About
Garuda Indonesia is the national carrier airline of Indonesia which is rated a 5-star airline by Skytrax. The airline has a fleet size of 139 operating to over 96 destinations across the world. Garuda is the 20th member of the SkyTeam alliance and is the second largest airline of Indonesia. Since the airline was founded the livery has changed a few times and the current slogan is The airline of Indonesia. History
Indonesia’s commercial aviation history began when Indonesian people were in a struggle to defend their independence. The first commercial flight from Calcutta to Rangoon was made on January 26, 1949, using a DC-3 Dakota aircraft with the tail number of “RI 001” and the name “Indonesian Airways”. In the same year, on December 28, 1949, another DC-3 aircraft registered as PK-DPD and painted with “Garuda Indonesian Airways” logo flew from Jakarta to Yogyakarta to pick up President Soekarno. This Was the first flight made under the name of Garuda Indonesian Airways. The name "Garuda" was given President Soekarno, which he quoted from a Dutch poem composed by a popular poets that time, Noto Soeroto; "Ik ben Garuda, Vishnoe's vogel, die zijn vleugels uitslaat hoog bovine uw einladen", meaning "I am Garuda, Vishnoe's bird which spread its wing high above your archipelago". Then, a year later, in 1950, Garuda Indonesia officially became a state-owned company. During that period, the company operated a fleet of 38 aircraft comprising 22 DC-3, 8 Catalina flying boats, and 8 Convair 240. Garuda Indonesia’s fleet continued to grow and eventually made its first flight to mecca carrying Indonesian hajj pilgrims in 1956. In 1965, the first flight to European countries started was made with Amsterdam as the final destination. After the five-year modernization plan known as 'Quantum Leap,' the airline has been awarded many prestigious honours and has a renewed focus on the international market. Alliance
SkyTeam founded in June 2000 has 19 members who collectively carry over 630 million passengers each year reaching over 1150 destinations. SkyTeam alliance and its members have 750 lounges worldwide. Passengers can access privileges based on the status of the member airline's frequent flyer program. SkyTeam has two frequent flyer program tiers which are Elite and Elite Plus are linked with the status of the airline membership programs. Awards
Garuda Indonesia wins best cabin crew award and is ranked 9th best airline in the world. Class of Travel
Garuda Indonesia provides two classes of travel;
Business Class - Garuda Indonesia provides the guest with recliners which can be made into flatbed along with an Ottoman and personal storage space. The seat is equipped with a USB and power outlet along with a 15' touchscreen. All guests are provided with hypoallergic pillows and an amenity kit which won TravelPLus Award 2013.
Economy Class - Garuda Indonesia's spacious economy class provides guests with reclining seats along with footrest. The seats are also equipped with USB and power outlet. Passengers can choose Premium Economy seats on long haul flights. Baggage allowance
Economy and Business class passengers are allowed 7 kgs for carry-on and 32 kgs for checked-in luggage.
Please read more information on baggage allowance here. Frequent Flyer Programme
Awards +Plus is the frequent flyer programme which offers members a wide range of benefits which can be redeemed for award tickets or free upgrades. Members can avail a range of benefits such as extra baggage allowance and access to airport lounges. Members also can choose from special offers from Garuda Indonesia's SkyTeam alliance.
Flying Blue is the Air France-KLM's frequent flyer programme which allows earning miles based on the travel distance, fare and service class. Flying Blue program also includes Air Europa, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, Aircalin and TAMROM. Passengers can join as members as the program is free. Flying Blue has two types of miles: Award Miles and Level Miles, where Award Miles can expire in 20 months without flying and can be exchanged for other rewards and Level Miles is valid until 31 December of each year and is used to determine membership level. Award Miles can be redeemed for free tickets, upgrade in travel class, extra baggage allowance and lounge access. Members also can donate miles to charity through KLM AirCares or make purchases in the Flying Blue Stone. Award Miles can be earned on SkyTeam partners and Flying Blue partner airlines including Alaska Airlines, Air Corsica, Airlinair, Bangkok Airways, Chalair Aviation, Comair, Copa Airlines, Gol Transportes Aéreos, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, TAAG Angola, Twin Jet, and Ukraine International Airlines. In-flight Services
Garuda Indonesia cabins come with pre-installed entertainment packages with a 5' screen. In-flight dining is available to purchase on board or passengers can pre-book during reservation. Domestic flights provide passengers with a wide range of snack and beverages to order on board. Special request can be made for religious meal and meals based on medical conditions and dietary constraints. Check-in
Domestic Flights - Passengers can check-in online 48 hrs to 30 mins prior to the scheduled departure time.
International Flights - Passengers can check-in online 48 hrs to 30 mins prior to the scheduled departure time. Onboard Support
Garuda Indonesia provides assistance for passengers with special needs. Wheelchairs, airport assistance during check in are provided by on ground staff. Passengers can choose a service that best suits their need. Expectant mothers and parents of unaccompanied children can read rules and regulations here. Refund & Cancellation
Passengers can cancel their booking either through Garuda Indonesia sales’ offices or website. All cancellations are subject to a cancellation fee.