive Class service. The service to MEL from DPS was on a new Airbus 300 with fully reclining seats in C class, which were comfortable . The service by the cabin crew was efficient and friendly and the whole flight including on board meal service was excellent. The flights to and from SIN were on 737-400 and these too were both comfortable and enjoyable. Garuda will be our choice again for future trips to Australia and Europe.

Garuda - by Mike Frank

31 December 2003

With regard to the comment by Heinz Winckler (28DEC), I cannot see anywhere that Garuda operate into Cape Town ! Was his flight a one-off charter or has he got the wrong airline ?

Garuda - by Mika Handa

31 December 2003

Sydney-Tokyo Via Denpasar return. I was thoroughly satisfied with the service and the price of this airline. I would highly recommend this airline to anyone who is looking for" a value for money "business class airfare.

Garuda - by Xuess Wee

30 December 2003

SIngapore - Ho Chi Minh City sector that Garuda recently re-introduced since suspending the route in 1997. Planes used were old 737-300s. Pretty small plane so it can get a little cramped along the aisle when the meals are being served. However, service was warm; a smile always being offered by the stewardesses. Fruit juices was offered before take off (in Economy Class as well). I like this small touch of service, which unfortunately many of the better known (not necessary better; just a lot of hype!) airlines have forgotten! The food was delicious on both trips. Simple fare but tasty. The biggest bone to pick was the delays.

Garuda - by Pritam Narula

30 December 2003

Garuda from Jakarta to Bangkok (via Singapore) and return on business class. I was surprised that Garuda uses a B737 on this sector. Check-in at Jakarta was slow, although the ground staff were very friendly. The cabin was clean, however the seats were torn and old. Stop over in Singapore was only thirty minutes and then I boarded the flight for Bangkok. This flight is around 2 hours long, although felt forever without any IFE on board. On my return journey the flight was adequate, the aircraft was brand new and the seats were clean. Overall Garuda is a satisfactory airline for short haul travelers, any flight over 4 hours would be tedious.

Garuda - by Heinz Winckler

28 December 2003

Cape Town to Jakarta then to Denpasar (Bali). We think Garuda is a good airline company. When we boarded the airplane we were greeted by a very friendly stewardess who greeted us by our names, could you imagine that in a Y class! The airplane is very clean, IFE is good and the meals are delicious. we could chose between south African and Indonesian meal.

Garuda - by Rolf Kramer

10 December 2003

We flew Garuda Business class Brisbane - Europe return - the only adverse comment is about the lounge at Bali airport - the one in the cellar -  kind of dungeon. There is a nice new lounge upstairs but that was closed at night on the two occasions we were there - it is only open in the morning for breakfast - we were told. They should close the cellar - never to be opened again, and only operate the lounge on the main floor. Enjoyed the two night stay at Sanur Beach Hotel on both occasions. The flight were smooth and as per normal on time. Will use Garuda again if the price is right. Hope the new lounge will be open by then.

Garuda - by Martijn Disseldorp

22 November 2003

AMS to Jakarta and it was one of my best flights. Staff friendly, interior cabin clean, seat comfortable but the best thing is the inflight meal - it was delicious.

Garuda - by Linda Stevens

21 October 2003

Flew Melbourne - Denpasar business class in September. Qantas lounge more than adequate with fresh food, spirits, wine and champagne if requested. Plenty of current magazines. The flight was excellent. Served champagne as economy passengers still boarding and meals consisted of lovely smoked salmon, steak, chicken and the best choc. mousse I have had. Don't normally eat dessert on planes. Although as with most business class cabins, facilities for personal movies is available, only one film was able to be accessed. The same one film was the only choice coming back 2 weeks later - poor. Return flight was not satisfactory. The Denpasar Lounge is appalling although I have since heard there is an improved lounge upstairs. The bottom one for Garuda, Qantas etc is shocking. No drinks, stale food hardly replenished and poor toilets. The return flight service was very slow and for the first time in 30 years of travel, I found the breakfast totally inedible. It was foul. The staff are lovely and friendly but seem to lack real hospitality skills. Will stick to Qantas for Bali flights in future.

Garuda - by Alan Morris

11 October 2003

London - Perth, October 2003 Business Class. Very good value for money, comfortable seats, attentive cabin crew and pretty good food, but awful coffee. IFE below average, I saw the same films on the way to London three months earlier. Flights almost on time, but quite bumpy for most of the time. Coincidently my wife flew to Singapore from London with Qantas at more or less the same time as me (1 hour earlier) and enjoyed a bump free flight, we had the seat belt sign on for most of the journey, is this normal? I have to say that I like the price but after having given it two goes (ie I've been to the UK twice with Garuda and enjoyed bumpy flights each time), I'm going to opt for an airline where a smooth flight is paramount, the flight crew are communicative and fly around the weather and I have to pay 30% more.

