I spent last week in Indonesia for work – travelling there and back on QFA41/42 – nothing really new there!
We also had internal flights CGK – UPG return on Garuda, with 2 days in Makassar (South Sulawesi). It was only after completing the first leg that I thought a brief report might be of interest (so limited photos!).
Flight 1 – CGK to UPG A330-200
Check-in at Terminal 2 (domestic area) for Garuda J Class is a separate, nicely appointed area away from the main check-in counters. We had to ask where to check-in, as we could only see Economy check-in counters and Skyteam priority counters when we arrived. Once we got there, check-in was smooth, with bags tagged for business priority. The bags are then transferred by trolley across the public area – the check-in area is not serviced by the baggage conveyor belts.
A departure tax of IDR 40,000 (just over $4.00) is payable at check-in.
From the check-in it is a short walk across the concourse to the business lounge. An “adequate” lounge, plenty of seating, a small selection of food, and soft drinks or water – no alcohol in the domestic lounges. The Wi-Fi was (just) enough to check a few emails before boarding.
There were no boarding announcements made in the lounge, so we left about 30 minutes prior and headed to the gate. We passed quite a few lounges associated with banks and telecom companies.
On board, it was a pleasant surprise to turn left and see an International configuration business class. I was seated in 6K which turned out to be the front row.
The cabin crew offered a pre-departure drink – I had a can of Bintang beer.
The J class cabin has 36 seats across the first 2 sections of the aircraft (like the Qantas A330-200s). There were about 9 passengers in the front cabin, and none in the rear J cabin. Legroom was better than the Skybed Mk1. My only complaint with the seat is that the outer armrest drops away when you recline, leaving the edge of the “shell” just where you would rest your elbow.
The service was very good. Both Garuda aircraft I flew had a plaque on the front bulkhead proclaiming them the “Skytrax World’s Best Cabin Crew 2014”. At one point it seemed there were more crew than passengers!
A choice of 2 hot meals was offered – the flight attendant presented both options on a tray so I could see the choices, and then served my choice. The meal itself was pleasant enough. I washed it down with another Bintang (or maybe 2). Wine is not offered on Garuda domestic flights.
The flight itself was unremarkable. About 2 hours duration and we were on time. On arrival they announce that Business Class checked bags will be available at the arrivals lounge – we didn’t find one in Makassar but there was a signposted “Sky Priority” area near the carousel. Our bags were indeed first off and were taken off the carousel by a porter and deposited for us. On the way out there was a staff member checking that we had our baggage claim tags.
All together, an enjoyable flight experience.
TBC
We also had internal flights CGK – UPG return on Garuda, with 2 days in Makassar (South Sulawesi). It was only after completing the first leg that I thought a brief report might be of interest (so limited photos!).
Flight 1 – CGK to UPG A330-200
Check-in at Terminal 2 (domestic area) for Garuda J Class is a separate, nicely appointed area away from the main check-in counters. We had to ask where to check-in, as we could only see Economy check-in counters and Skyteam priority counters when we arrived. Once we got there, check-in was smooth, with bags tagged for business priority. The bags are then transferred by trolley across the public area – the check-in area is not serviced by the baggage conveyor belts.
A departure tax of IDR 40,000 (just over $4.00) is payable at check-in.
From the check-in it is a short walk across the concourse to the business lounge. An “adequate” lounge, plenty of seating, a small selection of food, and soft drinks or water – no alcohol in the domestic lounges. The Wi-Fi was (just) enough to check a few emails before boarding.
There were no boarding announcements made in the lounge, so we left about 30 minutes prior and headed to the gate. We passed quite a few lounges associated with banks and telecom companies.
On board, it was a pleasant surprise to turn left and see an International configuration business class. I was seated in 6K which turned out to be the front row.
The cabin crew offered a pre-departure drink – I had a can of Bintang beer.
The J class cabin has 36 seats across the first 2 sections of the aircraft (like the Qantas A330-200s). There were about 9 passengers in the front cabin, and none in the rear J cabin. Legroom was better than the Skybed Mk1. My only complaint with the seat is that the outer armrest drops away when you recline, leaving the edge of the “shell” just where you would rest your elbow.
The service was very good. Both Garuda aircraft I flew had a plaque on the front bulkhead proclaiming them the “Skytrax World’s Best Cabin Crew 2014”. At one point it seemed there were more crew than passengers!
A choice of 2 hot meals was offered – the flight attendant presented both options on a tray so I could see the choices, and then served my choice. The meal itself was pleasant enough. I washed it down with another Bintang (or maybe 2). Wine is not offered on Garuda domestic flights.
The flight itself was unremarkable. About 2 hours duration and we were on time. On arrival they announce that Business Class checked bags will be available at the arrivals lounge – we didn’t find one in Makassar but there was a signposted “Sky Priority” area near the carousel. Our bags were indeed first off and were taken off the carousel by a porter and deposited for us. On the way out there was a staff member checking that we had our baggage claim tags.
All together, an enjoyable flight experience.
TBC
