Jakarta Airport

CGK can't be compared to Changi or KLIA however pleasantly surprised with the lounge for LH passengers. Duty free limited and overpriced. Check in no queue at business check in however boarding the aircraft a bit chaotic.

Transferred from a Garuda domestic to a Garuda international flight this last trip (Jan 08). Arrived at 2F left from 2E so finger piers are adjacent. You have to proceed into the inner ring concourse passing one security check; then find the proper check-in counter in the inner lobby (international flights check in at a different set of counters than do domestic). Once you check in and pay your exit tax (still currently Rupiah 100000 at Jakarta) you return the direction you entered pass an audit desk that makes sure you paid the tax then Immigration then back into the inner ring concourse where all the lounges and shops are located. Can be confusing but still only took me 20 minutes total at 1500 hours on a weekday afternoon. GA Executive lounge quite good with an immense buffet; lots of choices. You go through outbound security again on the way to the gate in the finger pier so allow time - but there was no queue either so very fast. All in all an easy- to-use airport with friendly staff if you start to get lost.

As a resident in Indonesia have frequently used Jakarta Airport. Generally it works pretty well with always friendly staff at all levels ie check in / immigration/ customs down to lavatory attendents this of course is a good reflection of overall Indonesian courtesy. Entering and exiting the terminals always a bit of a hassle because of touts but the situation has improved and it's never overly aggressive. There is something very pleasant even uplifting about the architecture of the place as mentioned before especially in the departure areas and it never appears overcrowded. The Duty free is indifferent and the knick knacks a bit overpriced but probably good and unique transit purchases. The credit card holder lounges are a great idea especially for locals who often have to leave for the airport as much as 6 hours before take off due to the Jakartan traffic. However don't buy duty free on arrival as often the international branded bottles and packages contain pirated inferior products. All in all like Indonesia as a whole a safe and friendly enviromnment with reasonably priced and good quality food and beverages.