Garuda - by Robert Chang

10 October 2003

Melbourne to Bali return in September 03. I was a bit dubious about Garuda as it had quite a bad name and reputation - what a pleasant surprise. Both flights on time. The planes were clean and looked quite new. The service exceeded all expectation. The FA's were friendly and attentive, and with a smile. The food was good -  served fruit juices before the plane departed. One thing not up to scratch was the IFE -  plane did not have seat back screens. Based on these flights the service provided was better than Singapore Airlines. We took SQ flights from Singapore to Penang - flights were late, and the famous Singapore girls smiles were missing

Garuda - by Mika Pasanen

8 October 2003

I cant believe Garuda get only 3 star ranking!  Flew HEL-AMS-JKT and back. The HEL-AMS route I flew with Finnair and the AMS-JKT route with Garuda. It was my first time flying this airline and it wont be my last time. As a Finnish citizen I have to confess that Garuda is far better than Finnair. Food is delicious, cabin interior clean, FA's very helpful and they speak good English. The only thing is their IFE - its a little bit poor but better than other European airlines. 

Garuda - by James White

22 September 2003

I would like to commend Garuda for their excellent customer service. Due to the delay of a Garuda flight from Bangkok to Auckland, I missed my connecting flight to Christchurch with a different carrier. After writing a short letter of complaint to Garuda I received a check for the cost of my airline ticket from Auckland to Christchurch and an apology from the company. The Garuda economy class seats were comfortable and a little more spacious than most carriers and the service was good.

Garuda - by Helen Gallo

26 August 2003

Singapore-Amsterdam (Connecting to Boston with NW/KLM). Previous to this flight, I heard some negative stories regarding this company. I was originally booked on KLM /NW all the way from Boston to Singapore. After the conclusion of the flight, I would like to say that there are some aspects of the services that are very hard to beat with any airline. Their check in crew were very fast at the airport (AMS), they were also very friendly and courteous. During the pre flight procedures aboard the aircraft, the country manager was walking around the business class cabin thanking everyone aboard for choosing GA. The public announcement by the pilot also sounded very professional also thanking us for choosing GA (I think GA stole this line from United though..) During the flight the service also were first class, I noticed the flight attendants were very responsive with our request, they also were very fluent with English language (Unlike TG crews) The food was quite good, I love the fact that they are not pretentious about their menu like other airlines. Overall, GA is excellent airline, I will fly them again if I have the opportunity.

Garuda - by Per Halstensen

16 August 2003

I'm from Norway so travel to AMS to get the GA flight to Jakarta. Its my first time flying this airline and its one of the best flights.  The FA's were helpful and greeted me very friendly (no fake smile which it was with SQ) and the cabin interior is very clean. Food was delicious, seats are comfortable and you will never get hungry on a GA flight!

Garuda - by Michael Fadjar

12 August 2003

Lured by all the good comments on this forum, I decided to fly with Garuda on Gatwick - Jakarta route via stopover in Singapore in early July 2003. My whole experience with Garuda confirms all the positive reviews already described here. I initially booked and paid a Premium Economy for the trip, but later found out an "early bird promotion" from their UK website with the implication that had I decided to fly 2 days earlier than my booked departure date, I would have been eligible for either £ 300 reduction or a full executive class seat. Unhappy with this lack of information from Garuda, I wrote a letter to their London office, and my demand for a free upgrade to executive class was granted without any arguments !! Top-notch customer care ! On top of that, when Garuda decided to temporarily stop all services from and to the UK and reroute them via Schipool a month before my departure date, they gave me a free KLM UK return economy class ticket Aberdeen-Schipool, knowing I don't live in London. These very impressive services were matched by high quality of the Executive Class: good food (surely appreciate the local Indonesian food on board !), almost flat seat when reclined, and the sort of cabin crew attention that is sincere and makes it different from the "robotic" SQ girls. Check in procedure was very fast and efficient, my luggage with Exec tag always came up among the first 5 items on the conveyor. All these for a business class price costing one third of SQ' Raffles (during discount) and a half during normal season. I must really think hard of a reason of NOT to fly with GA. So, where's the catch ? Well, the aircraft's interior, although clean, is looking old. The electric mechanism of the business seats also need better maintenance. And, for some unknown reason, the aircraft was only hovering at 31,000 ft (very strange for this long haul route, and no wonder we always got turbulance along the way ??). I know that they don't have state of the art IFE like SQ, but again, don't you just find all these gadgets a bit useless when all of us are mostly trying to get some good sleep ?

Garuda - by I Steen

12 August 2003

We have flown Garuda several times now (Amsterdam - Perth) After Singapore Airlines and BA I must admit GA is more worth the price. Inflight entertainment is poor but who cares when needing to take care of 2 young kids. The cabin crew took excellent care of the children too (and us). Very willing to prepare special food. No delay ever. No chance of me flying another airline now, just booked another trip tp Australia and Bali with GA knowing we will be taken care of perfectly.

Garuda - by Jeff Moss

31 July 2003

I am a regular flyer London to Bali, and use Garuda Indonesia. The service on the ground and inlight is the best. Even now the have pulled out the London route I shall be happy to fly to Amsterdam and then catch the Garuda flight to Jakarta and then change again to Bali -the longer routing is worth it for a great service.

