Transiting Jakarta? Check your Garuda times

[Cali_diver]

I have flown Batik many times... it is not as nice as Garuda when it comes to lounges etc. but they have always gotten me to my destination in a timely fashion. A friend of mine had a close connection and they held the plane and helped her get to the gate on time by escorting her all the way. She was very impressed by the service. I only fly lion and/or wings if I have to and unfortunately there are a few routes that you have to use them. The good news is you can now prepay extra luggage so check in is much easier. The red eyes in Indo are pretty brutal so I would always try to fly during the day if possible. I think Garuda is starting to add more routes every day so maybe wait a bit longer and see if more options open up.

...also flights in Indo constantly change and get cancelled so keep checking until the day you fly.

 

[Indah]

Why can’t people just answer a serious question. I’m surprised as usually this board is of the more helpful variety

Maybe because there is no answer to your question possible?

 

[ChrisM]

Maybe because there is no answer to your question possible?

That was a pretty good response above yours

 

[ChrisM]

I have flown Batik many times... it is not as nice as Garuda when it comes to lounges etc. but they have always gotten me to my destination in a timely fashion. A friend of mine had a close connection and they held the plane and helped her get to the gate on time by escorting her all the way. She was very impressed by the service. I only fly lion and/or wings if I have to and unfortunately there are a few routes that you have to use them. The good news is you can now prepay extra luggage so check in is much easier. The red eyes in Indo are pretty brutal so I would always try to fly during the day if possible. I think Garuda is starting to add more routes every day so maybe wait a bit longer and see if more options open up.

...also flights in Indo constantly change and get cancelled so keep checking until the day you fly.

Thanks., appreciated.

 

[matts1w]

I have flown Batik many times... it is not as nice as Garuda when it comes to lounges etc. but they have always gotten me to my destination in a timely fashion. A friend of mine had a close connection and they held the plane and helped her get to the gate on time by escorting her all the way. She was very impressed by the service. I only fly lion and/or wings if I have to and unfortunately there are a few routes that you have to use them. The good news is you can now prepay extra luggage so check in is much easier. The red eyes in Indo are pretty brutal so I would always try to fly during the day if possible. I think Garuda is starting to add more routes every day so maybe wait a bit longer and see if more options open up.

...also flights in Indo constantly change and get cancelled so keep checking until the day you fly.

FWIW- Batik is Lion Air. They used to market themselves as their upscale brand, but that really isn't the case anymore as the fares, food, and lack of entertainment are the same. Batik does offer an affordable business class, but I would bet the only reason Batik still exists is they don't want to mess with rewrapping the plane graphics. I only say this so that y'all understand if/when things go bad, you will be working with the exact same customer service people as Lion Air customers.

 

[Indah]

That was a pretty good response above yours

There are no safety records which compare Garuda short distance flights with Wings. To mention one not solvable question. Only opinions not based on records.

 

[ChrisM]

There are no safety records which compare Garuda short distance flights with Wings. To mention one not solvable question. Only opinions not based on records.

See, that wasn't so hard to be decent was it? At least he tried to give a fair answer based on his experience.

 

[ChrisM]

FWIW- Batik is Lion Air. They used to market themselves as their upscale brand, but that really isn't the case anymore as the fares, food, and lack of entertainment are the same. Batik does offer an affordable business class, but I would bet the only reason Batik still exists is they don't want to mess with rewrapping the plane graphics. I only say this so that y'all understand if/when things go bad, you will be working with the exact same customer service people as Lion Air customers.

Is this a route I can safely wait a few months and still have plenty of options available?
Odd (or maybe not, I don't know the industry), but Batik / Lion basically took over Garuda's exact time slots

 

[Cali_diver]

FWIW- Batik is Lion Air. They used to market themselves as their upscale brand, but that really isn't the case anymore as the fares, food, and lack of entertainment are the same. Batik does offer an affordable business class, but I would bet the only reason Batik still exists is they don't want to mess with rewrapping the plane graphics. I only say this so that y'all understand if/when things go bad, you will be working with the exact same customer service people as Lion Air customers.

Yes I know this, we usually only use them when we want to do biz class (red eyes etc.) and for that they are pretty affordable and accommodating. They will meet you at the plane and escort you to a lounge etc. I have no problem flying with them or Lion especially if they are the only ones who can get me there, I just keep my expectations low in general. I use a Indo travel agent to schedule my flights and they have always done an amazing job with rescheduling cancelled flights etc. I even got my refunds and credits from the covid cancellations. I am very realistic when dealing with Indo airlines, and very relieved every time I make it to my destination. I am also like that with just about every airline, or even driving to the grocery store here in the US.

@ChrisM I usually do my domestic flights a couple months ahead, so unless your dates correspond with a big Muslim holiday, you should be ok to wait a bit. You can also ask the resort/LOB you are staying at what they recommend but since the country is just starting to get back into the swing of things I would expect more flights to open. FYI I just made my domestic flights for my trip in Oct. and I am currently working on flights for New Years trip. Hope this helps!

 

[ChrisM]

Yes I know this, we usually only use them when we want to do biz class (red eyes etc.) and for that they are pretty affordable and accommodating. They will meet you at the plane and escort you to a lounge etc. I have no problem flying with them or Lion especially if they are the only ones who can get me there, I just keep my expectations low in general. I use a Indo travel agent to schedule my flights and they have always done an amazing job with rescheduling cancelled flights etc. I even got my refunds and credits from the covid cancellations. I am very realistic when dealing with Indo airlines, and very relieved every time I make it to my destination. I am also like that with just about every airline, or even driving to the grocery store here in the US.

@ChrisM I usually do my domestic flights a couple months ahead, so unless your dates correspond with a big Muslim holiday, you should be ok to wait a bit. You can also ask the resort/LOB you are staying at what they recommend but since the country is just starting to get back into the swing of things I would expect more flights to open. FYI I just made my domestic flights for my trip in Oct. and I am currently working on flights for New Years trip. Hope this helps!

Greatly, Thanks!