Garuda Indonesia

This review is based on the three flights I took with Garuda Indonesia. The last was between CGK to DMK while the previous were between CGK to SIN. I am impressed on improvements within the last few years. The staff and cabin crew spoke fluent English, food is great on those flights, IFE on short haul flights, new airplane and on-time performances. For the last flight CGK-BKK, it was a new Boeing 737-800. Prior taking off we were given a towel and refreshment. The movie selection was great, the system could get some update for more user friendly experience but overall decent. I did noticed that the return flight to CGK on all flights had better tasting food than the flight away from CGK. The cost per flight is more expensive than some competition. Overall, a fantastic performance and well deserved 5 star rating.

The first leg from Komodo Airport to Denpasar was good enough, and the cabin staff are polite and very helpful. The cabin lighting system was good enough (overhead lights turned blue) and combined with comfortable leather seats. Served light refreshments, but they are tasty. The 2nd leg Denpasar to Jakarta was 2 days later, on a spacious A330. Inflight entertainment has a touchscreen, unlike 737. However, they do not have airshow which is disappointing. Meal was very satisfying, but not including an appetiser. Seat was extremely comfortable. The landing was very quiet and extremely smooth. Will definitely be flying with Garuda Indonesia in the future.

Jakarta to Labuan Bajo via Denpasar on Christmas day. First leg was on a Boeing 737-800, not the expected Boeing 777. Seat is not very comfortable, the meal was so-so. Cabin crew was very polite and with warm smiles - they had trouble at distributing special meals at passengers who had requested them. IFE was deliberately not complete for the 1.5 hour flight, and touchscreen was unresponsive. The 2nd leg was better. It was delayed over an hour due to horrible weather and waiting for a dozen passengers from connecting flights. The plane was colder and had the comfortable leather seats on the ATR. Meal was light snack, good enough for a regional flight like this. No inflight entertainment, but it is also acceptable for a regional flight like this.

Jakarta to Singapore with Garuda Indonesia. Quick check-in, immigration, and straight to the gate. Nice cabin, the Boeing Sky Interior was awesome. As it was breakfast time, we were served eggs and sausage or a rice dish with fish. The rice dish was nice, but it could have been better. The IFE system onboard was not that complete as I expected. The movies found on the IFE was not that complete, but it was only for 1 hour so I did not mind. The cabin crew was so polite and kind, with amazing uniforms, they serve us well. Maybe it's because it's still in the morning, the cabin crew looked so polite, more than the afternoon flights I have taken with Garuda Indonesia. 1 hour passed and we arrived at Singapore.

Singapore to Jakarta with Garuda Indonesia and the service was good, we were greeted and offered orange juice as a pre-flight snack. Seat size was average, baggage allowance was generous at 30kg per person. IFE was decent and there were personal screens offering. Blankets and drinks were offered if you asked. There was a rather shabby in flight magazine. Meals were decent. Jakarta-Yogyakarta is a domestic flight, so I wasn't expecting much. Sweets was offered before flight. Snack box consisting a bun, cookies and water was given. Drinks were also offered. IFE consisted of a tv screen shared between 3 rows.

When I first see the small plane I thought it may uncomfortable, but it was very very comfortable flight. Although there is no IFE because short flight and because the plane it's only CRJ100, the seat configuration is 2-2, the legroom was great, the headrest is comfy, and snacks delicious (breads, chocolate, water). Service in the airport smooth and fast, the cabin crew is so nice. However the delayed in UPG is 30 minutes, but it's still great trip with Garuda.

Flown with Garuda Indonesia, Amsterdam to Semarang via Jakarta return for the first time again in 11 years. Huge change compared to the previous Garuda. Service was impeccable. Very professional cabin crew. On the outbound flight, my mom didn't like the food and asked for the other meal offered during the meal service. Cabin crew politely came to her and gave her the other meal. To my surprise, after the meal service finished, a senior cabin crew came to her and gave her a complaint form to be filled out (because of the meal), but she eventually didn't hand it in. In my opinion, nothing wrong with the food. Perfectly solved problem for such a small issue. They offer such high standard service nowadays, even for the economy class. The suppose to be short layover was a bit unpleasant. 3 hours delay! But they solved it by offering a free lunch at their lounge. There is zero issue on the inbound flight. Flights were on time, great service and again tasty food. Leg room is decent on their 777-300ER (maybe because I am just 5'7"), the domestic connection flight aircraft 737-800 has decent leg room too, plane was kept clean during the whole flight, ticket price is very competitive and nice ground crew service (slightly overweight luggage on both flights but no extra charge) but a bit grumpy luggage man during the check in at SMG (even a fake smile won't harm you, mister). Highly recommended carrier to travel to Asia (and maybe Australia).

Our last trip with Garuda Indonesia, return Jeddah to Jakarta, both flights exceeded our expectations. The crew were helpful and friendly at all times. The food is good but the portion sizes need to be increased. For sitting comfort, the seat needs to be more flexible and more adjustable in the recline position. We travelled Economy class, but the were spoilt with welcome drinks, good food and great movies. Overall, I will recommend Garuda Indonesia.

Flew Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur with Garuda Indonesia. Greeted by the crew with a warm and friendly smile. A variety of newspaper titles were available at the aircraft door. Walked past First Class and was greeted again with more friendly smiles as I made my way to row 27. Top luggage compartments are open and ready for loading baggage. Was happy to find pillows and headphones conveniently placed at the seat. Seats are clean and comfortable with good leg room for economy. The crew served orange juice prior to take off. After take off, food and drink were immediately served. The crew were accommodating on request with refills. I chose beef bolognese pasta for lunch and it tasted surprisingly good however the portions were small. Inflight entertainment is slightly dated with old movies. Not a problem for me as I usually prefer to rest inflight. Overall it was a comfortable and relaxing ride home. I will definitely fly Garuda again.

The flight was delayed by about an hour but thankfully it still departed and was not cancelled, this was because of some issues going on with Schiphol. The ground crew was informative and communicative with the passengers. Some of the flight crews had recognised me on my flight in September from CGK to LGW via AMS, and all of the flight crew had greeted me by name. Warm smiles all around and attentive crew, sometimes chatty as well. Food options were great, and I was not left hungry. Seat was comfy and clean. Aircraft seemed new and was spotless clean. The IFE, however, was strange. I think they forgot to update this particular aircraft's (PK-GIA, their first 777) movie contents. I flew with a younger aircraft in their fleet (PK-GIE) at an earlier date and I saw a more extensive list of movies, so hopefully Garuda will update them pretty soon on all of their aircrafts. Upon arrival at the airport in Jakarta, I used the premium arrival service available for First and Business class passengers, and also holders of GarudaMiles Gold and upwards, which is quite unique. Someone will fetch your luggage for you as you can sit down, take a shower, or have some light drinks. I do encourage Garuda to renovate the lounge and make it even more grand if possible. Overall a very nice experience and will definitely fly them again.