Garuda - by Markus Johanson

28 July 2003

Garuda Amsterdam to Jakarta in the economy class and it was fantastic! I have never expected before as I only heard bad stories about GA. The food was delicious, cabin attendants very friendly and helpful -great leg space - seats are comfortable. 

Garuda - by Tony Iwata

8 July 2003

I flew GA 880 Jakarta-Tokyo, nonstop on the 4th of July 2003.I chose GA for this trip, simply because they fly newer and better aircraft than JAL serving this route. GA is using brand new Airbus 330 while JAL is still using their old MD-11. I agree with most entries in this forum: If you want to look for great value (I mean GREAT) you Garuda is definiely is hard to beat. The quality of the flight was very good, especially the quality of the flight crews. The food was quite good and the portion is quite generous. One thing I notice regarding Garuda is that they have improved a great deal in the past two years, especially regarding the punctuality and their inflight service. Yes, I agree with most entries that GA need to improve the quality of their inflight entertainment sytem, however their economy is definitely much better than SQ or JAL. In conclusion GA is a good airline providing very good service without premium fare.

Garuda - by Hugues Martel

17 May 2003

SIN-HKG-SIN : Garuda is my airline of choice for that route. It offers a cheaper alternative to overpriced SQ and CX. The quality of food is good, and cabin staff polite and helpful. Inflight entertainment is generally good with a recent movie. Generally operate a 747-200 or an A330. The 747-200 is a bit old but still offers a very comfortable trip with large legroom.

Garuda - by M Likely

11 May 2003

I recently flew BNE-LGW and return in Executive (Business ) Class on Garuda Indonesia. My impression reflects opinions expressed by other travellers on these pages, in terms of the pros and cons. The chief advantages are the competitive price (at AUD2990 less than two-thirds its nearest rival ), very good leg-room ( particularly on 747-400), friendly and attentive cabin service throughout, choice between Moet and Mumm champagnes - and good (though not overly inspiring) food. Disadvantages are airline's patchy, although improving, safety record -ordinary lounge facilities at Denpasar and Gatwick, absence of Frequent Flyer programme for non-Indonesian citizens / residents,limited - inflight entertainment and propensity for last minute schedule changes. Whilst Garuda have a long way to go to attain 4star status, I believe their Executive Class represents good value for money for the budget-conscious traveller who desires some of the comforts of Business Class - and who is not flying to too tight a schedule.

Garuda - by Mark Thomson

15 February 2003

I travelled Brisbane to London and return with Garuda in Nov/Dec 2002. The forward journey necessitated a 26-hour transit in Bali, transfers and 4-star accommodation complimentary for business class passengers. The C class cabin of the A330 on the BNE to DPS sector was uncrowded, clean and comfortable and the FAs were courteous and attentive. IFE units provided limited but adequate movie choices, amenity kits contained all the standard items and Garuda's generous seat pitch in C class makes you feel like your travelling in first. Gifts of stationery sets and playing cards were a nice touch. Dinner service was excellent food was tasty and of generous portions, service efficient and cheerful. From the moment I was greeted on the red carpet at the Executive class check-in at BNE airport through to the prompt arrival of my priority luggage at DPS, Garuda's service was faultless and the experience enjoyable. When I arrived at DPS airport the following evening for the long-haul flight to LGW, I was informed the plane hadn't arrived from BKK (mechanical problem) and to come back and try again same time next evening! There were no alternatives, with many flights in and out of Bali disrupted post-October 12th. Due to further mechanical problems the flight was again cancelled the next evening again not finding this out till arriving at the airport. Having already been delayed 24 hours, the only route offered to London was to fly from Denpasar to Jakarta to connect with Garuda's service to Amsterdam via Singapore then connect with a BA flight to London! To make matters worse, the C class cabin on the flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam was fully booked, necessitating a downgrade to Premium class. The situation was dealt with in a totally unsympathetic and unprofessional manner, my obvious dissatisfaction falling on the deaf ears of Garuda's Denpasar ground staff. The delays, downgrade, attitude of staff and lack of communication made the experience totally frustrating and stressful. Having said that, as reported in other reviews on this site, Garuda's B747 Premium class cabin, seating and service is undoubtedly good value for money for this class of travel, though not what I had paid for. The return flight was much less eventful, the C class service from LGW to DPS aboard the B747 providing for a very comfortable and enjoyable journey. I was (surprisingly) greeted on- board by name and service throughout from both crews (crew change at BKK) was attentive, polite and efficient. The C class cabin is very comfortable and spacious with only 16 seats (2 x 2), and the bar set-up in the middle of the cabin provided convenient access to snacks and drinks to compliment the regular service. The hot breakfast offerings were unexciting, but the other meal and snack services were all tasty with ample offerings. The overnight A330 service from DPS back to BNE was as equally comfortable as the flight over had been. To their credit Garuda responded quickly to my (lengthy) letter of complaint, with full explanations, appropriate monetary reimbursement and the offer of a complimentary C class upgrade for my next flight. All up Garuda offer a very affordable opportunity to enjoy the advantages and comfort of travelling long-haul from Australia to Europe in business class, providing youve got plenty of time and nothing goes wrong.